Being a leader who intentionally develops other leaders, and with a genuine heart for young people, Carolyn Nichols is making and engaging disciples, even into her 80s.
The senior pastor of Southport Christian Center (National City Foursquare Church) in suburban San Diego has learned that, to create a mentoring culture, we need a two-way street between the generations—to draw on the strengths and giftings of one another, and to pour into one another for the sake of the church at large. Young people need the wisdom and strength of their elders, and older people need the vision and drive of younger leaders who will take on the responsibility of the Great Commission.
Part of the strategy for deliberately investing in young leaders is creating a culture where everyone is a minister. During an interview at Foursquare Connection 2014 in Dallas, we heard from Carolyn as well as Rick Meza, who has served alongside her and is an example of the kind of ministry she lives and breathes.
All leaders should be focused on raising up new leaders to replace themselves. Not only is Carolyn successful in raising up leaders for her own congregation, but also she has discovered the joy of giving leaders away to serve other churches.
With the reality that Luke 10:2 still stands—“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (NKJV)—we need to be multiplying leaders, and teaching them by experience how to do likewise, so that more laborers go into the harvest fields.
Watch this interview and consider the simple, intentional methods of this fruitful and passionate leader in our Foursquare family.
To see more for Foursquare Connection 2014, click here.