By Lorraine Jones
Have you ever had a moment where you pause and think, How’d I end up here?
In 2013, I found myself in exactly that position—sitting in a lawn chair around a campfire with middle school students, telling stories by flashlight and eating half-burnt marshmallows. I had been asked the day before to chaperone their youth group camping trip because they needed one more adult, or the whole thing would be canceled. I remember thinking, I’m not cut out for this, unsure of how to connect with this generation. But I also felt the weight of their disappointment if the trip fell through, so I said yes.
That simple yes began my seven-year journey as a youth leader.
Because of that weekend, I spent the next decade learning the importance of empathy and mentorship. I grew an unexpected love for these students as we bonded over silly jokes, mediocre campfire meals, and off-key songs. The weekend was full of fun energy, and while I did my best to match it, the moments that stayed with me weren’t the loud ones—they were the quiet, honest conversations sparked by intentional questions and active listening.
I left thinking, that was fun, but I also sensed how deeply these young people longed for real connection. I couldn’t let my involvement end with one weekend, so I committed to becoming their youth leader. I’ll never fully know the impact I had on them, but I do know what I learned: I could bring all the hype and “cool youth leader” energy I wanted, but what mattered most was empathy—being sensitive to their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
My initial how’d I end up here? became nearly a decade of honest engagement with youth. Through it, I discovered the power of empathetic leadership—leading with heart over hype. Every new opportunity pushed me to ask: Am I leading for connection or attention? Am I more focused on the impact I make or how I’m being perceived?
Hype fades quickly, but the memory of a leader who cared lasts a lifetime.
In the end, “Heart Over Hype” isn’t just a slogan or catchy blog post title—it’s a calling. When you prioritize compassion over power and presence over performance, you help shape a generation that knows its worth, embraces its struggles, and chooses empathy in return.
Bio
Lorraine Jones is a member of Talbot Street Church in London, Ontario, where she spent seven years as a Youth Leader, served on the local SERVE host team, and participated in three outgoing SERVE trips. She enjoys hanging out with her husband, William, and their son, Emmett, reading a good book, and spending time hiking through nature.
