In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, we read an exhortation of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, which is a key principle in developing leaders. We are to entrust to faithful men (and women) what we have been taught, so those we are discipling can teach others. That’s four generations of discipleship in one verse. Our investment in developing disciple makers propels the Gospel message at an exponential rate.
I’ve been blessed by spiritual mentors, who, like the Apostle Paul, modeled for me a lifestyle, an ethic, a teaching method, and biblical theology that I am compelled to share with others. Together, we do that in many ways. It’s from the pulpit, at hunting camp, over coffee and lunch, as we serve side by side, as we counsel, and as we care for the brokenhearted. When we put into practice the ministry lessons we have learned and teach others to do the same, we develop leaders who share our values and utilize their gifts and talents for the glory of God.
Our generation is also blessed with tools that allow for the transfer of information to be simple and effective. When coupled with Spirit driven relationships that call one another to a life of surrender and practical steps of faith, lives are transformed. That is the essence of the Multiplication Pipeline. It gives one a digital platform to share discipleship lessons online that have been developed by ministry leaders across the SBC. Once the email link is sent, the pastor or disciple leader receives a notification when the lesson has been completed. An appointment can then be set to discuss what was learned and how it will be put into practice. Check it out here: https://www.namb.net/send-network/pipeline/
While the lessons are systematic and progress with increasing levels of knowledge and skills, it is completely adaptable. The pastor or disciple leader builds his own process from a large database of files, to which they can add their own materials. From video links to pdf files, the potential to shape disciple makers in one’s church is unlimited. I have made an intentional effort to develop leaders in my own church over the years that has produced much spiritual fruit. We use the First Steps as our starting point, but we have also used excellent books in “Huddles” of men and women to examine our character and sharpen our focus and call us to obedience and faith.
At the MTSBC, we are calling it the Leadership Development Pipeline. It is for every local church. From this process, we will see God equip deacons, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and ministry team members that will strengthen the local church. We are also praying this tool will sow the seed for pastors to be called, potential church planters to be trained, and missionaries to be sent. When we entrust the Gospel to faithful men and women who reproduce that in others, God will call out the called for His greater Kingdom work. The local church is God’s plan to accomplish His mission. Look over the process here: https://www.namb.net/send-network/pipeline/process/ and give me a call or send me an email at [email protected] to help you get started.
Just this week, in my local church, I asked a 19-year-old college student who has expressed some interest in ministry if he would like to begin a mentoring relationship. I said I would send him a link to online lessons and we would get together to discuss and apply them. He said yes! I asked my 15-year-old son if he wanted to grow in his walk with the Lord and discover how God may use his life, using the same lessons. He said yes! Who has God placed in your life right now that you can begin to develop as a leader in your church? The Leadership Development Pipeline is a great tool to explore those possibilities.
Read more here: https://www.namb.net/news/namb-launches-multiplication-pipeline/
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