A Note for the Young Leaders
We all know them… The ones without a microphone, without a badge, without a title yet when they speak, people listen, When they move, things move and that is leadership…
We have confused leadership with position for too long. In church, we think you are a leader only when you are named Youth President, HOD or Coordinator But true leadership starts long before any appointment letter.
Who is a Leader?
A leader is not the person who is in front, A leader is the person who makes others better.
A leader sees a problem and says, "I will fix it" while others say "Somebody should fix it."
A leader serves when no one is watching,A leader carries the vision even when they were not the one who announced it.
David was a leader in the bush long before he was a leader in the palace, He was killing lions and bears for sheep that were not even his, No title. Just responsibility, Jesus said it clearly in (Mark 10:45)the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.
If you need a title to serve, you are not a leader, You are a title seeker.
Pastor Mrs. Wonuola Adetayo delivered the keynote address at the opening service Quoting “Leadership is about serving,” she explained that leadership is not about titles but about serving God, taking action and raising others to carry the work forward and True leadership leaves a lasting legacy. She furthermore elaborated on the word “LEADERS”.
Seven Habits of Leaders Without Title
L — Lead others
E — Equip others
A — Act with integrity
D — Direct others
E — Empower others
R — Respond to others
S — Serve others
The Big Question: Should Leaders Seek Positions or Wait to Be Selected…
PANEL SESSION: Tackling The Big Questions
The panel session was one of the most enlightening parts of the convention, as it directly addressed the real struggles young leaders face.
The panel comprised Pastor Dele Balogun (SATGO Admin - Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Admin), Pastor J.O. Bolarinwa (Assistant to the Continental Overseer, Research) and Pastor Mrs. Titi Olukoya (Wife to the Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Young Adults and Youth Affairs).
On managing complaints from those you lead, even when you are giving your best, the panelists had this to say:
"You are not working for man, you are working for God. Let heaven recognize and see your faithfulness, that is what matters."
They charged the youths to have a personal covenant with God, noting that it is what will keep you moving in times of discouragement.
Other key lessons from the session:
On True Leadership: Leadership is not about the position you carry; it is about how you can influence others. When you do what God wants you to do without a title, He will give you a title you were not looking for.
On Motive and Humility: When you see that you are not humble enough along your journey, know for sure that you may be doing it for the wrong motive and not for God. Our motive must be towards God alone.
On Overcoming Challenges: People will come to disrupt, frustrate you, or even envy you, but in the middle of that process, God will teach you a lot of things patience, love, and sacrifice. Whatever God has asked you to do, do it despite oppositions.
On Prayer: Prayer is a practical step you can take when passing through difficult times. Take it to God in prayer, ALWAYS. Have a covenant with God despite what you are passing through.
ADVICE TO THE YOUTHS:
1. Don't chase titles, chase capacity, Don't lobby for position, Build yourself. The youth who is always early to set up chairs, who checks on first-timers, who cleans up after service without being told that person is already leading. Position will eventually look for such a person, As Matthew 25:21 says, "You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many."
If you chase position without capacity, the position will embarrass you.
2. Don't hide your availability:
Waiting to be selected does not mean hiding. The Bible says, "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8.) Isaiah volunteered….You must make your growth and your willingness known. Serve so visibly and faithfully that when leaders are looking for someone, your name comes to mind naturally.
There is a difference between ambition and calling. Ambition says, "I want to be seen." Calling says, "I want to serve, wherever I am needed."
3. Let God and men find you faithful; In our churches today, positions often come through two ways: God anoints you and men confirm it. If you are faithful without title, God will promote you And when the church needs to select, your life is already your application letter.
So, should you seek? Seek growth, not glamour.
Seek responsibility, not recognition.
Seek to solve problems, not to occupy seats.
True leaders don't wait for a title to start leading and they don't need a title to keep leading.
You can lead from where you are. In your department, in your family, in your class. Start today, Sweep the floor if it needs sweeping, Teach that Sunday school class like it's a stadium,Lead that small group like it's a nation.
Because in God's kingdom, we don't rise into leadership, We grow into it.
And when your time comes, you won't need to announce yourself, Your work will.
Ask yourself this convention: Without my title, who am I still leading?