The Information Age has created something unique for our times: young leaders now have access to more information than ever before. However, this abundance and opportunity for education have led to what can be termed “great miseducation.” Young leaders are highly informed but not fully formed, often lacking the wisdom, character, and learned experience essential for effective leadership.

The need for genuine relationships has never been greater, and this open door presents a significant opportunity for the right people to step forward. But who are these right people? Who are the chosen ones to step into the invitation of tomorrow’s leaders?

This opportunity to serve God, His Church, and its leaders diverges from the typical quest for a massive platform. Instead, it emphasizes relational influence, which I believe is more critical now than ever, with nearly limitless potential for bearing fruit.

Three Key Transformations for Success

God often works in us through three key transformations to prepare us for this kind of influence. But these principles apply to all of us, not just coaches:

1. From Personal Success to the Success of Others

Verse: Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

• Personal Success:
  • Focused on our goals and agendas
  • Worldly praise for individual achievements
  • Typically dominates the first three-quarters of life
  • Transitioning from “Here I am” to “There you are”
  • Managing image and appearances
• Success of Others:
  • Emphasizing others’ goals and calls
  • Supporting others on their journey
  • Offering open-handed help
  • Fostering honest, genuine relationships

2. From Environments of Control to Environments of Trust

Verse: Luke 9:3: “He told them, ‘Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.'”

• Environments of Control:
  • Strategic plans
  • Critical success factors
  • Metrics
  • Prepared speeches and agendas
• Environments of Trust:
  • Love
  • Honesty
  • Openness and vulnerability

3. From Leading from a Position of Power to Leading as a Servant

Verses: Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Philippians 2:17: “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”

• Leading from a Position of Power:
  • Organizational authority
  • Titles
  • Fame
  • Platform
• Leading as a Servant:
  • Authentic relationships
  • Candor
  • Service
  • Meeting others’ needs selflessly

Within this transformation, there are no spotlights or large rooms with high attendance, yet the opportunity to lead like Jesus is greater now than ever.

You are the chosen.

Will you let God complete His work in you so that, by leaders’ invitations, He can work more through you?