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Developing Future Church Leaders: The Training Process

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You’ve determined that developing future church leaders should be a priority and you have identified potential leaders. Now you need a process for training them. Here we will consider some aspects in training that should be a part of a strategy for developing future leaders.

Relational Aspect in Training for Future Church Leaders

One of the most effective ways of developing future leaders is to have a current leader come along side of them in a mentoring, discipleship, coaching or apprenticeship type of relationship because it provides the following:

  1. observation of a role model
  2. interaction through asking questions and discussion
  3. support through feedback, encouragement and prayer both for and with one another

Think of Jesus’ example: His disciples spent three years observing Jesus and learning from Him. They were with Him nearly 24/7. Mark 3:14 tells us that “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”

If we want to develop effective leaders, we need to be patient with the process and take the time to be with them not merely provide formal, academic instruction.

Academic Aspect in Training for Future Church Leaders

The basis for interaction with current leaders is what they observe in that leader but also what they are learning academically about leadership. So, provide reading material and classroom instruction.

Think of Jesus’ example: In the process of the disciples being with Jesus, they received much instruction. Some was with the masses of people but often He would explain or expound on it with the disciples later.

This kind of set up of being mentored or discipled by someone 24/7 is unlikely to happen today so intentional strategies would have to be put in place to combine the relational and academic aspects.

In addition to specific skills, make sure to provide a big picture perspective on church leadership. Help them see how the basics of life in Christ should govern how they lead.

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Applicational Aspect of Training for Future Church Leaders

Until we take what has been academically learned and observed and put it into practice, we still have not truly learned. True learning comes when we take what we have learned and observed and put it into practice. An effective training process must therefore also include hands-on experience.

Think of Jesus’ example: Jesus was not only with His disciples, teaching them as they went along, but He also sent them out on assignments. When they returned they had a time of debriefing with Jesus. (Mk. 3:14; 6:7-13; Lk. 10:1-20)

Potential leaders should be given small, yet significant and not petty, assignments that involve leadership opportunities. The level of responsibility can gradually be increased. With those assignments should come some freedoms to take initiative and be creative. Micromanaging or holding a tight noose around them will not permit risk-taking and failures through which they can greatly learn. You will be able to provide honest feedback as you debrief them to help the person learn from the experience.

Seeing the potential leader in action can also provide an opportunity to confirm leadership gifting. The goal of leadership development training is not to turn someone into a leader who is not gifted or called to it but rather to fan it into flame in those who are (2 Tim. 1:6). Be careful, however, not to write someone off after a few failures. Look at Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, who fumbled quite a bit and yet went on to be one of the primary early church leaders. Stop and pray more about God’s desires for this person and to be honest if leadership does not appear to be the right fit. Help the person discern what might be a better fit.

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Personal Aspect of Training for Future Church Leaders

In a previous post we noted how heart qualities matter to the Lord, not merely leadership skills. These qualities are developed as a fruit of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Consequently we must encourage the development and nurturing of a potential leader’s walk with God. God’s power, flowing out through us is what will make a difference. We can do all things “through Christ” who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13) which requires abiding in Him (Jn. 15:1-5). — “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Pet. 1:3)

Think of Jesus’ teaching: He said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

If a leader’s personal walk with the Lord is not part of your leadership development, you are short-circuiting the process. The Church needs leaders who will be used by God to make a difference not those who will merely maintain status quo or function like a secular leader.

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