Jesse Penna | Director of Student and Young Adult Ministries
I would love to schedule a time to visit soon about this important topic related to leadership development. Given that it is my “day to day job” to develop young people here in EFC-MAYM, it’s something I live and breath and see as vital and essential in more ways than one. Until then, please enjoy the following written by me and ChatGPT. You can decide what is me and what is the latter:
Have you ever stopped to think about the people who helped shape your faith?
Maybe it was a Sunday school teacher who remembered your name every week, or a youth leader who prayed with you when life felt uncertain. Maybe it was someone who noticed your gifts and invited you to serve. These people may not have called themselves “leaders,” but that’s exactly what they were. They stepped up, poured into others, and reflected Jesus in how they lived and loved.
That’s what leadership in the Church looks like—and why developing new leaders matters so much.
Leadership Isn’t About Titles—It’s About People
In the world, leadership often means status. In the Kingdom of God, leadership means service. Jesus said it best: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). That flips everything upside down. Church leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about being available. It’s about showing up, lifting others, and pointing people toward Jesus.
That’s something all of us can be part of. Whether you lead a Bible study, greet people at the door, help in the kitchen, or mentor someone younger in the faith—you are making a difference. And when we invest in helping others do the same, we’re living out what Jesus taught us.
God Has Always Used People to Build His Church
The Bible is full of stories of God developing leaders—sometimes unexpectedly! Moses didn’t think he was qualified. Timothy was young. Peter made big mistakes. But God used them anyway, because leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being faithful and willing to grow.
Paul told Timothy, “Entrust what you’ve learned to reliable people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). That’s four generations of faithfulness. That’s what we’re called to do, too: pass the baton, not just keep running with it ourselves.
Why It Matters Right Now
You may be wondering: “Isn’t that the pastor’s job?” Yes—and no. Pastors play a big role, but the Church was never meant to be built by one person or even a small team. Paul said the Church is like a body—every part has a role, and when each part is healthy, the whole body grows (Ephesians 4:16).
Here’s the truth: our church needs new leaders—not just someday, but today. We need to encourage our teenagers to lead in worship and tech. We need to mentor young families stepping into ministry. We need to gently call out gifts in people who don’t yet see them in themselves.
When we do that, we’re not just building programs—we’re building people.
How You Can Help—Even If You Don’t Feel Like a Leader
You don’t need a seminary degree to develop a leader. You need a willing heart. If someone had faith in you when you were unsure, pass that on. Pray for God to raise up leaders in our church. Offer encouragement. Invite someone to serve with you. Share what you’ve learned in your walk with God.
Leadership development isn’t just about filling roles it’s about fulfilling the mission of the Church. It’s how we make disciples, raise up the next generation, and make sure the light of Christ keeps shining—through us, and after us.
Let’s Grow Together
Let’s be the kind of church in EFC-MAYM that sees potential in others. Let’s be a place where people are called up, not just called out—where it’s normal to say, “I believe God has more for you,” and then walk with them as they grow.
With love and hope,
Jesse Penna
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