How an Ice Cream Cone Taught Me the Power of Perseverance in Leadership
Some lessons stick with you for life. For me, one of the most powerful leadership lessons came not from a conference or a book—but from a childhood summer spent in my mom’s special education classroom.
My mom was a high school special education teacher in a small Texas town, and every summer, I went to work with her. One summer, she took her class on a field trip to McDonald’s for ice cream—a simple outing that turned into an unforgettable lesson on perseverance.
The Ice Cream Incident That Changed Everything
Among my mom’s students was a young man with a severe disability who had never experienced the joy of an ice cream cone. When he finally got one in his hands, his excitement took over—he shoved the entire cone into his face, ice cream and all.
Within seconds, there was ice cream everywhere—on his cheeks, dripping down his chin, covering the table. His startled reaction to the freezing cold treat caused a commotion, leaving everyone unsure whether to laugh or rush in to clean up the mess.
But my mom? She didn’t see a mess—she saw an opportunity.
Instead of writing it off as a one-time disaster, she turned it into a learning experience. Every week, she brought the class back to McDonald’s. Slowly but surely, they improved. They learned to place their orders, count their change, and, eventually, that same young man who once smeared ice cream all over his face could enjoy his cone without spilling a drop.
It wasn’t about the ice cream—it was about progress, patience, and persistence.
What My Parents Taught Me About Facing Challenges
Reflecting on that summer, I realized that my parents had instilled in me a powerful belief: no obstacle is too big when you commit to growth. They encouraged me to tackle challenges, even when things felt overwhelming.
That mindset shaped my entire leadership journey. Years later, when I started a software company despite having no background in development, I relied on that same perseverance. Instead of feeling defeated by what I didn’t know, I embraced the learning curve. I trusted that with time, effort, and persistence, I would figure it out.
Why This Matters for Church Leaders
As a church leader, you face challenges just like that ice cream cone moment—situations that seem messy, overwhelming, or even discouraging. But just like my mom and her students, these challenges are opportunities in disguise.
Here’s how persistence can transform common ministry setbacks into growth moments:
1. Struggling Attendance? Keep Showing Up
Maybe your youth ministry numbers are declining, and you’re starting to feel defeated. But instead of seeing it as a failure, approach it like my mom did—one step at a time.
- Reach out personally to students who haven’t been attending.
- Connect with parents to understand what their kids need.
- Make small changes and test what works.
Over time, the effort will pay off. Attendance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen and valued.
2. A Disappointing Event? Learn and Improve
You poured your heart into planning a big community event, but turnout was lower than expected. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but remember: growth comes from learning.
- Debrief with your team about what worked and what didn’t.
- Gather feedback from attendees and non-attendees.
- Adjust your strategy for the next event.
Success isn’t about getting everything perfect on the first try—it’s about learning, adapting, and moving forward.
3. A Struggling Team Member? Invest in Them
Maybe you have a young volunteer who’s passionate but struggling to lead. Instead of seeing their mistakes as signs of failure, see them as stepping stones to growth.
- Set smaller, achievable goals with them.
- Celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
- Provide ongoing support and encouragement.
Great leaders don’t give up on people—they help them grow.
Perseverance Turns Challenges into Growth
Leadership is never without obstacles. But when you approach those obstacles with patience and persistence, what once seemed overwhelming becomes manageable.The young man in my mom’s class didn’t master eating an ice cream cone overnight. But through steady effort and the right support, he did. And the same principle applies to every challenge in leadership.So, the next time you face a ministry setback, ask yourself: How can I turn this into an opportunity for growth? Because with the right mindset, even the messiest moments can become defining leadership lessons.
Connect with me on LinkedIn
If this resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going. Connect with me on LinkedIn for more leadership insights, practical strategies, and encouragement on your leadership journey.
