Everyone likes a fake. Of course, that is not true. No one likes a fake (at least I don’t think so). When it comes to serving God’s Kingdom in a leadership role in Christ’s church, authentic leaders win respect. After all, who wants to follow a phony?Jesus taught amazing truths about leadership in uncommon and nonverbal ways. The account given in the text in Mark is an illustration of that. Let’s focus for a moment on the scene as Jesus appeared between the Elijah and Moses, “He was transfigured (or transparent) before them.” This is a great principal for us to learn from as we build youth ministries that transform youth who impact the world for Christ.

Jesus had nothing to hide. He had no hidden agenda. There was nothing behind his back we couldn’t see. And because of his willingness to be authentic and real, he was transparent. We see this in his everyday life with the disciples. Other than the times he slipped away to a place of solitude to pray, he walked and lived among them. This was close-quarter living. That’s the kind of living you do when you’re tenting in the woods in a weekend retreat, living in a primitive village in Central America on a mission trip, or working with the homeless in a run-down neighborhood in the inner city. When you co-habitate in those king of places, it’s hard to hide, especially after spending an extended amount of time together.

The young leaders we serve in youth ministry can spot a fake a mile away. This is also true of their parents and the people in your faith community. While I don’t suggest that we air our dirty laundry in front of everyone, I also don’t suggest that you cover flaws and wrinkles with a mask or mudpack. People can handle the truth of who we are. They probably already sense it. When we are totally honest and open with them, true learning and love begin to take place.