What is the Leader In Training program? 

Imagine with me, if you will, it is 7:30 on a Wednesday morning outside a middle school the week before spring break. Fifty middle school students have arrived for Campus Life club before school starts. Ten leaders showed up even earlier in order to set up the room and greet students as they arrive. Who are these leaders? Are they parents, pastors, or YFC staff? No, most are working college students who have made a year-long commitment to investing in and ministering to the community they live in. They don’t go to Club, minister to kids, and build authentic Christ-sharing relationships because they get paid. They do it because they simply love Jesus and young people. They are being taught and mentored to become lifelong Christian leaders, not only to youth, but to their whole community, through a program called Leader In Training.

Does this sound like a far-fetched dream?

In some ways, yes, but I actually had this experience a few months ago while visiting San Antonio Youth For Christ. It was inspiring to observe their Leader In Training program, which has been running for over 8 years, and hear the stories of young people who have been impacted and continue to make a difference in the community.

That is why I am proud to announce that Tacoma Youth For Christ will be starting its own Leader In Training cohort in August. Young adults 18-20 years old will have the opportunity to grow, belong and serve alongside YFC staff, volunteers, and students in the Tacoma area. This will be accomplished through three practices. First, a weekly cohort meeting where they will develop spiritual disciplines, ministry skills, and biblical knowledge and application in community with each other. Second, being paired with a mentor who will guide them as they discover new information about God, themselves, and others in order to apply it in their lives. Third, serving at a Tacoma YFC ministry site to build authentic Christ-sharing relationships with the young people on that campus or neighborhood. 

Please consider sharing this information with a young adult that you know or contacting Tacoma YFC about becoming a Mentor to an LIT. Together we can develop lifelong Christian leaders who will make a difference wherever God takes them! 

Click below for more information.