Training the Next Generation of Biblical Leaders
Training up the next generation for biblical leadership begins with a clear understanding of our call to discipleship. Many of us only have a short season of influence with the students in our care, which is why having an intentional plan to develop them into solid, biblical leaders is fundamental. A well-thought-out plan will provide the framework to grow spiritually mature believers and to help them stand firm in some of the most formative years of their lives. It also involves recognizing each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses and equipping them with the tools they need to grow.
One of the things I often tell youth pastors is this: you must create space for students to lead. The Lord has entrusted us with ministries to shepherd, but we are also called to more than just Sunday morning lessons and Wednesday night activities. Developing student leaders should be an intentional effort from the very first Sunday they enter your ministry to the day they graduate. If we focus only on the day-to-day, we risk missing the bigger goal—raising up lifelong Christian leaders.
We also need to create platforms within our ministries that challenge students and stretch them beyond their comfort zones. Make it a priority to consistently engage and build relationships with them. Learn what they’re passionate about. Do they enjoy worship? Do they have a gift for teaching? Do they love to serve? Whatever their talents, help them discover where they can lead. Create opportunities for them to step into leadership roles—whether it’s planning an event, leading a morning devotion at camp, sharing their testimony, or facilitating a small group discussion.
At Colonial Heights, we’ve developed an intentional plan to train and empower student leaders. Beginning in sixth grade, when students first enter our ministry, we take a purposeful approach to discipleship that continues through their senior year. Both our middle school and high school ministries offer leadership development programs that students can choose to join. These include student-led classes, preparatory retreats, and weekly Tuesday night Bible studies.
Our leadership students are also expected to complete service hours, share their testimony, and lead a devotional or topical discussion with their peers. Beyond these requirements, they are regularly called upon to be examples to others. When we need volunteers for an event, we ask our student leaders first. When we welcome guests, our leadership students are the ones who greet them and help them feel at home. They’re asked to pray and lead among their peers, giving them every opportunity to grow in their leadership abilities.
Building a student leadership platform takes time, prayer, and intentional effort. Begin by asking yourself what kind of leaders you want to launch from your ministry. Then, develop a plan to guide that growth. Understand that growth involves both success and failure—and we’ve experienced plenty of both. But the most important thing is to start. Take the first step toward developing leadership in your students. Have a plan, know your students, and provide training that helps them mature into the leaders God created them to be.
Author: Ford Rigney is the Student Discipleship Minister at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.
