by Scott Miller
Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes (L2L) is a leadership program geared to train the youth in leadership in the Church. Leadership through the program is developed in four different ways: 1) leadership through spreading the gospel, evangelism and teaching, 2) leadership through leading worship, 3) leadership through fellowship and relationships, and 4) leadership through knowledge. All these leadership skills are vital for continual growth of the church. Each of these leadership skills can be used in the Church, in the family, and in the business world. The world needs more Christian leaders! Strengthening and sharpening these leadership skills give our youth encouragement and confidence in themselves to lead and even stand up for the teachings of Christ at times when standing up for Christ is not popular.
Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes offers a wide variety of areas that the youth can continue to develop their leadership skills including art, Bible bowl, Bible reading, blogging, debate, podcasting, PowerPoint presentations, puppets, scrapbook, song leading, songs of praise, speech, and many more. What’s great about the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program is that it is for ages as early as kindergarten through high school! This is a great opportunity for all youth, kindergarten through the seniors in high school, to be involved and work together for a common purpose. Recently we have been encouraged with a larger number of youth group participants, and we anticipate this year even more will be involved! Plus, we hope to have more of our elementary children involved as well.
The L2L program does involve preparing for a convention held at the Opryland Hotel April 3 – 5, 2026, but L2L is more than the convention. The growth comes through practice and preparation. You do not have to attend the convention to participate in the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program.
The program also gives adults an opportunity to serve and build strong relationships with the youth that they would not have otherwise. As our church continues to grow, we need more adult mentors and coaches. A mentor and coach assist our youth with planning, preparation, goal setting, time management, etc. A mentor and coach can be at any stage in life, from college age to PrimeTimers!
Another great aspect of L2L is the opportunity for our ladies to continue to grow their leadership skills. We continue to need more mentors and coaches for our young ladies to continue to grow in the Lord.
We want to thank those that have already agreed to coach and mentor this year, but we need many more.
The theme this year is “Faith Works” – based on the scripture James 2:17-18. Bible bowl is on James and 1st & 2nd Peter.
We encourage our youth to sign-up to participate and strengthen leadership skills covering at least two of the four leadership areas. We begin sign-ups today and they will be open through December 21. You can sign up in the lobby or online at walterhillchurch.com/youth/l2l or by scanning the QR code!
If you have any questions, see Scott or Heather Miller.