Serial The Anointed: 20. Why Not Coach Young Leaders?

A silhouette of a man lifting his hands in worship against a backdrop of an evening sky. Next to this man are the words: "The Anointed - a faith-based serial." — Follow along with this thrilling serial about the highs and lows of Pastor John.

It’s now 2029. During an evening visit to my house this week, John tells me that a young charismatic community has asked him to become their pastor.

I’m a bit shocked. “Do they know about your past?” John assures me that this is not a problem for them. “They believe I have been forgiven and restored, and they would love to have me.” I’m unsure, but it’s John’s life…

“You know, I’ve reached a point where I’d rather be afraid of moving forward without Jesus than to function in the gifts and talents God has given me.”

“What did you tell them?” I ask. “I declined. Honestly, I just don’t dare. I’m too afraid that I won’t be able to handle the position. Oh, I know I can do the job. I know I could grow this community into a larger one and help them progress. But I don’t know if I can do it with Jesus. I’m afraid that if I step back into the spotlight and gain influence, I’ll fall back into the old patterns of the other John. That John would do it without Jesus and start manipulating and dominating.

You know, Matt, I’ve reached a point where I’d rather be afraid of moving forward without Jesus than to function in the gifts and talents God has given me. I know it might sound contradictory. But sometimes it’s better to say ‘no’ with Jesus to a great ministry that seems tailor-made for you than to even risk losing something of Jesus.”

“I swallow, because I understand exactly what he means. Influence and fame have an addictive quality.”

I swallow, because I know exactly what he means. In recent years, my influence and fame have grown, and I increasingly notice their addictive effect. Would I be able, if Jesus asked, to withdraw into anonymity for the rest of my life and do nothing? Have I reached a point where I can say I’m willing to do everything Jesus asks of me? Even if that means walking with Him and having no significance in Christian work and influence for the rest of my life. I’m not sure. But when I share my doubts and concerns with John, he smiles. “You’re a real struggler. I know no one who struggles with themselves as much as you. And because you struggle so much, it shows me that you want to do the right thing. Otherwise, you wouldn’t struggle and would just go with the flow.”

“I couldn’t make the choice that John makes. I am too attached to my ministry and all the rewards it brings me.”

I can’t argue with this logic, but at the same time, I couldn’t make the choice that John makes. I am too attached to my ministry and all the rewards it brings me. I admire John for the choice he is willing to make. “By the way, I already have a congregation to lead.” John shows me a photo on his phone. In the photo are his friends who attend the monthly celebrations for people with intellectual disabilities.

John is afraid of losing his relationship with Jesus in pastoral ministry. It’s funny that a pastor would worry about this. You would expect being a pastor would ensure you always live in a close relationship with Jesus. But I know otherwise. The temptations you face in this role are significant. It’s no wonder so many pastors don’t end well in their ministry.

“Young men and women who are still full of passion for Jesus but will soon also face their shadow side and brokenness, and you would wish them the best.”

Suddenly, an idea strikes me. “John, what might be suitable for you is coaching younger leaders. I know so many leaders who might be heading down the same path you did and could learn a lot from you. Young men and women who are still full of passion for Jesus but will soon also face their shadow side and brokenness, and you would wish them the best.”

John doesn’t bite immediately. “Do you think those guys would want to hang out with me? It’s only been ten years since I was removed. Everyone still knows what happened to me. I can’t imagine there are many pastors in the current evangelical movement who would trust me with their young leaders. You know what happened at our wedding a few years ago. Even you got caught in the crossfire. That was just about speaking in churches. Now you want them to give me permission to influence their future leaders? I don’t see it happening.”

I playfully punch John’s shoulder. “Ever heard of the saying ‘it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission’? I know young leaders who aren’t under the influence of existing evangelical leaders and who would jump at this opportunity. Would you like to meet a few?”

“John tells his story for an hour, and the young guests are captivated.”

A month later, John is at a network evening for young leaders that I organized. He tells his story for an hour, and the guests are captivated. Afterward, when I reveal that John would be willing to coach some young leaders, several young men and women are very enthusiastic. The following week, John has his first coaching session.

In the years that follow, alongside his volunteer work in the monthly celebrations for people with intellectual disabilities, he coaches a dozen young leaders. Leaders who, thanks to this coaching, hopefully won’t fall into the same pitfalls as John and others in his generation.

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Read some background articles on why Evangelical leaders fall:

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Matt Vlaardingerbroek, a former seasoned church planter and pastor in Holland’s inner cities, brings Bible stories to life through ventriloquism and magic. He’s authored three books, and founded www.creativekidswork.com, providing over 1,500 innovative Sunday school activities worldwide.