What happens when people turn 30 (thirty)?

“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.” (Genesis 41:46).

“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.” (2 Samuel 5:4).

“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph…” (Luke 3:23).

At 30, people of remarkable potential often break from the pack and begin the pursuit of their lifetime impact season. What were they doing – during their 20’s – that allowed that to happen?

According to lifehack.com, there are 11 Things Successful People Do by Age 30:

1. They learn how to handle their finances
2. They know how to fail faster
3. They start their own business
4. They challenge the authority
5. They organize properly
6. They maintain important partnerships
7. They rely on persistence
8. They actively work on their flaws
9. They become calculating and resourceful
10. They figure out how to adapt
11. They ask for a second opinion

Most 30 year-olds haven’t cleared that bucket list. Today, the median income for 30-year-old men is $30,510, while the median income for 30-year-old women is $21,473. On average, 30 year olds have held 7.5 jobs. They have a 24 percent chance of being promoted in the next year. They’re moving through the milestones, but most are feeling left behind. Since college, they’re navigating on their own.

In early 2015, Noah Elias and I launched a project designed to serve Millennials – the pre-30 adult community – called Master’s OnLine (MOL). It is a bold project – underwritten by the Kay Family Foundation and other visionary TMP partners – allowing these high-value up-and-comers to experience TMP on their terms: wherever, whenever, delivered in a TED-talk styled video each week, for three years. Mentoring – the 11-point plan, and more… from a biblical worldview.

Two waves of beta participants – 63 men and women, from three generations – have helped us refine the experience. Their personal stories are compelling; MOL has clarified their focus and accelerated their journey. It is possible to transfer wisdom using technology to build relationships…

It’s great to have an 11-point plan for success; but, who will help the in-process not-yet-leaders work through the process? What’s the value of mentors who know how to succeed, but – then – to help them push through earthly success to eternal significance?

This Point of View – the first week of September, 2017 – is alerting you to a series of email invitations I’ll be sending you in the next few days announcing the official launch of Master’s OnLine. We’re open for business, and ready to serve!

In the pre-launch groups are solo Millennials, husbands-and-wives, father-son combos; the weekly personal experience – formatted for the mobile device in your pocket or your purse – is the basis for conversation and application among growing adults of every season.

Why am I pitching you about MOL? Two possibilities: you could enroll and continue your journey toward your lifetime calling; and/or: provide a scholarship to a Millennial you’d like to see navigate through their 20s without compromising their lifetime potential. Watch your incoming email!

Bob Shank