What if recruiting students wasn’t just filling spots, but forming future leaders?

In this breakout session from Creative Tides Summit Conference, we talk about how to recruit, train, and empower youth students on worship and creative teams—and how to set a precedent that leadership development is part of your team culture, not an afterthought. This session was facilitated by Kyla Hedge, Youth Pastor and former worship pastor at @MosaicChurchSalem

This conversation is especially for churches and leaders who want to invest in students with intention, clarity, and care, while still maintaining excellence and healthy expectations.

In this session, we cover:

Why involving youth students on teams matters for the future of the Church
How to recruit students with clear expectations and pathways
Training students in both skill and character
Creating environments where students feel supported, not overwhelmed
How to raise up new leaders instead of relying on the same few people
Setting a team precedent that values discipleship, growth, and multiplication
Balancing patience, structure, and excellence when working with students

Rather than viewing students as “helpers” or “fill-ins,” this session reframes them as contributors and future leaders who can thrive when given clarity, coaching, and opportunity.

If you’re looking to build sustainable teams, invest in the next generation, and create a culture where leadership is continually developed, this conversation offers practical tools and a long-term vision.

📍 Recorded live at Creative Tides Summit Conference

👉 Join the conversation in the comments:

What’s been most challenging—or most rewarding—about involving students on your team?

#YouthWorship

#NextGeneration

#WorshipLeadership

#ChurchLeadership

#YouthMinistry

#WorshipTeam

#LeadershipDevelopment

#CreativeTides