On a recent trip to the Asia-Pacific Region, I was impressed by the number and quality of young leaders I found there. I had the opportunity to preach in chapel at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Philippine Nazarene College in Baguio City, Philippines, South East Asia Nazarene Bible College in Bangkok, and the Nazarene Bible School in northern Myanmar. At each of these educational institutions, I found sharp and passionate young adults who are preparing to be pastors in the Church of the Nazarene. I was challenged by their lives and love for the Lord.
David W. Graves, General Superintendent
I was left impressed with the great need for professors, pastors, and district superintendents to mentor the next generation of leaders. We need modern day leaders like Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18). They formed the first known husband and wife ministry team in the Christian church. They appear to have already been Christians when Paul met them in Corinth. When he left Corinth, the couple accompanied him as far as Ephesus, where they remained at his request. No doubt, they continued to stir the interest Paul had evoked in the synagogue (verse 19), but it is their mentoring of Apollos (verses 24–26) that Luke identifies as their most significant contribution in Ephesus.
Apollos was from Alexandria, which had one of the largest Jewish communities outside Syria-Palestine and where many Jews made it their business to know and appreciate Greek culture. Apollos came to Ephesus with two great strengths. He was a “learned man” (Acts 18:24)—that is to say, he was formally skilled in rhetoric. This skill, combined with thorough knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, made him a powerful speaker in the synagogue (Acts 18:25–26). He was a believer in Jesus but had limited knowledge of Him and His teaching. Recognizing Apollos’ potential, Priscilla and Aquila mentored him. With a firmer grasp of the gospel, Apollos moved to Achaia where he fulfilled a highly effective ministry as a teacher of new converts (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Mentoring young leaders is still a vital ministry today. To recognize God-given potential in new Christians and then to invest time and energy in helping them flourish remains a key element in preparing the next generation of church leadership. I encourage you, whether you are a pastor, layperson, or district leader, to think of a young Christian with leadership potential. Ask God to show you how you might help that person become useful to God and His kingdom. This will be one of the most rewarding uses of your time and energy. I am grateful for those who have mentored me at various times in my life—my parents, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, professors, district superintendents, brother, and other pastors. It is my desire to encourage and mentor the next generation of leaders. May God help us as we work together.
Dr. David W. Graves, General Superintendent
