Finding the next generation of student leaders at Salt Company Ankeny

By Rachel Havlak, Salt Resident, Keystone Church

It’s interview season here at Salt Company Ankeny, and we have had weeks of talking with students who have applied for student leadership. It is a long and tiring process but so worth it because we get to shepherd and talk to so many students in our ministry that we might not otherwise get to see. Leadership interviews are unique because each student gets one hour of one-on-one time with two staff from the Salt Company. During this time, we get to hear the student’s testimony, why they want to do leadership, and we always get to talk about sin and guide them in how to love Jesus more. We tell students that they aren’t having a normal interview because in an interview you usually want to put your best foot forward to get the job. We tell students we would rather them be authentic and real with us because if they’re putting their best foot forward, it probably means they’re being fake. So, all of the interviews are really personal and hit close to the heart.

The most encouraging thing about each interview is hearing how the applicant’s connection group leaders have played such a significant role in their walk with Jesus. Almost every person we’ve interviewed has said something along the lines of “my connection group leader has called me out in sin and helped me see Jesus as more beautiful,” “my connection group leader was the one who consistenly encouraged me to keep coming to Salt,” or “my connection group leader has helped me read and understand the Bible better.” This is so exciting to hear because it means that our current student leadership team is having an impact on the people in their connection groups and raising up new leaders to take their spots. Out of our current leadership team, thirteen students are either transferring schools or moving to be a part of a Salt church plant, which is so amazing, but what’s even more amazing is that they are investing in others who can lead at Salt when they are gone. God is so good and we are so excited to put together our fall leadership team!