[Leader's insight]
They may not step forward. Here's how to find the leaders you need.
by Angela Yee, Leadership guest columnist.
It's part of our calling as leaders to spot and cultivate other potential leaders to serve God and use the gifts given them. There's also a side benefit: we end up finding people for the many ministries that always seem to be in need of leaders! But how do we spot them?
Melissa stepped forward to coordinate a Vacation Bible School program at her church. The need was announced, and no one else offered, so Melissa took charge. In a small church, she was able to produce a program that tripled the number of children who attended. Because of her leadership, the majority of the adults in the church came to help, even though many of them had to take time off from work.
Afterward, Melissa returned to obscurity. She helped out with background tasks, but didn't step forward to coordinate any teams.
"Melissa," I said, "I really think you have a gift for leadership."
Melissa laughed. "Oh no," she said. "Not me."
"Why don't you think you are a leader? You coordinated VBS. You were on the church council. You've led Bible studies. You definitely are a leader."
"Oh, that stuff? Anyone can do that." Undeveloped leaders may have the gift, but they don't even realize it. Many, like Melissa, need a good nudge to enter into leadership, and stay there.
How do we spot new leaders?? Start with prayer. Ask God to bring you to the right people and to help them to be available. Then search. Where do you look?
