I’ve written about finding student leaders, and here I’d like to present a simple model for developing these leaders. Caveat: this certainly isn’t the A&Z of leadership development, but this approach is simple and powerful. (And, generally speaking, it’s quite biblical.)
I’ve had both successes and failures when training leaders, and about a year ago I heard a teaching from New Thing, and they presented a five point outline. Upon hearing it, I realized that my successes often followed a similar model, but I’d never put it so succinctly. I’m excited to share it now:
1. I do. You watch. We talk.
2. I do. You help. We talk.
3. You do. I help. We talk.
4. You do. I watch. We talk.
5. You do. Someone else watches. Y’all talk.
A Hypothetical
So, there’s a new student named Jeff. He loves Jesus and is interested in getting more involved in the ministry. Furthermore, you feel like God is identifying him as someone to raise up as a small group leader.
First, after approaching Jeff, take him under your wing and allow him to watch you lead a small group, and then discuss the gathering afterward. Why and how did you choose what to discuss/study? Maybe point out how you were careful when answering a specific question, etc…
Second, continue at the helm, but allow Jeff to become involved in leading the gathering (e.g. sharing an illustration). And, again, remember to talk after the gatherings! For the talk: how’s life? Concerning the small group, what’s working? What’s not working?
Third, now hand the reins to Jeff. Continue as a co-leader, but allow him to begin running the show. Help him study; help him plan; but allow him to take point. Continue to follow it up with conversations about how things went.
Fourth, take a step back. Stay present to be a support but clearly hand Jeff the reins and make sure you yourself let go. And keep the dialogue going.
Fifth, and finally, Jeff is ready. We can all use encouragement and support, so it’s never time to abandon him completely. But he’s ready to lead on his own, and you can begin training up another student leader.
It’s a Cycle
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. – 2 Timothy 2:2
Ideally, not only are you training Jeff, but in so doing, you’re preparing Jeff to train another. It may or may not happen during his time as a student leader, but certainly I’m encouraged to know that leaders into whom I’ve invested are all over the country, serving, leading, and training up others.
Remember to Talk
This might just be a note to myself; I tend to communicate more clearly to a crowd than with individual persons; but maybe this is a good reminder for you too!
A mistake I’ve made many times: just dumping responsibility on someone and saying “good luck!” Student leaders have lots of potential, and I encourage you to raise a high standard, but let’s assist them as they’re growing, especially in the early phases. And maintaining lots of communication through the process is vital. (This is an area in which I’m still growing.)
Real Life
And this isn’t just for small groups, it can be applied to sound ministry, administrative positions, etc… Take it and run with it!
Of course, leader development doesn’t always fit perfectly into these five phases, but the principle; allowing a new leader to come alongside of a seasoned leader, to watch and learn, begin to lead, and, ultimately, be in responsibility for their own area and training up others; this is powerful!