Everything rises and falls on leadership!

Hello, and welcome to this latest edition of @SU.

In this issue we have a special focus on SU’s longstanding contribution to developing leadership character and capacity among the next generation of young Christians.

As a ‘graduate’ of SU Scotland’s Basecamp and LeadUP training events back in the 1990s, I can testify personally to the value of these programmes in fostering a godly, biblical mindset to leading and equipping young people with a fantastic range of practical skills which are transferable to almost any environment.

'Everything rises and falls on leadership!' So says Dr John Maxwell… 'But knowing how to lead is only half the battle. Understanding leadership and actually leading are two different activities.'

That’s why SU Scotland’s combination of training young people in servant leadership AND giving them safe but challenging opportunities to learn and grow in their leadership is incredibly powerful. Don’t just take my word for it—check out Daniel’s experience on page 4.

John Maxwell also writes: 'Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.' Everyone has some level of influence, meaning all of us are leaders, regardless of role or job title!

Music teacher, high-profile Bake Off celebrity and SU Scotland Volunteer Kevin Flynn certainly used his new-found 'influencer' status to be an amazing witness for Jesus, making no secret of his Christian faith on his

Instagram profile and in media interviews. Learn more about his experience on page 6.

Whilst we might not be given quite as public a platform to share our faith (!), let’s look to use our God-given influence to lead and serve well and share his love and salvation with the people that we do life with in 2023.

And don’t miss the fascinating feature on page 16 where Dr Jamie Grant shares insights into how we can be helping children, young people and adults better bridge the gap between contemporary culture and reading the Bible, a challenge that will always be right at the heart of our ministry as the Scripture Union movement in Scotland.

Happy reading and leading.

Robin MacLellan, CEO robin.maclellan@suscotland.org.uk