Why Do We Gatekeep the Mic? Rethinking Young Leaders, Platforms, and Spiritual Formation in Church Culture

Why Are We Gatekeeping Ministry?

I saw a post the other day that had me thinking.

Let me preface this by saying I’m speaking generally—this is something I’ve noticed. So, if it doesn’t apply to you or your ministry, then it’s not for you.

Why do we discourage young people from desiring to do certain things for the Lord?

For example, we have no problem with them wanting to go on the streets, visit the sick, sing in the choir, usher, and all that, but when it comes to having a “microphone,” if you will, we act like Mr Krabs with the Krabby Patty secret formula.

Platform Holders Discouraging Platforms?

Isn’t it ironic that people with a “platform” tell others they shouldn’t desire one?

Isn’t it ironic that people with a microphone in their hand every week tell others not to desire the same?

That’s like a married couple telling you not to desire marriage, meanwhile they’re snatched up every night.

Well, that’s easy for them to say when they already have the thing.

Making the Microphone the Prize

At the church/college I went to when I lived in Ohio, they made the microphone seem like it was the prize.

Like, no, people just wanted to be like who they saw.

If they desired to preach, they had to “earn their way up there,” they had to “serve.”

So, only if they clean 345 bathrooms and mop 4,566 tiles, that qualifies them for a microphone?

It’s like they demonised the desire.

Then they say things like, “You don’t know the cost,” or “You don’t know the price I’ve paid.”

Well, for one, I’m sure it’s nothing compared to what the Apostle Paul went through, yet he still empowered Timothy for the work.

For two, clearly, the price wasn’t that much if you’re still alive doing it.

I totally agree there can be an unhealthy obsession or idolatry around a platform or microphone (in the church building sense), but aren’t those also avenues to glorify God, just like cleaning the toilet?

Why do we have to demonise the very thing we’re doing?

We make it seem like the end goal or prize by gatekeeping it like it is.

It’s not the height of ministry. It’s a part of it.

Criticising New Voices

For example, if a young person starts their own podcast or builds a social media following, now we criticise them for being “unsubmitted,” “starting their own ministry,” or say they’re not ready.

I agree, partnering with your spiritual leader is important in ventures like that. But are we truly protecting them, or projecting our inner insecurities onto them?

We also make it seem like only those with a microphone or platform are susceptible to falling or pride.

Any person in any area of ministry can fall prey to self.

I don’t know if this makes sense, but I was just thinking about it.

People see a preacher as their example and say, “I want to be like them,” so why are they chastised for desiring what they see emulated before them?

Some are made to feel like they’re prideful or out of the will of God for desiring a microphone or platform.

They’re told to go “over there” and grab a mop or towel.

It’s About the Heart

There can be balance.

Okay, you have this desire, but why? Why do you want a microphone? To be seen, or to truly preach the Gospel truth?

Why do you want a platform? To magnify self, or to glorify God?

There’s nothing wrong with having a desire to serve in that way, but if JESUS isn’t at the centre of it, then it is definitely not the right desire for any of us.

From Desire to Development

Maybe if we invested in true spiritual formation, discipleship, and equipping for those seeking to answer the call of God, then we’d be more confident that they’re not desiring it for the wrong reasons.

It’s good that they’ll learn how to clean bathrooms and toilets, but there has to be more.

Because truth be told, nowadays, young people don’t need anybody to give them a microphone or platform.

They can pick up their phones.

The question becomes: how can we cultivate their desire with wisdom, holy fear, and sobriety so they don’t mess it up?

What does the process or roadmap look like from where they are now to where they desire to be?

What are the objectives or goals they should have that would solidify their readiness or preparation?

Putting people on coffee and doughnut runs for the office is not spiritual formation, training, or discipleship.

If our secular job had our training full of running errands for managers, I think we’d reconsider taking that job, right?

So why do we do it in ministry?

Ministry Is Not a Microwave

Also, as young people in a “microwave” age, we have to understand that certain things require time.

There’s a difference between process and time when you’re making cereal versus baking a cake.

There are weightier things that require more time in ministry, and there has to be that understanding.

Before a baby can walk, they first have to crawl, but eventually, they’ll be able to handle things on their own.

We have to honour the direction and advice of our leaders (the ones we say God gave us), and not assume that waiting means we’re being held hostage.

No one likes an unfinished cake.

We have to learn to learn well, and endure being a student before becoming a teacher.

A teacher still had to learn as a student before becoming who they are.

So, What’s the Way Forward?

Desire isn’t the issue—misplaced desire is. And denying people the opportunity to grow in their calling isn’t the solution either.

The answer is discipleship rooted in love, truth, and accountability.

Paul didn’t shame Timothy for desiring to lead.

He said, “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honourable position” (1 Timothy 3:1).

But that desire came with qualifications, mentorship, and character development.

Timothy didn’t just jump into it—he was discipled, affirmed, and sent.

So practically, instead of gatekeeping the microphone or platform, let’s:

• Invite the conversation: Ask young people why they feel called. Talk with them, not at them.
• Start with spiritual formation: Prioritise prayer, Scripture study, servanthood, and humility.
• Set up mentorship tracks: Pair them with leaders who model both character and calling.
• Give space to grow: Let them lead prayer meetings, write devotionals, or teach small groups before handing them a mic on Sunday.

Because at the end of the day, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40).

But someone has to be willing to teach.