Raising up young leaders is one of the most important responsibilities of any church or organisation. The next generation of leaders needs more than just skills and knowledge—they need confidence. Without confidence, their potential remains untapped, their influence is limited, and their ability to lead others effectively is hindered.
But confidence is not something that develops overnight. It is cultivated through intentional investment, encouragement, and experience. In this post, we’ll explore ten key strategies for helping young leaders grow in confidence, backed by biblical wisdom.
1. Give Them Meaningful Responsibility
Confidence grows when leaders are entrusted with real tasks that challenge them to step up. If young leaders are only given busywork or minor roles, they won’t develop the assurance that they can handle greater responsibilities.
Jesus demonstrated this principle when He sent out the seventy-two disciples to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Luke 10:1-9). He didn’t just keep them as observers—He released them to do the work of the Kingdom.
Application: Give young leaders roles that stretch them while providing guidance and support. Assign them projects where they must rely on God’s strength, not just their own abilities.
2. Offer Encouraging Feedback
Many young leaders struggle with self-doubt. They need encouragement to help them see their strengths and potential. Paul modeled this with Timothy, frequently affirming his faith and calling:
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)
Paul also reminded Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him (2 Timothy 1:6). Encouragement helps young leaders push past insecurity and grow in their calling.
Application: Regularly affirm young leaders, highlighting what they are doing well. At the same time, provide constructive feedback that helps them improve without crushing their confidence.
3. Provide a Safe Environment for Risk-Taking
Fear of failure holds many young leaders back. If they feel like one mistake will disqualify them, they will hesitate to step out in faith. Protect them.
Jesus created a culture where His disciples could try, fail, and learn. When Peter attempted to walk on water and started sinking, Jesus didn’t rebuke him for failing—He lifted him up and taught him (Matthew 14:28-31).
Application: Allow young leaders to take risks. Let them know that failure is a part of growth and that mistakes are learning opportunities, not final judgments.
4. Model Confidence and Vulnerability
Young leaders need role models who demonstrate what it means to lead with confidence while remaining humble and dependent on God. Paul was unashamed to share both his strengths and weaknesses:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Application: Lead with boldness, but also share your own struggles and lessons learned. Show young leaders that confidence is not about being perfect but about trusting in God.
5. Mentor and Coach Them
Confidence often grows in the context of relationships. Young leaders need mentors who will invest in them, challenge them, and help them process their experiences.
Paul’s mentorship of Timothy is a great example. He didn’t just give him tasks—he guided him, encouraged him, and helped him mature as a leader (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 2:2).
Application: Establish a mentoring relationship with young leaders. Meet regularly to listen, encourage, and equip them.
6. Expose Them to Great Leaders
One of the fastest ways to build confidence is to let young leaders observe and learn from those who lead with excellence. Seeing effective leadership in action inspires and provides a model to follow.
Moses used this principle with Joshua. Before Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, he spent years observing Moses’ leadership (Exodus 24:13, Numbers 27:18-23).
Application: Invite young leaders into leadership settings. Let them sit in on meetings, attend conferences, and observe how seasoned leaders handle challenges.
7. Encourage Public Speaking and Communication
Many young leaders fear speaking in front of others, yet communication is a vital leadership skill. Encouraging them to lead meetings, share testimonies, or teach in small settings can help them grow in confidence.
Jeremiah initially resisted God’s call because he felt inadequate as a speaker:
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6, ESV)
But God reassured him:
Application: Give young leaders low-pressure opportunities to speak. Start with small groups and gradually increase the platform as they grow in confidence.
“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go.” (Jeremiah 1:7, ESV)
8. Help Them Develop a Theology of Calling
True confidence isn’t rooted in talent or experience—it’s rooted in the assurance that God has called and equipped them.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
If young leaders understand that their calling comes from God, they will be less shaken by self-doubt and criticism.
Application: Teach them to seek their identity and security in Christ rather than their performance. Help them develop a biblical understanding of calling and purpose.
9. Celebrate Their Wins
Nothing builds confidence like recognizing progress. When young leaders see that their efforts are making an impact, it reinforces their sense of calling.
Paul frequently celebrated the faith and growth of those he mentored:
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2, ESV)
Application: Acknowledge young leaders publicly and privately. Celebrate their victories and progress, no matter how small.
10. Challenge Limiting Mindsets
Many young leaders struggle with imposter syndrome or self-doubt. As mentors, we must help them replace lies with truth.
When Gideon doubted his ability to lead, God didn’t just reassure him—He redefined his identity:
“The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12, ESV)
Application: Speak God’s truth over young leaders. Remind them of their identity in Christ and the gifts He has placed within them.
Building confidence in young leaders is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. By giving them real responsibility, encouraging them, allowing them to take risks, and grounding them in their calling, we can help them become bold and effective leaders in the Kingdom.
Next Steps
• Which of these strategies can you implement today?
• Who is a young leader in your life that you can encourage this week?
• How can you create a culture where young leaders grow in confidence?
Paul Benger 