“Lay hands on no man suddenly….” Paul’s instruction to Timothy reminds us that leadership is not to be fast-tracked. I must confess to some concern when I see young leaders zealously plodding forward, determined to make their mark in the world. Sadly much of this zeal is without knowledge.

I have watched too many leaders in my short life-time rise with meteoric glory and splendour to some position and then burn out rapidly. I think particularly of a plan several years ago in which I considered participating. After investigating the options, I chose to be mentored by a seasoned leader for 5 years before I ventured out into pastoral ministry. I look back with gratitude to God and to the pastor who invested his life in mine. I wonder how many mistakes God kept me from making through this process…. I made enough mistakes despite these wonderful years of formation.

To those of you aspiring for leadership – be wise, take counsel, demonstrate submission before and while you exercise authority. I don’t want to add your name to the sad “casualty list” that I’ve gathered over 25 years of ministry……