Leaders or Followers

Generational leadership is crucial because every leader’s role is temporary. Someone will lead after you, so the question is: What will they inherit? What foundation are we laying for the next leader?

This is a critical consideration for both the present and the future. When we lead with foresight, we set the next leader up for success, propelling them forward at a pace necessary to make a meaningful difference.

Make no mistake: we are either creating followers or leaders. The difference is profound, and it will become evident over time.

“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:12

The Power of Delegating Responsibility

When we choose to develop leaders, we embrace delegating responsibility, which builds people, teams, and movements. This requires trusting those around us and letting go, allowing growth to happen. Leadership development doesn’t occur by chance; it’s the result of intentional choices.

Delegation: Tasks vs. Responsibility

“When you delegate tasks, you get followers. When you delegate responsibility, you get leaders.” — Pastor Craig Groeschel

Leaders are cultivated by granting them authority alongside responsibility. This includes providing new leaders with opportunities to act. Delegating responsibility should come with clear boundaries to guide decision-making. These boundaries minimize mistakes while allowing room for growth. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s growth.

To grow, we must give leaders permission to fail forward. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also stepping stones to growth. When we delegate only tasks, we signal a lack of trust and focus solely on completing checklists. While tasks are necessary, developing people is the bigger picture.

When we get better, the team gets better. When team members grow, efforts multiply. When the team improves, organizations experience exponential growth and impact.

Raising the Next Generation of Leaders

To ensure a thriving future, we must be generational in our approach to leadership. This means intentionally raising up the NOW generation—younger individuals who think, look, and process differently. These are the leaders we need to empower and give opportunities to. They are the leaders Jesus is calling us to reach.

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

Psalms 102:18

Will you?

I believe the church must prioritize reaching the NOW generation. A vibrant, energetic church needs young leaders, guided by older mentors who provide wisdom and support. But young leaders also need opportunities to lead.

For me, I’ve decided to delegate responsibilities to raise a movement of leaders. I’m still learning, but the decision has been made. I believe when we make the decision, God provides the provision.

The decision is the faith part. The provision is God’s part.

A Final Question

What will you produce: leaders or followers?

The transitions ahead will be shaped by your answer. I encourage you to see the bigger picture and commit to developing leaders. The steps you take today will profoundly impact the future. This is not hyperbole—it’s reality.

I choose to be a leader of leaders, and I hope you do too. The best is yet to come.

PD

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