As you train a new Bible study leader, how do you know when the person is ready to start leading? When should you move an apprentice from the “I do, you help” to the “You do, I help” stage of training? If we advance people too quickly, they may burn out and give up. If we move them too slowly, the training could become stagnant and lifeless. What are the signs of a good balance?
1. When they ask for more
Jim Gillooly/PEI (2008), Creative Commons
I made this point when I wrote of the prior transition between stages, and I repeat it now. High commitment + low motivation = small chance of long-term perseverance. But when your apprentice is motivated to take more responsibility, it’s worth it to consider giving it.
2. When they can communicate God’s word
By “communicate,” I mean more than “teach.” Of course they should be able to study the word and teach its main points. But potential leaders should also live out the word and habitually apply it to themselves. They handle the word well and allow it to handle them. Because Jesus said those who abide in his word show themselves his true disciples (John 8:31), this expectation marks a baseline for those who also want to make disciples.
3. When they have deep compassion for the people in the group
Jesus gave more signs of true disciples, one of which is love for one another (John 13:35). Jesus spoke and served out of deep compassion (Mark 6:34, 8:2), and his undershepherds are similarly motivated (1 Thess 2:8, 2:17-3:13). Is your apprentice driven more by the flock’s needs than by personal gain? Does the apprentice want a platform from which to speak, or is there an observable propensity to listen? Do group members trust the apprentice to have their best interests at heart?
4. When they have made sacrifices for the group and its members
If discipleship is costly (Luke 14:25-33), ministry is even more so. Those who will lead people must invest themselves in those people. Your apprentice prepares for leadership by making regular sacrifices for others, such as helping you to lead, coordinating activities, or getting together with group members outside the regular meeting. If you see these sacrifices taking place, without resentment or complaining, your apprentice may be ready to lead.
5. When group members trust them enough to follow them
Jesus’ final sign of true discipleship—bearing much fruit (John 15:8)—can be controversial, because we’re not sure how to hold people accountable to something over which they have no control. Even the best leaders can face widespread rejection and seasons of wilderness; they might have no control over people’s responses to their leadership. Just think of Moses (Exodus 2:11-15, 3:1), Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18), and Paul (2 Tim 1:15). We can even think of Jesus himself (Mark 14:50, 15:34)—the one who could have controlled responses if he wanted to.
And yet we consider each of these leaders a hero. Though they experienced seasons of anguish, loneliness, and death, those seeds eventually sprouted into abundant fruit (John 12:24-26). That’s why the New Testament expects leadership candidates to experience seasons of testing (1 Tim 3:10) and accountability to things they can’t ultimately control (1 Tim 3:4-7).
Be ready to take risks on people who aren’t yet perfect. But also maintain high standards, and look for evidence of effective leadership. Look for the fruit of trusting, eager followers.
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