Coaching Disciples to Leaders
From Follower to Forerunner: The Power of Leadership Multiplication
In the economy of the Kingdom, a disciple who isn't leading others is still in the shallow end, and a leader who isn't developing more leaders has missed the primary job description. True biblical leadership is not about amassing followers; it is about multiplying influence.
The Biblical Mandate for Multiplication
The vision of an abundance of trained, equipped, and biblically qualified leaders isn't a pipe dream—it’s a promise found in Scripture. When we look at Ephesians 4:12, we see that the role of the "professional" minister is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. When we combine this with 2 Timothy 2:2—the command to entrust the gospel to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also"—we see a four-generation model of multiplication.
If these mandates are followed, every church can move from a leadership shortage to a leadership surplus. This abundance allows a church to not only thrive internally but to have plenty of leaders to send to the mission field, plant new churches, and help revitalize struggling congregations nearby.
Every Leader Needs an Apprentice
Multiplication happens at the micro-level. We believe every leader in every position—from the nursery to the pulpit—should have at least one apprentice. If you aren’t training your replacement, you are creating a bottleneck. By bringing an apprentice alongside you, you ensure that the ministry continues to grow long after you have moved to your next assignment.
Coaching with the 5 Rs
To move a disciple into leadership effectively, we recommend Robert E. Logan’s 5 Rs of Coaching. This framework ensures the relationship is purposeful and progress-oriented:
Relate: Establish a foundation of trust and a shared understanding of the coaching relationship.
Reflect: Look back at what has happened since the last conversation. What is God doing?
Refocus: Identify the current challenges and the most important priorities for the present moment.
Resource: Determine what tools, scriptures, or skills the leader needs to overcome their current hurdles.
Review: Solidify the action steps. What will be done before the next meeting?
Get Equipped
Discipleship and leadership are two sides of the same coin. A disciple leads, and a leader multiplies.
For churches within the Marion Baptist Association, we are committed to helping you realize this vision of abundance. Coach training is available to all member churches to help you implement these systems of multiplication. Let’s stop merely maintaining programs and start mobilizing a movement of leaders.
Would you like to schedule a consultation to discuss how to implement these coach training resources within your specific ministry teams? Contact the MBA Missionary Resource Center for more info.
