Why Encourage and Raise Up Leaders for the Church?

The Purpose of the Church:

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Old Testament Precedent:

Exodus 19:6 “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

The Function of the Church:

Ephesians 4:11–13 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”

The Disconnect in the Church:

There’s often a misconception in the church that people come simply to receive from those on stage, as if the primary focus is on the leaders performing for the congregation. In reality, the true purpose of gathering is for everyone to participate together in the worship of God. Worship isn’t a spectator event—it’s a collective experience where each person is invited to engage, respond, and contribute to the body of Christ.

Church members are not members of an audience who simply receive; they are a community of believers actively joined together in worship and service.

Thesis: Encouraging and raising up leaders within the church is essential for ensuring spiritual growth, reaching local communities, and preserving the church’s mission across generations

Ensuring Spiritual Growth

Leaders Equip Believers for the Work of the Ministry

Ephesians 4:11–13 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”

Takeaway: God has gifted the church with leaders specifically to equip believers for ministry. Leaders are not just there to teach from the front but to actively build up others to serve. When the church raises up leaders who are passionate about discipleship and equipping others, it results in a community that grows in unity, faith, and knowledge of Christ. This leads to deeper spiritual maturity, as each person is empowered to use their gifts for God’s glory.

Application: Actively ensure that each member of the congregation is being encouraged towards opportunities to grow in their faith through service.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where a leadership development flywheel is constantly turning, ensuring that every member of the congregation is regularly exposed to what it means to be an effective leader.

Leaders Provide Mentorship and Accountability

Hebrews 10:23–25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Takeaway: One of the reasons the church gathers regularly is to provide consistent opportunities for each and every member of the congregation to demonstrate their faith and to have their faith strengthened through love and good works.

Application: Actively provide a structure to stir others up to love and good works.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where every church member is lovingly held accountable in their faith, motivated by the support and care they receive from others.

Reaching Local Communities

Leaders Are Examples to the Community

John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Takeaway: The main thing that separates us from the world is the love we display for one another.

Application: In order to reach our community, it is essential that every church member feels loved and is comfortable inviting others into a community in which they are loved and accepted.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where every church member loves inviting others to church because its where they feel most loved, accepted, and useful.

Orchestrated Unity Is An Example to the Community

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Takeaway: The transformative power of the gospel is put on full display when we treat one another with mutual respect and dignity in spite of our differences.

Application: In order to reach our community, it is essential that every church member experiences the unifying power of the gospel to the point where they feel comfortable inviting ANYONE into our church.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where every church member feels valued to the point that they never have to second guess whether or not its appropriate to invite someone to church.

Preserving the Church’s Mission Across Generations

Leaders Pass Down Biblical Teachings and Values

2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Takeaway: The only way Biblical teachings and values will be preserved for the next generation is if we are faithfully teaching them how to lead and develop leaders as well.

Application: We should freely include the next generations in ministry opportunities.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where the next generation knows exactly how to encourage and raise up the next generation of leaders for the church.

Leaders Pass Down Principles

Deuteronomy 31:7–8 “Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Takeaway: If we have taken the time to faithfully instruct one another, reach our community, and train others to do so we must also pass down those opportunities to the next generation.

Application: We should teach the next generation the principles of discipleship and leadership development.

Desired Effect: Foster an environment where the next generation doesn’t have to train themselves and learn from scratch.

Conclusion: The future of the church depends on our ability to continuously raise up Christ-like leaders who will grow spiritually, impact their communities, and carry forward the mission of the church.