Guiding the Next Generation with Purpose and Empathy
As young professionals, many of us are navigating a world that’s fast-paced, ever-changing, and at times, overwhelming. We know what it feels like to be in the early stages of our careers or faith journeys—trying to find our place and purpose, facing uncertainty, and often wondering how to reach the next step. Now, imagine the impact we can have on someone just a few years behind us. We’re not “seasoned” yet ourselves, but we’ve learned enough to know that those small, intentional, moments of encouragement, can make a world of difference to someone younger than us.
When I think about what we long for from those who are older or more experienced, a few things stand out: guidance without judgment, encouragement without condescension, and space to grow at our own pace. We crave mentors who can speak from a place of understanding, who don’t minimize our struggles but instead, help us navigate them with wisdom and empathy. At the same time, we also tend to shy away from advice that feels disconnected from our reality or dismissive of our unique challenges.
So, how can these reflections shape the way we influence those coming up behind us?
Be Accessible and Approachable
Young professionals often feel the pressure to have everything figured out—whether that’s in their career, faith, or personal life. When we interact with someone younger, it’s important to remember that we don’t need to have all the answers. What we can offer is a listening ear, a genuine interest in their story, and a willingness to share our own experiences—both the wins and the missteps. Being open and vulnerable about our own journey can make us more relatable and approachable, which builds trust.
Offer Encouragement, Not Just Advice
It’s easy to fall into the trap of offering advice at every opportunity; but sometimes, what younger people need most is not a solution, but validation that they’re on the right path, even when it feels uncertain. We can be that voice of encouragement, reminding them that growth is a process and that the bumps along the way don’t define their success or worth. Offer advice, yes, but do it in a way that empowers them to make their own decisions and trust their instincts.
Respect Their Journey
One of the most impactful things we can do for someone younger is to respect where they are in their journey. While we might have our own ideas about what they “should” do, it’s essential to give them the freedom to explore, to make mistakes, and to learn in their own time. Our role isn’t to shape their journey to match ours, but to walk alongside them, offering support and wisdom as they figure out their own path.
Be Consistent in Your Faith and Character
When it comes to influencing someone’s faith experience, what we say matters, but how we live speaks even louder. College students and younger professionals are watching us closely—not just our successes, but how we handle challenges, how we treat others, and how we prioritize our relationship with God. Consistency in our faith, humility in our shortcomings, and authenticity in our walk with Christ will leave a lasting impression on those who are looking up to us.
Build Relationships, Not Transactions
Influence is built through relationships, not quick interactions. Invest time in getting to know the younger people around you—ask about their dreams, their fears, their faith, and their goals. Show genuine care for them as individuals, not as projects to fix or mold. The more intentional we are about building relationships, the more impactful our influence will be.
Ultimately, our goal should be to encourage the next generation to be confident in who they are and who God is calling them to be. We’ve been given the opportunity to be a source of strength and wisdom, just as we’ve longed for from those who’ve gone before us. So let’s take what we’ve learned, both from the things we appreciated and the things we didn’t, and use it to shape the way we engage with those younger than us—with grace, humility, and intentionality. In doing so, we not only help them grow, but we grow ourselves.
Toya Wolfe, Assistant to the President for Mission, contributed to this post.
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