by Mercedes Thomas and Lynn Shertzer

“One of my goals is that we transition well, and that we have a plan in place—not just when we have to—but we are actually being proactive in what that looks like. I thought, what if churches have a proactive plan for the next generation of leaders? What would that look like? And I think what that looks like is saying, ‘God’s harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. But what if we amped up that worker force, especially in the leadership category?'”

Slate Hill Mennonite Church consistently sends and supports leaders through LMC’s STEP program, and has seen the amazing transformation that takes place in students’ lives! STEP has also been helpful in creating a leadership pipeline, or “bench,” for Slate Hill, with new leaders equipped and leading in various ways and ministries.

Lynn, who also serves as an instructor for STEP, has a desire to see more LMC congregations invest in this program by sending potential leaders through the program for leadership and spiritual development. These new leaders are the future of the church and are prepared to lead for generations to come.

Listen to the full conversation between Lynn and Mercedes below.

Lynn Shertzer serves as the Lead Pastor at Slate Hill Mennonite Church and is an instructor for STEP.

Mercedes Thomas serves as LMC’s Communications Director.