Leading with Purpose: Kamohelo Lebese Ministry Journey

My name is Kamohelo Lebese, and I am a devoted Master Guide and Senior Youth Leader in the Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministries within the Trans Orange Conference in South Africa. My journey with this ministry began at a very young age. Being born into the Adventist Church, seeing Pathfinders dressed in uniform felt like a rite of passage—something I always knew I would be part of. However, if you had asked me back then whether I’d fall in love with working with young people, I would have laughed and called it impossible.

My church had a Pathfinder club, but it wasn’t very active. As a result, my first real taste of the ministry came during district or conference events. Those experiences were transformative. They captivated me, and from then on, I was hooked. Over time, my local church’s Pathfinder club became more vibrant and consistent. I began my journey with the Friend class, and I haven’t looked back since.

A big part of my love for the ministry came from my family. In our household, the youth department was held in high regard, and it was almost natural for us to be involved. My family boasts over ten Master Guides, so it felt like the right path to take. At the age of 16, while still in high school, I started working toward becoming a Master Guide. I was highly motivated, not just by my passion for the ministry but also by the inspiration I drew from the Master Guides in my family. I looked up to them, and they set a standard I was determined to meet. When I completed my Guide class, I already knew my next step. In fact, I was so confident about it that I declared on Facebook, “I will be like them (Master Guides).”

After being invested as a Master Guide, I quickly found myself stepping into leadership roles. I worked at the district level while serving as a Pathfinder director at my local church. Even before these formal roles, my leadership abilities were evident. One of the church elders approached me, asking if I’d be interested in becoming the Adventist Youth (AY) leader. At that time, the AY leader was considered the chairperson of all youth departments in the church. However, when he discovered my age—I was only 14 or 15—he was taken aback. I didn’t fully understand his hesitation until another person, who was older, was chosen for the position.

Despite my age, I carried myself with the confidence and readiness of a leader. While my peers were excited about attending camps, I was part of the team planning them. I organized transportation and managed logistics, shouldering responsibilities that many wouldn’t expect of someone my age. I didn’t see my work as extraordinary; it felt like a natural extension of my love for the ministry and my commitment to its growth.

One of the challenges I’ve observed in the church is how we approach youth leadership development. We often emphasize that Pathfinders are the leaders of tomorrow, but when they reach the age to lead as Senior Youth, we fail to follow through. From Adventurers to Pathfinders, we’re told, “Adventurers today, Pathfinders tomorrow,” and later, “Pathfinders today, leaders tomorrow.” These messages inspire us to envision ourselves as the future elders and pastors of the church. But when the time comes, many of us are overlooked or made to feel unprepared.

This lack of follow-through has significant consequences. Young people are often excluded from decision-making and leadership opportunities. Mentorship, once a vital part of leadership development, has become almost non-existent. When we ask about positions in the church, we’re sometimes ignored. These experiences can leave us feeling disillusioned, but I refuse to let this cycle continue.

I am committed to leading in a way that leaves a lasting impact. My goal is to ensure that all young people find their place in the house of the Lord and are equipped to work for Him. I believe in creating opportunities for young leaders, even if they stumble along the way. I would rather see them fall 100 times while striving to serve the Lord than not try at all.

It’s time for us—as leaders, parents, and church members—to fight for the future of the church by investing in the youth of today. We must mentor them, empower them, and trust them to lead. Leadership isn’t just about taking charge; it’s about building others up so they can take charge when their time comes.

My journey in this ministry has been one of growth, learning, and unwavering dedication. From the young boy captivated by Pathfinders in uniform to the leader I am today, my story is a testament to the power of passion, mentorship, and community. As I continue to serve, my prayer is that the seeds we plant today will bear fruit in a generation of young leaders who are confident, capable, and committed to working for the Lord.

The future of the church lies in our hands, and the time to act is now.