MEET A DANGEROUS GROUP OF PEOPLE

The SALLT Young Leaders Commencement Address.*

Before going through SALLT Young Leaders, each of us had a passion and a heart for change. We found ourselves in leadership positions, and wanted to use those opportunities to further the Kingdom. We wanted to see change in our churches and at our jobs.

But we felt alone, that any real significant change wasn't something we could do, especially alone.

Then came SALLT. The class year is started off with a 3 day retreat and when we first met each other, there was an instantaneous connection. As a matter of fact, on the second day - most of us could tell you the names of our 23 classmates. There is no denying that we are the social generation.  Throughout the duration of the training (8 months,) we have heard about and gotten to meet some of the current incredible city Christian leadership. It's encouraging and it inspires us. Our city is changing and for the better. One of our classmates said that if we can stick together as a class and remain connected with the SALLT family, we will be a dangerous group of people.

In our city, we have great examples of Godly leadership. Watching how Christian leaders who have gone before us-- like David Green, Tom Hill, the Binkowskis, and others-- have raised the bar of running a business on Biblical principles with a city transformational mindset has been a challenge and inspiration. This also includes those like Wes Lane who fearlessly take God into government while seeking Biblical justice. The creation of SALLT as a leadership training program, is a testament to the wisdom and forward thinking of such leaders. SALLT is a direct attack against the evil one. It’s intentional. It’s strategic.  And it’s collective.

However, like King Saul and David, the next generation must find the balance between following the wise example before us, and realizing when God is calling us to change the game. If David had worn Saul's armor into battle, he wouldn't have beat Goliath. Let’s face it, Saul’s generation didn’t exactly think David was ready. They made fun of him, and said “Why don’t you just go back to the sheep?” I’m sure at times, as the generation before ours looks at us they must think-- just go back to your Facebooks.

Children are being fed. Families are being restored. Spiritual and physical needs are being met all over our city.


But, there is much to be done.   Like David, our generation has a particular set of gifts and skills. And I think that God knew exactly what he was doing when he gifted this generation with our love for social interaction. The Goliath’s of our time will take a special strategy to be defeated. These evils will take a special strategy to be defeated. Evils like the attack on the family, homosexual marriage, freedom of speech, to name a few; these may be battles that can’t be won the same way our parents “fought”. 

I would ask that the generation who have gone before us. Pray for us. Continue to lead as you are. We are watching. We are learning. We are so thankful for the example in front of us, and when you’re ready, to pass the battle flag, we will carry it forward.


*SALLT (Salt and Light Leadership Training) currently offers two tracks of training.  One is the Signature class for ages 35 up and the Young Leaders class for ages 25-35.  Each year we have a graduation ceremony and this year Stefani Wilson from the Young Leaders class represented 23 of her fellow classmates.  This is her graduation address.

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​Stefani Wilson
Director of Administrative Services
​TriCorps Security

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