In a world searching for genuine leadership, the model of Jesus stands as both timeless and transformative. His approach to raising up leaders was not rooted in power or charisma but in intentional relationships, humble service, and a commitment to multiplication. Today, as churches seek to fulfill their God-given mission, the challenge is clear: we must not only make disciples but also raise up leaders who are mature disciple-makers. This calling requires a return to Jesus’ method—a leadership pipeline that prioritizes spiritual growth, relational investment, and strategic multiplication.
What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple-Making Leader?
A disciple-making leader leads out of the overflow of their relationship with Jesus. Their leadership is not defined by tasks or titles but by intentional investment in others. They embody the traits of humility, perseverance, and a vision for multiplication. Unlike the superstar leader who focuses on personal success, the disciple-making leader is committed to raising others who will continue multiplication.
This kind of leadership is more than a position; it is a calling to reflect Jesus’ character, teach His way, and empower others to do the same. Leaders are shaped through a strategic plan to identify new leaders, develop them, and move them up through the organization. This process, known as the leadership pipeline, is critical to creating a movement of multiplication.
Building a Leadership Pipeline
Jesus demonstrated a clear strategy for leadership development, beginning with relational engagement. He called ordinary individuals, invested deeply in their lives, and prepared them to lead others. This intentional process can be seen in the five stages of the leadership pipeline:
- The Self-Leader: A volunteer performing specific tasks within the ministry who lead themselves.
- The Team Leader: Overseeing a group of servers to accomplish ministry goals.
- The Leader of Leaders: Guiding multiple teams as a high-impact volunteer or paid ministry associate, and ensuring alignment with the church’s mission.
- The Department Leader: Providing direction for an entire department, mentoring volunteers, team leaders, and leaders of leaders.
- The Organization Leader: Championing the church’s vision and fostering a disciple-making culture through strategic leadership.
Each stage requires specific skills and a deep level of spiritual maturity. To ensure success, leaders must raise new leaders up the spiritual pathway and the leadership pipeline. This does more than fill roles; it cultivates leaders who are passionate about making disciples.
Leading Through Multiplication
The ultimate goal of a disciple-making leader is multiplication. Jesus’ method was simple yet profound: He invested in a few, trained them to reach others, and released them to lead. This model transformed twelve disciples into a global movement that continues to thrive. For today’s church, multiplication means moving beyond maintaining programs to fostering a culture where disciple-making is the philosophy of every ministry.
This shift requires bold moves—rethinking priorities, evaluating success through the lens of spiritual reproduction, and staying faithful to the mission despite challenges. As churches embrace this mindset, they will experience growth that is both sustainable and impactful.
Living Out the Mission
Imagine a church where every leader is a disciple-maker, where every member is equipped to invest in others, and where multiplication is the measure of success. This vision is not only possible—it is the very mission Jesus entrusted to us. Let’s embrace this call, raise up the next generation of leaders, and ignite a movement that changes lives for the glory of God.
For more practical insights and inspiration on becoming a disciple-making leader, tune in to the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast. Discover strategies, stories, and tools to help you lead with impact.
