Empowering Leaders for the Church

Thesis: In order for leaders to rise up within the church, we must have a mechanism to identify future leaders, a philosophy behind providing service opportunities for future leaders, and empowering future leaders through affirmation and constructive criticism.

Creating a Leadership Pipeline

Jesus and the Disciples

Luke 10:1–3 “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.”

Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

Jethro’s Advice for Moses

Exodus 18:17–23 “So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

What could a leadership pipeline look like at The Chapel Church?

Providing Opportunities for Service

Elijah Provided Opportunities for Elisha

1 Kings 19:19–21 “So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.”

Barnabas Provided Opportunities for Paul

Acts 13:1–3 “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

What are some good initial opportunities to provide for someone who desires to develop their leadership skills?

What are some signs that the individual is ready for more responsibility?

Giving Affirmation and Constructive Feedback

Paul Affirmed Timothy’s Faith and Gifting

2 Timothy 1:5–7 “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Jethro Provided Constructive Criticism for Moses

Exodus 18:17-24

Which is easier to provide, affirmation or criticism? Why do you think that is?

Which do you think is more beneficial? Why?

Conclusion: Raising up leaders within the church requires intentionality and structure. By establishing a clear pipeline to identify future leaders, we can recognize those who are ready to step into greater responsibility. Providing service opportunities allows future leaders to grow in practical experience and spiritual maturity, giving them the opportunity to practice and refine their skills. Empowering them through affirmation and constructive criticism is essential for their continued development, helping them learn from both successes and challenges. Ultimately, a church that invests in the cultivation of new leaders is one that ensures long-term growth, sustainability, and the spread of the gospel through a community of equipped and empowered individuals.