"I don't have qualified leaders." In the last three weeks, this sentence has been uttered too frequently to me. It is a lament that has been repeated as I have attended various meetings and studies. To add a level of intrigue, each of these studies and meetings was independent of one another, meaning they were groups that met at different times, in different cities, and with different people. Even the intention of each of these groups is different. And yet, in each one, the concern has been the same. It seems that the lack of upcoming leaders is an ongoing concern for multiple churches (or organizations that work alongside churches), indicating a need to invest directly in raising up leaders.
Yet, when prompted to answer what they are doing, most will answer nothing. Despite the concern, few are motivated to take the initiative – either because of uneasiness about what to do, uncertainty about where the leaders may come from, or unwillingness to take the next steps (often because of the time involved in already hectic schedules). Let me quickly share why I don't think these should be hindrances for us.
- Unwillingness: As the Lord’s servants, we have willingly submitted ourselves to do His work. We are without excuse to take the next steps. Admittedly, many are working hard and unsure where time will come from. Yet, part of the cause is the lack of qualified leaders so investing in leaders in the long term will hopefully ease the burden, even at a short-term expense of our time.
- Uncertainty: Some of us may look across our congregations and experience a bit of disappointment at not knowing where the leaders will come from. This is especially true in smaller churches. Unlike the Lord, though, we are not omniscient, as I'm sure you know, which means we may not know where those next leaders will come from. Maybe the Lord will do wondrous work in someone's life in our church, or perhaps He has not yet brought them to the church. We faithfully labor regardless.
- Uneasiness: Our uneasiness should never be a barrier to the Lord’s plan. Sometimes following the Lord will make us uncomfortable as leaders who are called to use our gifts and call for the equipping of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). It's certainly OK to be uncertain about the next steps. In that case, we recognize our limitations and seek help from others.
Often, unwillingness and uncertainty are heart issues that we need to bring before the Lord. Uneasiness, though perhaps a heart issue as well, can be addressed through some practical pieces of advice.
The lack of leaders can be traced through a lack of discipleship. The Lord has called us to make disciples, meaning that all who follow Him should be discipled to some degree. Does this mean every disciple is a leader? No, because leadership is a special calling from the Lord (cf. Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:1). However, while not every disciple is a leader, every leader is a disciple. Consider, then, four adjectives that might help you take the next step in leadership development: investigative, intentionality, interdependence, and inclusivity. Here’s what each of those mean for you:
- Investigative: First, investigate your people. As a pastor, you should know your people to some degree, but often, there are two barriers—the number of people in your congregation and the lack of depth. Get to know your people more intimately, investigating whether there is anyone with a desire and learning of their qualifications. Even if you discover that possibilities are limited or non-existent, you’ll learn more about your people and be able to minister to them more directly.
- Intentionality: Be intentional. We see this modeled by the Lord Jesus Christ, who sought out the disciples. Sometimes, it's easier for us to see something in someone that they may not see themselves, but it needs to be cultivated. Intentionally and directly seek them out for discipleship. The Lord may use that time of discipleship to grow them towards leadership by refining in them those qualifications that are so important in 1 Timothy and Titus. Even if it becomes clear that they are not called to leadership, discipleship will hopefully strengthen their relationship with the Lord and increase biblical maturity. A quick note, though: intentionality begins by being intentional in prayer, praying for the Lord to raise up leaders.
- Interdependence: Depend on others . . . especially if time is an issue. If you have other leaders (elders specifically), rely upon them to help you disciple the next leaders. As evidenced by the interconnectedness of the churches that Paul writes to, there is a dependence upon one another, and we are not lone wolves. It is appropriate to rely upon one another and utilize the strengths of others.
- Inclusivity: Finally, undertake opportunities that would include the whole body of Christ. Leadership is only for those called by God and qualified according to the Lord's Word. What I mean, though, is by including as many as possible who are willing, they will stimulate growth in one another, as iron sharpening iron. Teach them more deeply, covering larger topics than you do on Sundays. Perhaps a Saturday morning systematic theology class or a Wednesday night ecclesiology series. Out of that, the Lord may begin to raise up leaders, or at the very least, maybe people will become more discerning about who leaders are and what they do.
These are small steps and certainly not exhaustive. They are simply meant to stimulate thoughts. I'm convinced that by adopting an attitude of investigation, intentionality, interdependence, and inclusivity, we will see the Lord work at raising up leaders through us.
Ultimately, raising up leaders is the Lord’s work, and He will do so in His time according to His will. If you are struggling to find leaders at this time, trust that His ways are purposeful. There may be a reason you are struggling to find leaders at this time and trust that He is at work. At the same time, as the Lord is at work, I urge you to faithfulness in your call. Make disciples, and in doing so, watch for leaders. The Lord is always faithful in His work, so let's be faithful in ours.
