Equipping Young Leaders: Insights from Our February Webinar

“Equipping young leaders is not just a side ministry—it’s stewardship of the church’s future.”

– Lisa Jackson

On Saturday, February 28, the second webinar, facilitated by Dcn. Samantha Neeb focused on Equipping Young Leaders. These webinars (the first covered Vacation Bible School) serve two key purposes:

1. As part of Dcn. Neeb’s role, they create opportunities to connect ministry leaders and strengthen relationships across the synod.
2. They advance a synodical goal identified in the Purpose and Priorities Planning Process: to equip leaders.

One of the most rewarding aspects of these conversations for Dcn. Neeb is the chance to bring people together from across the nation to share what’s happening in their local contexts, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Panelists Share Practical Approaches 

Two panelists presented on their experiences equipping young leaders in their ministries:

Michelle Heumann, a long-time volunteer at Foothills Lutheran Church, shared a curriculum designed to train youth in grades 6–8 to serve as Vacation Bible School (VBS) helpers. The program prepares youth not only for the practical aspects of service but also for building confidence and understanding expectations. Adult helpers are coached to support these young volunteers so the experience is mutually positive.

Lisa Jackson, Managing Director of the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada, shared that since 2023, LLL has focused on equipping young leaders through relationships, responsibilities, and real service. She highlighted initiatives such as the Intergenerational Mentorship Project, internships, and mission service opportunities that allow young people to engage meaningfully in leadership and ministry.

Key Principles for Equipping Young Leaders 

Some practical principles shared during the webinar include:

• Each young person is unique – every youth brings different gifts, skills, and abilities.
• Relationships come first – young people are more receptive when leaders invest in getting to know them.
• Purpose motivates – youth want meaningful roles, responsibility, and opportunities to serve, not token positions.
• Peer modeling matters – seeing other young people serve removes barriers and encourages participation.
• Intentional intergenerational mentorship – connecting youth with experienced adults helps equip them for leadership.

These insights were echoed at the September EDLYA (East District Lutheran Young Adults) retreat, where participants expressed a strong desire for mentorship and guidance in leadership development.

Questions & Resources 

During the webinar, participants raised questions about adapting these approaches for their local congregations. Resources and examples shared by panelists are available on request, providing practical tools for leaders seeking to nurture the next generation.

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