By: Chris Wethman, CCLC, SED Coaching Network, Congregational Wellness Team
The SIMPLE Assessment is designed to measure the well-being of a congregation across six key dimensions. One of those dimensions is Engagement—the congregation’s ability to empower its members to live out their God-given talents. One statement from that section invites reflection:
Our congregation actively seeks to develop leaders.
- Strongly Disagree
- Neutral
- Strongly Agree
For some congregation members, the idea of being a leader in the church can feel daunting. We may think of ourselves as leaders in other areas of life, but when it comes to church settings, we often find reasons to step back: I’m not that committed. I’m not spiritual enough. I don’t have time.
In many ways, the call to follow Christ is a call to leadership. Faith is not a spectator sport. The Christians we remember throughout history were men and women who refused to remain on the sidelines when there was work to be done. They understood that Jesus didn’t just save us from something—He saved us for something. His mission includes His people.
The disciples themselves were not naturally gifted leaders. By worldly standards, they didn’t have what it took. They were ordinary people, even considered dropouts. Yet God used twelve non-spectacular individuals to change the world. Jesus turned ordinary people into world-changers. If Christ could use them, we cannot rightly say He cannot use us.
Leadership is not easy, especially when confidence is lacking. But our confidence, faith, hope, and life are not grounded in ourselves—they are grounded in who Jesus is and what He has done. In Him, we can lead faithfully, even when we feel unsure. Here are a few practical ways to grow as leaders:
Think about other people
Leadership deepens when we look beyond our own circles. Loving others shapes how we lead.
Pray
There is nothing more powerful than praying for people—especially those who frustrate us. Prayer changes hearts, including our own.
Take initiative
When you see a need, sense God’s prompting, or notice an opportunity to help, step forward. Leaders don’t wait; they act.
Serve
Jesus taught that the greatest among us is the one who serves. Leadership in God’s kingdom is not about power, but about humility and service.
Invite
Whatever you do, invite others to join you—whether in a Bible discussion, a service project, or an act of care. Jesus constantly invited others into His work.
Live on mission
The best leaders don’t stand above others giving instructions. They live with passion for Jesus and faithfulness to His calling, setting an example worth following.
There are many places to lead, and the opportunities are endless. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. God’s kingdom suffers from a shortage of leaders, not a shortage of opportunity. Now is the time for God’s people to step forward—to lead, to serve, and to show the world the grace and love of Christ. It’s time to make this earth look a little more like heaven.
(excerpted from an article by Tyler Edwards, Relevant Magazine February 18, 2023)