Who’s Had The Greatest Impact On You?

Who’s had the greatest impact on you?  Your mom, dad…youth pastor?  I don’t tend to think about that question on a regular basis, but I should.  Who I am and who I have become has been shaped by many different voices and experiences that I have had over the years.
Yesterday morning I got up early to spend some time with the student and children’s ministers at our church.  We had a little retreat and part of that was watching Craig Groeschel’s message on Generational Tensions (Catalyst 2010).  The point of watching this message wasn’t to talk about the generational tensions between adults and kids, but to talk about the tension between:
Ministers
It’s something we often talk about when it comes to students and adults, but between ministers, not so much.  Why is that?  It doesn’t seem like our focus; however, mentoring is important regardless of how old you are.
A Mentoring Culture In Your Ministry Is An Investment Culture.
Older ministers should be aware of the younger and vice versa.  Without investment know one is looking out for one another and that could create a Lone Ranger type ministry.  Basically, the bond between ministers is what essentially could excel or ruin the ministry.
In Craig Groeschel’s message (something you should all watch) he made two great points:

1. When someone older invests in someone younger, they create the opportunity for great, new and awesome ideas to be unleashed.  It makes sense because those of us who are older have the wisdom and knowledge to guide those younger than us to use their gifts and talents in amazing ways.
2. When someone younger honors someone older they are given the ability to lead up.  Being humble and honoring those ahead of you is a sign of being a servant leader.  When you do that you show that you are worth following and people will follow someone who believes in them.  And not only will they follow you, but they’ll give you the opportunities to succeed.

While it’s important to create this culture with our students, it’s something to consider with our ministry teams.  I’m blessed to have men on my team who have poured time, money and energy into my personal development.  I’m blessed to have a pastor who allows me to take risks.  I know I haven’t always shown it but I know I need to honor them by listening and taking their advice to heart.  What has that done?  It’s created a strong bond in the team and it’s easy to consider the people I serve with my extended family.
Embracing the generational tensions means being able to embrace the differences, the ideas and the wisdom of those older and younger than us.  Embracing the generational tensions means overcoming the obstacles of age to create a strong foundation.

Who had the largest impact on you growing up?


What is something you look for in a mentor?