Leadership Development equips churches and ministry teams to identify, train, and empower leaders for long-term discipleship and mission. Explore practical, Bible-based resources on mentoring, coaching, apprenticeships, and building leadership pipelines for elders, staff, and volunteer leaders. You’ll find guidance on cultivating character, clarifying competencies, delegating responsibility, and creating a healthy culture where leaders grow and multiply. Whether you’re developing emerging leaders, strengthening current leadership, or building a repeatable process for your church, these articles help you invest in people who can faithfully lead in Jesus’ name.
October 5, 2008
John Derry encourages churches to develop future leaders by identifying potential, investing resources, providing hands-on experience, and inspiring young people to embrace servant-leadership.
September 21, 2008
Jud Wilhite warns leaders about the danger of burnout, challenging the myth of perfect balance and calling for sustainable rhythms of rest, family priority, and long-haul leadership.
September 7, 2008
Gary L. Johnson outlines six practical steps for church strategic planning, showing how elders, staff, and volunteers can work together to move a congregation forward with purpose.
Jeff Miller examines two 1 Corinthians passages and shows how translation details can shape conversations about women in ministry and leadership.
August 10, 2008
Leonard Wymore urges congregations to strengthen the leaders already among them by building teams of associates, ministry teams, and healthy meeting practices that help churches grow.
By Mark Wesner Editor”s note: The following questions were distributed as a self-examination exercise at an elders and staff retreat sponsored by First Christian Church, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. We believe they”re good for servant-leaders everywhere to consider. Spiritual Growth. In what way(s) are you more like Jesus today than you were one year ago? “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness,
Robert Stradley of Harmony Pines Christian Camp explains how sled dogs teach leadership, teamwork, humility, and spiritual fervor as they follow the guidance of the “Good Musher.”
April 20, 2008
Three churches are discipling and training men and boys for long-term spiritual maturity and leadership—from battle-themed mentoring for teens to a demanding program designed to identify and develop future elders.
April 20, 2008
Churches urgently call for youth ministers and other specialized staff, but the need keeps growing. Drawing on a poll of youth ministers, Andy Hansen shares key influence points and practical insight for recruiting vocational leaders.
April 16, 2008
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership struggles at Facebook echo challenges many church and parachurch leaders face: rapid growth, pressure to sustain the work, and the temptation to lead on one’s own terms.
March 19, 2008
Christian Standard invites readers to nominate outstanding servants whose Christian character and leadership are making a difference. Learn the simple criteria, where to find forms, and the April 1 nomination deadline.
February 17, 2008
Jud Wilhite warns leaders about “character creep”—small compromises that quietly erode integrity. Using the Titanic as an illustration, he urges practical safeguards, honest friendships, and daily attention to the “rivets” that keep a life and ministry intact.
February 3, 2008
Brett Andrews remembers Eldreth L. Russell, a faithful minister whose joy, contentment, teaching clarity, passion, and servant heart helped shape a church and influence generations—often without recognition.
January 6, 2008
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
December 9, 2007
Churches need leaders, but Scripture defines greatness as serving. Doyle Roth calls believers to trade titles and status for the towel and basin—leading people to Christ through humble, practical service.
November 7, 2007
A counselor once said confessing temptations early can prevent deeper failure. Mark A. Taylor reflects on fear, pride, and the need for trusted accountability that helps leaders grow in integrity.
November 4, 2007
A critique of the church’s “excellence” mantra, exploring how it can become elitist, expensive, exhausting, and divisive—and offering healthier alternatives like efficiency, patience, and inclusion.
October 7, 2007
Church leadership internships: How internships can help churches raise up leaders from within As churches grow, leadership gaps can stall momentum. This article explains how one church developed a practical, step-by-step approach to identify potential leaders, disciple them, and progressively increase responsibility through internships. The goal is to cultivate gifts and build a healthy leadership pipeline from within the congregation. Identify leaders early and build intentional pathways for development. Use internships to formalize responsibility and increase accountability. Create a clear process that moves people from volunteer roles toward staff roles. By Kevin Stone As Christ’s Church of the Valley’s executive
After coaching 16 lead pastors from large churches, Bob Harrington shares 10 insights on grace-centered leadership, rigorous self-care, building leaders of leaders, healthy eldership, and serving the community with generosity and relational intentionality.
Mark A. Taylor remembers his most effective mentor, Charles E. Stiles, and the simple, lasting lessons he lived out. From the Come Alive Singers to everyday counsel, Stiles showed that “the people are the program.”
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