Whenever we discuss the topic of developing Christian leaders, the best place to begin is Jesus. Chua Wee Hian, in his excellent book "Learning To Lead" was right on target when he made this important observation on the subject of leader making: "No study on the theme of spiritual leadership is ever complete without a careful examination of how Jesus trained the Twelve." In the three short years Jesus had with His disciples, He concentrated His energy and time in training twelve disciples for a greater ministry after His ascension.

In this time of great spiritual need and famine for high caliber Christian leaders, it is right that we once again look at the methodology and philosophy that our Lord employed to produce great Christian leaders for the early Church. In this chapter we will look carefully at the biblical data available and then seek ways to apply these lessons in our quest to produce spiritual leaders for today's Church.

We will consider in this chapter the strategy that Jesus used in training the Twelve for world leadership. His leader making methods will be arranged under different themes. Each theme will be explained in detail, substantiated by material from the Gospels, followed by some suggestions for today's leaders who are serious in leader making efforts.

Selection

Christ handpicked his disciples. This by itself was not the normal practice of the teachers of His time. It was usually the student who would chose which teacher he would align himself to, submitting to the leadership and teachings of that particular teacher. Here we see an alternative pattern in practice: Jesus the teacher selects His students. In the Gospels, we see Jesus taking the initiative, summoning certain persons to follow Him. This call to follow was made to Peter and Andrew at the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18, 19) and to Levi at the tax office (Luke 5:27). Christ knew whom He wanted and only they did He command to follow. There were no volunteers. Those who did, He discouraged.

And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. (Mark 3:13, NKJV)

Jesus did the selection. He selected the men He was going to train. The choosing was His right and responsibility.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. (John 15:16a)

His choice of disciples was based on careful observation and knowledge of the disciples as they followed Him early in His ministry. The final selection was done midway through His ministry, giving Him ample time to observe and know the disciples first hand. It was not done hastily for Christ realized the far-reaching consequences resulting in the right or wrong choice of men.

But more important than this lengthy observation was His reliance on prayer. He relied on His Father for direction and wisdom to make the right choice. We read in the account by Luke that Christ spent all night in prayer to God before making the final selection, calling twelve to follow Him. Thus we see the selection being made from an understanding and knowledge of the men being considered and of the God being served.

It is interesting to look for a while at the kind of men that were finally chosen. A brief survey of the disciples will lead us to the conclusion that they were just common men. They were ordinary people with human tendencies and failings. They did not hold prominent places in the religious set-up of the day, nor come from a line of famous priest neither did they have any professional training or come from wealthy families. They most probably had their basic training in the synagogue schools and were raised in the poor section of Galilee.

"By any standard of sophisticated culture then and now they would surely be considered as a rather ragged aggregation of souls. One might wonder how Jesus could ever use them. They were impulsive, temperamental, easily offended, and had all the prejudices of their environment. In short, these men selected by the Lord to be his assistants represented an average cross section of the lot of society in their day. Not the kind of group one would expect to win the world for Christ."

Not only were they common men, they were all unique individuals, each having his own characteristics and temperaments. They were not all of one mind or mould. Simon Peter was swift and impulsive. Thomas was cautious and given to doubts. James and John were hot-tempered fishermen. Philip was curious, always asking questions. Other Jews considered Matthew a dog and traitor whereas Simon the Zealot was a hot headed nationalist. Bartholomew and Judas son of James were rather quite ordinary men. Of course, all of us know Judas Iscariot.

One would then ask why they were chosen. What was the unifying factor between all of them that would probably cast light to the questions just asked? I believe the answer lies in the fact that all of them had the capacity to learn. They had potential, which was ready to be explored, for they were willing to be taught and to learn. They were in other words teachable. "Though often mistaken in their judgement and slow to comprehend spiritual things, they were honest men, willing to confess their need. Their mannerisms may have been awkward and their abilities limited, but with the exception of the traitor, their hearts were big. What is perhaps most significant about them was their sincere yearning for God and the realities of His life."

On the matter of selecting potential leaders, we learn from Christ some very important principles:

1.. Leaders are called not volunteered.

Whoever is being considered for leadership has to have a clear call from God that is confirmed by the leaders of the church. There is a specific call of God on each Christian to a particular ministry and responsibility within the church. We should not limit this calling to a select few (i.e. to full time workers and clergy). Every church member has a call and so has the leader that God has summoned to lead His Church. Let us make sure that our man made church structures allows many to take up leadership roles as they are called by our Lord.

Also when I mention "calling", I believe it should not be equated with being qualified - the twelve were not! They had much more training and character building to go through before they became fine leaders. If we hold to the understanding that a call means being qualified, we will find ourselves looking only for qualified people - a serious mistake! We should not expect a person to be qualified when called nor should the call be questioned if the person is not yet qualified. Instead we can be confident that if a person is called by God, he will be made ready by God (through various means and people) for the task ahead.

Also we must be able to separate the call from the one being called: "We must never make so much of the call, that we neglect the person." We should seek to develop his character and meet his needs for it is character that should be given priority when choosing leaders. Interestingly the only ability mentioned in the qualification of elders in the Pastoral Letters of Paul is teaching. All other requirements concern character.

The one called should be valued as a person and not only for his expected contribution to the church. If we fail to recognize God's call on the lives of individual Christians, we will find disorderliness and frustration among church members. A clear call from God is important. Philip Vogel testifies to this conviction when he wrote about certain youth leaders this comment: "I knew that if these young people were called, God would also equip them. I knew too, that they were likely to be committed to fulfilling the call of God on their lives."

One should not only have a clear call from God but also from the church. It is the imperative of the church to take the initiative in summoning men and women to leadership; it is not for the members to choose or to volunteer themselves into leadership. They should be called to a role of responsibility by the existing leadership. It is too important a choice to be made on the premise of a personal preference of the individual or even the collective mind of the larger company of believers. These potential leaders are to carry the future responsibility of the church and as such they have to be chosen by God through the church leadership after much prayer.

2.. The need to know the mind of God and the person being considered.

Before selection, quality time spent with the potential leader is necessary. It is good for leaders to spend time with the maturing Christians in the church at various functions and activities. This will help leaders to recognize the dormant potential that are in some church members. Decisions on who would be trained as leaders should not be made hastily but carefully and only after a certain period of fellowship has been observed.

Not only are we to know the person being considered but we also must seek to know the mind of God. This can only be done through prayer, specifically asking God to show those whom He has called to lead His people. Our prayers should implore the Lord to call as we inquire of those who have been called. This kind of prayer is sure to be answered.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Matthew 9:38, NKJV)

And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:24-26, NKJV)

3.. The mixed team concept.

When selecting members to be trained as leaders, look for a variety of individuals. Do not fall into the trap of looking out for ones that are like you but look for those who have potential no matter how different they are from you. Various temperaments and personalities in a selected group of leaders in the making add new life and challenges. This in return produces a more healthy and balanced team. Leroy Eims said it well when he wrote: "We should not select only those who are like us in temperament and personality. Nor should we choose only those who act in a certain way that we find agreeable to our personal lives and acceptance standards. It would be a good idea to have some `roughnecks' on the team as well as some scholars and quiet types." Well said!

Association

The purpose for Christ selection (of the twelve) was clear - those He chose were to be with Him.

Then He appointed twelve that they might be with Him. (Mark 3:14, NKJV)

It becomes clear that this was a deliberate practice of Christ, requiring all his leaders-in-training to be together with Him; doing everything and going everywhere, together. Robert Coleman states this fact beautifully when he says, "They walked together along the lonely roads; they visited together in the crowded cities; they sailed and fished together in the Sea of Galilee; they prayed together in the deserts and in the mountains; and they worshipped together in the synagogues and in the temple." Another author explained: "They were with Him on the job, but not only that, they were with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration, beholding His glory. They were with Him when He prayed the High Priestly prayer and wonders of wonders, they were admitted to Gethsemane to be with Him in His agony!"

We see here that Christ's' strategy was to have these disciples accompany Him wherever He went - they learnt to follow Him. This association was much as part of their calling as was the authority to evangelize which they later would receive. In actual fact this was more important for it prepared them for the latter.

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:30,31a, NKJV).

Christ accomplished this through various ways when time and opportunity for close association became available. He would go on retreats with the disciples to teach them after they had been on the job for a while. He would take them aside and teach them, drawing His lessons from what they had experienced which provided growth and understanding in the process.

On His trips, Jesus would take the disciples with Him. These trips included journeys to Tyre and Sidon (Mark 7:3,24; Matthew 15:21), to the region of Decapolis (Mark 7:31; Matthew 15:29), Dalmanutha (Mark 8:10; Matthew 15:29)

and to the towns in Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27; Matthew 16:12). There were many reasons why these trips were made but Jesus believed it was necessary to have the disciples with Him as He moved from place to place and so He included them in all His journeys.

He also stayed at certain places for a period of time where He had the disciples abide with Him there too. In the early stages of His ministry, He invited two of John the Baptists' disciples to come and see where He stayed (John 1:3). They ended up at where He was staying and remained with Him that day. Jesus encouraged them to stay with Him because He knew it would be a wonderful setting for learning and discovery. "At home with Jesus, they could talk things over and there in private see intimately into His nature and work." He also spent several months with His disciples in Perea (Matthew 19:1-20:34; Mark 10:1-52; Luke 13:22-19:28; John 10:40-11:54) and Ephraim (John 11:54).

He was always with His disciples, available and transparent. This at times would mean His prayer time would be interrupted (Mark 6:46f; Luke 11:1), sleep would have to be pushed aside (to meet pressing needs) and the risking of exposing His own true identity to them. This association continued for a period of three years - thirty-six months of constant transparency and presence. He became a very personal Teacher to His disciples.

A major lesson all leader-makers can learn from Christ example of association is that we must be prepared to invest our time and resources in the people whom we seek to train. This may mean at times the denial of time for our own efforts in exchange for the lives of those whom we desire to train. Association demands us to be available constantly, like a mother nursing a newborn baby, providing consistent attention to those whom we seek to lead.

We must try to be with them and provide opportunities for them to be with us in neutral and informal settings. These times together must be quality times for it is "true that to train men, a person must be willing to spend time with these men in hours of conversation and association in the normal affair of life."

One way this can be done is to include these leaders in-making in our ministry trips, bringing them along as companions and fellow servants of God. Let them become travelling companions when you go on mission trips or to meetings in other congregations. They may not have to do anything but by being with you, observing you and talking informally on the things of God, they learn and develop into mature leaders.

I remember fondly the times I would take my youth leaders with me on mission trips or preaching engagements outside of Kuching. The trips stretched their faith, gave them opportunities to see God at work and many times put them in positions to minister and exercise their gifts. All this plus the many hours of interaction and soul searching conversations with me helped produce some excellent youth leaders whom I am proud of until today.

Also it is at these times of close association where we have the opportunity to be honest and transparent. On such trips "share the deep things of God, the place of hurt or tribulation or failures that have become places of blessings, growth and enrichment". As we learn to share our lives with them, we help them see themselves in a new light, the light that is reflected from us which we received from God. The effect of this kind of quality association on the men being trained is powerful, dramatic, and life transforming. Do it!

Impartation

The teachings of Jesus were to become the disciple's foundation. Jesus took much time to provide instruction on many matters, as we will see later on. These special times of instruction were times where explanations were given, often after an experience or an event had taken place.

Jesus teachings were practical and on the job though at times he did have formal sessions with His disciples but they were few and between. Commenting on Jesus style of impartation, A. E. Norrish writes: "He took the daily occurrences, their temptations, problems, failures and reactions, and used them to teach eternal values and to foster their spiritual growth".

When Jesus taught, He made the disciples think, encouraging them to meditate over issues until they came to the understanding He was leading them to. Through debates, He exposed the common fallacies of the day; often embarrassing those who dared to test Him. His teaching was not a narration of subjects to a passive group of disciples who were at the receiving end but together they faced the problems of life and ministry; helping each other to work through the issues at hand. At times it was embarrassing and at times it was exhilarating but always Jesus was with them, helping them to think with a clear and critical mind.

Consider Philip. Christ gave him a problem concerning the feeding of the five thousand. The Bible says that Jesus did this to test him (John 6:6), to train him to have faith to deal with the ever present, practical problems of meeting needs. He may not have understood completely what Jesus wanted Him to learn because we read of a similar incident later in Jesus ministry where the lesson had to be repeated again at the feeding of the four thousand. When training His disciples' the Lord was patient and took pains to repeat important lessons until they understood what He would have them learn, lessons that were of utmost importance to them in the future!

What Jesus taught is also of utmost importance. Of the many things that leaders in the making could to be taught, these are some of the subjects Jesus chose: right attitudes, life priorities, kingdom lifestyle, righteousness, new ways of dealing with life issues, trust in God, true spirituality and making wise choices. He also taught them concerning Himself - His mission, death and resurrection were topics He brought up once a while, causing Peter at one occasion to command Christ to keep silent for the lesson was too painful for him to receive. One very important lesson they learnt was prayer - a lesson all leaders must do well in. In short Jesus "revealed truths about himself, the Holy Spirit, spiritual fruitfulness, the importance of loving one another, expectant prayer and facing trials and persecutions."

Jesus had an interesting way of instructing His students. He would use dialogues and debates especially when talking to the Jews. This provided good opportunity for Him to teach the disciples concerning right interpretation and application of Old Testament teachings. Jesus most well known method of teaching is of course His parables. These delightful didactic stories are full of powerful lessons even for us today. Being a good teacher, He always provided an explanation when his students were slow in understanding the message behind the parable. These are some of the creative ways Jesus imparted His teaching to his leaders while He was with them.

What was the purpose of all these instructions? Why was Jesus taking so much effort to impart all these teachings to His disciples? I believe these are some of the reasons why:

1.. To prepare them to face the opposition and rejection that was to come - He made them aware of the problems that they were to face and prepared them for the hard times.

2.. To encourage spiritual growth.

3.. To develop a lifestyle of faith - a total trust in Him and the Father who sent Him was a major goal in His teachings.

4.. To provide knowledge and ability to lead and minister as leaders in the future - much of the teaching was preparation for future activities they would be personally involved in.

5.. To develop right character and attitudes. "Wrong attitudes or angry reactions from them earned them a rebuke but also an understanding of God's mercy. They learned about attitudes towards family, homes, money, giving, and relationships between leaders and the led".

Today, for us who are involved in the instructing of new leaders whether in a classroom setting or on an informal basis, the actions of Jesus provide a balanced view of leadership training. First of all we must realize the need for both formal and informal training sessions. Looking at the methods Jesus used, I would say informal, on the job instructions should be given priority and sought after by any leader serious in training new leaders as compared to formal, classroom

Methods employed in teaching new leaders should be creative and thought stimulating. A spoon-feeding of dogma that discourages debate and questions will produce lethargic and uninteresting leaders - leaders who are unsuitable for the ever-captivating world we now live in. Clearly we must be wise in the final set of subjects we decide to teach our new leaders. Maybe a review of what Jesus taught His disciples could provide a guide in deciding what topics should be dropped and what topics should be included in our curriculum for leader making.

Lastly, a clear purpose for all the seminars and teaching session plan and given is needed. The trainee leader as well as the teaching leaders must be clear concerning the goals and aims for the hours of instruction they would be involved in. Any goal that falls short than the ones Christ had is a goal not worth pursuing.

Revelation

The revelation of His identity and mission to His disciples was done in stages. Jesus did not all at once reveal His true identity nor did He at one sitting explain His plan and purpose for coming to earth. It was a gradual process where He invited His disciples to come to Him and to see for themselves who He truly was. It was an open invitation to see who He truly was and by so doing come to realize that He indeed was a very different and unique man.

The disciples saw many signs and wonders that were done by Jesus which served as signposts, drawing their attention to His divine character and power. In the Gospel of John seven miraculous signs are recorded of Christ - signs that helped the disciples come to a recognition of which their teacher truly was.

The signs that were shown to the disciples were even helpful in dispelling the doubts John the Baptist had about Jesus. After hearing the question of doubt by the disciples of John, "Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see" (Matthew 11:4, NKJV). Indeed it was what the disciples heard (His teaching) and saw (His miracles) that served as powerful tools in making them the leaders they were to become.

There were some special occasions where Christ took the opportunity to reveal Himself to them in a very special way. These precious revelations left them speechless and in awe but even more it transformed them and strengthened their faith. The Transfiguration of Jesus was an event that left the disciples amazed - the saw Christ in His glory and heard the voice of God (Matthew 17:1-8). Then there was the incident at the Upper Room where Christ plainly stated that He was the mirror of God, for he who had seen Him has seen God (John 14:6). The final confirmation of His identity took place at Caesarea Philipi with the classic confession of Peter which Jesus did not deny but assured Peter that it was through the work of God that he was able to make that confession - that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:14).

Jesus then went on to reveal His ministry and true mission on earth, telling them "that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priest and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day" (Matthew 16:21, NKJV). His gradual revelation of who He was and what His mission was was finally over.

What has all this then to do with the training of leaders today? Simply this, that when we spend time with our trainee leaders we must learn to gradually reveal our ministry and ourselves to them. Any sudden revelation of our true identity or the enormosity of task may frighten or even despair the potential leader from his calling. There must be a gradual revealing of his responsibilities and role as a leader. The facts and figures of ministry too should be gradually passed on - small bites are easier to receive and digest. "If we are grooming leaders to take over our jobs, we should first orientate them, then gradually share with them the joys, opportunities and struggles which leadership entails. They will certainly appreciate such `revelations.'"

Delegation

Jesus also gave his leaders in-training practical assignments. Some were `unglamorous' while others were in public and in power. When He fed the five thousand, Jesus called His disciples to help seat the crowd and after the crowd had eaten, to clean up the place!

Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. (Mark 6:40, 43, NKJV).

On another occasion Jesus sent them out on a restricted mission trip (see Matthew 10). He gave them instructions and guidelines so that they would be able to perform the assignment He had delegated to them. He made it clear who their target was (v.5, 6), how they were to travel (v. 9, 10), the danger and opposition they were to receive as well as possible rejection (v. 13-18), help that was available (v. 19, 20) and who to look out for on their trip (v. 11-13). All in all they did well and were blessed.

One important factor to note is that whenever Jesus sent out His disciples on a practical mission, He never sent them out alone. A fellow disciple who would provide companionship and support was always provided. We read that He sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7) - so should we with our trainee leaders.

One of the best ways to train new leaders is to involve them in practical service - it need not necessarily be spiritual ministry - seating people and cleaning up after a service is also part of good leadership training. As a speaker once commented, "Before you arrange the lives of people; learn to arrange the chairs they will sit on". I remember well my early days of ministry where I was assigned to arrange chairs before every meeting and to stack them up after. Then there was the task of cleaning the toilet after every meeting! The benefits of such exercises eluded me those days but today as I look back, I realize it was the best training I had to develop humility, patience and empathy.

Practical service is important for leaders in training for they learn best while on the job. Begin with controlled situations, gradually exposing them to the various stages of responsibility and ministry available to them. Controlled, step-by-step delegation to restricted mission and ministry opportunities, when wisely done, can be a very useful tool in molding good and practical leaders who are able to do the job and does it well.

Do not allow needs in the church or shortage of manpower to cause you to rush this gradual introduction into service by the trainee leaders for it will only serve to defeat the very purpose of leader-making.

When an opportunity for service is given, trainee leaders should be provided with clear and simple instructions. The failure of the trainee to perform is sometimes due to the absent or vague instructions that were provided by the leader. There has to be sufficient orientation to the task, clear instructions simply presented and the provision of a companion.

One last pointer: as much as possible never ask a trainee leader to do something alone - always provide a partner because they are in learning and a partner available to share the load helps.

Evaluation

Jesus did not just send His disciples out to serve but when they returned, He evaluated their performance. After sending out the Twelve on a preaching tour that was accompanied by signs and wonders, the disciples returned to Jesus with their report.

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught (Mark 6:30, NKJV).

What a wonderful pattern for us to follow. After completing a particular mission we read that the apostles gathered around Jesus - they were eager to report back to their teacher of the things they had been involved in. In reporting back, notice that two elements are of importance - what was done and what was said. In all reports to the trainer, a trainee leader must tell of what he did and what he said - this makes good reporting. The disciples provided feedback that would help Jesus in assessing them as well as providing instruction in areas where they were still weak in.

On another occasion Jesus sent out seventy others to prepare the way for His coming. They went to towns and preached as well as ministered in power. After ministering they returned to Jesus with joy. I am drawn to the repeated actions of these disciples who were sent out - they always returned to Jesus and always brought back a report. This I see is an important pattern that must be carried out in all leader-training sessions where trainees must return to their trainer with a report of what was said and done. Thus we read these words in Luke 10:17 (NKJV):

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."

Upon receiving them and hearing their report, Christ made an assessment of the whole event. He reminded the disciples not to revel over their accomplishments, providing them with insight on how to handle success in the future. He not only taught them how to rejoice rightly but also how to respond rightly to the events that had taken place. As their leader He prayed, giving thanks to God that His disciples were used by God and had done well. He also helped them to realize the special privilege that had been bestowed on them (Luke 10:23,24).

We can conclude then that a report and evaluation must follow all practical ministry opportunities. Evaluation is a crucial element in leader training and should not be neglected. There must always be a report made (better in writing) after every practical exercise has been completed. Trainee leaders should be encouraged to come back to their leaders and share what they did and said. This kind of reporting back and evaluation will pave the way for greater and more effective works.

Discipline

Jesus also disciplined His students when they failed to develop proper attitudes as leaders. He was not hesitant to rebuke a wayward disciple or to correct the flaws that occasionally manifested itself in His leaders.

When Jesus began to show His disciples what He must do and what would eventually happen to Him, Simon Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him! Jesus turned around and rebuked Peter, identifying the reason behind his action and words.

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." (Matthew 16:23, NKJV)

On another occasion the disciples were crossing the sea with Jesus in the boat when a great storm arose. They disciples were so terrified that they awoke Jesus who was asleep, questioning Him of His care for their lives. After calming the storm, He chided them for their lack of faith.

But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (Mark 4:38, NKJV)

Passing through Samaria, Samaritans from a certain village did not receive Jesus. Seeing this strong rejection by the villagers, James and John called for a complete destruction of that village, offering to pray for fire to consume the village. To this rash reaction and prejudicial judgement, Jesus rebuked them, stating that that was not the way His leaders were to react to rejection.

But He turned to them and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men' s lives but to save them". (Luke 9:55, 56, NKJV)

Even in His final hours and in grave danger, Jesus continued to discipline His disciples. When Peter cut off the ear of Malchus at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus rebuked Peter for his action; Peter had given in to his baser instinct rather than adhering to the principles of love He had been teaching them all this while.

Then Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" (John 18:11, NKJV)

As leader-makers, we must not neglect to discipline and correct our leaders. Trainers must learn to rebuke unto repentance those whom they are training so that their trainees may be rid of attitudes and deeds that can so easily sabotage their calling to leadership in the future. The principle in Luke 17:3 is very apt when disciplining errant apprentice leaders: Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Be careful not to overreact or to be silent when an apprentice acts unbecomingly. There is a place and need for corrective rebuke and we should not shy away from exercising this responsibility. After saying that, we must also remember to rebuke in love and not in anger or pride. Time spent in prayer before rebuking is a good habit to develop.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:19, NKJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ. (Ephesians 4:15, NKJV)

Prayer

The disciples of Jesus were subject to endless prayers by Jesus. He interceded for them regularly and even continues until today. Let us consider for a while the prayer Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17:6-26. Any casual reader to these verses will realize the love Jesus had for His disciples and the great pride He had for them They were always on His heart and His desire was always for their good. He begins by giving thanks to God for them (v. 6-10), acknowledging that God gave them to Him and that they have come to know Him in a very intimate way even as He knows the Father. He goes on to pray for their protection (11-12) but not insulation from the world (v. 15). Even though He desired their safety He knew this safety would not be achieved by removing them from the dangers of this world but by helping them to overcome the evil around them. He also prayed for their sanctification (v. 17), setting them apart for the special service the Father had called them to.

Next He prayed for unity among them. He implored God to keep His leaders united, knowing how powerful united leaders can be (v. 11, 21, 22). This unity is very important for only when there is unity among the leaders, would the world believe that Jesus is the Sent One. He also expressed His longings to God - His longings to see the glory God promised and the increase of love in the disciples' heart (v. 24, 26). What a glorious prayer for any leader to pray for all the trainee leaders under his care!

We see here another important principle of leader making: intercessory prayer. We must pray for our new leaders, upholding them in prayer before God daily.

What should be some of the elements in our prayer?

a.. First, we should always be thankful to God for giving them to us. A thankful and appreciative heart to God for the new leaders will stir us to do even more for these leaders, to love them and to serve them. They are God's gifts to the church to be received with words of thanksgiving.

a.. We should also pray for their protection from all harm and attacks of the evil one.

a.. Prayer for a consistent and maintained unity among the leadership is also of utmost importance. The unity brought about by prayer is strong and precious and should be sought after.

a.. The sanctification of the leaders for ministry and a life of holiness should never be forgotten. Pray that God will consecrate them for service, planting in their hearts a commitment to serve in humility and grace.

a.. Lastly, bless them in prayer. Speak words of blessing daily upon them. Pray that the glory of God will be continuously upon them. Pray that their knowledge of God and the things of God will increase. Pray that their hearts will be filled with the love of God.

Commissioning

In Matthew 28:18-20, Christ gave his newly trained leaders a mandate. At the end of their training Christ spoke words of instruction which provided them with a command to act in the way He would want them to, a command that gave them authority and direction. They now were knowledgeable about their Teacher, having being taught and trained by Jesus, living and being with Him daily for the last three years or so. Their minds were renewed and hearts challenged. This mandate was something radical and it challenged their outlook and concepts for Christ now called them to be His witnesses to all nations, no more limiting them to the Jews only.

This mandate required them to put into practice all they had learned so far. They were now required to teach new disciples, training them the way they had been trained by the Master himself. They were to baptize people, incorporating them into the Christian community.

This mandate also promised full backing and power. It provided a safe place to fall back to; in the mandate a promise of full support from God was present.

It is not only enough for us to teach and train our new leaders - we must also give them a mandate upon completion of their training. A call for them to train other leaders as well as to baptize still is needed today. We should also never forget to assure and ensure full backing and assistance to these new leaders as they venture out to lead and make a difference in the world. All this can be successfully implemented in a well thought out commissioning service that highlights their task and authority.

Leaving

This is a strange principle in leader making but an important one. Jesus left them when the training was completed. He had forewarned them on many occasions before that He would not be with them forever - He would be leaving them soon. If He was to remain with them, their tendency was to cluster around Him wherever He went. Jesus in human form could only be in one place at one tine. This would mean that the work of the disciples would be restricted, their influence limited and their message isolated to only a few.

Therefore Jesus left them. Even so He did not leave them alone. He provided them with another helper or instructor - the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15).

As a leader-maker, we too must eventually leave our trainees. It must be our practice to forewarn those under our care that we would not be with them always - there will come a time when we will have to leave them. Wee Tian in his book on leadership summarizes this best when he writes: "We must leave our co-workers, especially new leaders, to get on with their jobs. They will make mistakes, but they will learn through them. If we had to wait until leaders weren't one hundred per cent ready before they embarked on their ministry, there would be a distinct lack of leaders! The best way of training is to get them to rely on the Holy Spirit and to tackle their responsibilities with His enabling."

As leader-makers we must learn to work ourselves out of our job. To train up a group of leaders that would eventually be able to lead without having a need of you around is the greatest compliment any leader-maker can receive. Seek that compliment.

Peter de Run Petros Ministries Website: http://www.petros.com.my