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by: Kevin Lloyd, Executive PastorStevens Creek Church of GodAugusta, GeorgiaI am nearing 40. Sometimes I am reminded of this more clearly than others.Recently I was sharing in our staff meeting about something that happened to me in high school. When I referenced the year this took place, 1991, one of our younger staffers spoke up and said, Wow! I wasn't even born then!Everyone laughed. I fake laughed and died a little on the inside.Later, as I was eating dinner at 4:30 in the afternoon and considering going to bed at 6:00 pm along with all the other senior adults, it hit me: I am no longer a young gun on my team. Joking aside, this didn't upset me, it challenged me. My relevance is no longer in my age, it is in my ability to effectively lead those much younger than me.Some of the greatest opportunities for your leadership and organization are not found in the wisdom of age but hidden in the passion of youth.I just finished a great book for all levels of leadership within the church and business. In a chapter subtitled “Why Young Eagles Don’t Stay” senior leaders are encouraged to identify young emerging leaders, invite them onto the team, and let them fly.Here are three points, followed by critical questions, all exposing a reason why young leaders often don't stick around on teams for the long-haul.

I love the thought process in this piece.For a guy whose kids were in Jr. High when you were graduating HS in 1991 I guess I should be shopping the latest rest home ads Seriously, about 4 months ago I began letting certain members of our youth attend our monthly staff meetings & giving them place for input.Our services look a little different with better video's & music choices that reflect a bit of the newest/latest/greatest & a touch of 2010 lol.My message to our church has been if the kids ministry is not thriving it's only a matter of time before the ministry as a whole begins to suffer.Life of the church is found systemic. We can offer trickle down training but energy & thriving are found systemically. Wouldn't it be great if Cleveland could learn this lesson? Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

I enjoyed the post and that first comment. I was noting that our church at e-Belmont NC is gaining back some of the youth. We are there off and on but after the last 6 month absence, I can tell the difference. Our youth leaders are doing a great job, but they do need some support (assistance) or they will bun out. Pastor Tatum is doing a good job in youth encouragement. (He is getting to be an OLD MAN too. (OUCH) Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Thank you, Marty, for sharing this. Kevin is a great leader with great acumen.In response to these ideas I am going to give this, in printed form, to our leadership interns. Tell Kevin thanks! I think the counter employment is empowering and developing.All the best, Live an epiK life!Discover More...www.refocusing.orgA Mission in Formationwww.bluewaterinthekeys.com