Our theme this week is Making Members Stick. One way you can make your members stick is to give them responsibility. And when you help a new leader step up in the church, both that person and your congregation can grow. Below are a few criteria to help you decide when someone is ready to lead.
Readily accepts responsibility. Potential leaders don’t lay low when their services are needed. Willingness to volunteer for small projects is an important characteristic. This means that some of the most able leaders might be behind the scenes.
Understands informal social rules. It takes time for a person to understand how a church works–officially (by-laws and constitution) and unofficially. A basic competence in church dynamics is essential. In some churches, for example, raising your voice in a committee meeting is taboo; in others, it’s expected. No matter what the qualifications, someone who cares about and seeks involvement in church life is a greater asset than someone who is unconcerned or too busy.
Knows the people. Christians may be ready for leadership when they indicate that they understand the people in the fellowship. A new member who has not established a network of relationships within the church is probably not ready for leadership. This is not the same as people skills. A person may be brusque but also understanding and caring.
Agrees with the church’s general philosophy of ministry. When dealing with newcomers who haven’t had many opportunities to reveal their philosophies, look at their behaviors. If your church is running a stewardship campaign, don’t appoint someone to the committee who has not pledged.
Taken from Assimilating Visitors into Your Church. Originally appeared in Leadership journal, copyright 1991 Christianity Today International.
