I believe one of the most important roles and responsibilities of a leader is to develop their followers and others God brings them into relationship with.
As I look around I see many leaders who are glad to use people, but see no responsibility for developing them. It seems the roles described in Ephesians 4 and II Timothy 2 are forgotten.
Here are a few functions I believe are part of being a Christian leader:
- Look for and discover potential leaders.
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- Potential leaders often do not know their abilities, what they are capable of, or where they would best fit. They need someone to help them develop a clear self-perception.
- Potential leaders need someone who sees in them what they can become. Someone with discernment and understanding.
- Potential leader need a leader who will mentor them, not just in how to do what they are now doing, but how to become something more.
- Develop potential leaders for the Kingdom of God, not just your ministry.
I find many people in positions of leadership are so consumed with their own church or ministry, they do not take the time to develop potential leaders who don’t fit their pressing needs. This is a shortsighted and selfish perspective. The mission of God needs more leaders, so think God’s Kingdom, not my kingdom. I see many leaders who are so focused on themselves, they miss wonderful opportunities to make Kingdom impact. A healthy church or organization should be producing more leaders than they can use.
- When you see leaders with great potential, help them develop for the long haul, not just quick success.
Churches and leaders have a tendency to encourage high potential leaders to skip important developmental steps. They see someone who seems to be a natural leader, so they immediately make them a youth pastor before they have developed spiritual depth and Biblical knowledge and wisdom. This is why I highly recommend churches, when they see a young person with high potential, to provide scholarships for these leaders to get solid academic degrees. Be willing to give up three or four years, to get a solid leader.
- Potential leader need someone to help them navigate the organizations structure and culture.
Some churches and organizations are toxic. True leaders help potential leaders navigate landmines and politics, and keep their heart and mind focused on the mission of God and His values and attitudes.
I am sure there are many other principles, but these are a beginning.
Who are you and your church developing?