Today I reflect and write about the pastoral leaders and mentors above me.

I am so blessed to be a part of a fellowship that values the contribution of young pastors.  I may not have years of experience, and I know I’ll make plenty of mistakes along the way; however, their encouragement, support, accountability, and passion to see me succeed helps fuel me to actively seek God’s will and vision for the congregation I lead.

Encouragement

As I get ready to move into my third year at Bethel, I am constantly reminded of how my mentors and superiors have encouraged me in my ministry so far.  Not only have they encouraged me one-on-one, they have publicly announced my strengths and defended my weaknesses.  Experiencing that kind of encouragement has made my ministry highly successful so far, as I’ve  learned to expect encouragement in every conversation.

Support

“I’m just a phone call away,” is the phrase I hear from all of our mentors and superiors.  I may never see or understand things in the same way; however, I know for sure they give me their listening ear.  In talking with fellow pastors within our fellowship, having quality support is usually one of the main issues in their ministry.  I am proud to say, that I feel supported by the leaders above me.  They are ready to listen and I’m excited to share because of it.

Accountability

While I don’t want to hear it in the moment, the leaders above me hold me accountable.  I’m young and eager to be used by God, but I need and value mentors who keep me on track.  In order to move forward in God’s Kingdom, my mentors help bring balance into my ministry.  I’m thankful for the mentors in my life who bring balance by inspiring and moulding my eagerness, and not quenching it.

Next-Generation Mentorship

One of the most impressive leadership statements I’ve heard is, “I don’t lead for today, I lead for the next generation.”  This selfless concept decreases “our kingdom” and increases “God’s Kingdom!”  I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed the effects of this rare leadership mentality in our fellowship.  My mentors want me to succeed.  They want me to take things further than they did.  In fact, a measure of their success can be based on how far I was able to go.  My mentors may not fully understand the next-generation’s culture, but they certainly know our passion and want us to champion it!

Although I have not officially mentioned any names, you know who you are and how you continue to positively impact my ministry.

Thank you for leading with encouragement!
Thank you for being a listener!
Thank you for holding me accountable!
Thank you for mentoring me to surpass you!
…and never underestimate your leadership, because your influence impacts those around you! Because of your leadership, I’m inspired to lead the same way.

Moving forward…

No matter who you are, there is always someone looking up to you.  Everyone is a leader on some sort of level.  We need to recognize our leadership role and encourage, support and mentor those around us by holding each other accountable and expecting those we mentor to surpass us.  If we all do our part, God’s Kingdom will grow and His vision will sustain us.  Will you lead and be willing to be led?

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29 (ESV).