Empowering Leadership

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pray for Church Business Meetings happening this week.

6/6 Movie Night (doors open at 6:15)

This week Jayden moves up to camp to WORK for the summer.

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard and paper connect Card

Text keyword “ConnectCard” to 217-583-1112

Giving: box, web, app, mail

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: Discipleship isn’t just about growing ourselves — it's about equipping and empowering others to lead in the work of Christ.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Imagine a relay race.

The goal isn’t to finish alone, but to pass the baton.

If we run well but fail to pass the baton, the team loses.

In the same way, leadership in the Kingdom is about receiving, developing, and passing on what God has entrusted to us.

Opening Scripture:

Ephesians 4:11–12 “11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”

Leadership exists not to do all the ministry — but to equip others for it.

We aren’t building monuments to ourselves; we’re building up the Body of Christ/The spiritual Family of God.

Three Moves in Empowering Leaders

1) Recognizing Gifts

Romans 12:6–8 “6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Different gifts

Gifts are tied to faith - to walk in them, we must trust God’s provision

Discovery Process - we help others discover their gifts, not by idolizing the gifts, but by pointing to the Giver.

Are you recognizing the gifts God has put in your and those around you?

An Orchestra Conductor, or Marching Band

…In the Church, leaders act like spiritual conductors—helping people recognize their God-given gifts and work in harmony with others for God’s glory.

2) Practicing Apprenticeship

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Leadership development is GENERATIONAL - it’s meant to be passed down!

WARNING: If you have “kids”, do they want to hear what you have to say? How have you developed your relationship and ability to speak into their life once they are adults and no longer required to listen to you?

Do you need to ask God to restore your relationship with the younger generation?

Two qualities are important in the younger generation:

Faithfulness (Character - Being Formed Into Christ’s Likeness)

Ability (Skill)

Who are you apprenticing? And who is apprenticing you?

BTW: The apprentice must agree to it (do they see your character and skill?)

Learning to Drive (with a permit)

…When someone’s learning to drive, they start with a permit.

An experienced driver sits beside them, ready to correct, guide, and encourage.

Eventually, the learner gains enough skill and confidence to drive alone—but the mentorship shaped how they drive.

Releasing to Lead

Acts 13:2–3 “2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Everyone is called to serve their Creator-Savior King

Not everyone is “set apart” to the assignment of Barnabas and Saul (i.e. pastoral vetting)

Releasing Leaders requires:

Prayer and Fasting

Laying on of hands (affirmation)

Commissioning, not abandoning

Even when we send leaders out, ideally, they remain connected RELATIONALLY and remain under Christ’s authority

NASA Launch Mission

…Before a rocket launches, there’s intense preparation—teams running checks, calculating trajectories, and communicating constantly. But when the countdown ends, the rocket is released. The mission doesn’t end—it begins.

*And Houston stays connected.*

…When we release leaders, we’re not cutting them loose—we’re launching them forward, fully prepared, and still relationally tethered.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Discipleship is not just a destination — it's a delegation.

You are called to be equipped — and then to equip and EMPOWER others.

The question isn’t just, "Am I growing?" It’s, 

Who am I handing the batonS to?

(They must want you to hand the baton to them)

Talk It Over

How can we actively serve as apprentices in our faith journey?

In what ways can we practice recognizing and developing the gifts of others in our church community?

Who in your life are you currently mentoring or equipping for ministry?

Why is it important to remain relationally connected to leaders who are being sent out?