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Hello, BGCA Pastors, Staff and Church Leaders,
As I have been travelling around, meeting with Pastors and church boards and connecting with the church board chairs from across the province, one thing has become abundantly clear: we have a shortage of emerging leaders in our churches. Well, let me rephrase that: we are struggling to find emerging leaders in our churches.
I believe that our churches might very well be full of potential leaders who need to be encouraged to discover or acknowledge the call that God has placed on their lives.
One of the four focal areas of RE:Five-Church Revitalization Initiative is RE:Focus, An intentional process of identifying and preparing those God has called out as the next generation of Spiritual Leaders for the Kingdom.
We want to encourage our pastors and church leaders to begin to mine for the next generation of Kingdom leaders
Discovering emerging leaders in a local church involves identifying individuals who demonstrate potential, dedication, and a heart for service. Here are five steps you can follow:
Observe Current Active Participation:
- Pay attention to those actively engaging in church activities, events, and ministries. Look for individuals who show consistency, enthusiasm, and a willingness to go above and beyond their regular attendance.
Engage in Conversations:
- Take the time to talk with members of the congregation. Ask them about their interests, talents, and if they've considered taking on leadership roles. Listen for their excitement and areas where they feel called to serve.
Encourage and Provide Opportunities:
- Offer various opportunities for members to get involved in different aspects of church life. This could include volunteering for specific ministries, leading small groups, or participating in planning committees. Provide a supportive environment where they can explore and develop their leadership skills.
Assess Character and Spiritual Growth:
- Look for individuals who exhibit qualities such as humility, integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to their faith. Observe their spiritual growth, involvement in discipleship, and their ability to handle challenges with grace.
Seek Feedback from Current Leaders:
- Talk to existing church leaders or elders to gather their insights. They may have their own observations about potential emerging leaders. Discussing potential candidates with those who have experience in leadership roles can provide valuable perspectives
While these are all great steps, the most important thing we can do is pray!
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)
Remember, it's important to approach this process with sensitivity and discernment. Not everyone may be ready or interested in taking on a leadership role, and that's perfectly okay. Additionally, provide ongoing support and mentorship to those who show promise, helping them grow into their potential leadership roles over time.
We are currently building a RE:Focus Team to help develop a plan for our BGCA Churches to partner together to more efficiently and effectively pour into our emerging leaders. We hope to have some first steps ready to present in the coming months. In the meantime, please look at the information on the BGC Emerging Leaders Summit below.
In Christ,
Dennis
Dennis Gulley
District Coach
Baptist General Conference in Alberta
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