Caleb Moser : My Leadership Pathway

I’m not 100% sure when I was confident that I wanted to be a leader.There were many little things along the way that, looking back on it now, clearly were signs of an ability to lead, says Caleb Moser, Student Ministries Resident at First Evangelical Free Church, just west of St. Louis, MO.

When he was a high school sophomore at a student retreat, he experienced a calling on his life while praying for another student, who was struggling. He felt the Holy Spirit’s leading,‘This is what I want you to do.’

While pursuing a ministry degree in college, I was required to do a summer internship. That’s when I sought out Leadership Pathway, who connected me with First Free Church. I was able to spend a summer in Student Ministry there, and upon graduation, I was invited back to pursue residency, specifically with Middle School ministry.

I have loved seeing how incredibly powerful a group of well-equipped small group leaders are. If anyone will change the world, it’s these people.To see a mom offer the same hospitality and concern to a group of eight middle schoolers, to see a youth worker get passionate about advocating for his seventh-grade boys, to see what wonderful and hilarious ideas come out of a unified group of very different leaders has been the most amazing thing I have experienced so far.

Over the next year, I want to solidify my leadership and teaching skills. I can do both pretty okay, but I want to use the structure of the residency to really hone in on these things. I am living out my calling to ministry by creating healthy time and space to jump waist-deep into ministry and these kids, while also cherishing and protecting where ministry begins—in my home, with my wife. Most importantly, my relationship with Jesus has to come even before these.

For senior leaders wanting to begin a residency at their churches, I’d say, if you can take good care of your residents, then yes, you should do this. There is almost no downside. Yes, there are requirements and structure needed to help others grow into the leaders God has made them to be. God wants to make you His instrument for equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the harvesters He calls forth. That very well may be through a residency program.

The staff around a resident need to make sure they are supported at events and day-to-day. Clear, open communication, access to required spaces, regular meetings with staff, a healthy environment, and room to fail and learn are all key components needed. Support out of the office, like practicing the Sabbath and upholding proper care and upkeep at my host home are necessary expectations to promote. Establishing healthy relationship time even outside the office is beneficial, as well.

If you’re considering ministry and wondering what to do next, I’d recommend praying. And after praying, poke your feet into doors and see which ones God wants you to pursue. Sometimes God’s will is a playground, and we just have to choose where we want to play. Other times, it is about expecting (and trusting) God to take care of you as you continue forward. It is never a mistake to follow where God is calling you.

I’m Caleb Moser, and this is my leadership pathway.