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October 01, 2020
IBSA.org 13
RESOURCE
GENERATIONAL leadership
Empower them, then send them out
Focus on mission to connect with younger people
While in church leadership, I had a student who often attended, but she did not really seem to be part of the group. She had good character. She grew up in a Christian home, but something was not clicking.
Then at a large event we held, I gave her a responsibility, along with her friend. I was shocked at how well the task was done. When their leadership potential was unlocked, they became strong leaders. Before that, it seemed they were wither- ing, because they were not being taught how to lead.
One of the worst things a church can do
is treat the next generation as if they have
nothing to offer, to say they are “the leaders of the future,” or that they simply need them to fill or work the nursery. Young leaders bring creativity to the table. They bring new ideas in a world that is constantly changing. We need this vibrant energy in our churches, but we must also be willing to let go of the reins of leadership in order to let them reach their full potential in Christ.
Sometimes, we also have to be willing to let go of younger leaders. It is hard to lose people from our churches. It is even harder to send them out intentionally, but it is healthy. Empowering people and sending them out shows we care about the spread of the gospel. And it’s critically important as we connect with and disciple the next genera- tion of leaders.
I have heard stories of people feeling called to church planting and talking to their pastor, thinking they would get some sort of support. Instead they were told they should go get an internship. They received no training from the church, and no offer to process their sense of calling in the place that was home to them. The pastor’s response was basically an invitation to go somewhere else.
This shows the heart of the leader. It says, “If you are not here to help me, you do not matter to me.”
The Learning curve
This kind of leadership drives away younger people, because they want to be a part of some- thing larger than a man’s kingdom.
This empowerment process I’m advocating is not easy. It requires a church who is raising up disciple-makers to engage people as God calls them, knowing that ultimately they will be sent out to new ministry fields.
That sounds easy at first, until we unpack the fears that haunt us. If the ones we send out are great at evangelizing, who will replace them? If they are great small group leaders, will their group members eventually leave with them? If they have irreplaceable singing voices, who will lead wor- ship?
But if we care about our people, if we care about the kingdom of God, we will be able to put ego, money, job security, and church traditions aside, and raise up leaders to help in the task of reaching the world.
Kevin Jones is IBSA’s church planting director specializing in collegiate contexts. This column is adapted from the Fall 2020 issue of Resource magazine.
5 Things to Pray for Your Church
Rachel Jones
5 Things to Pray for Your City
Helen Thorne & Pete Nicholas
In view of all that we have been going through during the pandemic, the social and political situation, and the unrest across the nation, I’m doing a re-read of these two wonderful, easy reads.
– Rick Dorsey, pastor, Beacon Hill Missionary Baptist Church, South Chicago Heights
That the World May Know
Video series
This Bible study led by Ray Vander Laan examines Scripture as applied to the backdrop of actual footage from Israel. We have been using this as a Wednesday evening adult study and our people have loved it.
– Sandy Thomas, ministry leader, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Saturate
Jeff Vanderstelt
My wife and I have been reading through the book of Isaiah with our children, coupled with this book about saturating the places God has us with his words and works.
– Edgar Rodriguez, pastor and church planter, New City Fellowship, Chicago
plan ahead
Neighborhood fall fests
Even as most churches have started regathering in person, this year’s seasonal outreaches will be different. If you’re look- ing for an alternative to a large-group fall festival at the church building, why not be the church to individual neighborhoods. Much like some churches took VBS to smaller backyard gath- erings, this year’s fall festival can happen in multiple venues across your community.
Distribute the cornhole board and bean bags to several loca- tions. Make it a community-focused event. Invite the neighbors.
Find more outreach ideas plus strategic planning space for ministry teams in the Fall 2020 issue of Resource magazine, online at Resource.IBSA.org. E-mail Communications@IBSA.org to sign up for a subscription.
RESOURCE
EQUIPPING CHURCH LEADERS EVENTS & SERVICES SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER
NOW GEN (not next gen)
Polishing our perspective on the rising generation
See-through leadership
4 age groups see life differently Haydn Shaw
Finding your calling
Will Mancini
+Pandemic outreach & Navigating the political season
FALL 2020
ILLINOIS BAPTIST STATE ASSOCIATION