How to raise up leaders for new little churches

Recognize shepherds.
As your church starts to meet, watch for members who help others participate actively. If they are willing to become a leader, then arrange to coach them between gatherings, and help them plan how they will lead their next gathering.

Mentor shepherds.
Whenever someone is able to gather others together to learn about Jesus, arrange to coach that leader. Call them leaders or shepherds; do not yet call them pastors or elders.

Listen to shepherds.
Each time you meet with new leaders, listen carefully as each one reports on what their little church has been doing, what it needs and what are its opportunities.

Train shepherds.
Help each leader to learn from the New Testament, to plan how to lead their church, and how to bring others to learn about Jesus.

Pray with shepherds.
Intercede with God in behalf of leaders' church members, that God will transform them to be more like Jesus, that God will draw more folk who will become followers of Jesus, and that He will raise up more new leaders.

Empower shepherds.
Empower new leaders to coach newer leaders for other new little churches, as the apostles did in the New Testament.
2 Timothy 2:1-2.

Name shepherds as elders.
When leaders meet the requirements of the New Testament, name them as elders or pastors. Do so in a church gathering by imposing your hands upon them.

Educate elders.
Provide occasional training seminars for leaders and elders, and keep yourself available to advise them whenever they ask for your help.

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