John Courtney, executive director at Youth For Christ Winnipeg (YFC) announced last week that he will be stepping down from his leadership position with the organization in order to make room for a new era of growth to take place at YFC.

"I think now is the time," Courtney said. "I'm, in a few months, turning 72. It's been a long run of 47 years. I feel like my heart is saying it's time for someone else to carry the full load of directing Youth For Christ."

Courtney stresses that he does not feel, at this time, called away to retirement, he is feeling called to pass on the position of executive director and allow for YFC to enter a new era.

"Increasingly, it's feeling a little weird... I'm a little anxious," the executive director confessed when asked how it feels to be preparing to step down from a role he's held and excelled in for so long. "I know it's the right thing in my heart," he explained.

YFC Winnipeg has just begun the process of recruitment, Courtney commented, searching actively for the individual God has in mind to guide YFC into this new period of its history.

"Certainly, I've poured my heart and soul into this place and I want it to fall into the hands of somebody who will do a great job of continuing the legacy of YFC and the ministry of YFC."

Courtney says he's been overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support and gratitude that has unfolded since his initial announcement last week. "Just wonderful words of kindness and affirmation and blessing and saying thanks... that's been really precious."

Looking back on his time with YFC Winnipeg, hundreds of thoughts come to mind, many recorded in journals that Courtney has kept over the past 30 years. Camp Cedarwood, which Courtney himself envisioned and YFC built "from scratch" remains pivotal in the executive director's memory.

"There's not a year without stories. Camp Cedarwood is a big highlight for me... the Lord gave me a vision and a passion to establish a year-round residential camp and that has been one of the huge blessings to YFC in terms of our ministry."

Thousands of kids have attended the camp since its opening. Courtney remembers the monumental fire of 1994 that destroyed the lodge, however, only the first week of camp that year was missed.

"Instead of having any buildings, we did it on a dirt floor and tents and never lost a kid through the summer."

Courtney was also instrumental in procuring YFC current building at the corner of Higgins and Main in Downtown Winnipeg. "The biggest thrill for me is walking through here and seeing the hundreds of kids that are utilizing it and are coming into contact with the gospel.

"There's a long line up of wonderful stories that will follow me for the rest of my life," Courtney said.

The executive director isn't quite sure at this time what lies ahead, though he did mention possibly continuing on in his work with YFC, albeit in a lesser capacity. Courtney hopes to continue in a role that allows him to assist in mentoring and developing young leaders.

"I would love an opportunity to mentor other younger leaders across the country," he said. "I love being able to add value and have conversations around those things, and yet, I'm ready to be able to walk away from those conversations without the full responsibility of implementation."

To his successor, Courtney offered a few pieces of advice.

"I would tell them there's a room over there called the prayer room and that's where you get most of your important work done."

Prayer, says Courtney, is a critical part of leadership, and emphasized the importance of seeking the Lord's discernment over every area of your life.

As well, the executive director stressed the importance of inviting into your life a few trusted advisors for accountability. "Invite wisdom into your life and invite accountability into your life; let accountability be your friend. I think that's what has helped me keep on the straight and narrow for 47 years."

What remains first and foremost on Courtney's heart during this time of impending transition is that God would lead someone who holds the mission of YFC close to their heart, of wanting to see lost kids have the opportunity to know Christ personally and to walk through that journey alongside them.

"As we work through this whole transition of succession, my prayer is that God would lead the right person to ensure that the mission is safe and for years and years and years to come, this place would be a lighthouse."