WHY IT MATTERS
“Raise them up and send them out! This is what we have always tried to do with young, talented, and faithful people from St. John’s – and the Harbor provides exactly the kind of support we need to do that."
- Pastor Jeremy Schultz
Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover God’s calling, develop the gifts they’ve been given. The Harbor helps churches and ministry partners create that space through meaningful responsibility, intentional discernment, and relationships that invest in young leaders.
When we intentionally develop young leaders, we do more than prepare people for future ministry positions, we help cultivate disciples who understand that every vocation can be a place where Christ is made known.
A Partnership That Works
Together, we discover, develop, and send young leaders.
Discover
Recognize young people with gifts to become
"who's next" in leadership.
Nominate
Commit to support their opportunity by nominating them to The Harbor.
Develop
Partner with The Harbor for formation, mentorship, and vocation exploration.
Send
Help young leaders take what they've learned into their next step.
What Your Church Provides
Nomination of Candidates
Potential Navigator if Available
Young Leader Stipend
Commission Placement to Congregation
Host a Monthly Cohort Session
What The Harbor Provides
Screened & Matched Young Leaders
Formation & Leadership Development
Support for Young Leaders & Navigators
Program Progress & Communication
Shared Experiences & Milestones
Connection to the Broader Harbor Network
Real People. Real Impact.
Say "I See In You"
Your church has the opportunity to notice gifts, strengths, and potential in young people that they may not yet recognize in themselves. Through the Harbor, you can be the voice that says, “I see in you…” and help a young leader begin to imagine how God might use their gifts. Sometimes, a church’s willingness to name what it sees can be the encouragement that helps a young person take their next step.
Give Them Room to Try On
Your church can give young people the opportunity to try on roles, responsibilities, and experiences before they have everything figured out. By creating space to experiment, ask questions, and discover what fits, you may help a young leader uncover gifts or interests they never knew they had. The Harbor provides a framework for churches to open those doors with purpose and support.
Behind the Scene Positions
Your church has an opportunity to introduce young people to the many roles that make ministry possible—often the ones that happen behind the scenes and rarely receive the spotlight. From technology and communications to administration, hospitality, music, and other areas of service, these roles can reveal meaningful ways to use their gifts. By inviting young people into this work, your church helps them see that there are many ways to contribute to the life and mission of the church.
