By Dwight Sandoz
Organizations can find a crucial indicator for the future in the leaders they identify, equip, and launch today. How do we develop leaders, providing for a bright future? God puts His hand on leaders and makes them aware of His work. Leadership development begins with the identification or recognition of God’s call.
John Mott wrote more than 100 years ago, “It is inconceivable that God Himself has neglected to do His part in actually calling enough men [and women] to accomplish His will—and surely it is His will that the Church of Christ be ably led” (Mott 1908, 187-188). God calls people from every walk of life, every tribe and tongue to serve in His great mission.
He calls men and women to ministry from places no one would expect. Samuel did not immediately recognize David as the next king because he did not look for a boy caring for the sheep.
Yet, God did not choose the older brothers, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (I Sam. 16:7).
Many would not look favorably on the people Jesus called as disciples: Matthew, a tax collector; Peter and John, fishermen; or Simon, a political zealot. Some would not have given Paul ministry opportunities because of his persecution of the church.
Pray for God’s direction to identify people for ministry. His future church leaders may attend your church. What mechanisms do you have to identify those called to pastoral ministry? Mott instructed, “There is something wrong if, in a long pastorate, a minister does not have, as a result of his life and work, young men consecrating themselves to the Christian ministry” (Mott, 142). God’s call to the work of the ministry includes the challenge of identifying and mobilizing others He is calling.
Steps to identifying people for ministry include: (1) preach often on God’s call to ministry, (2) observe those with a special anointing, (3) talk to them about ministry, and (4) challenge them to explore the possibility God has set them aside to serve the Lord and His Church.
Some will only respond to the call if they have encouragement. Dave Ferguson (2017) calls that process the ICNU conversation, I see the
grace of God in you, affirm God’s call. Then, ask them to pray about ministry; this process should become a common occurrence.
Equipping those called to ministry plays a crucial role in developing leaders. Many who sense a call from God do not know what to do next. When a pastor observes someone with a call, they can instruct and help that person experience the practical side of ministry. The learning process provides opportunities for hospital visits, outreach ministries, preaching, nursing home services, visitations thus accelerating development of these leaders.
Pastors and churches need to facilitate growth by encouraging formal education. Encourage Bible School attendance in a learning community dedicated to training for ministry. A scholarship or monthly gift could allow them to complete their education with little or no debt. Pastors should explore partnering in the cost of education so these leaders can promptly enter the ministry.
God calls in various seasons of life and from other careers, even those with family and other responsibilities. Others may study online or through district schools of ministry, requiring a commitment to provide practical experience in the local church.
The final phase launches the person into a place of ministry. Some pastors push leaders to remain in the home church, encouraging new
leaders to stay in the “spiritual house.” The greatest statement of successful ministry occurs when the church launches leaders to fulfill the Missio Dei. Successful multiplication releases leaders beyond Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the farthest regions of the earth (Acts 1:8).
