Reflections on- Raising up A New Generation of Urban Heroes

Let me just say that Dr. Larry Acosta, the lecturer of Raising Up a New Generation of Urban Heroes, was definitely keepin' it real. The whole idea of his lecture was to highlight the importance of raising up young leaders within our churches. One of his first quotes that really sums up his entire presentation was "there's no true success without successors". Ephesians 4:11-13 really list these responsibilities out for us as leaders.

He talks about the need for Urban leaders. He also looks at the mindset of leading out of scarcity rather than abundance. Not just taking up a responsibility because I feel as though I'm the only one competent enough to do it; but gaining help and input from others, (youths, pastors, members of the congregation).

One of the points that really spoke to me personally was the idea of being visionary and strategic in ministry. He spoke about passing on a vision of sort to the youth and up-coming leaders under our care and creating experiences that shaped their heart. He saw the importance in being more verbal and affirming in our ministry. He introduced the thought of "thinking beyond a theology of presence, to a theology of voice and expression." This is about us as leaders doing more than just being in kid's lives and making our presence felt, being verbal and becoming intentional.

He explained a step that was highlighted in Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster's book The Godbearing Life. Where they outlined a model for empowering and passing on the responsibility to perspective leaders.

1. I do it.
2. I do it, and you help.
3. You do it, and I help.
4. You do it, and I move on to something else.

I think this is an excellent model to follow and can easily be integrated into most, if not all our situations.

The final sort of point that Dr. Acosta made was staying in relationship and keep encouraging and checking-in with those we have "empowered". This helps them to know that we are still there for support and it helps us to still be in touch with what is going on with whatever activity we've given over to a particular leader.