A few years ago, a new LeaderTreks staff member told me he liked our current programs, but he wondered when he would be able to create his own. He had countless ideas of how to improve and revolutionize our programming. I should probably mention something—he had been with LeaderTreks for one week.
Have you noticed that many 20-somethings want to change the world, but lack significant, long-term experience? Maybe you are a 20-something and you’re thinking, What’s wrong with having high aspirations? Nothing! It’s only natural to want to maximize your influence and potential. I love your confidence, but it takes more than ambition to be an influential leader. It also takes humility. So step in the shoes of your more experienced superiors and take a look at things from their perspective. How can you use your confidence to engage people without turning them off?
1. Honor the Past
You must realize that older generations value experience and time served. Many feel like they earned their positions through hard work and patience. By demanding more responsibility without putting in the time, you’re throwing what they value back in their faces. Try to respect and acknowledge the way they reached their positions of leadership.
Yet experience doesn’t prepare you for everything. Many 20-somethings have a huge advantage in ministry because they
