New leaders must feel a burden for our church and be committed for the long-term. Four or five years ago, I took on anyone who wanted to be a leader. A lot of people come to our church really excited. But after the initial excitement fades, they move on. Now I look for stability on the front end, before starting in-depth training.
I meet with potential leaders once a month for a year, offering prayer and encouragement. I bring in other pastors from around Portland to teach them about leadership. This provides them with a cohort of other leaders to encourage them, pray for them, and keep them accountable. It also gives them practical training for ministry from people who have been in leadership for years.
—C. J. Coffee, lead elder, The Well, Portland, Oregon
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