As church leaders, we are entrusted with the incredible privilege – and responsibility – of raising up the next generation of leaders.
Yet, we often face a sobering reality: Only a small percentage of young adults feel equipped, confident, or connected enough to step into leadership within their faith communities.
At Exponential, I call this the “16% problem” – the proportion of young adults currently being intentionally raised up to lead in ministry. The question before us is not just how to grow churches, but how to grow leaders who are prepared to step into their calling, plant churches, and advance God’s Kingdom in every context.
Over the past two years, Exponential has been actively addressing this challenge through content creation, workshops, and events that speak directly to churches mobilizing the next generation. We’ve championed church planting, multiethnic engagement, and innovative expressions of church in every context – from urban centers to suburban neighborhoods and even rural communities.
Our work includes Learning Communities, designed to help diverse leaders discover their core mission while equipping them with strategies for growth and multiplication. Our NEXT Ventures Shark Tank event has funded innovative, trailblazing ministries, providing grants, global exposure, and a year-long Ministry Accelerator Program. These programs have demonstrated that equipping leaders is about more than knowledge; it’s about experience, mentorship, and opportunity.
Building on these efforts, our current focus is on developing a Leadership and Calling Pathway tailored specifically for college-age young adults and students 13-18. This project is not about creating yet another curriculum. It’s about breaking down the barriers that prevent churches from investing in young leaders: lack of finances, limited human resources, gaps in knowledge, and insufficient capacity. Our goal is to develop a free, accessible resource that any church – regardless of size or context – can use to disciple, train, and raise up young people into their God-given calling.
The process is collaborative. We’re partnering with more than 13 organizations, each bringing unique pathways, internships, or apprenticeship models to the table. We’ve been convening on collaborative calls, sharing best practices, and synthesizing insights. Next year, we’re hosting a two-day, in-person immersive session where representatives from every partner organization come together to finalize the pathway framework, integrating theological depth, practical leadership training, and guidance for navigating ministry contexts.
Prototype testing will be a critical step. We will pilot early modules with churches, gather feedback, and refine the content to ensure it’s practical, relevant, and engaging. This iterative approach guarantees that the final pathway will be theologically grounded, actionable, and usable in real church contexts. Once launched, the resource will be distributed widely, accompanied by digital storytelling through videos, blogs, podcasts, and social media to inspire broader adoption by churches nationwide.
Sustainability is baked into our strategy. This pathway is designed not as a one-time intervention but as a living resource. Churches across the country will continue to use it, and Exponential will evaluate and update it annually, ensuring it evolves with the needs of students and ministry contexts. The impact won’t end once the resource is created; it’s just the beginning of a movement to equip the next generation to lead faithfully and courageously in ministry.
Churches that embrace this approach will see a shift – not only in the lives of students but in the broader life of their communities. Young leaders who are grounded in calling and equipped with practical ministry skills are more likely to plant churches, lead ministries, and mentor the next wave of leaders. The pathway will provide structure, but it will also emphasize creativity, initiative, and the unique gifts God has placed in each student. Experience is the key way we learn about ourselves and discern what we are called to do.
For church leaders, the takeaway is clear: Equipping young adults requires intentionality, resources, and community. It means creating spaces for mentorship, leadership practice, and reflection. It requires listening to students, understanding their needs, and designing pathways that integrate calling, leadership, and ministry development. The Leadership and Calling Pathway will offer a practical, tested, and collaborative solution – a resource that empowers churches to take action now, raise up the next generation, and see God’s Kingdom multiply through faithful, capable, and ministry-oriented leaders.
Join the Pilot
We’d love to partner with churches eager to be among the first to pilot this free Leadership and Calling Pathway! This resource is being designed for churches of all sizes, denominations, and contexts. While mentoring the next generation isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” endeavor, the core principles of leadership development and calling apply across every setting.
If your church is ready to explore this opportunity and help shape a resource that will equip young people for meaningful ministry, we want to hear from you.
Email Barbara Martinez at [email protected] to join the pilot list and take the first step in raising up the next generation of leaders.
