Passing the Baton: Raising Generational Leaders
September 3, 2025 | 8:54 am
I’ve been reading through The Leadership Resource Kit by David Kadalie — a manual so practical and insightful, it should probably come with a ‘Read Twice Before Leading’ label. In it, Kadalie shares how “youth leadership” once sounded like an oxymoron — like dry water or honest politics. Leadership, he said, was something only the elderly were trusted with. And in many world contexts today, we still see a version of this thinking.
Leadership is treated like a family heirloom — passed down only when absolutely necessary (and preferably to someone with the same last name). Some leaders are so committed to power, they’d hold onto it even if they had to be wheeled into the boardroom. Their bodies are tired, but their grip is firm. But the reality is: if we don’t learn to pass the baton, we risk dropping it altogether.
God never made leadership about age — He made it about the heart, about obedience, and about calling. What does Scripture say about young leaders?
- David – Anointed as king while still a teen (1 Samuel 16:11–13)
- Samuel – Heard God’s voice as a child (1 Samuel 3:1–10)
- Esther – A young woman who became queen and saved her people (Esther 4:14)
- Timothy – A young bishop whom Paul reminded: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…”(1 Timothy 4:12)
- Jeremiah – Called as a prophet while still a youth (Jeremiah 1:6–7)
- Daniel – A teenage exile who led with wisdom and integrity in Babylon (Daniel 1:4).
- Even Jesus began His ministry at age 30 and chose young disciples to carry the Church forward.
Ever considered Pharaoh and King Saul? King Saul had the opportunity to mentor young David. Instead, he became jealous, threatened, and afraid. He feared being replaced more than he feared being irrelevant. On the flip side, Pharaoh — a pagan king — saw potential in young Joseph and elevated him to second-in-command (Genesis 41:38–41). He wasn’t afraid of potential. He welcomed it. One feared legacy loss. The other saw legacy extended.
Every generation has something to offer. Let’s face it: each generation has its superpowers — and its limits.
- The young have time and energy, but usually no money.
- The middle-aged have money and energy, but no time.
- The elderly have time and money, but no energy.
Multi ethnic Group of People and Church Concepts
Instead of each group hoarding what they have, what if they partnered? Imagine the wisdom of the old, the resources of the middle-aged, and the fire of the young working together to build the Church and reach the world.
How do we pass on the baton especially in the Church and Home? We can talk about legacy and youth empowerment all day, but how do we actually start passing the baton? Here are five practical ways — especially within churches and families:
1. Start intentional mentorship early – Don’t wait until your retirement speech to start raising up others.
Begin now. Involve children, teens, and youth in spiritual discussions, leadership roles, and ministry projects. Model godly leadership at home and church.
“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6)
2. Give responsibility with real accountability – Don’t just hand young people the mic for announcements — give them leadership roles that matter. Let them plan events, preach sermons, lead small groups, or coordinate outreach. And don’t panic when they make mistakes — that’s how they grow. Jesus sent His disciples out while they were still learning (Luke 10:1–3).
3. Celebrate Potential. Don’t Fear It – God’s call doesn’t require wrinkles. Celebrate the next generation. Mentor them. Cheer for them. And when they surpass you, smile — that’s the goal.
“Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
4. Build Systems. Not Thrones – A throne dies with the king. A system lives beyond the founder. Don’t make leadership about personalities. Create pathways for succession and team-based ministry. Moses trained Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9). Elijah raised Elisha (2 Kings 2:13–15).
5. Bridge the Generational Gap – Let the older and the younger serve together. Encourage mutual respect. Open the floor for conversation, questions, even debate — that’s how we sharpen one another.
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4 (ESV)
Leadership is not a throne to die on — it’s a race to be run well. And in any race, it’s not just about speed — it’s about the hand-off.
If you’re older: mentor someone.
If you’re in your prime: make room for someone.
If you’re younger: stay humble and be teachable.
Your legacy doesn’t end when you let go — it just begins.
Thank You Lord, for every generation in the Church, Family and Work place. Help us to recognize the gifts You’ve placed in the young, the resources you have given the middle-aged and the wisdom You’ve entrusted to the old. Teach us to lead with open hands, not closed fists. May we pass the baton with joy, and build a legacy that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev Anne