Church leaders simply do not have enough hours in a day to personally coach every
church member in using their gifts. Initially they will have to focus, and make some
choices. Here are three possible criteria......  Existing
leadership or staff team members.
Key church "workers" - people who are already making a
significant contribution to the work of the church.
People you believe to be emerging leaders.
Initially you may be well served to focus on
three to five people, but you can grow this to eight over time once you have mastered the
approach. Ideally over half should be leaders or future leaders - people who can in turn
develop others in their gifts and talents.
Some may object to concentrating on the
select few, arguing that it shows favouritism. Yet Jesus chose twelve disciples from among
the crowds of followers to work with. He did this with the knowledge that they in turn
would encourage and develop others. Thus, developing the ministry of just a few
individuals within a large church can enable them in turn, to develop the ministry of
others within their areas of responsibility. This requires a church culture to be
established so that people will expect to learn from one another and to share
responsibility for this both with each other and with the leadership. If this can be
achieved, that church will have unlocked the doorway to the exciting potential of a church
who are moving forwards together, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach them through each
other.
Spotting Emerging Leaders.
Here's a checklist of seven things to look
for when spotting emerging leaders.
Your
instinct tells you that they are a leader - your instinct may be right or it may
be wrong, but it's a good start. Great leaders are persuasive and powerful communicators,
often with a clear idea of where they are heading. You can often sense this.
Experience of leadership from outside the church.
Commercial leaders and managers don't necessarily make good leaders in churches, but they
may well have many of the necessary communication and team working skills, and the ability
to motivate others.
Those who are passionate about the church -
whilst not all of the people who are passionate about the church will make great leaders,
but leaders who are not passionate about the church and its gospel will become diverted
into doing what is popular, or what is easy, rather than what is right for the church.
A desire to change things - leaders are
rarely satisfied with the current situation, seeing better possible alternatives, and
having a desire to create these.
Those who are willing to take on challenges
- leaders don't duck the difficult things that others may simply avoid.
Those who are often listened to by others.
When they speak in a debate, others listen. When the going gets tough, the people whom
people naturally turn to are likely to have some leadership capability.
A spiritual maturity that gives some
confidence that their personal lives and integrity will stand the test of Christian
leadership. They will be able to "walk the talk", maintaining the confidence of
the Christian, and surrounding community. |
