How do you develop leaders from within your church or ministry? It starts by noticing and paying attention to the strengths of not only your leaders, but the people you serve.

When my son Aaron was asked to write an essay in school this year about a difficult experience in his life, he chose to write about having to go to a Christian summer camp for a week. Bad food, a counselor he was certain "hated children," boring chapel services, cabins he felt were far too dirty and rustic (he's kind of a neat freak)—he said these were the things that made it a difficult time. Truth be told, I think he may have been a bit homesick. He wouldn't go on church retreats or to "away" camps for a long time after that.

Part of my son's reticence about camp was because he is a bit shy and reserved. But he's grown in confidence now that he's in high school. Part of that is just growing up—but part of it is that leaders at church have recognized and called forth his strengths. He's a willing helper ...