The Making of a Leader: How God Forms Character, Calling, and Influence Over a Lifetime with Richard Clinton

What if the most important work God is doing in your leadership right now is not through you, but in you? In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Dr. Richard Clinton about how God develops leaders over time through formation, testing, experience, and response. Drawing on leadership emergence theory and decades of ministry experience, Richard explains why the years between ages 25 and 35 are especially significant for character formation, mentoring, and learning to lead for the long haul. Main Points Leadership is both shaped by God and developed over time; it does not appear fully formed overnight. God is often more concerned with who a leader is becoming than with what that leader is accomplishing. The 25–35 stage is often a crucial season of inner life growth and ministry maturing. Four core character foundations for emerging leaders are integrity, obedience, humility, and faith. God uses tests and checks throughout a leader’s life to strengthen character and response. Mentors are essential for helping leaders navigate difficult seasons, avoid burnout, and finish well. Two stabilizing truths for every leader: God is with you and God wants to help you. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with an emerging leader or mentor who needs encouragement for the long journey of leadership. Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive Here are the top three related episodes I found from the Lausanne Movement Podcast archive: The Art of Whole Life Mentorship: An Interview with Ole-Magnus Olafsrud - https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-whole-life-mentorship-an-interview-with-ole-magnus-olasfrud  Discipling Future Leaders for Global Mission: Nana Yaw Offei Awuku on Building Generational Impact & YLG 2026 - https://lausanne.org/podcast/discipling-future-leaders-for-global-mission-nana-yaw-offei-awuku-on-building-generational-impact-ylg-2026  Links & Resources Clinton Leadership 2.0 — Richard Clinton’s website, which exists to continue the work of J. Robert Clinton and Richard Clinton by helping leaders finish well. The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton — the foundational book behind much of the conversation on leadership emergence and lifelong formation. Connecting by Paul D. Stanley and J. Robert Clinton — a mentoring resource Richard specifically recommends in the interview. Courses from Clinton Leadership 2.0 — Richard mentions courses and leadership development tools available through the Clinton Leadership site. Leadership coaching with Richard Clinton — coaching resources for leaders seeking help understanding their development journey. “The Emerging Leader” article by J. Robert Clinton — a useful complementary resource on early leadership development. Richard Clinton Bio Dr. Richard Clinton is a leadership mentor, pastor, and co-founder of the Clinton Leadership Network, dedicated to helping leaders understand how God develops their calling, character, and influence over a lifetime. Building on the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. J. Robert Clinton, Richard has spent more than four decades studying, teaching, and coaching leaders around the world. He has served in a wide range of ministry roles—including church planter, pastor, professor, consultant, and leadership trainer—and has worked with leaders across cultures and contexts globally. Richard also continues to steward and expand the leadership development insights behind The Making of a Leader, equipping emerging and seasoned leaders to grow in character and finish well. Richard continues to mentor leaders, teach on leadership formation, and provide resources through Clinton Leadership 2.0, helping a new generation discern how God is shaping their lives and leadership for long-term impact.