Guest article by Pastor Donald Beacham

At the most recent Missio Nexus Annual Conference in Orlando, I couldn’t help but notice something striking: the sea of grey heads in the audience—mine included! In the Church Mission Leaders breakout sessions, the trend was even more noticeable. There were far more older leaders than younger ones.

This reality hits close to home for me. Our own church is 35 years old and growing increasingly grey. I stepped into the role of mission pastor three decades ago. Back then, I was the “young” leader. Now—well—I’m the seasoned one. And it raises an important question:

How do we intentionally pass the baton to younger, innovative leaders who will carry the Great Commission forward in the years to come?

Learning to Start Sooner

If I could do one thing differently, it would be this: I would start earlier.

Ten or fifteen years ago, I should have been prayerfully looking for a younger, gifted, teachable believer—my own “Timothy.” Someone who could walk alongside me, learn, grow, and gradually step into greater leadership. But like many of us, I was too busy doing the ministry to invest in the next generation of leaders.

By God’s grace, someone is stepping into my role now—and they are doing a wonderful job. But I realize they should have been empowered to influence long before today.

Think Beyond Your Tenure

I encourage every mission leader, young or old, to think beyond your own season of leadership. Whoever you see stepping into ministry with passion—invite them in. Bring them with you as you:

Lead meetings
Oversee local outreach
Travel on short-term mission trips
Teach classes and seminars
Make decisions
Pray for the nations

Discipleship and leadership development don’t happen in a classroom alone—they happen shoulder-to-shoulder in real ministry.

Paul gave Timothy this same exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:1–2 (NET):

“So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.”

Leadership is never meant to end with us. It is meant to multiply.

For the King and His Kingdom,
Don Beacham
Global Pastor, Grace Community Church of Arlington

Upcoming Opportunities

2024 Church Mission Leaders Conference

Theme: Priority: Progress, Prospects & the Panta ta Ethne
📍 Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky
Registration is now open.

Live Discussion – Risk & Short-Term Missions

Missio Nexus and Brotherhood Mutual share findings from a groundbreaking study on the complex realities of short-term mission risk.

Lausanne 4 – Global Congress on World Evangelization

Christian and mission groups worldwide can join through a curated satellite site experience. Register your site today.

Books That Shaped Us

Rediscover some of the classic mission-focused works that have inspired generations:

Let the Nations Be Glad — John Piper
Peace Child — Don Richardson
Shadow of the Almighty — Elisabeth Elliot
God’s Heart for the Nations — Jeff Lewis
On Being a Missionary — Thomas Hale

You can also browse 100+ books, magazines, and reports at the Missio Nexus Shop.

Worth Reading Online

Second Conversion — Ted Esler’s powerful article on embracing God’s global vision.
How Persecution Expands God’s Kingdom — John Yoder writes about shining the light of Christ among immigrant communities.
Strengthening the Indigenous Church — An EMQ feature on the Ammi Training Center and how diverse tribes in South America are being equipped for ministry.

We Want to Hear From You

Many new Church Mission Leaders (five years or less in the role) have expressed a desire for coaching and support. Missio Nexus is exploring launching a coaching program beginning September 2024 through Spring 2025.

If you—or someone you know—would be interested, please reach out and let us know.