When they called my name and said, “Congratulations, Mr Chairman,” I smiled. Everyone smiled. There were claps, congratulations, and prayers. It felt like a moment of honor—and it was. But what nobody tells you is that behind that title comes a weight no one fully prepares you for.
Because the moment you become “Mr Chairman,” you stop being “just one of the guys.” You are now the answer man. The decision maker. The one people turn to when things go wrong—and they will. You are the one who must carry the vision, the frustrations, the setbacks, the critics, the deadlines, and the chaos… and still show up with a smile.
Leadership in the church, especially among the youth, is beautiful. But it’s also messy. The same people who cheered for you will criticize you. The same people who encouraged you will leave you standing alone when the work gets hard. And if you’re not careful, you’ll mistake the title for authority, when in reality, leadership is about service.
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 23:11: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” That’s the part they don’t clap for, but it’s the part that matters most.
I quickly realized that being Mr Chairman was not about sitting at the front during meetings or having your name on the program. It was about making sure the work got done, that people were heard, that plans moved forward, and that God’s vision for the ministry was pursued—whether people supported it or not.
And here’s the truth: Leadership will test your patience, your faith, your character, and your resilience. You will learn that not everyone who smiles at you supports you. You will face moments when you want to quit. But if God placed you there, you must carry the burden with grace.
As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” You’ll need that strength more than you know.
When they say, “Hello Mr Chairman,” they’re not just greeting you. They’re reminding you: “It’s on you now.”
So, to every leader carrying the weight of expectation, the weight of vision, and the weight of people—welcome to the table. Welcome to the work. Welcome to the sleepless nights and the prayers that start with “God, please help me…”
You’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed. You’re not weak for wondering if you’re the right person for the job. The fact that you care this much already proves you are.
And if you can keep your heart in the right place, stay humble, stay grateful, and stay faithful, the title Mr Chairman won’t just be something people call you. It will be something you live out with honor.
