- The second key to successful leadership transitions is getting and growing the right people.
- Good leaders intentionally mentor a selective group, not just one individual.
- Jesus’ model: He called 12 disciples, worked with them through highs and lows, raising leaders to spread the Gospel.
Two crucial questions for identifying future leaders:
- Character: What’s inside them? God starts with the heart.
- Testing: How have they been tested? Trials reveal true character.
- Leaders worth investing in are trustworthy and tested.
Raising leaders (Jesus’ seven-step pattern):
- Belong: Cultivate connection and relational depth before expecting commitment; create environments of trust and family.
- Envision: Cast a vision that resonates with their hearts, not just yours; awaken their inherent calling.
- Affirm: Lead through encouragement, not flattery; help them recognise and grow the gifts God placed in them.
- Encouragement requires insight into each individual’s potential and repeated positive reinforcement.
- Jesus’ disciples became leaders prepared to act courageously for the vision.