1. Identify Potential Leaders
Objective: Prayerfully and strategically recognize individuals with leadership potential.
Actions:
- Pray for discernment (James 1:5; Luke 6:12-13).
- Observe spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:2).
Look for:
- Character: Humble, teachable, and servant-hearted.
- Competency: Demonstrates initiative, influence, or specific ministry gifting.
- Chemistry: Works well with others, emotionally intelligent.
Calling: A sense of burden or desire for kingdom leadership.
2. Model Leadership
Objective: Demonstrate the leadership role and follow up with potential leaders.
Actions:
- Invite potential leaders to “walk with you” in ministry (Mark 3:14).
- Live out key values: integrity, humility, mission-focus.
- Regularly debrief and reflect on leadership decisions, wins, and failures.
- Share real stories of challenges and growth, not just successes.
- Lead by example in prayer, Scripture engagement, conflict resolution, and care.
- Use “I do, you watch” moments intentionally.
3. Delegate Responsibilities
Objective: Empower emerging leaders with meaningful responsibilities and ownership.
Actions:
- Move from “I do, you watch” → “You do, I help” → “You do, I watch”.
- Assign leadership tasks in increasing complexity:
- Leading prayer
- Facilitating a group or discussion
- Coordinating events or projects
- Mentoring others
- Provide clear expectations, resources, and authority.
- Check in regularly to coach and encourage.
- Normalize learning from mistakes—“fail forward.”
4. Evaluate and Multiply
Objective: Reflect, refine, and reproduce the process in others.
Actions:
- Conduct regular feedback sessions (formal and informal).
- Affirm growth and address gaps with grace and clarity.
- Celebrate development milestones (publicly when appropriate).
Next Steps:
- Encourage the new leader to identify someone to invest in.
Equip them to repeat the process using the same model.
