Why We Disciple Young Leaders

“Daniel, we don’t believe you’re ready to be a youth pastor yet.” 

My executive pastor’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. After months of interviews, after pouring my heart into the pursuit of the role, I was being rejected. At 25 years old, with a master’s degree in hand, I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t considered ready for the pastoral position I longed for and believed I deserved. 

A few days later, Pastor Austin reached out and invited me to meet at a local coffee shop. Still confused and devastated, I reluctantly showed up, unsure of what to expect. But in that conversation, he spoke words that changed everything: 

“Daniel, I see massive potential in you. The pastors and I want to pour into you, disciple you, and prepare you for the pastoral calling God has placed on your life.” 

It was the first time a man had ever told me he would personally disciple me. After wrestling with the decision, I took a leap of faith and joined the church’s part-time residency program—the same church that had turned me down. 

Just as Pastor Austin promised, they invested in me. They discipled me, challenged me, gave me constructive feedback, walked with me through hardships, and celebrated my growth. Looking back, accepting that opportunity in 2022 was one of the best decisions I ever made. Today, I am living proof of the power of discipleship—I have been shaped by the investment of faithful leaders at Gospelife Church. 

I believe every leader has a responsibility to disciple the next generation. Here are three practical ways older leaders can invest in and equip young leaders for the future. 

1. Invest in them. 

Young leaders value your time. Show them they have value in giving it to them. 

Jesus discipled the Twelve. Paul mentored Timothy. Spiritual leadership thrives when seasoned leaders intentionally pour into the next generation. Yet, we often view discipleship as a lofty, time-consuming sacrifice. At Gospelife Church, discipleship wasn’t just a concept—it was a way of life. We called it “Buddy Sitting.” I shadowed my mentors at conferences, accompanied pastors on hospital visits, observed leadership meetings, and even made late-night Taco Bell runs with my pastor. 

Every moment was an opportunity to be taught—not just how to lead, but how to become a godly husband, father, and pastor. Zac Workun, a good friend and a Lifeway student specialist says this in his article, “A coffee with you [senior pastors] might go a long way in helping us both feel less burnout by the work, the demands, and the isolation that comes with being for our people all the time.” Young leaders are eager for this kind of investment. They don’t just need theories; they need presence. Pour your time and resources into them. It will shape their future and leave a lasting legacy. 

2. Don’t just teach; give them the opportunity to apply the wisdom. 

Jesus spent three years intentionally discipling the Twelve, pouring into them daily. But after completing his mission, he didn’t just leave them with knowledge—he sent them out to fulfill the Great Commission. At Gospelife Church, we followed a similar model. Our goal was not just to disciple and develop young leaders but to equip and send them to plant churches in underserved areas of Chicagoland. 

During my time of discipleship at Gospelife, I didn’t just learn from my pastors; I applied what I learned in real ministry. I had the opportunity to teach on Sunday nights, visit students in their homes, lead student ministry staff meetings, and navigate difficult conversations with volunteers. Every experience was a direct result of the discipleship I received. True discipleship isn’t just about learning—it’s about being sent. 

3. Discipleship goes beyond work hours. Invest in their whole lives. 

When Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3 about the qualifications of a pastor (overseer), he begins with this foundational requirement: “Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach.” This comes before any mention of teaching ability or financial wisdom in the same passage. Paul makes it clear: before a pastor leads others, he must first lead himself in a life of integrity and devotion to Christ.  

Understanding the importance of personal holiness, my church didn’t just invest in me to develop my pastoral skills; they invested in my whole life. One of our elders, Dave Erickson, became my life mentor, walking alongside me in both ministry and personal growth. We met twice a month, texted and called regularly, and he never shied away from asking tough questions. He challenged me about my relationship with my girlfriend (now wife), my time in Scripture, my work relationships, and my personal purity. The life-on-life mentorship I received from Dave shaped me in ways that went far beyond ministry skills; it helped me grow into a godly man, husband, and shepherd of the people God entrusted to me. Young leaders don’t just need career advice; they need wisdom for life. They are looking for seasoned leaders to pour into them. 

Because of Gospelife’s investment and discipleship, I didn’t just grow in ministry—I grew into a godly man. I got married at the church, preached my first sermon, led my first team meeting, baptized students, and was ordained by the elders. None of this happened in isolation. I am a product of intentional discipleship. 

Pastors, this is why we invest in young leaders. Who will you pour into today? 

Daniel Kim is an Associate Pastor at Gospelife Church.