Zambia Hunt

The problems around this subject are twofold: one is the rise of self-proclaimed pastors (with funny names) and ministries, and the other is the consumer mindset of some of the conservative churches. The problems of self-proclaimed pastors and ministries are too obvious, but we shall deal with them later.

What I have found so puzzling over the years is how good churches of about 100-500 members struggle to find or replace their pastor(s)! The bothersome question is, “How can such a gathering of people not have anyone qualified to lead the church?”

Here are some possible reasons for the situation above:

1. The church didn’t invest in raising the leader(s)

2. The church was comfortable with being supplied with leader(s) from other congregations

3. The church’s discipleship ethos is in need of attention

All three possibilities outlined above point to one deficiency—the need to invest in raising leaders. If 2 Timothy 2:2 is happening in the congregation, every church must be well supplied with leaders and have enough leaders to export! The problem, however, is that all churches want pastors, but not all churches invest in raising pastors. Some churches have adopted a consumer mindset with regard to raising pastors, and this is not a biblical mindset. A good introspection question is for the congregation to ask, “How many pastors have we raised for the number of years the church has been in existence?” The answer to that question will reveal the corporate mindset of that congregation.

To change the consumer mindset with regard to raising pastors, we need to address our minds to biblical demands about raising leaders. Here are some theological reasons why the church must invest in raising leaders:

1. It’s how we ensure that the testimony of Jesus is guarded and passed on from generation to generation (2 Timothy 2:2). The church has a responsibility to ensure that the body of truth upon which the church stands is faithfully entrusted to faithful men and that those faithful men entrust it to the next generation of faithful men. To do this well, leadership development must be taken seriously by every local church.

2. It’s one way we contribute to the broader church. Churches that are well-supplied with leadership are well-positioned to help, especially smaller churches that may be in need of leadership. Congregations that are outward-looking are healthy congregations.

3. To plant churches, you need to send out well-equipped leaders. Churches that are continually developing leaders inevitably engage in church planting. It’s such churches that easily hear the words of the Holy Spirit: “Separate for me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

Due to leadership needs, Paul had to leave Titus at Crete in order for Titus to appoint leaders in every city (Titus 1:5). That one action by Paul points to the absolute necessity for leadership development in every church. One practical way to develop leaders is by making use of faithful theological institutions, and the other is to participate in pastoral internships. This approach will help ensure that the body of Christ is well-supplied with qualified men to lead the church. When the Holy Spirit calls us to separate some names for the work He has for them, we shall be ready because we have been raising leaders!