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DISCIPLE STAGE

Church Leadership Basics

Foundational Training for Emerging Church Leaders

Character, Calling, and Competency. Learn biblical qualifications, servant leadership principles, and core competencies to lead God's people with integrity and wisdom.

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

— 2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)

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4-Phase Leadership Development Roadmap

A biblical pathway from character formation to multiplication. Track your progress through each developmental phase.

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Walk with Integrity

Consistent godly character in private and public

Develop Humility

Servant-hearted leadership approach

Cultivate Wisdom

Discernment in decision-making

Demonstrate Faithfulness

Proven track record in small things

6 Essential Character Traits

Biblical character requirements for all leaders. God looks at the heart before giving authority. These traits form the foundation of godly leadership.

Integrity

1 Timothy 3:2

Above reproach, blameless, consistent

Humility

Philippians 2:3

Servant-hearted, not self-seeking

Wisdom

James 1:5

Discerning, prudent, godly judgment

Courage

Joshua 1:9

Bold, fearless, conviction-driven

Compassion

1 Peter 5:2

Shepherding heart, caring for flock

Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:2

Reliable, consistent, trustworthy

Character Before Competency

God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called. While skills can be taught and competencies developed, character is the non-negotiable foundation. A leader with skills but without character will eventually disqualify themselves and damage the church.

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

Biblical Qualifications

Scripture sets clear standards for church leadership. These qualifications ensure leaders are spiritually mature, morally above reproach, and capable of shepherding God's people.

Elder

1 Timothy 3:1-7 • Titus 1:5-9

  • Above reproach
  • Husband of one wife
  • Temperate & sober-minded
  • Hospitable & able to teach
  • Not given to wine
  • Manages household well
  • Not a recent convert
  • Good reputation outside church

Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Acts 6:1-6

  • Worthy of respect
  • Sincere, not double-tongued
  • Not indulging in wine
  • Not pursuing dishonest gain
  • Keep faith with clear conscience
  • Tested and proven
  • Husband of one wife
  • Manage children & household well

Pastor

1 Peter 5:1-4 • Ephesians 4:11-12

  • Shepherd the flock willingly
  • Not for dishonest gain
  • Eager to serve
  • Not lording over others
  • Being an example
  • Feeding with knowledge
  • Equipping the saints
  • Watching for souls

Core Leadership Competencies

Essential skills every church leader must develop to serve effectively and lead with wisdom.

Vision Clarity

Ability to see and cast compelling vision that motivates others

Team Building

Recruiting, developing, and empowering others for ministry

Communication

Speaking, teaching, and motivating with clarity and power

Strategic Planning

Setting goals, creating plans, and executing with wisdom

Multiplying Leaders

The ultimate measure of leadership success is raising up other leaders. Build a sustainable leadership pipeline.

Identify Potential Leaders

Look for FAT people: Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Character matters more than charisma. Spot emerging leaders early and invest in them intentionally.

  • Faithful in small things
  • Available for ministry
  • Teachable spirit
  • Growing spiritually

Invest Intentionally

Mentoring is not optional—it's essential. Spend time with emerging leaders. Let them observe, participate, and eventually lead while you coach them.

  • Regular mentoring meetings
  • Hands-on ministry experience
  • Constructive feedback
  • Progressive responsibility

Release Authority

Secure leaders release authority to others. Give emerging leaders real responsibility, room to fail, and support to succeed. Empower, don't micromanage.

  • Delegate meaningful tasks
  • Allow learning through mistakes
  • Provide coaching not control
  • Celebrate their successes

Build Legacy

Your legacy is not what you accomplish—it's who you raise up. Create a sustainable leadership pipeline that continues multiplying leaders long after you're gone.

  • Teach leaders to raise leaders
  • Create multiplication culture
  • Document processes & wisdom
  • Plan for succession

Want the Complete Leadership Guide?

Access the full 35,000+ word comprehensive resource covering biblical qualifications, core competencies, team building, leadership challenges, and multiplication strategies.

35,000+ words
Elder & deacon qualifications
Team building strategies
Leadership challenges & solutions