Finding Leaders For Tomorrow’s Churches
The story is told of a young person who was asked by an elder in the church, “So you are still teaching? When will you make the move and become our pastor?” The reply came quickly, “When the church asks me to make the change.” Within a year the junior high teacher was a pastor. Why? The church asked him to make a change.
As a church we are often surprised when people we thought might become pastors or missionaries pursue other vocational choices. At the same time we may be suspicious of those who have a single-minded pursuit of ministry as a vocational choice.
This guide is intended to assist churches and individuals in finding a balance between individual initiative and the call of the congregation. It includes:
- Suggestions for an overall approach to discernment
- The underlying values and philosophy that shape this process
- A listing of qualities to help churches identify potential leaders, and
- Detailed practical guidelines to the discernment process
The processes and resources provided in this document should be used thoughtfully, adapted to the local context, and bathed in prayer.
Even though one element of this document may apply more to either an emerging leader or those responsible for leadership development, close attention should be given to each part so that all involved can grasp the “big picture” of the discernment process. Using these materials will help you nurture emerging leaders as they grow into the calling the church has placed upon their lives. The contents may be adapted for your use or photocopied as needed.
Click here to download the full PDF resource.
Recent News
Jun 6, 2023
General
A Note from the Moderator
As I was thinking about what to write for the newsletter my mind kept going back to the last part of the SKMB vision statement “We see a Church passionately in love with God, led by His Spirit on mission, bringing Jesus’ Gospel of redemption and restoration to the four corners of Saskatchewan”. I then started thinking, what is needed to accomplish this. There is a whole list of things that come to mind but for me one jumped to the forefront – people.
Jun 6, 2023
General
Take A Vacation
I think summer is here. I am not sure we're allowed to say that before May long weekend, but I am saying it because the sunburn on the back of my head/neck has officially informed me that the summer has arrived. My guess for many of us is that with its arrival comes some vacation time.
Apr 26, 2023
General
Missional Clarity
It’s been estimated that in the next 10 years, 9,000 churches will be closing their doors for the last time. We take comfort in the reality that Jesus builds His church, that He is faithful and that nothing can stop His mission from advancing.