Leaders We Love
Leadership Activity
Young people often look up to those who inspire them. These leaders can be teachers, parents, athletes, or even friends. The Leaders We Love activity gives youth a chance to think about the people who influence them and why. It helps them look beyond popularity or success and focus on real leadership qualities like kindness, honesty, and courage.
When youth take time to think about the people they admire, they also learn something about themselves. The traits they respect in others are often the traits they hope to build in their own lives. This reflection helps them set goals for how they want to grow as followers of Christ and as leaders in their families, schools, and parishes.
Discussing admired leaders with others also helps youth understand that leadership looks different for everyone. Some leaders are quiet and gentle. Others are bold and outspoken. Through these conversations, they begin to see that there are many ways to make a difference, and that each person can use their own gifts to serve others.
Most of all, this activity helps youth see leadership as service. It reminds them that good leaders do not lead for attention or power. They lead with love and care for the people around them, just as Jesus did. By recognizing and celebrating these qualities in others, youth are encouraged to live out those same values in their own lives.
Seeing Leadership Through the Eyes of Faith
The Leaders We Love activity fits well with Catholic teaching about service and humility. In Scripture, leadership is not about control or status. It is about serving others. Jesus showed this when He washed the feet of His disciples. He told them that the greatest among them must be the servant of all. When youth name and describe leaders they admire, they often recognize these same qualities. They see that real leadership means putting others first.
This activity also connects to the idea of vocation. Each person is called by God to use their gifts in a special way. By thinking about the leaders they look up to, youth can begin to see how God might call them to lead. Some may lead through words, others through quiet example. Talking about these different forms of leadership helps youth understand that everyone has a role in God’s plan.
In a youth ministry setting, this activity builds community. It invites sharing, listening, and respect. As youth discuss the qualities of good leaders, they also learn how to encourage one another. It strengthens their sense of belonging and helps them see leadership as part of discipleship. They learn that leading in faith means following Jesus first and helping others do the same.
Leaders We Love Activity Instructions
Materials Needed
• Poster paper (1 sheet for each group)
• Color markers (1 set for each group)
Instructions
- Divide the youth into small groups of five or six.
- Ask one person in each group to name someone they consider a leader. This can be a famous person or someone they know.
- Have the group write that person’s name on the poster paper. Then list three qualities that make that person a good leader.
- Continue until each person in the group has named a leader and shared their three qualities.
- If time allows, invite each person to add a second leader to the poster.
- Bring all the groups together. Let each group show their poster and share the people and qualities they listed.
- Talk as a large group about what qualities were named most often. Ask what this tells us about what we value in leaders.
- Discuss any surprising or unusual qualities. Were there traits that could sometimes be seen as negative? What made them helpful in a leader?
Notes and Variations
- For a younger group, use pictures of leaders or provide examples to help them get started.
- For older youth, ask them to connect the qualities they listed to Jesus’ example of leadership.
- This activity can also be done individually on smaller sheets of paper if space is limited.
- There are no special safety concerns for this activity, but make sure everyone is treated with respect when sharing. Encourage kind and thoughtful comments.
Reflection: Following in the Footsteps of True Leaders
Think about the leaders you listed in this activity. What made them stand out to you? Maybe they were brave, kind, or patient. Maybe they helped others when it was hard. Good leaders do more than give orders. They guide people by the way they live. They show care, fairness, and strength.
When we read the Bible, we see that Jesus led by example. He listened to others. He showed mercy. He stood up for what was right. He did not look for praise or power. Instead, He served others. The people who followed Him saw that leadership was about love, not control.
You can be a leader like that too. You do not have to be famous or have a title. You can lead by being kind to someone who feels left out. You can lead by helping a friend or standing up for what is right. Every small act of care shows what kind of leader you are becoming.
Think about the people in your group and your family. Who do you look up to? Who helps you grow? These people may be showing you what it means to lead with faith. Notice how they act when things are hard. True leaders stay calm, pray, and trust God’s guidance.
Sometimes leadership means making tough choices. You might have to speak the truth when others stay quiet. You might have to be patient when you want to give up. But remember, Jesus walks with you. You are never leading alone.
As you grow, ask God to help you become the kind of leader who makes others feel loved and supported. Be someone who listens, helps, and forgives. These are the marks of a leader who follows Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us what true leadership looks like. Help us to lead with kindness, courage, and love. Teach us to listen to others and to serve with joy. Guide us to follow your example in all we do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What qualities do you think make a good leader?
- How did Jesus show leadership in the way He treated others?
- Who has been a good example of leadership in your life?
- What is one way you can show leadership in your school, family, or church this week?
Resources
7 Proven Tips for Developing Teen Leaders in Your Youth Ministry
The “Leaders We Love” activity is an excellent way to support the development of teen leaders in youth ministry. As youth leaders, we can use this activity as a starting point to engage with teenagers and develop their leadership skills intentionally. By providing practical opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and accountability, we can equip teenagers to become effective leaders who make a positive impact in their communities.
7 Proven Tips to Turn Teenagers into Confident Leaders (Video)
Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Creative Activities in Youth Ministry
More Youth Ministry Activities
If you enjoyed the Leaders We Love activity, you can find many more ideas to use with your group on our youth ministry activities page. It includes games, reflections, and hands-on projects that help youth learn about faith while building friendships and teamwork.
These activities are designed to fit different age groups and themes, making it easy to find something that works for your program. Visit our youth ministry activities page to explore new ways to teach, pray, and grow together in faith.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Guiding Light
Bring brightness to your bulletin or newsletter with this inspiring image, Guiding Light. It’s a reminder that good leaders shine by helping others find their way. Perfect for articles or reflections about leadership, service, or faith in action.
Download this image to add warmth and meaning to your next publication.
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Questions and Answers
How long does the Leaders We Love activity take?
Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes. This gives time for small group work, sharing, and discussion. If you have a larger group or want deeper conversation, allow up to an hour.
What age group is best for this activity?
This activity works well for middle school and high school students. Younger children can also do it with extra help or simpler examples.
What if students struggle to think of leaders?
Give them some prompts. Suggest family members, teachers, coaches, saints, or people in the Bible. You can also share a few examples to get them started.
How can I connect this to faith formation?
Focus on how Jesus led by serving others. Ask students to compare their admired leaders to His example. This helps them see that true leadership means caring for others.
Can this be done with a small group or class?
Yes. It works well in both small and large settings. For small groups, let everyone share out loud. For larger ones, use group posters and a short summary from each team.
How can I encourage meaningful discussion?
Ask follow-up questions like, “Why do you think that quality matters?” or “How does that reflect Jesus’ way of leading?” Encourage respect and listening during sharing.
Learning from Leaders We Admire
The Leaders We Love activity helps youth think about what it means to be a true leader. It begins with a simple task—naming people they admire. But as they share and talk, they discover much more. They see that real leadership is not about power or fame. It is about kindness, honesty, service, and courage.
Through discussion and teamwork, youth recognize that leaders come in many forms. Some are quiet helpers. Others speak up for what is right. They learn that leadership is not limited to adults or people in authority. Each person has the ability to guide others through care and example.
This activity also opens the door to faith-based reflection. Youth connect what they admire in others to the way Jesus led His followers. They see that leadership in the Christian sense means serving others with love. By sharing their thoughts, they strengthen their understanding of how God calls everyone to lead in small but meaningful ways.
It is a simple and flexible activity, yet it sparks deep reflection. It works well for youth ministry, classrooms, or retreat settings. Leaders will find it encourages thoughtful conversation and helps young people grow in faith, confidence, and respect for others.
Your Turn
Try the Leaders We Love activity with your group or class. It’s a great way to help youth recognize good leadership and connect it to their faith. This discussion-based activity encourages sharing and helps young people reflect on the kind of leaders they want to become.
After trying it, share your experience in the comment section. Let others know what worked well, any creative twists you added, or how your group responded. Your notes can inspire other teachers and catechists to adapt the activity for their own settings.