When I started to compete heavily in triathlons I knew I needed to purchase a “real” triathlon bike.  But I didn’t just go buy one.  I built one.  I started with the frame.  Then the wheels, saddle, tires, etc.  One of the last purchases I made was the chain.  I put the chain on and took my tri-bike out for the first time.  It was amazing!  I rode down my typical route and began my first climb.  As I stood up and cranked the pedals my chain popped off.  My master link was not on tight enough and I was done-instantly!  

A young man was mentoring with an evangelist and they were speaking at our church.  I set up a 2hr time slot to simply pour myself into this 24yr old.  When we were done he said, “Pastor, I have been traveling for two years and you are the first Sr. Pastor to ever talk to me.”  This makes my blood boil!  The next generation of leaders are out there and we are doing nothing about it.  This is why churches die with their pastors.  This is why fellowships are following apart.  The chain has been broken.  Our young leaders are the master link to hold it together!  Don’t break the chain! “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).  Was Paul just wanting them to hang out and teach in Ephesus?  No.  His desire was for them to go and teach in every city and replicate themselves.