This week we’re expanding “Team FYI” from 4 to 6, and we couldn’t be more excited. We are adding two new part-time interns, both of whom are Fuller students and super sharp, to our team.

Haley Smith is a first year student at Fuller Seminary from Dallas, Texas working to earn her Masters in Theology and Ministry. She graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Journalism and has worked the past four years in fundraising for ministries and social justice organizations.

Daniel Kim is getting his M.Div. at Fuller and is a youth ministry volunteer at his church, hoping to one day be a full-time youth pastor. He’s originally from New Jersey and is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, so he also had a rough Sunday (as did I as a Chargers fan).

As they join our team, I’m reminded of a few leadership lessons:

1. God intends for us to train up others. Just as Elijah modeled with Elisha and Paul modeled with Timothy, God intends us to pour into others. I am where I am because a few people poured into me.

2. Often training others means more work at first. Just because it’s right doesn’t mean it’s easy. Often equipping others to do ministry, even if it’s eventually going to mean less work for you, starts off by being more work.

3. Inviting new blood into our system shows us our own strengths and its flaws. I am sure that there will be aspects of FYI that Daniel and Haley will applaud, and aspects of FYI that will leave them scratching their head and suggesting better options. We need both affirmation of what we’re doing well and insights as to ways we could improve.

4. This experience is about their growth, not just FYI’s needs. We are doing our best to fit their tasks into the vision God has given them for their futures. So yes, they will end up making copies and shopping for office supplies, but hopefully they’ll also be better thinkers, leaders, and ministers because of our time together.