{"id":12377,"date":"2014-08-28T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2014-08-28T12:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/?p=12377"},"modified":"2026-06-17T09:44:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T13:44:40","slug":"training-future-church-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/training-future-church-leaders.htm","title":{"rendered":"Developing Future Church Leaders: The Training Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once you commit to making the development of future church leaders a priority<\/a> and have identified potential leaders<\/a>, you need a process for training them. Consider making the following aspects of training a part of your strategy for developing future leaders.<\/p>\n

Relational Aspect in Training for Future Church Leaders<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n

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  1. observation of a role model<\/li>\n
  2. interaction through asking questions and discussion<\/li>\n
  3. support through feedback, encouragement and prayer both for and with one another<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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

    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.<\/p>\n

    Academic Aspect in Training for Future Church Leaders<\/h2>\n

    The basis for interaction with current leaders is what they observe in that leader but also what they learn academically about leadership. So, provide reading material and classroom instruction.<\/p>\n

    Think of Jesus’ example:<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

    This kind of mentoring set up, being discipled by someone 24\/7, is unlikely to happen today. We therefore need to put intentional strategies in place to combine the relational and academic aspects.<\/p>\n

    \"Leadership<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

    Resources:<\/div>\n