One of my favorite mission trip experiences was traveling to Tennessee with a group of youth to serve at a ministry that helped guide troubled boys toward a new path in life. One of our projects was remodeling an old shower house. It involved power tools, construction equipment, and a lot of skilled labor.
I was one of the adult leaders on the trip, but there was one small problem: I was a "city kid." Most of the students on our team grew up on farms, and many had taken shop class from the other adult leader who was with us. When it came time to organize the work, the shop teacher naturally took charge. He knew the abilities of every student, and he knew mine!
Before long, the students were confidently operating saws, drills, and other equipment while I became the official "gopher." If they needed another board, I would go for it. If they needed more screws or another tool, I would go for that too. The people with the greatest gifts for the task were leading, and I had the privilege of supporting them. By the end of the week, they had done incredible work.
That experience has stayed with me because it reminds me of one of our conference priorities: raising the next generation of leaders. Sometimes we unintentionally communicate that young people need to wait until they are older before they can make a meaningful contribution to the church. Yet Scripture reminds us that God gives gifts to every member of the body of Christ. Young people are not simply the future of the church, they are an important part of the church today.
Imagine what could happen if every congregation intentionally created space for young people to lead. They can serve on ministry teams, help shape worship, teach, lead mission projects, mentor younger students, and bring fresh ideas and energy to the life of the church. As adults, we still have wisdom to share, encouragement to give, and experience to offer. But sometimes our greatest leadership is found in being willing to be the "gopher." We can be cheering on, supporting, and equipping the leaders God is already raising up among us.
I want to encourage every church to identify the young people God has placed in your congregation. Learn their names. Discover their gifts. Give them meaningful opportunities to serve. Walk alongside them as mentors, coaches, and encouragers.
Take a moment this week to write down the names of a few young people you believe God is calling to lead. Pray for them regularly. Invest in them intentionally. And if no names come to mind, begin praying that God will bring those young leaders into your church and prepare your congregation to welcome them.
As we make room for the next generation, we are not simply building the future of the Global Methodist Church. We are joining God in raising up disciples and leaders who will serve His Kingdom for years to come.
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