Andrew Hallin : My Leadership Pathway
[Note: Not every resident is a 20 to 25 year old college student or recent graduate. Andrew opened and ran stores for Casey’s across the upper Midwest. If you don’t know Casey’s (pictured below) think ‘7-eleven with pizza that some of our Iowans swear by. He had a decade-plus of leadership and management experience before beginning his journey at his home church in Litchfield, MN. This is his story in his own words. - Lp ]
I’ve spent most of my professional life in leadership positions and even before that as the oldest sibling, as well as a leader on sports teams and in the community. My background in volunteering and leadership, prior to residency, included many volunteer projects while growing up, 10+ years serving in youth ministry, owning and running a painting business in my early twenties, being a corporate manager for Casey’s General Stores and an account sales manager for Red Bull.
Today, I am serving as a Resident in Student Ministry at Cornerstone Church in Litchfield, MN, because I feel that God has called me towards ministry, and this is a way I can learn and develop as a staff member in the church environment.
One of the harder things of residency has been having a plan of what I’d like to have happen or think should happen, while others may have different plans altogether. I’ve had to lean into other possibilities and submit to those in authority over me, and I’ve grown as a result.
In corporate world, the expectation is to work alongside others but not necessarily get to know co-workers beyond the work environment. Often, when someone moves onto the next thing, it results in little to no aftermath with their absence. This differs in the church, where relationally, staff are connected to one another and the lines can sometimes be easily blurred, to a fault. Still, this is a good thing for connection and working together for the common good as a team.
For those contemplating starting residency at your churches, I’d recommend doing it. Be sure to have a plan and clear expectations for those participating and those leading. It can make all the difference!
If you know…you know…
Our own Sean Badeer riding across Iowa with a few friends - Summer 2021.
Lp's Sean Badeer riding across Iowa in the summer of '21. If you know...you know...or something