Denver church extends youth leadership development to community

Twelve youth, ages 11-14, participate in Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church's youth leadership development program.

One Denver, Colo., church hopes to effect change in the world through children. Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church (STMBC) began leadership workshops with its own youth five years ago and, after participating in the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS)-run Missional Church Learning Experience (MCLE), recently extended a youth leadership development program to the outside community.

STMBC’s mission is to develop, equip and empower greater numbers of leaders from all walks of life, according to the Rev. Mary Tellis, area minister of American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains and ministry and mission coach for Denver and Northern Front Range Clusters. “When Solomon was introduced to the Missional Church Learning Experience and began to explore research and develop relationships with people in the community,” says Tellis, “it was evident that young emergent leaders needed a place to have their gifts and
abilities developed.”  

STMBC approached Denver’s Stedman Elementary School and, in November 2010, 12 youth—six from the community and six from the church—began attending monthly Saturday meetings. Ranging in age from 11 to 14, participants were selected if they had exemplified balance and fulfillment in their lives by adhering to leadership principles. The program—which includes guest speakers, field trips and community projects—seeks to teach the young leaders effective communication skills, conflict mediation, decision-making, team dynamics, problem-solving, meeting structure, and response to change. It also promotes social ethics, positive self-awareness, professional development and hands-on experience. Integrity, accountability and respect are stressed.

“The need has never been greater for leaders at all levels,” according to a written proposal for the youth leadership development program. “Leadership attributes are usually developed much later in life and often introduced as an alternative after a crisis. This training will provide fundamentals that are essential for shaping and grooming individuals that will evolve as the leaders continue to grow, matriculate and mature. This training not only prepares the individuals but creates an example in the homes, schools and communities for positive energy and prepares the individual to pursue his or her destiny by providing the necessary tools for success and accomplishments.” 

The idea to take a youth leadership development program to the community grew from STMBC’s involvement in MCLE, which asks churches to look beyond their own walls. To participate in MCLE, a church must select a team of at least five individuals. The team meets four times in a learning community comprised of at least six churches of the same region. Through a sharing process, each church develops its own project.

“We are making a difference in the lives of children,” says Tellis, “which empowers individuals, families, churches, communities and, ultimately, the world.”

If your church would like to become involved in MCLE, contact the Rev. Glynis LaBarre, ABHMS’ transformation strategist, at glynis.labarre@abhms.org or 800-222-3872, x2412.

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