Young Leaders

Heather is one of the strong young leaders at GCC. I'm convinced she has great potential for high impact ministry. Oh yeah, she's that good.

My plan for encouraging young leaders is pretty simple. You can probably improve on this, but here's what I try to do for all our great young leaders at GCC. 

1.  I pray for them.  I know this is understood, but I'm always surprised at the number of young leaders I pray for, only to hear them say, "No one has ever prayed over me like that before." 

2.  I tell them what I think of them.  You'd be amazed how many high capacity young leaders have never heard anyone tell them that they're important, that God has obviously gifted them, that they have influence and they were made for more.

3.  I create environments where emerging leaders can watch (and learn from) other great leaders.  At every stage of leadership development a growing leader benefits from association with more mature leaders.

4.  I create environments where young leaders can actually lead - in the context of support, encouragement and mentoring/coaching feedback.  Let 'em lead something, offer 'em Aspirin with Band-Aids, offer helpful feedback and watch 'em soar!

5.  Expect a lot.  Too many young leaders are under-challenged, under-resourced, unappreciated and under-valued.  I don't want that to be the case at GCC, so I work hard to see young leaders positioned for success, and I expect it.

It's worth asking yourself two questions:
   "Where can young leaders emerge in the ministry I lead?"
   "What am I doing to help young leaders succeed?"

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (MSG)  -  Don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it.

Comments

[Heather Stevens]

Thanks Pastor Mark!!
I needed that :)
You're awesome! :)