In teaching, leaders must speak the truth to followers in order to affect change. Be clear about the current environment, needs and how involvement as a leader can change things.
4. Train leaders to also be theologians.
In leadership, the truth precedes method. Otherwise, we thoughtlessly stumble into a way to do church.
To put new leaders on a missional pathway, they must be able to contend for the truth before they know how to be countercultural with their lives. Don’t be afraid to tackle the hard subjects and use large words.
As my friend Ed Stetzer says, “If people can learn how to order stuff at Starbucks, then they can learn theological language.”
5. Understand the relationships of major disciplines.
There is a relationship of theology, missiology and ecclesiology that must be observed and understood.
Currently, you can stir up a great debate among scholars if you ask which of these comes first. Normally, theology and missiology compete for the title. It is not likely the territory that you want to wade into early on with your blossoming leaders.
Instead, help them to understand the relationship between the three arenas and how they are all necessary in the life of the church.
6. Make a plan.
Just remember that it does not have to be a perfect plan before you start.
I am reminded of a man who once told Dwight Moody that he did not like they way he did evangelism. Moody replied, “Well, Sir, I like the way I do evangelism better than the way you don’t do it.” For now, just get going. Work hard at having a great plan, so get a head start on that great plan by training some leaders for the work right now.
