A young adult perspective

In today's fast-paced society, motivated, energetic, and committed leaders are in high demand. The focus on developing these leaders has never been greater, but there exists no universal method resulting in successful and effective leadership development. The church cannot develop leaders by utilizing a simple formula, conducting a special class, or applying generic labels. True leadership development arises from an environment and culture that nurtures and supports individuals by equipping and empowering them to meet the challenges and problems faced by today's church.

Leadership development is personal development and requires personal interest in the lives of those individuals active in the church today who will lead the church tomorrow. The need for a personal focus in effective leadership development means the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in all its manifestations, is well-suited for this task. In talking about our church, many Disciples use the family as a metaphor; in the same way that a mother or father supports their son or daughter in an endeavor, our church seeks to develop tomorrow's church leaders. I write this out of appreciation and gratitude, because I am one of those individuals blessed with the outpouring of support by my church family.

My home congregation has asked me to serve in a variety of ways, from sitting on the church board to coordinating the Vacation Bible School program. Each task required me to think creatively to further the mission and witness of the church. One congregation hired me as a youth coordinator and supported me in trying new ideas to revive a fledgling youth program. Another local church, going through a turbulent transition process, hired me to provide pulpit supply each week. Over the course of five wonderful months, I hope I provided needed insight and inspiration, but I know the positive impact I felt and the way that experience has changed my life. Then there is the small congregation in rural Illinois that continues to provide financial support for my college education. I appreciate the monetary gift, but the real meaning comes from their embracing love.

The nurture and support from each of my "home" congregations has equipped me for success at Eureka College and in the various other ministry opportunities of which I have been a part. My roots, planted by my church family, have empowered me to explore my call to ministry and continue to provide strength as I prepare for graduate school. I have become the person I am because of the unconditional support offered to me out of love by the people with whom I share a pew every Sunday. The hope of our denomination emerges from the amazing leaders we are equipping and empowering to serve. Any leader must have both the tools to maximize an opportunity and the opportunity itself. Without both, success is not possible. The means to equip and empower the current and future leadership of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is found in every local congregation. Love is the source of these means and that is a gift graciously bestowed on us by God.

Beau Underwood is a 2006 graduate of Eureka College and will be pursuing an M.Div from the University of Chicago next fall. He is a member of First Christian Church, Princeton, Ill., and an adopted member of University Christian Church, Normal, Ill., Chapin Christian Church in Chapin, Ill., and Lynnville Christian Church, Jacksonville, Ill. Beau is also moderator of the Young Adult Commission for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).