Young church leaders are passionate, energetic, and globally minded, yet they face unique challenges in today’s ministry landscape. Understanding next-gen church leader concerns is essential for fostering a healthy, sustainable environment for the future of the church. Here are the primary issues we must consider:
1. They prioritize collaborative ministry. Rather than leading in isolation, young leaders recognize the value of facing struggles together and drawing from collective wisdom. Many argue that leading without a plurality of elders is unbiblical, preferring a team-based approach that aligns with foundational next-gen ministry principles.
2. They are looking for authentic mentors. While they still desire heroes to look up to, many have been forced to find them through social media and digital platforms. When local environments lack the integrity or depth they crave, they turn to podcasts and streamed services, a trend that highlights evolving gen Z expectations from church.
3. They would prefer to learn from another church leader before leading on their own. If they could choose between (a) an associate position at the feet of a strong leader or (b) a position that immediately places them in top-level leadership, many young leaders would choose the former.
4. They want mentors who ask hard questions. This conclusion, of course, echoes others in this list. Young leaders want someone to hold them accountable to spiritual disciplines, holy living and Great Commission obedience. They view vulnerability as necessary more than frightening.
5. They have little patience with bureaucracy. They are young, but nevertheless alive with a Great Commission urgency. Thus, they have little room for organization that seemingly produces only delay and stagnation. Loyalty ends when structures and processes get in the way of the greater task.
6. They are apprehensive about leading the established church. They have heard too many stories about power groups, rigid leadership, inward focus and untrained members. Some have experienced their own pain when leading an established church.
7. They welcome financial guidance. Many carry significant college and consumer debt that handcuffs them. Some wrestle annually with clergy tax laws, and they think too little about retirement savings. Even those who realize their need do not know where to turn for guidance.
8. They are concerned that “being Christian” is often equated with “being American.” They are not unpatriotic, but they understand that Christianity is much bigger than America. The banner under which they serve is first and foremost the banner of Christianity.
9. They want help with balance. This generation has wisely recognized the importance of prioritizing family—at least in word if not in deed. What they have not always learned is how to balance family with church positions that often require 40+ hours, evening events and emergency calls.
10. They admit their struggles with spiritual disciplines. Push young leaders, and many will speak of continual battles in their own spiritual walk. They are often especially aware of their need to pray more. They want prayer to be relational and potent, but seldom have they seen it modeled as such.
This generation has much room for growth, but they’re also quickly stepping into leadership. We are wise to walk beside them, love them, pray for them, guide them as needed and rejoice if/when God does even greater things through them than through us.
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This article originally appeared on ChuckLawless.com and is reposted here by permission.