MN Koronis CFO 2004: Youth IN Leadership

by Lisa LaLonde

This August I was privileged to be part of the Youth Leadership Training program at Koronis CFO in Minnesota. Not only was it exciting to be at the site of the first CFO camp, with its sense of history and heritage, but there was a feeling of being on the edge of something new, the forging ahead of the vision of CFO as taken up by a new generation. As the week wove itself onward, I believe we all had a sense of the moment we were in. The plan was direct: give youth opportunities to train in three areas of leadership within CFO: leading worship, speaking, and rhythms. The goal was achievable: prep them for the last day where the morning session would be entirely youth-led. The results - well, like any good CFO plan, they were remarkable because the Lord was given the leadership and He moved us to places we could only glimpse at first. Like all good visions, it was merely a launching dock to step out on the water with Him and have Him say, “See what I can do?”

For me personally, there were two important aspects of what happened at Koronis. First, the leadership team was in unity and prayed often and sought the Lord for direction instead of applying a ready-made plan. What freedom and vision in that! We had a plan, but we wrapped it loosely so that we could be sensitive to the needs of THESE people, THESE moments, THESE glimpses of heaven. That produced personal results in many people. Secondly, we had the sanction, approval and applause of not only the Council Ring, but also the seasoned leaders within the camp, and the speakers and leaders who were with us that week. Ruth and Wayne West caught the vision. Kenny Davis caught the vision. Carolyn Miller caught the vision. Jane Kampsnider caught the vision. The Council Ring handed us not only the ball, but the game plan, the fans, the advertising, and the whole stadium. They said, “Let’s do this!” As someone who has observed youth in many CFO environments, I cannot say enough about this aspect of training for our youth. They need to be in leadership now, not tomorrow. Yes, we need to coach , counsel and mentor them, but there is no way to learn how to sail from the dock. You have to be out on the water. I saw these youth (of all ages) boldly, fearlessly, courageously, say yes to the task. There were so many speakers willing to give it a shot that they all had to split the time! There were so many rhythms leaders that you couldn’t help but pick up on their enthusiasm and jump in yourself. And the worship team was full of young people who are not afraid to test their skills, with instrument or not, before the throne of God. At one point during the youth-led worship, I felt something rising up in me. I was so proud of them. I wanted to shout from the top of the building, “This is the youth of CFO! They’re going somewhere, and going there fast!” The words didn’t come out, but the feeling remained, and is still with me today. I wish you could have been there. But you know, I have a feeling you’ll all be seeing some of it soon.

© 2004 Cincogatos Productions
Published in the CFO Fellowship Messenger October 2004
Also published in Camps Farthest Out: The Journey: Past, Present and Future: Celebrating 75 Years of Living Prayer. Austin MN: Macalester Park Publishing, © 2005