Encouraging Future Church Leaders

Defining Future Leaders: A future leader is someone with potential to lead, whose abilities are often activated through encouragement and support. While they must possess the prerequisites of a leader, it’s through guidance and encouragement that their leadership grows, helping them step confidently into their new role.

2 Timothy 1:6 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

Thesis: Encouragement builds up and clarifies how God is calling believers to serve him.

Prerequisites for Leadership

Servant-Heartedness

Does the person show humility and a willingness to serve others?

Matthew 20:25–28 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Faithfulness

Are they consistent in their walk with God and involvement in church?

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Teachable Spirit

Are they open to learning and correction?

Proverbs 9:9 “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

Integrity and Character

Do they demonstrate godly character in their personal life?

Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”

Does a person need to possess all of these qualities in order to serve?

How should you treat someone who falls short in these areas?

Encouragement Builds Up Leaders for the Church

Barnabas's Encouragement Built Up Paul for Future Ministry

Acts 9:26–27 “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

Paul's Encouragement Built Up Timothy for Ministry

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

What obstacles might you face when trying to encourage someone to use their spiritual gifts?

What is at least one tangible way you can encourage someone to be involved in the ministry?

Encouragement Clarifies How God Is Calling Believers to Serve Him

Peter’s Calling Was Clarified Through Jesus’ Encouragement

John 21:15 “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

Timothy’s Calling Was Clarified Through Paul’s Encouragement

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

What is a gift you have that someone else helped clarify for you through encouragement?

What impact did that encouragement have on you?

Conclusion: Future leaders are shaped through encouragement and guidance, helping them grow in servant-heartedness, faithfulness, teachability, and integrity, ultimately stepping into their God-given roles to serve Him and His church.