That is the cry from the background; from those who are coming next.
The next generation of emerging leaders are following close behind.
Their cry is not a cry of rebellion but one of leadership. Millennials want to take over. They believe that they can. True leaders always want to improve a process, an organization, and a people. It is not rebellion. It’s leadership. That’s what leaders do.
I have been pastor of the same church for over 25 years. So, if you, like me, are an established leader of a church or organization or even a family, consider this: those who are in the background are both cheering and crying for you to lead, follow, or get out of the way so that the family, organization, or church can thrive even more in the future.
Sounds a bit harsh and unconcerned? I know. It took me a while to get to this place of acceptance and reality. Until one day, I was reading John 3.
“So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:26-20 NLT).
I am happy to identify, to equip, to empower, to resource, to encourage, and to release the next generation of emerging leaders. They will kill the giants that my generation could not kill. Their assignment is greater and different than my generation’s assignment.
If you would like to empower and encourage a new generation of leaders, then I welcome you to join me in the movement called MKE Student Summit.
MKE Student Summit is an offshoot of the Global Leadership Summit on August 9th-10th. Students age 14-20 will gather at Marquette University. Other older adults will gather at the same day / times at the University of WI Milwaukee and other hosts sites in SE Wisconsin to increase their leadership skill set and capacity.
Check out this link for more information and to register for either leadership movement.