Have you ever felt frustrated by the “older leader” in your ministry who seems never to be able to let go?
Or maybe you have been leading for a while, and that “younger leader” drives you crazy because they don’t seem to work very hard, or they have new ideas that give you headaches.
Whatever season of life and leadership you find yourself in, there is a way to thrive and have the kind of impact and influence God has created you for.
To Younger Leaders
Younger leaders are often marked by their idealism. At this stage of leadership, you see everything wrong in the world and believe you can help create a better story (with God’s help). There is a holy dissatisfaction at this stage of leadership.
Some younger leaders shy away from their passion because they have had older people try to dump cold water on the fire that is burning inside them. But your passion and vision are exactly what the Body of Christ needs. Don’t ever let people tell you otherwise.
The apostle Paul taught his young protégé Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because he was young and then called Timothy to be an example to the other believers in his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul chose to focus on Timothy’s character, gifts, and leadership skills.
As much as your passion and idealism are positives, there is often a danger of pride in this season. As a younger leader, put more energy into the foundation of godly character in your life because authentic spiritual leadership must be an overflow of Christ in you more than it is about you. You can do nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5).
To Middle-Aged Leaders
People often find themselves at a crossroads during this season of leadership. The idealism they had as younger leaders is often worn and tested as they experience disappointments.
For me, this is the season when I had to learn that I was finding my identity in my success as a leader. When things went well, I was on top of the world. When things were hard, I felt like a complete failure. Accepting and celebrating your identity first as a son of God (1 John 3:1) will change how you approach your leadership opportunities.
The most successful leaders I know make a critical decision at this crossroads. Leadership is about faithfulness and perseverance as much as it is about having an impact. By this stage, God has been growing your wisdom through experience and failures and still giving you the passion and fire to do something meaningful in the Kingdom.
When the devil tempts you to give up—keep going! Your leadership is just getting started (Galatians 6:9).
To Older Leaders
Did you know the average CEO age in America is approximately 60? The oldest CEO in the S&P 500 is Warren Buffet, who is 93 years old.
Leading in your oldest age can be when you make your most significant contribution.
This is the season where the years of lessons learned, the strength to persevere, and the passion to have an impact can still come together. Two keys will help you thrive as a leader in this season.
First, remember that leadership is like a relay race—especially spiritual leadership. We are not trying to build our resume; we are runners carrying the baton of the Gospel of Jesus for a season.
Be very intentional in identifying, calling up, training, and empowering younger leaders. I became a leader partly because older men did this for me. I remember being in my early 20s when an older man told me in a parking lot that I would one day be President of Promise Keepers Canada. That was the beginning of my steps to lead the ministry. Older leaders need to invest in the next generation of leaders intentionally.
Second, don’t coast into retirement. The great temptation in this season of leadership is not to rock the boat where you are leading because you want to make it to retirement. God has put you in a place to lead—be faithful with each day He gives you in that role. Finish well (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Enjoy the Ride
Being a leader is one of the greatest privileges you can be given. Steward it well in each season and enjoy the ride of allowing God to breathe life into your leadership influence.
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