We need to lead young people into an active faith, with an exciting vision. Jesus’ model was to challenge and excite, “If you follow me, then I want you to do what I do. I want you to influence others and to change the communities around you.” He created disciples and if we want to raise leaders, we need to be raising disciples.
Where do we start?
We have to be intentional in releasing and developing leadership in young people. Invest in young people with optimism and hope and give young people leadership responsibility and opportunity.
It is ok to fail!
How many times have I failed as a leader and received grace. An important part of leadership is failure and grace. Encourage young people not to play safe and teach them to expect to fail. Stepping out will be adventurous for them but there will be difficulties on the way.
When the young person becomes a leader, it will be easy for them to assume they have arrived. But this is a new stage on the journey. A new hill to climb or view to enjoy but keep them on the journey.
Raising others up into leadership is not rewarding and you will not receive much public recognition. Learn to delegate and take on roles that you don’t like. Don’t become the problem.
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