In the mission of making disciples, effective leadership is essential. The Leadership Pipeline is a strategic approach designed to develop and empower leaders within your church.
Understanding the Leadership Pipeline
1. Self-Leaders
The journey begins with Self-Leaders—individuals committed to leading themselves well in following Jesus and serving the church. Often volunteers, they focus on specific tasks, laying the foundation for growth. At this stage, the focus is on equipping them with spiritual habits and helping them understand how their contributions support the church’s broader mission.
2. Team Leaders
As they move up the Pipeline, these individuals step into roles as Team Leaders. Here, they guide a group of Self-Leaders, working together to achieve ministry goals. The emphasis is on equipping them with the skills to foster cooperation and unity within their teams, while deepening their relationship with Christ.
3. Leaders of Leaders
Leaders who continue to mature in their character and competencies take on broader responsibilities as Leaders of Leaders. These individuals oversee multiple teams, coordinating efforts across various ministry areas. Their role is to empower others, ensuring each team aligns with the church’s mission of making disciples.
4. Department Leaders
As leaders advance according to their skills and giftings, they may become Department Leaders, overseeing entire ministries within the church. These leaders are responsible for guiding the direction of their departments, ensuring that every activity supports the church’s mission to make disciples. They are deeply rooted in their relationship with Christ and help others grow into leadership roles.
5. Organization Leaders
Organization Leaders oversee multiple departments and play a pivotal role in setting the church’s overall vision and strategy. These leaders champion a culture of disciple-making, ensuring that the entire church body aligns with Jesus’ model of ministry. They work closely with other leaders to cultivate a healthy, multiplying movement of disciples.
The Impact on Your Church
Implementing the Leadership Pipeline can revolutionize your church’s approach to developing leaders. By providing a clear path for leadership development, your church can nurture a sustainable culture of healthy leadership.
This approach also helps distribute responsibilities, preventing burnout and fostering a network of support and accountability among leaders. It mirrors Jesus’ strategy of investing in a few to impact many, ensuring that your church remains focused on its mission to make disciples who make disciples.
Putting It Into Practice
To implement the Leadership Pipeline, start by identifying where your current leaders fit within the framework. Depending on the size of your church you might not need each of the levels right away. Provide opportunities for growth at each stage through times of equipping and encouragement, even it’s a quick huddle before a service opportunity. Tailor your training to meet the specific needs of leaders at every level, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
Churches that embrace this model often experience profound spiritual growth, with leadership becoming a shared responsibility and each member playing a vital role in advancing the church’s mission.
By adopting the Leadership Pipeline, your church can become a thriving, disciple-making community, where leaders are continually raised, equipped, and sent out to make a lasting impact.
Listen to ‘The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast‘ to learn more about how you can cultivate leaders at every level and watch your church grow in faith, strength, and purpose.
