One of the biggest mistakes we can make in ministry is believing that our job is simply to lead the ministry in front of us. It’s not. Our job is to build something that can outlast us. That means one of the most important things we will ever do as leaders is identify, develop, and release the next generation of leaders.

I know what you might be thinking. Ryan, I barely have enough volunteers to fill the schedule this Sunday. Now you want me to develop leaders too? Yep. Because there’s a big difference between filling positions and developing people. When we’re constantly trying to cover classrooms, find small group leaders, and make sure check-in is staffed, it’s easy to become consumed with getting through another Sunday. But if we’re not careful, we can fill every position and still miss the young leaders God has placed right in front of us.

Maybe it’s the high school student who naturally connects with younger kids. Maybe it’s the college student who keeps showing up early and asking how they can help. Maybe it’s the twenty-something volunteer who has great ideas but still needs someone to believe in them and give them a chance. Don’t just give these young leaders a job. Give them an opportunity. Invite them into the meeting. Ask for their opinion. Let them lead something. Give them real responsibility before you think they are completely ready.

And yes, let them make some mistakes. That can be difficult for those of us who have been leading for a while. We know how we like things done, and sometimes it feels a whole lot easier to just do it ourselves. But if everything has to be done exactly the way you would do it, you aren’t developing leaders. You’re developing assistants. Real leadership development requires us to loosen our grip and allow someone else to lead differently than we would.

I’ve become increasingly convinced that one of the best measurements of our leadership isn’t simply what happens while we’re in the room. It’s what happens when we’re not. Who are you preparing to lead without you? Who are you encouraging? Who are you giving a chance that somebody once gave you?

The ministry you’re leading today matters tremendously. The kids matter. The families matter. This Sunday matters. But you’re also building something bigger. You’re building the ministry that will exist five, ten, and even twenty years from now.

So look around this week. There may be a future children’s pastor, youth pastor, missionary, church leader, or incredible volunteer standing right in front of you. Give them a chance.

The next generation doesn’t just need our ministry. They need an opportunity to lead it.

Ryan Frank is a pastor, publisher, and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Beth, founded KidzMatter.