Building Leaders: Reflections on Group Leader Training through the Story of Nehemiah

Every year for about 13 years now I pack my backpack each summer to embark on the next camp adventure. For some years I served as a helper, leader, co-leader and this year as the main leader of the Group Leader Training.

As I packed for this year’s training, I reflected on our topic, Nehemiah. While his story centers on building a wall, I considered the need to build up leaders—a task that may be equally, if not more, challenging, I will let you decide. Unlike constructing a wall, which allows for careful planning regarding materials, skills, time, and execution, developing a leader is far less straightforward. There are no clear timelines, instructions or completion dates. By the time I finished packing, I felt both overwhelmed and excited by those thoughts and also eager to see what the week would bring.

After a long journey, we finally arrived at the camp, ready to begin. As participants arrived, I could sense their eagerness and excitement to learn, evident in their eyes and their careful preparation—complete with all the necessary stationery (pens in every colour) and journals. We began the first evening by reflecting on the experience of our training leaders - some of whom had completed their Group Leader Trainings (GLTs) over 30 years ago. They shared valuable advice for the participants to take into the week ahead.

Throughout the week they learned about discipleship, project management, managing difficult children, camp ministry and planning a camp, creative projects, mapping out a hike and much more. Our goal was not only to deliver the lectures with passion and clarity, but also to motivate and equip participants with the tools necessary to start local groups. Apart from teaching this needed to happen through personal conversations and feedback.

In SIP (Youngstar organisation in Bulgaria) the summer camps are the pinnacle of our ministry and we have many dedicated leader and helpers. However, we face a significant challenge: a shortage of experienced leaders willing to step up and start local SIP groups. This responsibility requires ongoing dedication and planning throughout the year, unlike the limited commitment of a few weeks during summer.

On our final evening, I wanted to shift our focus to the future. I wanted to provide participants with an opportunity to offer advice to the leaders who will come after them, but also for them to take time and pray about their personal calling. We created a time capsule, where anyone could leave a letter, picture, or memory. Here is a short excerpt from one of the submissions:

"This week was amazing. The lectures were practical, and the leaders had so much experience we could learn from. I just want to encourage you that you are in the right place. Be an example for the children, and don't shy away from taking on more responsibilities. Most importantly, remember that the children and their salvation are your ultimate goal."

Before and even at times during the training, I was primarily focused on making the lectures memorable and assessing whether the participants were ready to start a group in their churches. Yet, my ongoing prayer remains that the seeds we planted and the experiences they had will inspire and give them the confidence to further invest in the ministry, creating opportunities for children to encounter and experience God. While the training and its materials provide a solid foundation, I have come to realize that my ultimate trust is in God, praying that He will meet each participant personally and call them to fulfill His work.