Cultivating Tomorrow’s Shepherds: The Secret Sauce to Sustainable Ministry
by Certified Church Consultant, David W. Smith
As a young, first-time senior pastor, I made my fair share of mistakes. Too many to write here, that’s for sure. Perhaps my biggest mistake was learning that true shepherding/pastoring, at its core, is leadership, and that shepherd-leaders invest heavily in cultivating leaders within their congregations. Outside of leading the church to fulfill her gospel mission (Matt 28:18-20), the best thing any pastor can do for their church is to identify, mentor, and coach leaders within the local church “for the work of the ministry” (Eph 4:11-13). When pastors truly grasp the need to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders and begin investing in leadership development within their congregations, it transforms the church, elevating it to new heights of ministry health.
Leadership within the church differs significantly from secular models, though principles of effective organization, communication, and team building certainly apply. The spiritual dimension sets church leadership apart, emphasizing servanthood, character shaped by faith, and reliance on sound theology. Effective leaders in the church demonstrate competence not only in administration and organization but also in spiritual maturity, theological understanding, and a genuine love for God and people. Identifying and nurturing such individuals ensures that the church remains focused on the markers of healthy ministry: evangelism, discipleship, worship, ministry, prayer, and fellowship.
The New Testament provides a clear model for leadership selection and training. Jesus spent significant time discipling his twelve apostles, and the early church prioritized identifying and appointing qualified individuals for various roles (e.g., elders, deacons). Passages like Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1 outline character qualities, spiritual maturity, and practical abilities essential for church leadership. These criteria move beyond natural talent or charisma, emphasizing qualities like integrity, humility, doctrinal soundness, and the ability to teach and lead. The bible consistently portrays leadership as servanthood that’s grounded in the truth of Scripture. When potential leaders begin to evidence the biblical qualities and character required of leaders, they are ripe for cultivating.
Cultivating tomorrow’s leaders doesn’t happen overnight. Wise pastoral leadership creates a culture of leadership development that’s woven into the fabric of church life and fosters an environment where growth in one’s personal walk with Christ and leadership ability is expected and supported at all levels. A culture of development encourages individuals to step forward, provides safe spaces for learning and making mistakes, and celebrates growth and service. It involves established leaders actively seeking out and investing in emerging leaders, integrating development conversations into regular ministry activities, and providing resources and opportunities for learning (e.g. Tit 2:1-5). This cultural emphasis is crucial for sustained church growth and healthy ministry effectiveness.
Leadership development is not optional for the local church pastor. It is integral to its health, growth, and mission effectiveness. By establishing a biblical foundation, creating a culture that values growth, implementing practical identification and training strategies, addressing common challenges, and committing to ongoing support and evaluation, churches can cultivate a robust pipeline of Christ-like leaders prepared to navigate the complexities of ministry and guide congregations into a vibrant future. Investing in leaders is investing in the very fabric and future of the church community.
