Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Even the Lone Ranger Had Tonto!

Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day. Acts 16:1-5 NLT

Leading a disciplemaking ministry is not an individual endeavor.  It’s a team effort.  Wise leaders will select team members that have complementary gifts and strengths to their own.  The result is more complete leadership and a manageable workload for all. 

If you are pioneering a new ministry, carefully consider the importance of launching with a ministry team and not doing it alone.  If you don’t have a launch team, pray and work for emerging leaders who will join with you.  Delegation is a great thing when you have someone to delegate to! 

Within our Kingdom leadership paradigm of shepherd leadership,  we have three leadership functions – lead missionally, care personally, and develop professionally.  As the team leader, you are responsible for all three functions, but no one can do all three well.  Each of us will have one that is a strength, one that is our stretch, and the third which is our struggle. 

Ideally, a leadership team will have complementary strengths, and delegation of tasks will go to those with strengths in their respective areas.  With team members operating in their respective strengths or at least their stretch,  you provide great motivation, satisfaction, and impact.  Good leadership says, “Operate in your strengths and staff to your weaknesses.” 

The best way to develop emerging leaders is to give them responsibility.  Don’t wait too long to ask others to join with you in sharing your leadership load.  Leaders want to lead, so give them right-sized responsibilities.  Delegation will recruit leaders as well as develop them in ministry vision and skill.  And always be sure to evaluate their work when finished.