Does leadership development have a place in Sunday School?

A couple of months ago I wrote a blog entitled "Spiraling to Strength in Lay Leadership" addressing the reality that many of our churches function in an 'on the ground training' model when it comes to equipping our leaders. We host a Leadership Training Retreat AFTER we have filled the various leadership roles required to run our ministries. And it is not an uncommon struggle for churches to have members declining to let their names stand for election as office bearers due to a feeling of being ill-prepared for the demands of the role. So, it seems clear that in an ideal scenario leadership skills development would occur PRIOR to taking on new responsibilities. But that begs the questions, among many others, where do we begin?

So, what do you think? When is the right age/stage to begin intentional leadership development? Based on the following options, please comment below with your top choice.

A. Nursery (ages 0-2)

B. Little Lambs (ages 3-4)

C. Sunday School (ages 5-12)

D. Catechism/Youth (ages 13-17)

E. After Profession of Faith (regardless of age)

F. In the period between allowing one's name to stand and the vote/drawing of lots or after agreeing to take on a leadership position, but before stepping into the role

G. Other (Please explain)

Bonus points to those who take a moment to explain their choice and share some imaginings on what that might look like. And sharing examples of where intentional leadership development is already happening earlier rather than later would be great too!  

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