Developing a Leadership Pipeline – Deploying the Leader: Part 4
In our previous posts in this series, we have discussed the process that Jesus used to develop leaders. This process was built on biblically-based purpose-driven relationships which then were expanded into a four-fold strategy which included; define the leader, discern the leader, develop the leader and lastly deploy the leader.
In our last post, I will discuss the final step of the process, “Deploying the Leader.” This last step in the process in fulfilling your role is to equip others to do the work of ministry. The other three previous stages exist to make the deployment phase fruitful; this is the goal! Deployment is not just the releasing of someone into ministry, but insuring that they are able to reproduce themselves once released. This begins with you deciding what type of leader you are going to be.
A. Three types of Christian leaders
- A Knowledge-oriented Christian leader – This group of leaders are driven by position more than purpose. They spend most of their time acquiring knowledge and build their value based more on what they know, versus what they do.
- A Doing-oriented Christian leader - This group of leaders are very committed to doing the work of the ministry. They are relentless in making sure everything gets done, but do most of the work themselves. There is a little evidence of any successor or disciples in their lives.
- An Equipping-oriented Christian leader – This minority group understands that their primary purpose is to multiply themselves with the sole purpose of expanding the kingdom. They are not satisfied with doing the work of ministry, but are passionate about reproducing themselves into others.
B. Multiplication is a God idea
Deployment must have the end goal of multiplication of the leader. The word multiply shows up in the first chapter of the Bible! It is a command established by God to man in the first of the nine covenants; the Edenic covenant. We then see this carried out throughout the Word to us. The command still applies and is still greatly needed.
Genesis 1:28, “The God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on earth”
C. Multiplication is our mandate
We have received the revelation and the promise, we now must accept the mandate! New Testament shows these principles. Look at the multiple generations of reproduction in these two verses.
Ephesians 4:11-13, “It was (1)he who gave some to be (2)apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (3)to prepare God’s people for (4)works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard (1)me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to (2)reliable men who will also be qualified to (3)teach others”
Let’s follow the example of Christ in multiplying those we deploy:
- Jesus spent more time with twelve men, than all of humanity combined! Make the deployment and reproduction of leaders in your life one of your highest priorities. Take the time to develop an action plan and incorporate into your regular schedule.
- Jesus method of multiplication was simple. As he spent time with his leaders, he was methodical to move them through the five stages of deployment. He prepared them, asked them to observe Him in real ministry situations. He then asked for their cooperation, then sent them out on their own. His final act was to deploy them at the point where He ascended unto heaven. You should be looking to raise others to the place where you can move forward in to your higher calling as well.
- We too, must spend our greatest energies on building reproducing leaders not just faithful followers. The question isn’t will our children have faith, but will our faith have children!” Once you have deployed the leaders you currently work with, pray that God will bring you the next batch. Happy building!
