How listening to young leaders helps us all grow

What if the best way to raise leaders isn’t just teaching them—but listening to them?

Over the years, I’ve discovered something powerful: young people aren’t just the future of leadership — they’re leaders right now if we’ll give them the chance. The more I serve alongside them, the more I realize that raising leaders isn’t a one-way street. It’s mutual. It’s learning, growing, and sometimes failing forward — together.

When I Was a Teen

When I was a teenager, I longed for a place to belong—a place to serve, to make an impact, to know my gifts mattered. But that opportunity never really came. Instead, I stayed stuck in a cycle of low confidence and quiet questions about whether I had anything worth offering.

I still remember asking a church leader if I could learn how to run the sound system. I wasn’t asking for much—just a chance to watch and learn. The answer? A simple “no.” No explanation, no invitation to try again later. And that moment stuck with me.

Years later, when I came to Camp Sonshine, everything changed. I saw young people trusted with real leadership—guiding campers, leading devotions, running activities (and yes, even the sound system!). They were being equipped, mentored, and believed in. And it made all the difference.

That’s why I’m so passionate about helping young people find a place to serve—because I’ve seen what happens when they do.

Young People Want a Place to Serve

Every year, I meet teenagers and young adults who are just waiting for someone to say, “We need you.”
They don’t want to sit on the sidelines. They want to do something that matters.

When you give them trust and responsibility, they often rise higher than anyone expected. I’ve seen shy teens find their voice in front of a group of campers. I’ve seen young adults step into leadership with boldness, creativity, and wisdom that leaves the rest of us inspired.

They remind me: leadership isn’t something you grow into someday—it’s something you practice now.

What They’ve Taught Me

Serving alongside young leaders hasn’t just helped them grow—it’s helped me grow, too.
Their courage challenges me to take new risks.
Their creativity pushes me to see things differently.
Their passion rekindles my own.

And maybe the most humbling part? Watching them find their confidence helps me find mine again, too. Every time I see a young person realize, “God can use me,” I’m reminded that He’s still shaping and using me, too.

Failing Forward Together

Here’s the truth: we’re all going to make mistakes.
But leadership isn’t about getting it right every time—it’s about growing every time.

When we “fail forward,” we show the next generation that leadership is a process, not a performance. That humility, grace, and perseverance matter more than perfection. And when they see us get back up after falling short, they find courage to do the same.

Leadership Is Reciprocal

Leadership isn’t about holding all the answers.
It’s about creating space for others to find theirs.

True leadership is reciprocal—it’s teaching and learning. It’s guiding and being shaped. It’s believing that the next generation has something vital to bring to the table—because they do.

Raising leaders means listening to them, learning from them, and giving them room to lead—even when it’s messy, even when it looks different than how we’d do it.

A Word of Encouragement

If you’re leading in any capacity—at work, at church, or at camp—look for ways to invite young people to serve in meaningful ways.

They’re ready.
They’re capable.
And they’re waiting for someone to believe in them.

As Paul encouraged Timothy: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…” — 1 Timothy 4:12

Your Turn: Raise Up the Next Leader

Think about the young people already in your life—your kids, your students, your coworkers, your church youth group. What if you personally invited one of them to step up and serve?

A simple “I see leadership in you” can change the entire direction of someone’s life.

So this week, take a step: notice them, encourage them, and give them a place to lead. Because when we call out the potential in others, we don’t just build better leaders—we build the Kingdom.

A Thank You to the Leaders Along the Way

As I reflect on this journey of leadership, I can’t help but feel deep gratitude for all the leaders who have shaped me and for those I’ve had the privilege to lead. You’ve each taught me something invaluable.

You’ve shown me what it means to love people deeply, to lead with curiosity, to believe the best in others, to strive for excellence, to be bold in faith and conviction, and to have fun along the way. Thank you for reminding me that leadership is never a solo pursuit—it’s a shared adventure of growth, grace, and joy.

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Tarin Family Funding Update!

👉 25 – 26 Fundraising Goal: $5,400
👉 25 – 26 Funds Raised So Far: $5,500
👉 25 – 26 Funds Still Needed: $0

(Insert fireworks here!)

We are so incredibly thankful for all those who have given so graciously to our family mission trip fund this year. Every dollar has made a difference and we can’t wait to share the same generosity that you’ve shared with us with the campers we will be serving in Mexico and in Zambia in the coming year.

We’ve even surpassed our goal and so any remaining funds will be rolled over to next year! YAY!

Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to travel to Mexico in January! Our first team meeting is next week, so we’d appreciate prayers as we help form this team we’ll be leading.