The Future Leaders Program is nearing the end for the Class of 2009. As we finish out our year we will be doing a series of blog posts looking back at our experiences throughout the program. Today we’re talking with Ryan Spilhaus.

It’s no secret to those who are close to me that the past year has been easily the best year of my life. That may sound like blatant hyperbole, but it’s true. Future Leaders truly has been an amazing program to be a part of. It has shaped me so much in such a short time, and I will never forget my time in the program.

When thinking about the best experiences, things I’ve learned, things I’ll miss, and things I’m looking forward to, they all revolve around the relationships that I’ve made while a part of the program.

The best experiences I’ve had this year have all been a part of the relationships I’ve built within the Future Leader community. After the first two weeks of orientation a year ago, I knew immediately that these people were more than colleagues. They were a family. And we’ve definitely been through a lot together! From rainy scavenger hunts and camping trips to traveling 7200 miles to Rwanda together, the experiences we’ve had have been made all the more richer by the company we were in.

I’ve learned so much, both about myself and about ministry. Rich and Lauren have taught us so much, but I’ve learned from the other Future Leaders too. The greatest part of our class is that we are all similar in many ways, but each of us has a different personality, different passion, and different leadership style. I have learned so much from that, and that is one of the coolest parts of the year has been watching us all develop that.

While I have enjoyed Future Leaders so much, I have recently begun praying that it would not be the high point of my life in ministry, but rather a springboard or launching pad into an amazing life of service. I feel that we have been given the tools to be a part of something amazing and to be used by God in a powerful way.

I’m really looking forward to continuing work at McLean Bible Church in my new role as part of the Internet Campus team, and hopefully the lessons I learned in Future Leaders will remain with me for life.

I know the relationships we’ve formed will.