The mercury is on the rise and days are getting longer. My fancy at this time of year turns to summer cookouts and, of course, to summer leader development conferences.

As I plan my metaphorical leader development cookout, these are the questions that arise: Who originated the idea? Whom should we invite? Who is going to cook? And will the menu include something more nourishing than leader development “hot dogs”?

As I think about the development of congregational leaders and the value of summer opportunities for church leaders, I perceive they fall into three general categories. The first are the ELECTED leaders: pastors, elders, deacons, and trustees. Next come the SELECTED: a large group of members who respond affirmatively when asked to serve in a leadership capacity. And finally there are the EMERGING leaders of all ages who are being nurtured to fill the elected and selected leadership roles in our congregations’ ongoing ministries.

An important and often undernourished part of our educational ministries is the teaching and preparation of leaders. This involves the recognition of people with skills, potential, and a requisite faith that signals a level of commitment desirable for church leadership. Yet, if every one of us at any governing body level planned for leadership courses, each would focus atmost on a few particular leadership needs or skills. That is where this wonderful connectional church of ours comes to our aid. We don’t need to reinvent every wheel that keeps the ministry of witness to Jesus Christ rolling. What we need to do is consciously include churchwide summer opportunities in our ministry of education plans.

This summer provides some great examples of leader development opportunities. On July 9 the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women begins. Not only does this event equip and motivate our current church leaders, it historically has equipped and motivated leadership now serving in all areas of the PC(USA). A few weeks later Youth Connection 2003 begins in Louisville with a pre-event designed for emerging racial ethnic leaders. (Click here for more information.) Add to these a polity course for seminarians and educators at the General Assembly meeting and the many opportunities scheduled at our national conference centers—my point is made.

The August 2002 Presbyterian Panel again confirmed the tremendous impacts that camps, conferences, and retreats have on individuals who emerge as leaders. In recalling “one particular learning or spiritual growth experience which had great significance in shaping your Christian life”* 39 percent of the members, 41 percent of the elders, and 53 percent of the pastors surveyed said they’d had such an experience in a camp, conference, or retreat setting.

The good news of Jesus Christ calls out to all of us, “Follow Jesus Christ.” And “Be a disciple.” The good news of Jesus Christ calls out a response from each of us.

The first disciples learned on the job. We don’t have to wait for a personal invitation to lead before we are equipped and inspired to serve. Grab a plate and step up to the grill. Opportunities are waiting this summer.

*The Presbyterian Panel Church Camps and Retreats
—The August 2002 Survey