How to Relate to a Man God Can Shape - Identifying Emerging Leaders
One of the key elements to identifying emerging leaders for ministry is to develop an attitude of intentionality. It requires a pastor or ministry leader to realize the importance of becoming acutely aware of those who show interest in learning and growing in their faith, as well as have a deep desire to serve others. These individuals may be young men from pre-teen to twenty-somethings who have an interest in growing in the knowledge of the faith and seeking opportunities to serve, hoping to be asked. It could be a man who in their 30’s, 40s or 50’s who realize they desire to contribute more to the advancement of the kingdom, it could even be older men who want to finish their lives well. It is important to have an open-mindedness realizing God doesn’t necessarily call what we think is our ideal man, but God’s ideal man. Consider Moses, (Acts 7:23) as recorded in Stephen’s message: and he said, Moses was forty years old when he went to visit the Israelites; and it was forty years later (Acts 7:30) when an angel appeared to Moses in the burning bush. Therefore, Moses was eighty years old and God had a plan for him. The point is freshen up your mindset and keep your eyes open for those whom God considers to be workers for the expansion of his kingdom.
As a ministry leader, it is essential to remember, although the hope is to encourage everyone in the church to be a multiplying disciple-maker, the reality is there will only be a few who have a sense of calling for vocational ministry. Matthew recorded Jesus’ words: “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest” (Matt 9:37-38 Christian Standard Bible). Keeping this Scripture in mind provides clarity, and also provides a charge to act upon Jesus command as a good first step and pray for workers.
Pastors and ministry leaders no matter the size of the congregation, should remove barriers to provide opportunities for one-on-one engagement. These special times could be after a worship service or other meetings are complete. Perhaps opportunities for engagement by inviting a man to breakfast or lunch for one-on-one conversations, or initiating an Above Reproach group to allow those who have shown an interest in ministry to meet on an on-going basis to connect about opportunities to serve others, pray, prepare messages and listen to others, provide feedback and hold one another accountable to the highest Christian standard. Perhaps another idea is to invite a small group of men (3-4) to be actively engaged in a weekly discipleship group reading through a Bible reading plan, memorizing Scripture and providing time for accountability and prayer. All these ideas allow for moments of intimacy to assist a man to discern the will of God for his life and provide direction.
Persevere with patience! It is a fundamental necessity for both ministry leaders and those whom they are mentoring to be patient as spiritual growth and discernment takes time. In our day in age of instant gratification it is imperative to realize the process of shaping men into an instrument God can use for his purpose is based upon his schedule. P.J. Tibayan, who pastors in Bellflower, California noted, “We can’t microwave faithfulness. Many still try, to their own disappointment and frustration. When we lack the perspective that growth and maturity take time, we give up too hastily on others and are drawn to the “missing secret” of effective ministry.”[1] As a pastor becomes intentional in his desire and ability to mentor emerging leaders, the beauty of gospel and the desire to herald the message will reveal itself within the hearts in those who are truly called.
A pastor who intentionally identifies and develop men on a consistent basis creates a residency building process to raise up leaders in the church. These men can assist a pastor with making visits to the sick and shut-ins, teach classes, lead small groups and be given opportunities to preach in smaller venues offered by the church. This type of leadership process on behalf of a pastor will also provide a positive witness to everyone in the church on how to disciple others and raise up leaders. It also provides an environment for men who may be less distinctive or identifiable to church leaders to be more confident in their willingness to approach the pastor about their sense of calling.
The greatest joy a pastor can experience is multiplying leaders in the church. It is a great privilege to raise up men, watch them grow in their faith and abilities to advance the gospel, strengthen discipleship within the church, and reach the lost as God’s instrument to change the world.
[1] P.J. Tibayan, “On Raising Men for Ministry, Lessons from a Former Solo Pastor,” October 30th, 2021, accessed date: April 10th, 2023, https://desiring god.org/articles/on-raising-men-for-ministry.
