Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors

One of my greatest personal joys is investing in the next generation of pastors. There is nothing like seeing them experience their “firsts” in leading a church. For pretty well my entire ministry, especially the past decade or so, I have intentionally invested in the next generation of pastors.

Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors

Investing in the next generation of pastors is biblical. Moses invested in Joshua, Elijah invested in Elisha, Jesus invested in the twelve disciples, giving more personal time to Peter, James, and John; and Paul invested in Timothy and many other spiritual leaders. This list could be expanded greatly.

Unquestionably, this biblical principle calls all of us up to this challenge. Regardless of our age as a pastor, we always need to ask ourselves, “Who are we bringing along behind us?” Or we could ask, “Who are the younger pastors we are investing in right now?” We need to insure we walk this vision personally, because it is the biblical thing to do.

What Value does Investing in the Next Generation of Pastors Bring?

Let me mention a few things that bring value to this next generation of pastors when we invest in them:

• Partnership: We are partners in the gospel with all God-called Pastors. Each younger pastor needs a more experienced pastor to help partner with him through ministry, especially when he is leading a church.
• Confidence: When we invest in the next generation of pastors, it instills confidence in them. When they go into meetings after we have talked them through the challenges, they walk with a humble confidence. Leaders who walk with a humble confidence are able to be much more effective.
• Accountability: We all need accountability, especially in our younger years. Investing in the next generation of pastors, may help save some of them, and their future.
• Future: Speaking of the future, when we invest in the next generation of pastors, we are not only helping to building their future, but we are also making a huge investment in the next generation. When we began our Cross Church School of Ministry, we knew we would be making a great investment in the future.

Our first class in this one-year ministry residency will graduate in August. The stories are incredible! Their impact will be God-sized. We love them and are so proud of them. If you know anyone interested in joining our school of ministry, point them to this video.

The principle is this: investing in the next generation of pastors. Who are you bringing along?

What do I Benefit?

My benefits are so many they are too great to mention them all, but I will list just two:

• Reverse Mentoring: They teach me so many things while I mentor them. Mentoring is a relationship where they learn from me and I learn from them.
• Joy: They bring me joy. They make me laugh. They make me want to be with them. I love their vision! The other night, we had 30+ future pastors and future leaders in our home. What a joy! The greatest joy always comes when I know God is using them in local church ministry or somewhere around the world.

You never go wrong when you invest in the next generation of pastors.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd