“It’s the beginning of the end if we do not reach young people.” These words are found in the lobby of Providence Church in West Chester, PA. This is a bold statement. It is a statement that shouts that young people have value, purpose, and impact, and it points to a hope for the future. Today, young people age 10 to 24 make up close to one quarter of the world’s population. The collective impact of these 1.9 billion individuals will shape the future in dynamic ways.
As a young leader, several key people invested in me, people who embodied a passion to make a difference in the next generation. Here are five practical ways to invest in the young people in your life.
1. Be real.
Young people have a unique way of being able to tell when authenticity is lacking. Don’t try to make your interactions robotic or programmatic. Just be you. It is the relationship that counts the most! Let them know not only about your successes, but also about how you have failed and navigated those challenges.
2. Be intentional.
One of the best ways to reach young people is to be intentional with them and ask them something personally. A personal invitation goes a long way in giving young people the opportunity to grow and lead.
3. Unleash their passion and energy.
Young people have the energy and passion to take risks and dream big. Offer them opportunities, encouragement, and the wisdom that comes from life experience as they build their lives and leadership. If we do not raise up a younger generation that has been given the opportunity to lead, then we cannot expect a future that is filled with kingdom impact.
4. Learn from them.
Young people have been agents of change throughout history. They are able to speak the same language and connect with other young people which gives them the credibility to impact their generation that most of us do not have. We would be wise to learn from their perspectives, knowledge, and experiences.
5. Overinvest in them.
Whatever you think is the right amount of investment, add 20% more to that effort. This means directing human resources, leadership resources, financial resources, and practical resources in ways that may look different than what you are currently doing. Investing in others takes exceptional effort and resourcing, but it is so worth it. So, what are you doing now to invest in young leaders, and how can you increase that?
After reading these suggestions, think of one young person in your life that you can invest in. Have a conversation with them, offer advice, give them opportunity, or encourage them to pursue personal development. If they are a college-aged student, this could be as simple as encouraging them to apply for our Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI) this summer and offering to support them in it!
ELI is 5-day leadership development program where participants will examine traits and practices of effective leadership, assess their personal strengths and leadership style, and learn from leaders across professional fields. This selective program is open to 10 students age 18-23 that have a desire to lead and dream big. Learn more and apply here.
Billy Dunn is a Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group and has over 20 years of church and nonprofit leadership experience. He serves as the Character Coach for the Lehigh University Men’s Basketball team and the Director of Ministry Leadership for Word FM. Billy has assisted with the launch of a number of nonprofit organizations and has worked with organizations and ministries across the world. Billy has an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and brings experience in the areas of leading change, leadership coaching, resource development, church growth planning, and strategic thinking and planning.
