Developing People

[Coaching Lesson #8 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Building Effective Teams, Phase 3]

One of the most important roles that a Christian leader can perform is to develop and equip people to do the work of ministry.

Jesus set the standard for us to follow. He spent three years teaching, coaching, and equipping His disciples so that they could carry on His work to build His church.

How Jesus Developed His Disciples (Luke 6:12-16)

The manner Jesus used to prepare his disciples for ministry shows us how he effectively adapted His leadership style and activities to the abilities, knowledge, and skills of His team—the disciples. He gave them instruction when they were uninformed beginners, provided them with direction when they were confused, prodded them when they were reluctant, and encouraged them when they were discouraged. Finally, he empowered them and commissioned them when they were ready.

Jesus—the Master Teacher—shows us that effective leadership development is situational and varies according to the needs of each team member. Leaders who adapt their leadership style and actions according to the needs of their followers, become serving-leaders like Jesus. They ultimately serve the vision God gave them by equipping people to do the work of ministry and carry on long after their own season of leadership is over.

Equipping Others for Ministry

• Make expectations clear and upfront.
• Provide people with the training they need to accomplish the work.
• Observe their work, praising and recognizing them when they do things right. Gently redirect and correct them when they make mistakes.
• Make sure they have the resources they need to do their job.
• Care for them by investing your time with them, communicating and showing your concern for them as team members and friends.

Discussion Questions:

1. What things can a leader do to help a new person become a fully functioning and capable member of the team? (See Matthew 10:5-10).
2. What should a leader do when a team member makes a mistake or doesn’t do a task correctly? (See Matthew 17:14-20).
3. What can a leader do to help a team member that is very capable, can do the work, but is very reluctant to accept new challenges or tasks? (See Matthew 14:22-23).
4. What are some methods you can utilize to develop the leadership skills and abilities of your team members?