Growing Young Leaders
Faith, Freedom, Failure, and Flourishing
- Children & Youth
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
This book fills in gaps in research on leadership development programs for youth through taking the opportunity to research a long-standing leadership development program for young men that has evidenced some success. The research question was: What factors contribute to the apparent success of the Boys' Brigade leadership program? Using a grounded theory methodology, the program was examined through the lenses of communitas, liminality, servant-leadership, masculine spirituality, rites of passage, and wilderness. Research findings are that program is characterized by its uniqueness and the final theory that emerged identified the importance for youth ministry of acceptance, imperfection, and freedom and empowerment, within an overarching spiritual dimension, evidenced throughout the study, most remarkably through the positive response to worship. Staff factors were also critical, including the description of the staff team as being multi-generational, non-hierarchical, and servant-led, not placing a high value on differentiation of status and allowing a seamless transition of course graduates into staff roles.
Endorsements (4)
“Few things are truly life defining. Over several decades a large proportion of the participants in the Australian Boys Brigade Leadership program have consistently identified their experience of the program as truly life defining. What makes this relatively simple program so incredibly powerful? Donald Smith has rigorously analyzed the factors that contribute to it success through the experience of the participants over many years. This book summarizes the principles underpinning a proven leadership program that astute readers can use in the development of the next generation of leaders that our world so desperately needs.”
“The leadership course discussed in these pages was fundamental to my development as a Christian leader. I encourage all youth leaders to read this book. Don has helped shape the lives of young leaders for many years, and his research will transform your ministry into one that fully develops and trains servant leaders. Oh, and go do a SOLO!”
“Growing Young Leaders by Donald Smith is an exploration of transformative leadership development for young men. With deep insights into community, spirituality, and personal growth, the book captures the essence of mentorship and resilience. Grounded in research, with real-life stories, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone invested in youth ministry, intergenerational leadership, or nurturing the next generation of servant leaders. A must-read for empowering young men to flourish towards becoming leaders.”
“Readers will be surprised and intrigued by the findings of Don’s research. This book exhibits a refreshing hopefulness for those who disciple young men.”
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