Spiritual Formation

The next 2 stages of leadership development are where most young people find themselves: Character and Spiritual Formation, Service and Application. First we need to understand that BEING the person God wants us to be is much more important the DOING the things that demonstrate quality Christian leadership. If we allow God to shape our character through an intimate relationship with Him, we will eventually become much more effective in our service to Him.
God's objectives here are:

1. Intimacy - How close do I live to God and how much do I really depend on Him?
2. Discernment - What is really important to God and how does that shape my values?
3. Lordship - Is obeying God's Word always first in my decision making process?
4. Security - Do I trust God to accomplish what He wants in me no matter the personal cost?
5. Identity - Am I more concerned about others and their opinion of me or what God says about me?
6. Convictions and disciplines - Based on how I spend my time and money, what are the things I consider most valuable? 

AFTER we develop in each of these areas, God has begun to shape us into a person that He can use. The next stage is called "Service and Application". We are now able to serve because we understand what God values and are able to depend on Him for the perspective, wisdom and strength to do what may otherwise be impossible. Evaluate yourself and talk though your evaluation with a parent, youth leader or mentor. Note the areas you still need to grow in and develop a plan for growth.

(source: "Portrait of a Leader", bk 1, pp 61-78) 

Providential Beginnings

In our first session together, we looked at the first 3 stages of becoming a leader: 1) Providential Beginnings, 2) Character Formation, and 3) Service and Application. The first stage is quite interesting because we have very little control over who invests in our lives during the first 8 - 12 years of life. God places us in situations and families who influence us in tremendous ways. Some of these situations are very difficult and some are not. But what God wants to do, in His providence, is shape us into people that He can use and prepare us for very special tasks, even sometimes giving us a vision for our life that directs our future.
Take a look at the life of Wess Stafford, president of Compassion Ministries: http://www.faithtalks.com/posts/wess-stafford/ His life is a beautiful example of how God shapes a person from early life to prepare them for something great.

Take 20 minutes to think and write on these questions:

1. How is God's providence evident in my personal history?
2. How has this made me different and special?
3. What might this point to in regard to my potential and purpose?

God want to do great things in you and through you. The first step is understanding the things that are out of our control and being thankful for the uniqueness of who you are as a result of those providential circumstances.