Leadership development starts long before the sermon. Long before they’re recruiting teams or making big decisions. It starts in small, ordinary moments—like learning to cut a watermelon.

Caroline’s draw toward ministry heightened as she realized how energized she was to be involved in students’ lives, even in the smallest of ways…

My leadership path began in cold hospital hallways, the darkened room of a theater, and on sun-kissed days on the school blacktop…

Here are five reasons you should double down on your investment for future leaders in your organization.

With Henry White of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, MD.

The struggle bus is real.

Once we are on it we must take actions to get it to pull over so we can find the exit!

Here are questions to ask and language to avoid with young leaders.

Much like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist, a leadership residency program operates on a structured framework designed to develop leaders who are prepared for the complexities of pastoral leadership.

Giving truthful and grace-filled feedback on a difficult topic like a soft skill at the right time, in the right tone…that’s the hard part. It takes repetition and it takes that coach having a coach. All coaches need coaches.

As the NextGen Resident at Crosstowne Church, Charleston, SC, Madi acknowledges that she is definitely moving toward her future in ministry. I am extremely thankful for Crosstowne and what they have provided for me so far. I am gaining authentic ministry skills and experience.

In leadership development what we want is a magical key card that unlocks every issue, but the skill is knowing which of the many keys to use at the right time.

Kristin Miller on the subtle difference of a better question: “What would you do?” VS “What would you do IF YOU WERE ME?”

This post wins for the longest title ever. You’re welcome…go learn from the best, but don’t be defeated. You can do this!

Cady recalls applying for a ministry director role before her residency and feeling “so confused and hurt” that she wasn’t even called back. Now, she sees it as a blessing. Residency provided her with the structured growth, experience, and understanding that were crucial for her development as a leader.

“I came into residency thinking of myself as a Bible teacher but not a leader.” That was how he saw himself—a teacher, someone who shared knowledge but didn’t necessarily lead others. But his residency turned that perspective on its head. “My residency taught me how to be a leader and that God was inviting me to be a leader.”

Our list of books, blogs, emails & thought leaders all around developing the next generation.

Ask a leader, “do you do leadership development?” and you’ll get a variety of answers that typically begins with “yes…” Then you’ll hear about books, or community, or devotions, or even mentoring programs.

Yet, today’s 20 to 25-year-old is unique and a challenge that will require a different approach.

If a search for a new team member takes longer than a year it starts to feel like God isn’t in this…he’s lost your address. Perhaps He’s just at work on His own timeline for you?

You’re first ministry role didn’t work out. Five things this does NOT mean.

The leap she took to move to Charlotte for residency was, no doubt, difficult for her. She acknowledges, It was really hard moving away from my family for the first time. It still is, but it has gotten easier over time and made the moments we do get to spend together all the better.

Chris Hupp is in his first year of residency, serving as a Family Ministries Resident, from Pre-K-High School, currently lead small groups, preparing for their summer Honduras missions trip, and also serving on the worship team for weekend services.