This past week I have been able to be a part of something that I truly love about our church. At both Impact, our student ministry, and in our Sunday services we had two young, unseasoned speakers join us. I know that some may think, “big deal, it’s the 4th of July, that’s always when the ‘new talent’ gets their chance.” Not completely accurate…
At Impact we were hosting Worship ONE, which is our quarterly regional event. This is the time when churches from all around the area come together and youth bring their friends to a venue where they can hear the Gospel and connect well with others. We had a young man from Life Pacific College come and share. He wasn’t the greatest speaker, he went way over time, he made seven points and he had many others he was tempted to make – all not really the point. Here was an opportunity for us to once again back up the statements that we believe in young leaders and we want to give them a venue to be tested and trained. We did it. We’ll do it again. I love that about us!
(author’s sidebar – On another positive note, I get to spend all of this next week with this young leader and have a book to give him, notes to share with him and time to commit to spend to help him clearly, concisely communicate life changing messages. I love the opportunity to help mentor this guy. He’s going to be a great communicator.)
This morning, Jorgen, one of our newest pastors at GCC and one who wouldn’t consider himself a speaker, did a great job in communicating truth to about 750 people. Yes, the numbers were lower than normal, but if anyone considers your first public speaking venue to a group of 750 people small potatoes… well, enough said.
I’m proud tonight. I’m proud of the two young men that spoke this week at GCC. I’m proud of the fact that we aren’t afraid to take risks with people that we believe in. I’m proud that we have such a great group of young leaders coming up alongside of us. It’s not easy. At times, it’s not comfortable. But it’s worth it. It’s worth it to celebrate when young leaders are stretched and grow.
What are the things you are doing to help young leaders grow?
How can you do these things more often?
If you aren’t doing anything, seriously – what are you waiting for?
What am I doing? I am letting go and letting my young leader move 1500 miles away to surround herself with the Presence of God, the anointing, and the training to go further in her walk, knowing that HIS plans and purposes are so much bigger than mine. And in the meantime, I am crying because I am going to miss her….wahhhhhh…..