Why Your Corps Can’t Afford to Overlook Young Leaders

Here’s the truth: If we want The Salvation Army to thrive tomorrow, we have to invest in leadership today. Not someday. Not next year. Today. And the best place to start? With our young people—in every Corps.

Young people aren’t just the “leaders of tomorrow.” They are the leaders of right now—full of energy, creativity, and passion. They’re eager to make a difference. But here’s the problem: Without intentional investment, many of these young people will never develop into the leaders they’re meant to be.

We can’t afford to wait. The world is changing fast. Our communities need leaders who are ready to step up and meet the challenges head-on—leaders who are confident in their faith, equipped with skills, and motivated by a heart to serve.

So, what does it mean to invest in young leaders?

It means creating an environment where young people can grow, experiment, and lead. It means mentors who pour into them—not just with advice but with real-life experiences. It means giving them responsibility, not just babysitting.

Here’s what every Corps can do:

• Be intentional. Don’t leave leadership development to chance. Create clear pathways for young people to step up.
• Provide real opportunities. Let them lead worship, organize community outreach, or serve on leadership teams.
• Build relationships. Mentorship is more than a programme; it includes showing up, listening, and challenging young people to grow.
• Celebrate growth. Recognize and affirm their leadership wins—big and small.

Listen, investing in young leaders isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a mission-critical priority. When we invest well, we create a leadership pipeline that strengthens The Salvation Army and ensures our mission continues.

The future of the Corps depends on this generation stepping up—and it starts with us making leadership development a priority today.

If we don’t raise up leaders now, who will lead when we’re gone?

Let’s be the generation that says yes—yes to investing, yes to mentoring, yes to empowering young leaders to change the world.