Discipleship: The Critical Need in Leadership Development Today
Written by Randy on February 2, 2012
Today Brian Steenhoek and I facilitated a webinar called, “Discipleship: The Critical Need in Leadership Development Today.” It seemed to scratch an itch from the responses of those who attended. We thought we would offer you a condensed version of some of our notes here. You can also check the entire content of the webinar at http://www.vantagepoint3.org/index.php/vantagepoint3-webinars/. We share a similar concern with others who find themselves caring about the deepening and empowering of adult believers…particularly in the church in North America. Although we are well aware of the similar concern that exists in the church on other continents. We began the webinar with the thought that discipleship must be at the core of the work of leadership development once we start to talk about “Christian leadership development.” In fact, we would suggest that discipleship and leadership development from that vantage point is indeed the same work–seamless if you will.
We framed out our discussion sharing some assumptions and then some “prescriptive questions” for thought in one’s own context.
The Assumptions… 1. Followership: If we are concerned with Christian leadership development, we begin and continue with the work of maturing people in their walk with Jesus Christ. 2. Leadership: The word leadership for many today surfaces more of a negative perception than a positive one. And yet, as we mature as believers we are invited to have influence…bearers of Gospel. 3. Mission: We align our leadership development efforts towards participation in God’s Mission. 4. Works: We participate with the already present action of the Spirit…igniting works with far reaching implications (Eph 2:10). 5. Person: We lead out of who we are. The bulk of our work should center around the shaping of the person, otherwise we run the risk of developing “functional atheists.” 6. Process: Careful attention needs to be given to the means of our work…it may hold more potential for change than all the right content. 7. System: Taking discipleship seriously, even with a few, will confront the efficiency of our programs and systems. The Prescriptive Questions…
1. How are you paying attention to your own followership? When was the last time you experienced the real love of Jesus? (Pay attention to you) 2. How will you become intentional at investing in the formation of a few people around you? (Set a cultural tone) 3. What process can you begin to use to help you invest in the formation of those persons in your midst who are longing for something more? (Use an integrated process like The Emerging Journey) 4. How will you think clearly about how you disciple people toward maturity in Christ, so that it simply becomes “the way you do things around here?” (Think clearly) 5. How can character formation serve as a foundation from which other leadership development needs can flourish? (Flourish from healthy roots) 6. What could happen if you paid attention to a growing number of people who are ready to grow more deeply, and long to become more empowered towards God’s good work in their lives? (Anticipate change)
Amanuel Wegayehu Ayana On December 12, 2014 at 1:15 pm
I thank God to know such people( men)who are very responsible about the coming generation of Church People. My name is Amanuel Wegayehu, I am from Ethiopia, 4th yr student, studying Theology at Ethipian Mekane yesus Seminory and I am writhing my BTH paper on “Exploring the challenge of Mking disciples and it influence on Church leadership development”. So, the content of your title gave me new insight to understand more about this topic and courage. I thank God again that puts this idea in you. It is critical and contemporary issue of the church. please notify me some topics and books that is related with my topic.It will help me.Thank you.
God bless you all.
Amanuel.