Capacity is limited. Leaders have limited time, ability and accessibility. One of the realities of our humanity is that we have limitations. We can’t be everywhere at all times. When we reproduce ourselves, we expand our ability to ensure healthy gospel growth. One healthy leader in a ministry is great; two is even better. Exponential growth happens through replication.
The Bible demonstrates this principle. All throughout the Old and New Testament we see transitions in leadership. Where one leader ends, another begins. Moses has his Joshua, and Paul has his Timothy. In both of these examples, we see a close, deep and robust relationship between leader and protege. Paul is so passionate about investing in others that he reminds Timothy and Titus to ensure it happens among their people (1 Tim. 2:2; Titus 2:3). If Paul and other biblical leaders found it necessary to raise up the next generation, shouldn’t we?
I have been asked multiple times throughout my church planting assessment, “What is your greatest ministry accomplishment?” My answer each time? My associate. I leave a ministry that is not only healthy and growing, but one that is being led by a capable and competent leader (not that I am responsible for all of that). His leadership influence and capacity continues to grow. Students are coming to know the Lord under his and his wife’s leadership. But what has become most apparent to me by leading him is that I have benefited more in this process than he has by working under my supervision. I am a better pastor, leader and shepherd because of him.
Who is in your close proximity that needs leadership development? Are you leading as if you are finite? Have you grown bored and stale in your ministry? If so, make the necessary changes. Considering the ministry failures we have observed over the last few years, I can’t think of a more strategic or needed time to raise up healthy, young leaders for the sake of the kingdom.
This article originally appeared here.
