Benchmarking.
There is great value in exposing your leadership team to greatness. Visiting other churches and ministries that are doing a great job can elevate the thinking of everyone involved. Other things you can do are:
- TRACK 10-15 KEY CHURCH/MINISTRY/BUSINESS WEB SITES AND LEARN FROM THEIR COMMUNICATIONS AND STRUCTURES.
- WE ALWAYS WATCH CHURCHES (OR MINISTRIES OR BUSINESSES) THAT ARE AT LEAST TWICE THE SIZE WE ARE…THEY’VE BEEN WHERE WE HAVE BEEN, AND THEY ARE GOING WHERE WE ARE GOING.
Leadership Development.
Both Jim Collins and John Maxwell talk about “levels” of leadership. My experience suggests that we must teach people that leadership is a process, NOT an event. Helping people to see their leadership potential unfold over time is part of the process of effective equipping. Your enterprise needs to provide “first serve” opportunities and cultivate “high capacity” leaders who can effectively lead other leaders.
- EACH MINISTRY TRIES TO PROVIDE BOTH KINDS OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES (FIRST SERVE AND HIGH CAPACITY).
- WE ARE CONSTANTLY “ON THE PROWL” FOR EMERGING AND DEVELOPING LEADERS; EACH OF OUR KEY LEADERS IS POURING THEIR LIFE INTO OTHERS AND COMITTED TO PERSONAL LIFE-LONG LEARNING.
Shared Experiences.
Leadership equipping happens best in community. The longer I serve in leadership, the more I am committed that we have to do our calling together—as teams of people with shared vision and passion. So we structure lots of experiences where people can have the shared experience of working together, facing challenges, cultivating vision, and deepening their relationships with Christ and one another. Leadership equipping is not a solo sport!
Effective leaders equip leaders. The fruit of that ministry produces a ripple effect that reaches the shores of heaven. The Apostle Paul was clear about that in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when he wrote, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” Leaders: Equipping Leaders is a core technology that is at the heart of your business!
