Lucas Leibforth

We live in a world where young leaders are stepping into big roles faster than ever. With platforms like social media, endless innovation, and a strong desire to create change, they’re ready to make waves. But here’s the real question: What kind of splash are they making? And how can we, as mentors, pastors, and leaders, help them make waves that last instead of fizzling out?

Here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about going viral or getting all the attention. It’s about faithfully serving, intentionally influencing, and stewarding what God’s given you well. For the next-gen to lead well, they don’t just need hype—they need real guidance, wisdom, and encouragement from those of us who’ve walked the road before. Like someone wisely said, “No one cares what you know if they don’t know that you care.” Young leaders thrive when they know they’re seen, heard, and valued—not just for what they can produce, but for who they are.

Why Young Leaders Matter

If you read the Bible, you’ll notice something: God doesn’t wait for people to hit a certain age before He calls them. David was just a kid when he took on Goliath. Esther was young when she risked her life to save her people. And Paul had to remind Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Be an example in your words, actions, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Here’s the thing: God calls young leaders to big things, but He also calls them to grow deep roots. Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a journey. The foundation they build today determines the impact they’ll have tomorrow. And as mentors, we’ve got to help them understand where we’ve come from before trying to shape where they’re going. Respect the past while guiding them into the future.

I’ve seen this play out firsthand. A few years ago, I had the privilege of mentoring a young man who interned with me during a pivotal season of his life. He had a passion for ministry but wasn’t sure where to start. Through his internship, we met regularly, diving into Scripture, discussing life’s big questions, and seeking God’s direction together. It was during this time that he discovered his calling and passion for ministry. Today, he’s on staff at the very church where he first sensed God leading him, serving in a role where he’s making an incredible impact. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you’ve invested in step into their God-given purpose and then turn around to pour into others.

What Young Leaders Need

If you’re leading or mentoring young adults, here are three big ways to set them up for success:

1. Clarity of Purpose
   Young leaders want to make a difference, but let’s be real—they’re often trying to figure out what that looks like. Ministry? Business? Something else entirely? Our job is to help them get clarity and remind them that their calling isn’t about competition—it’s about obedience. Purpose isn’t found by looking around; it’s found by looking up. One leader put it perfectly: “Know what you know and know what you don’t—and surround yourself with people who fill the gaps.”
2. Character Over Charisma
   In a world that loves big personalities, it’s easy to forget that God cares about character. Leadership starts in the small, hidden moments—choosing integrity, practicing humility, and being faithful when no one’s watching. Encourage them to focus on who they’re becoming, not just what they’re doing. And hey, don’t just look for their mistakes—catch them doing something right. Leadership is about growth, not perfection.
3. Courage to Fail and Grow
   Failure feels scary, but it’s part of the process. David didn’t go from shepherd to king without bumps along the way. Moses made mistakes. Paul didn’t start out as a church leader. Help young leaders see failure as an opportunity to learn, not a reason to quit. Like someone said, “The road to success weaves through the valleys of failure.” Teach them to take risks—when they win, they gain confidence. When they don’t, they gain grit.

The Posture of Leadership

Great leadership starts with humility. Being willing to say, “I don’t know it all,” and actually listening to your team is huge—especially for young leaders. Let them know it’s okay to take time to figure things out. And remind them that transparency builds trust. One mentor said it well: “Let your team in on the ‘why.’ Involve them in the process—you don’t have to carry it all.”

At the same time, remind young leaders to lead with compassion. Matthew 25:35-40 shows us that meeting people’s physical and emotional needs often comes before teaching them anything. Leadership isn’t about checking a box; it’s about building real relationships. When leaders lead with care, their impact becomes transformational.

The Ripple Effect

When young leaders step up with clarity, character, and courage, their impact ripples out to their families, churches, and communities. They’re not just the future—they’re the now. Let’s invest in them. Let’s champion them. Let’s remind them that leadership isn’t about building their own platform but about pointing people to Jesus.

To the young leader reading this: You matter. Your gifts matter. Your faithfulness matters. Don’t underestimate what God can do through you. Pray boldly. Lead humbly. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who’ve been where you are.

And to those mentoring young leaders: Don’t miss this chance to guide and encourage the next generation. They’re ready to lead. Let’s make sure they’re heading in the right direction—full of wisdom, humility, and an eternal perspective.