Inside the Leadership Journey by Rev. Lee Yates

Recently, one of our HELM students asked me, “When did you first see yourself as a leader?” The question seemed simple enough but as I tried to answer I found myself wrestling with my memories and nuancing each attempted answer. To really put my finger on when I first saw myself as a leader required me to do some of the same honest reflection we ask of our participants. 

When I was young, I thought I could lead. I was willing. I had some good role models. But looking back, I wanted acceptance and affirmation more than I really wanted to be in charge, guide others, or accomplish any task. In these days I did not really see myself as a leader as much as I wanted others to see and affirm me. Up front seemed like a good place for that to happen. 

“Leader” was not an identity I could claim till I understood what it was. My first glimpse came in high school when I served as a youth representative on the church board. I felt the responsibility to speak on behalf of my peers, even though I did not always agree with them. I saw adults step up and take on tasks that were beyond their comfort zone because things needed to get done. I watched them balance the needs of others with their own ability, boundaries, and passions. 

Each year, I get the privilege of watching our Leadership Symposium students take their own journey through local church leadership as they wrestle with the responsibilities and expectations of leadership. I watch them balance school, relationships, leadership roles, and their commitment to the Church. Some are wise beyond their years and have a strong identity as a leader already. Others are trying to figure out what leadership means to them. There are also a few others looking around and wondering how they ended up in this program and what it means for them. 

One of my favorite portions of the Leadership Symposiums is when we bring in leaders from the larger church community for the students to interview about leadership. Seasoned leaders are randomly matched with students so there is no time for preparation. There is no advanced research or resume review. It is just two people talking, across generations, about leadership as people of faith. It’s amazing how these experienced leaders echo the same sentiments. Some name how they were called, claimed and forged as leaders in the church. Others are still looking around and wondering how they got there, even after making such a difference in the world. 

This Spring, two cohorts of students are learning about leadership and exploring their role in the church. Twenty-two high schoolers and five young adults will be studying, listening and reflecting. They will also be practicing what they learn as they lead a project in their local church. HELM’s Leadership Symposiums are designed to provide basic tools of leadership while helping students wrestle with some of the bigger questions around change, community, and personal identity.  

Leadership formation, like most parts of our lives, is a journey with no set path, no cookie-cutter approach, and no consistent timeline. God shapes us all for the work to be done and along the way we find ourselves in positions of service, care giving, event directing, deep listening, vision casting, and community building. Some are called to build schedules and systems. Some are called to write and equip. Others are called to gather and inspire.

Whether you feel born for the role or are still wondering why people are following, there is a moment where leaders are seen and affirmed by the community.

I pray that the Church may continue to be a place that sees the gifts within us – a place that provides the space and grace for leaders to grow – a place where people can share their gifts with authenticity and integrity. I pray that the young leaders who rise up in the years to come, when asked “When did you first see yourself as a leader?” might tell about how their local church saw them and affirmed them – encouraged and challenged them – loved and listened to them. I pray they tell how their church followed their lead.