LISTENING LEADERSHIP

Rev. S. I. Alawode,
D. O., Baruwa F.G.C. District

The youth of Baruwa District of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has something powerful to look forward to; a listening leadership.  In his address to the District Council at her inaugural meeting, the District Overseer, Rev. Samson Alawode pledged to listen to all who have something to say to him to ensure success of the district in populating the kingdom of God.  He said “I am ready to listen and promise not to shout anybody down”. 

One of the major challenges confronting the youth ministry world over is the shortage of listening leadership.  Many leaders prefer to dictate to the youth what they should be doing without being sensitive to their plight and/or views.  The youth of Baruwa District is however blessed with a listening leader.  To demonstrate this, when he was approached on issue of October 2012  joint youth program by his district youth with the mother district, he gave his approval without hesitation despite the fact that the two districts were expected to have concluded their splitting process by September 2012.  He has repeatedly told his District Youth Minister that he desired a re-birth of the youth ministry and that he should go and dream his dreams with the youth.  Though he desires that the youth should be actively involved in church pioneering work he is ready to embark on programs which will address the youth’s challenges first.  To this end, the youth are encouraged to speak out because their leader and father in the Lord is listening.