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I’ve wondered what it looks like to equip leaders for the church. What does it take to develop leaders for today and for tomorrow? Does it require fancy programs? Are small groups a must? This past June at General Synod my questions were answered in an unexpected way.

By Doug Baker

I’ve wondered what it looks like to equip leaders for the church. What does it take to develop leaders for today and for tomorrow? Does it require fancy programs? Are small groups a must? This past June at General Synod my questions were answered in an unexpected way.

Before the first session of synod started, we had time to greet old friends. I stood talking with a fellow pastor when an elder delegate walked up and introduced himself as Arlen Moss from Hull, Iowa. “I grew up in Hull,” I said. We soon realized we had attended the same church 30 or so years ago. And then Arlen rocked my world.

“Do you remember a Sunday morning at American Reformed Church many years ago? Three children came to church all by themselves. They sat in the front pew and patiently waited for worship to begin. Halfway through the service the youngest, a girl of about three, got bored and decided to wander around the pulpit area.

“My wife urged me forward, and I went and sat down next to the two boys. I motioned to the little girl to sit with us. I had peppermints to share. We sat together for the rest of the service. Afterward they left, and I never really knew what became of them.”

“I remember,” I said. “I remember the man who came to sit with my brother, sister, and me. I remember the peppermints. That was you?”

“Yes! And now here you are, a pastor!”

We did, sort of, disappear after that morning. Church became a rare event for most of my childhood, but that morning has always been one of my good memories of church. It was scary that day until Arlen sat with us. Until the peppermints. And yes, here I am, a pastor.

There is power in the simple sharing of life, whether it happens at General Synod or in a pew. The Spirit knows exactly what it takes to make a future leader for God’s kingdom. And sometimes, it begins with peppermints and presence.

Doug Baker is pastor of Bentheim Reformed Church in Hamilton, Michigan. “Platform” gives RCA members a chance to share their opinions.