Lessons from our leaders

One aspect of the YLG program that had a huge impact and generated much food for thought were the leadership panel discussions, where young and mature leaders shared openly about their experiences - both the positive and negative. The lessons shared were invaluable:

Lessons learnt in leadership:

Understand that your identity in Christ is key.

You can't sustain what you don't have.

Lead from your testimony, not by your title.

Prayer saves time. The way you get things done is to pray.

You are working for God, but are you working with God?

Jesus made time to rest and connect with the Father.

You are strengthened as we consume God's Word - Jeremiah 15:16

Be responsible for how you live your life before others.

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Have accountability partners.

Even though you may think, "Lord I'm not good enough", God just requires simple steps of obedience.

God has anointed us - we are not alone. He is there, even in the darkest of places.

It's OK to admit that you don't know what to do.

Know who are the important people in your life.

Abide in Jesus (John 15) - this is the only way you will be able to bear fruit.

Maintain mentoring relationships - someone who will challenge you like Paul, someone who will encourage you like Barnabas, someone you can mentor like Timothy - they will keep you relevant and remind you that your leadership will not last forever so it must be passed on.

There is a need for balance, a rhythm of work and rest, labour and renewal.

Be careful that you don't fall - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1. Remember you are dust. Burnout is a real danger - you are not invincible. Every day, take time to relax and enjoy life. Proverbs 4:13 - your heart is the control center of your life. Weakness does not disqualify us from ministry; many times, God works through our weakness.

2. Keep Jesus central. Don't be so busy that you forget who you are doing it for. We need discipline to keep daily devoted to Christ.

3. Be ruthless with sin. Deal with it when it is a seed, before it grows into a tree. Leaders are in danger of abusing power. We sin because we want to, when an idol captures our heart and we think it will bring us satisfaction and happiness.

4. Maintain close relationships. Leadership is isolating: people put you on a pedestal. Take steps to deepen your friendships. Friends who know our passions, our failures, our struggles.

As a leader, your life should include the following:

1. Confession: be honest about your shortcomings and the negative effects that your decisions may be having on others.

2. Repentance: be willing to change wrong behaviour

3. Forgiveness: Ask forgiveness from God and others. This sets you free to be renewed and restored.

4. Embrace: Embrace life with its associated conflicts. Open up to others, listen and share your experiences.

5. Worship: Demonstrate a lifestyle of spirituality - Bible Study, prayer etc.

In facilitating reconciliation:

Recognise that transformation happens in community, as believers demonstrate how to live in love.

Allow young people to take the lead in rebuilding the nation

See reconciliation as a lifestyle, not just a project. You must be able to experience the pain of others.

Aim to shift persons from a posture of victims to one of servanthood - love your enemies.

Don't be overwhelmed by the big picture, which can be complex, but take the next step of obedience.

Sincere passion and consistent obedience is what God requires.

I thank God for the willingness of these leaders to share their lives with us, so we can be encouraged by their successes, and learn from their failures.