The Kind of Leaders Young People Need | Asiri Fernando on Servanthood and Discipleship That Lasts

Young people need leaders who are willing to serve, stay close, walk in truth, and refuse to give up on them.

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Asiri Fernando, a Youth for Christ leader in Sri Lanka who has spent nearly 20 years reaching and discipling young people.

Drawing from decades of ministry, Asiri reflects on the kind of leaders young people need: leaders who embrace servanthood, remain rooted in Scripture, take repentance seriously, persevere when fruit is slow, and stay close to people for the long haul.

Main Points

• Discipleship begins with presence. Asiri describes discipleship as “unhurried lingering with people”—staying close enough for faith to be formed through relationship, example, and time.
• Servant leaders go down rather than climb up. Following the pattern of Jesus, leaders are called to resist the desire to make a name for themselves and instead draw close to the people they are called to serve.
• Young people are hungry for truth and authentic community. Asiri sees a generation growing up amid fake and artificial content that is deeply hungry for Scripture, honesty, and communities where people are willing to walk in the light.
• Discipleship that lasts requires Scripture, repentance, and responsibility. Asiri highlights studying the Word in community, taking repentance seriously, practising accountability, and trusting young people with meaningful opportunities to serve.
• Faithful leaders do not give up when people fail or fruit is slow. Asiri calls leaders to respond with meekness, humility, and steadfast commitment—even through disappointment, failure, and seasons when little visible fruit appears.

Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive

• Rethinking Youth Ministry: Authentic Relationships, Bold Discipleship, and Empowering Young Leaders with Jake Bland
• How Are Resilient Disciples Really Formed—and Why It Matters for Mission? | Rick Hill
• Faithful Leadership, Purposeful Discipleship, and Addressing Gen Z’s Greatest Need: A Townhall Meeting with Phil Ryken

Links & Resources

• Youth for Christ International