At Connection Point Early Learning Center, we are committed to Developing World Changers. We know that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and believe that the mission to create stronger, more confident world leaders starts in early development. There are several things that parents, teachers, and role models can do to grow leadership skills and build confidence. Here are five tips on how to raise a future leader.
1. Believe Your Child is a Leader with Influence
There is a common misconception that a person is born a leader. Leadership is influence and it is inevitable that your child will influence someone at some point in their lives. Tim Elmore, the founder of Growing Leaders stated how “even the most introverted individual will influence ten thousand other people during his or her lifetime.” In fact, even just being a Christian, we have influence. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
2. See Your Child as Part of the Whole
We can’t change the world alone, but we can do our part to move towards positive change. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Each of us has a unique gift to offer to the whole. If the whole is effective when we strive to do our part, that is when impact happens. It must also be true that the spiritual body is much more effective if all its members perform their gift in unity and harmony as God designed. When a child begins to explore their identity and giftings in Christ, they will grow into that purpose.
3. Recognize Your Child Has a Ripple Effect
Every person we touch is influenced is some way. By our actions, our words, our dreams, and our story. By how we voice our story and how we choose to pursue it. Imagine that our influence helps to instill those same values in someone else. Then, that person has people they will influence and so forth. Influenced people can inspire others and be called to action. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Provoke one another to love and good deeds.” We are in a “responsibility pond” where each person is responsible for provoking the ripples that occur around them with love.
4. Start Growing Your Child’s Leadership at a Young Age
Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Start children off on the way they should go and, even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” We aren’t born inherently with values that develop a world changer. However, if we are intentional, we can instill values like honesty, honor, respect, authenticity, social responsibility, and the courage to stand up for what they believe is right. Modeled behavior from teachers and parents becomes copied behavior, whether obvious or subconscious. An established foundation in our children is what will build leaders for the future.
5. Root Your Child in God
The previous reasons discussed for how we can develop world changers are the evidence of the power of God through us to change the world. On our own accord, we can feel discouraged at the thought of trying to change the world for the better. The good news is that He has already defeated the enemy. The thing that needs overcoming is removing the separation of us to Him by our sin. We live in a fallen world, but it does not mean that a person can’t be saved. One person can help change the world by leading others to Christ.
Developing World Changers is not an impossible feat. Our best chance on how to raise a future leader is to believe in and embrace God’s plan. If we believe that we can’t make a difference, then we limit God. We cap him with what He can do through us. Our call is to be obedient. His ways are bigger than our ways. We must do our part and let God do the rest!