Category Archives: Training

People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus showed a great love for children.  He also showed us a level of respect we should have for children as models of our Christian faith.  To teach children about Jesus and God’s Word is good, but to reach their hearts to “receive the Kingdom of God” is the goal! Children are often called the “church of tomorrow”.  They are the church of the future, and if we lose them, we lose the church (or fail the church).  Yet children are also the “church of today”, and we must see them as disciples of Jesus, just like us.

God’s Purposes for Children’s Ministry

God has several purposes for having a children’s ministry in the church.

First, it is “to make little disciples.” Matthew 28:19 is known as the great commission and commands us to “make disciples of all nations.”  The Message Bible translation says “Go and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life…”  1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God wants “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” And that includes children!

Second, children need to have a special environment geared to their needs. A church should be a home for all ages. Sunday School is not like regular school, it’s more like a church family. Children’s Ministry is also not childcare – it’s 100% ministry time! And teachers and parents aren’t the only instructors because Jesus is the example to follow!

Third, in the church, all genders and ages need to be respected.  This includes children. Jesus said in Matthew 21:15-16 (He was quoting Psalm 8:2) that “But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked Him.  ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, From the lips of children and infantsyou, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

Discipling Children

Teaching children in the church is so much more than a standard lesson. Most churches have a standard process for Sunday School that includes telling a Bible Story, singing songs, and taking an offering.  But key discipleship areas should also be included in the process to help them grow in their faith. They include:

1.Praise and Worship

In some churches, it is common for parents to go to worship while their children go to a class.  About this, I once heard a Pastor say, “We have it reversed.  Adults need education and children need to worship!” Based on Matthew 21:15-16 (above), even noisy times of children’s energy and praise should be there to give glory to our Lord!

2. Bible Study

The Bible is always the best “curriculum” for any class of any age group. Children should experience God’s Word.  Leaders should act out Bible stories and discuss how the Bible Story applies to daily life. Leaders should help children to begin to value and love the Bible and inspire them to turn to God’s Word for their worldview of life.

3. Praying with children

Don’t just pray over children, teach them how to pray!  Explain prayer to them and learn about prayer from the Bible. Use prayer formats that are child-friendly and helpful for growth in prayer. Learning to pray to God out loud by themselves and in front of others is an important goal with children.

4. Faith Sharing

All Christians have stories of faith, which are essentially touches from the Lord every day.  Children have them as well. Children love to tell stories and talk about their families and so leaders need to look for stories of faith the child can share to give God the glory. Children should also learn the gospel message of the Good News of Jesus to share as a testimony to others.  We are never too young to learn to share the gospel.  As Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14

5. Other discipleship areas to consider:

Stewardship – teach children about tithing or using their gifts from God

Mission projects – have children join their family in reaching out to others in service and ministry

Fellowship – show children the importance of making friends with the joy of faith in Jesus

How Children Learn

How children learn is related to the development stages of children and needs to be considered so that teaching children will be age appropriate. As children grow, they are increasingly ready for more in-depth teachings.  A children’s ministry teacher must be ready to adjust teachings to the development stage of the children. Development stages of children’s learning should then be added to a discipleship plan for children.

Here are some key points regarding “how children learn” by age group:

Little children (ages 1-4)

The faith foundation is being laid down from the beginning of life. At this age, children are self-centered, so encourage sharing with each other. They also tend to live in fantasy as well as reality, and do not yet know the difference. So, emphasize the truth of Jesus and the Bible (e.g., Jesus is real, not pretend). At this age children are naturally curious, so let them explore as they learn. They are visual and concrete learners, so be clear and use pictures and visual helps. They also learn well by experiencing and so acting out Bible stories can be effective for them.

Young children (ages 5-7)

The faith foundation of a child is laid down during the first 7 years of life, so make impressions on the hearts of children at this age that will last a lifetime. They like to feel proud as well, so give them some praise to encourage them. At this age children are also self-conscious, so it is important to help them not to compare themself to others and teach them that God’s love is for everyone equally! Children at this age also have a short attention span of only about 5-7 minutes. So, be prepared to move on to another activity when they start to lose attention. Children have a limited concept of time and are generally only interested in the present. So, do life application teaching and keep visual aids clear and simple.

Older children (ages 8-11)

Children in this age group have a much longer attention span so they can be more absorbed in the teaching. At this age children are able to think more for themselves and begin to show leadership capability. As a result, have them begin to lead prayer and worship for younger children. Children this age also have a better concept of past, present, and future. So, you can begin to teach a Bible timeline. They also begin to understand symbolism (as used in the Bible) so have them act out parables of Jesus and discuss the meaning of the parable.

Biblical Faith Milestones

Enhance your teaching lessons by establishing some Biblical Faith Milestones by age or grade level.  Here are some examples:

1. Kindergarten (age 5) – Memorize the Lord’s Prayer
2. Grade 1 (age 6) – Learn the Ten Commandments
3. Grade 2 (age 7) – Memorize the Apostles Creed
4. Grade 3 (age 8) – Learn the order of the New Testament Books
5. Grade 4 (age 9) – Learn the order of the Old Testament Books
6. Grade 5 (age 10) – Study a timeline of the Bible

These milestones are also important to prepare children for their entry into the church’s youth program.

“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

Psalms 71: 17-18

**from chapter 5 of our Discipleship for Church Leaders^TM training manual.

“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.”

Mark 3:13-14

At the beginning of His ministry on earth, Jesus stepped out and publicly selected His small group.  He selected twelve men who became His disciples. He mentored and trained them over the next three years and then left it in their hands to build the church.  This is well documented in the book of Acts, which demonstrated how they started out as small groups meeting in homes. Let’s explore how we can use small group discipleship for spiritual growth and a sense of community felt by our congregations.

What are Small Groups? Small groups are typically groups of 5-12 people who meet regularly, either in a church, home, or restaurant. They meet to study the Bible, share their faith, and support and care for one another. In the context of discipleship, small groups should always be centered and focused on God’s Word. The Biblical purpose for small groups include the following:

• Acts 2: 46-47 – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

• Hebrews 10:25 – “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one,because they have a good return for their labor:   If either of them falls down,one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who fallsand has no one to help them up.”

• Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

What are the characteristics of a Small Group? All small groups need 4 common spiritual values:

1. Upward – The top priority is our relationship to the Lord. Our desire should be to be with Him and to follow Him. (Matthew 22:36-38)
2. Inward – Each member of the group should be committed to each other in love and living in community together. (Matthew 22:39)
3. Outward – The group must understand that they are all part of the Great Commission and be willing to witness to others. (Matthew 28:19)
4. Forward – Through the small group, they learn to be obedient to what Christ has taught so they can experience His life changing power which they then pass on to others. (Matthew 28:20)

Small groups can also be formed around service to others (homeless), ministry (praise team), gender, demographics (seniors), sports, or any other common link. Pastoral support is also important. Pastors should be invited to periodically visit your small group and to also provide training for the leader or help find study materials.

What are the challenges for Small Groups?  Here are some of the key challenges along with some possible Solutions:

1. Exclusiveness – when a small group acts “closed” to others. Possible Solution:  Have an empty chair and pray for its filling.  Also, being willing to split into two groups.
2. Shyness – having group members that rarely share. Possible Solution:  Split into smaller groups of 2-3 for some of the time.
3. Superficiality – spiritually weak, usually wanting to only be socially-based. Possible Solution:  Giving more equal time to worship, prayer, study, and sharing.
4. Leader Dominance – When the leader does all of the talking. Possible Solution:  rotate leadership of the Bible Study time.
5. Personal Problem Dominance – members that regularly dominate the conversation by bringing up their personal problems. Possible Solution:  Giving a mentor to the member with many personal problems.
6. Children – having children attending small group with parents, as they cannot be left at home. Possible Solution:  Take turns with teaching the children or find a youth to help.

Small groups are a wonderful place where people can experience a LIFE CHANGE! They learn how to live the Christian life, how to express and receive love, how to grow deeper relationships with one another, and how to find strength to endure challenges and hardships. It is also a place to worship, pray, and study!

Discipleship is the process whereby people meet Jesus and grow in their relationship to Him and knowledge of God’s Word. Consequently, small groups are perhaps the best method a church has to carry out the Great Commission!

(From Chapter 10 in our Discipleship for Church Leaders™ Training Manual, ©2015.)

“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.  For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”

Genesis 18:18-19

In the beginning, God gave men the responsibility of leadership in the family, in the faith, and in society in general. In the Old Testament the Bible clearly states that man was created first in the form of Adam, and that Eve was made as a helper to him (Genesis 2:18). In the New Testament men are given the responsibility to be heads of their families and are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:23). So in God’s hierarchy of responsibility, men are placed in a position of leadership and therefore it is essential that they be trained to be spiritual leaders.  It is the responsibility of fathers to disciple their children and so the church must be involved in the discipleship of men so they are equipped and supported for that task. Many men are absent from the church because they often see their primary responsibility as work in order to provide for their family. But spiritual leadership is far more important. Consequently, the church must disciple men so that they can become the spiritual leaders God has called them to be.

Men have 3 basic roles in God’s plan. First, they are called to be leaders in their families. In Ephesians 5:23, Paul writesthat “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” Similarly, men are also called to be leaders in their church, their nation and the world (Genesis 2:18). Second, men are called to be providers and to work to support their families. Genesis 3:17 says, “To Adam he said, because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘you must not eat of it’, cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.”  Third, men are called to be teachers and to pass on knowledge and the faith. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  

Because of these callings from God, the discipleship of men is critical for the Christian faith, as well as the Church. First of all, we know that Satan attacks leaders. “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan knows that if you thwart the man, you thwart the church and also the family. Secondly, men are role models for children. “Jesus said to his disciples: Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.  It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause any one of these little ones to sin.”  (Luke 17:1-2)  Children look to men and fathers for behavioral examples. As a result, men have influence beyond their words. And thirdly, men are role models for society. “Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)  Men look to society’s leaders to see how to behave or act. But it is also true that what society permits is often more dangerous than what the law permits. So men must also know God’s Word!

There are 3 key obstacles and challenges to reaching men. First, most men are independent. They like to be in control and want to make their own choices. They also want to solve problems by themselves and don’t like to ask for help. Second, men are career and work oriented. They get their self-worth and their identity from their jobs and their job often defines who they are. Consequently, if they lose their job, they often lose their identity.  Men also see their primary function as family providers and work is the way they earn income for food and shelter. Third, men face several key temptations. “No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) These temptations includesex (physical gratification), money (provider gratification), and power (control gratification).

Here are 5 strategies for men’s discipleship:

1. Create a connection – it can be social (common interests), faith, sports, or business related (career or work)
2. Teach Scriptural authority – Man’s calling and purpose (“No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money.” – Matthew 6:24)
3. Develop ongoing opportunities – monthly meetings, retreats, Bible studies, men’s conferences, sports, missions, or social events.
4. Reach Men Individually – Use personal invitations.  Men often don’t respond to general invitations. Consider mentoring other men.
5. Create events that focus on topics relevant to men’s interests or struggles – These may include career, family, faith, success, or overcoming temptations.

The discipleship of men is an important role for pastors and church leaders if we are to raise up leaders for the church and in the family. This will not only grow the church, but will also ensure the passing on of the Christian faith to future generations.

(From Chapter 7 in our Discipleship for Church Leaders™ Training Manual, ©2015.)

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.”

Titus 2:1

Teaching the Bible to others was something I had never really contemplated throughout most of my life. But when the Lord used a pastor in the Philippines to call me into the ministry of teaching pastors and church leaders 20 years ago, I found myself in the awkward position of having to do so. Although I was called to teach and train on leadership and management for the Church, the ultimate source of that training was God’s Word. I often remind our global trainers that although we teach on church leadership and management, we are really teaching God’s Word. It is because our training is based on God’s Word and what He has to say on this topic.

Jesus told his disciples before he ascended to heaven to “make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)  In the same way, I believe Jesus is calling all of his followers to teach the Word as well, including you and me. That means we should teach his Word to others in Bible studies, in sharing our faith, in prayer, or in raising our children. But the Bible also says that “some are called to be teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). And I believe that God has indeed called me specifically to be a teacher of His Word as a ministry. And I have been doing so since 2002, even though I have never received formal Bible training nor attended any seminary or Bible college.

That lack of formal training often creeps into my mind (obviously planted by Satan) to try and distract me from that calling. I am aware of the Scripture that says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) And that is true for me as well. But it is also an encouragement, because it compels me to read and study Scripture even more so that I don’t misquote it, misread it, or misrepresent it to others. But I often still feel somewhat unqualified to be a teacher. I think that comes from our western culture that says we must have a degree or a certification from an educational institution to be considered qualified. In other words, we must have some sort of evidence that we are qualified to teach. It’s like the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, who was told he only needed a diploma to have evidence of a brain! But the Bible makes no such demand. It simply says that we “must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

To be a good teacher, however, one must also have some practical experience in what they are teaching. Many teachers simply teach what is in a textbook and do not have any practical experience in the subject that they are teaching. That often results in them not being able to answer questions effectively or give students knowledge on how to apply what they are learning. The best teachers are those who not only know the material they are teaching, but who have also applied that teaching in their own life and can then offer examples on how to apply it to the student’s life or career pursuit.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:19, “Wisdom is proved right by its actions.” Consequently, wisdom comes from applying the knowledge that we are taught in our lives. If we are to be a good teacher of God’s Word, therefore, we must also then practice what we preach by applying God’s Word in our own lives!

In my business career I often attended national conferences about topics that pertained to my job. There would often be large plenary sessions for everyone taught by some well-known speakers, and there would be workshops led by others who were generally less well known. They led the workshops because they had practical experience in the subject they were teaching. And I usually found those workshops more beneficial than any talk by a well-known speaker. It was because the well-known speaker often only shared principles and philosophies and not so much practical applications of what they were teaching. I found the best help and ideas from the workshop leaders who had tried to apply those principles and knew what worked and what didn’t, and most importantly, why. It’s the same with teaching God’s Word. It is not enough to just know what it says. It’s also important to know what happens when we apply it in our lives. Because in doing that we actually discover the truth of God’s Word and its wisdom for us.

I think it is fair to also point out that as human teachers, we are still sinful. We are not perfect as Jesus was. Consequently, none of us are fully able to live out God’s Word as we teach it. But does that mean that what we are teaching is not true or God’s Word? No, it doesn’t. We can still teach God’s Word even though we fail to keep it ourselves, as long as what we are teaching is truly God’s Word and not our version of it. We mislead others when we teach falsely or misrepresent what God’s Word actually says or means. That is why all teachers of God’s Word must be careful to study His Word and be guided by the Holy Spirit as we teach it.

Teaching God’s Word has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I not only get to share and teach it in our ministry of training, but I also have the opportunity to teach it in my church on a regular basis, in my men’s Bible study group twice a month, and to a group of homeless men each month. As a teacher, I must also be better prepared than my students, because they will ask questions – tough questions! And when I don’t know the answer, I know exactly where to send them – right back into God’s Word!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.  I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.  For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

Philippians 2:19-22

Timothy is young according to 1 Timothy 4:12 (“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young“).  Paul took this youth, Timothy, under his wing, teaching and nurturing him in the faith.  Youth are young adults, and discipling youth is critical for the future of the Church.  Recent surveys indicate that youth are not staying in the church but rather adopting secular views instead as they enter adulthood. Youth ministry (for age 12 through the teenage years) requires some special attention so that youth will come to Christ in a lasting way.

What Is Effective Youth Ministry?

First of all, Youth Ministry is NOT entertainment, the best show in town, the best food in town, or mimicking the world’s way of doing things. Youth Ministry IS purposefully driven instead of popularity driven. Events must focus on the power of God being present, the purpose of God being evident, and the principles of God being taught.

Development of Young Adolescents

Young people in ages 10-15 undergo more rapid and profound personal changes than any other time in their lives.  Some areas of youth physical & emotional development vary during this time. For example, changes occur irregularly, puberty is experienced at different times and different rates, youth become aware of their socioeconomic status, and ethnicity adds to diversity awareness or challenges. Youth also develop concerns about appearance and body image and have a desire for peer acceptance. Their patterns of thinking begin to change with a greater capacity to think more on their own, and the environment and media begin to have a greater influence over their values.

How Youth Learn

The foundation for faith (in God, or in something else), is laid down during the first seven years of life.  By the time students enter youth ministry (around age 12), they will have a belief system basically established in their hearts and minds.  Neuroscience research studies have shown that youth learn well in five areas:

1. The youth needs to “feel OK” to learn effectively.  Emotion is fundamental to learning for young people. 
2. Youth find it easier to learn when the teaching matters to them.  Brains can shut down when students are taught information that is not relevant to their own goals.
3. It is easier for youth to learn when the environment is active.  Active engagement in the teaching time is necessary for learning. 
4. Youth need to work on their skills over time.  The experiences of youth, over time, gradually sculpt connections in their brains. 

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”   –  2 Timothy 3:14-15

5. Youth learning requires regular support.  Having support and mentoring helps learning to be reinforced and to be adjusted to one’s own personal experiences. 

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  – 1 Timothy 4:12-16

The Purpose of Discipling Youth

There are four purposes in discipling youth:

1. To help them apply their Christian faith to every area of life. This includes worship, prayer, fellowship, Bible study, ministry and evangelism.
2. To talk to them about the tough issues. This includes the benefits of healthy behavior (purity), the risks and consequences of unhealthy behavior (drugs, alcohol, sex), and the difference between temptation and sin (Temptation is the devil knocking at the door. Sin occurs when one opens the door and invites the devil in). “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  (James 4:7)
3. To teach them to make good decisions. This includes using good judgment (Psalm 119:9,11), having courage (Philippians 4:13), having honor (Romans 12:9-11), and exhibiting self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3,4).
4. To help them become leaders in the cause of Christ. Youth must learn to seek spiritual growth, have a servant heart, build up people skills, promote cooperation, and manage problems. They should learn to lead worship, prayer, and Bible study. They should also learn to disciple others.  The Great Commission should become personal to them (“Go and make disciples……teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” – Matthew 28:19-20)

Developing the Next Generation of Church Leaders

There are four things worth remembering about youth in the Church. First, the leaders of tomorrow are the youth of today. Today’s church leaders were forged in the 1960’s & 1970’s. Tomorrow’s leaders are being forged in the 1990’s & 2000’s. Second, what youth don’t like today they will change tomorrow. They are not sure what they really like, but they know what they don’t like and they will want to change what they don’t like. Third, each generation wants to be better than the previous one. There is a continuing evolution of social thought and each generation wants to make a contribution to the culture. And fourth, we must teach youth Biblical principles, not church traditions. The focus should be on eternal truths, not temporary beliefs. Let the power of the Word draw them in, not traditions or practices. Let our actions be determined by Scripture, not by man-made ideas.

(From Chapter 6 in our Discipleship for Church Leaders™ Training Manual, ©2015.)

“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.  (We are) encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 12

Mentoring is a key aspect of the Great Commission, because we are to “make” disciples and not just “witness to” outsiders.  It also helps those we mentor to grow spiritually and learn to live a life of faith. Jesus was a teacher, counselor, and guide to all of His disciples. He also developed a mentoring relationship with them. He had a particularly close mentoring relationship with three of His disciples – Peter, James, and John. 

According to the dictionary, a mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. God created us to need mentors, including our parents, teachers, bosses and pastors. The Apostle Paul mentored young Timothy (1^st Timothy Chapter 4). As Paul demonstrates, mentoring is a committed one-to-one discipleship relationship, an investment in another person’s life, a passing on of faith in Jesus, and an apprenticeship where both people respect and rely on each other. Mentoring also enables spiritual reproduction, so that the mentee can in turn mentor others and pass the Christian faith from one generation to another. As Paul also wrote to Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

There are some basic principles of mentoring that are very important if it is to be effective. First of all, there must be Commitment by both the mentor and mentee. This means taking on the responsibility to develop the one-to-one relationship, investing time in the process, and pledging to completely follow God’s Word and God’s Will. Second, there must be Accountability. There needs to be openness to each other, a willingness to be repentant, and an agreement to “answer to” the other person. Third, there should be Confidentiality. All personal information must be confidential unless specified otherwise. If mutually agreed upon, some information can be shared to build up the body of believers. Fourth, mentoring must be Voluntary. Each person must be willing to enter into the relationship and give it their time.  Either person can discontinue it if desired.

Additionally, mentoring should be person-to-person with the same gender to avoid any romantic temptations. It can be someone you know, or don’t know, and will often happen as a result of God’s call or prompting. Mentors should not mentor more than three people at a time and also must use the Bible as the primary tool.

Here are the key steps to mentoring:

1.Determine Who to Mentor

After prayer and discerning God’s guidance, select a person to mentor. Have an exploratory first meeting to discuss the mentoring process. Pray about it together.

2. Determine a mentoring process

Decide on when and where to meet and agree on the Bible as the guidebook for your meetings. Have a second meeting to discuss and take notes on life issues, topics, or needs. Plan with each other the schedule and topics. If the person is not a believer yet, work on evangelism first.

3. Meet regularly

Keep to the agreed upon schedule but remain flexible to adjust the schedule as needed. Have brief encounters to catch-up and provide encouragement.

4. Assess and work on the needs

Take notes and collect more information related to childhood, young adulthood, and current life situation.  Review and discuss your notes together. Then, determine their needs and encourage their spiritual growth. As Paul wrote, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).  

5. Set goals

Goals should be worked on one at a time, or only a few at a time. All goals should be researched in the Scriptures for guidance and help.  Do this together and prepare some suggested goals for them ahead of time. Pray together about the goals and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Agree on any “homework” due before the next meeting. Be testimonial by sharing the spiritual growth taking place with others and witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit in your lives.

When should the mentoring relationship end? It can end as God leads (and is agreed upon) or when the mentee is capable of mentoring another person.  We need to ‘make disciples’ who will ‘make other disciples’! It can also end when life situations change.

Every Christian should have a mentor and be a mentor all of their life! We are all called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) so that God’s Kingdom grows!

(From Chapter 11 in our Discipleship for Church Leaders™ Training Manual, ©2015.)

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:12

One of the most effective ministry tools for discipleship is small groups. When people come together in a smaller community of believers, they are often more free to share their successes and failures and be willing to be held accountable. They are also often more willing to share their faith and seek a closer relationship with God as they build a close relationship with other believers. Typically, Bible study is at the core of a small group, and this enables believers to gain more knowledge of God and his Word that they can then apply in their own lives.  This is what discipleship is all about – studying and doing God’s Word! As a result, many people often grow more as followers of Christ when they participate in a small group.  

Small groups are an important tool for discipleship within a church. It enables members to do several things.

First, they can explore God’s Word with others to become better equipped. “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It enables believers to gain a greater understanding of God and how the Word applies to, and enhances, their life.

Second, it’s a place to make disciples. “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Personal testimonies and faith sharing can strengthen us so we can grow together in faith.

Third, it builds closer relationships. Small groups create stronger ties, allow for deeper levels of personal sharing, and create accountability to one another.

Fourth, they can provide ministry care to each other when needed. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). Like a family, they support each other during difficult times.

Finally, they can be an outlet for church ministry. Small groups can have their own outreach ministry in their local community and even travel together to do mission work.

There are a few basic principles of managing small groups that can help you to make them more productive and fruitful.

1. Limit the size. It’s often recommended to keep them to no more than 12 people because is difficult to build strong relationships if the group is too large.

• Designate and train small group leaders. Selecting the right leader is critical to its success. They must be trained and willing to submit to church leadership and oversight.

• Define the purpose. Small groups can have different purposes (e.g. – Bible Study, Fellowship, or Outreach), but they must always focus on Christ and faith development.

• Chemistry of the group matters. All members must be committed to the group. There needs to be unity in purpose and they must care for, and about, each other.

There are also some ways that church leaders can manage small groups to make them a more effective tool for discipleship.

1. Hold small group leaders accountable. Request annual plans and updates and ask for faith stories and group spiritual growth assessment. Also, meet with them regularly to assist them or get feedback.

• Keep track of small group meetings and members. Know who is in the group and when and where they are meeting. Ask to attend a meeting occasionally.

• Oversee small group study materials. Know and approve their Bible study materials and offer training or other assistance to Bible study leaders. Recommend church–wide studies or other resources that you know to be effective for discipleship.

• Have regular meetings with small group leaders. Schedule regular meetings to review progress and activities or to provide ongoing training for leaders.

• Encourage church members to participate in small groups. It will build community and create connections to other members. It will strengthen discipleship in your church and create an outlet for outreach.

Small groups can be one of the most effective tools a pastor or church leader has to disciple people in their church or community. It is a wonderful way for people to share their faith, experience encouragement and caring from others, and grow as a disciple of Christ.

(from chapter 7 of our Management for Church Leaders™ Volume #2 Training Manual, © 2010)

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?  For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him.”

Luke 14:28-29

Planning is an important element in church or ministry leadership.  Robert Schuller, author and former Pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in California, says, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Having a clearly defined plan helps a church or ministry organize its resources and apply them in such a way as to best achieve their vision.  Without a plan, churches and ministries waste limited resources and valuable time, and inevitably fall short of achieving what God has called them to do.  Having a plan does not restrict a church or ministry to a prescribed course of action, but rather lays the foundation upon which the church or ministry can strategically deploy its assets for maximum effectiveness. 

To begin with we must first define what is meant by strategic planning.  Strategic planning is the process of setting goals, organizing activities and deploying resources to achieve a Vision. A Strategic Plan tells you what resources you are going to use, when you are going to use them, and how you are going to apply them, in order to accomplish what God has called you to do.  All of your available resources are given to you by God (James 1:17) and His desire is that you invest and manage them wisely in order to produce fruit for the Kingdom.  A strategic plan helps the leader to do just that.

One of the questions many church and ministry leaders ask is why we should have a plan at all, since we are supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit who directs us as He desires.  But we must remember that even a strategic plan is directed by the Holy Spirit, and as we start to organize and decide how best to deploy the resources that God has given to us the Holy Spirit is right there with us guiding our decisions and plans.  The strategic plan is not for God’s benefit, but for ours.  It is a tool that helps us stay focused on the Vision that God has given us and to manage our resources wisely and effectively. 

It is also important to remember that our God is a God of planning.  Scripture includes references to God’s plan for salvation (John 3:16) and His plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11).  It also includes references to our use of planning (Psalm 20:4, Proverbs 15:22 & 16:3, and Isaiah 32:8).

Churches and ministries need a strategic plan for several reasons. First of all, it enables the church to chart a course for the future. A strategic plan helps us to build a foundation for future growth and development. Having a plan assures us that we have a strong ministry foundation that will not be swept away or collapse when difficulties arise (Luke 6:46-49). Second, a plan helps to avoid distractions. The strategic plan will help to keep the focus of the church or ministry on its vision and mission and avoid being distracted from its primary mission or goal.  Third, a plan enables a church or ministry to utilize its resources effectively and efficiently. One of the primary benefits of a strategic plan is to enable efficient resource deployment.  As part of the planning process the leader must choose how to maximize output from the available resources and to allocate them wisely and not waste the resources God has provided.  Finally, a strategic plan helps to prevent future conflicts. This is because the leadership team has already decided how best to use its resources to accomplish its goals and vision.  With a plan in place, the church or ministry can better evaluate the impact of conflicts against the current plan and determine the best way forward. 

What does a strategic plan involve? There are 7 elements to a strategic plan.  They are:

1. Statement of Vision. The statement of vision describes the desired outcome that you are attempting to accomplish.  It answers the question of what your ultimate goalis or where you are going.  It should be something you can measure so that you know when it is completed.  If you cannot measure it, it is not a goal or a vision.

2. Statement of Needs. The statement of needs defines what you need to accomplish the vision.  This is usually expressed in terms of the resources needed, such as people, money, time, equipment, etc. 

3. Activity Planning. Activity planning is the element that identifies the activities you are going to implement for each need.  It answers the question of how each need will be achieved and what you are specifically going to do to achieve them. 

4. Timing. Timing is the element of the plan that answers the question of when something needs to happen.  Timing specifies when you are going to do an activity, how long each activity will take, or when an activity must be completed. 

5. Resources. The element of Resources answers the question of what is needed in more detail. A good strategic plan first considers the existing resources that are available.  This usually includes people, equipment, or financial resources from your existing budget. Then the church or ministry can determine those resources that need to be acquired.

6. Tactics. The element of Tactics identifies specific opportunities that you have, either in terms of resources or timing, and answers the question of why you are including an activity in your plan. This includes things like the gifts & skills of your members or how to take advantage of available resources or cost savings on potential purchases. 

7. Organization. The final element is Organization, which answers the questions of who is responsible for completing a task. The element identifies who will have what authority for project decisions or financial decisions. It also determines what teams are needed, who will be on them, and who will lead them.

How do we develop a strategic plan? The development of a strategic plan is a process that should be done with attention to detail and with collaboration with others to assure that it is a comprehensive and well thought-out plan.  If it is done quickly or only by one person then there is a greater likelihood that there will be errors or things missing that could result in poor results or outright failure.  So it is important to take the time necessary to get it right and to involve others in its development so that all points of view and options are considered. 

Here are some basic steps to use when developing a strategic plan:

Step #1: Organize a strategic planning group. The first thing you want to do is to put a team together who will develop the plan. You should pick key people who have appropriate skills or background in what you are planning. 

Step #2: Outline your Plan. The starting point to any plan is a simple outline that defines your vision and key needs.  This is the foundation of the plan. Getting this step right guards against making a critical mistake that ends up invalidating the final plan.

Step #3: Add details to the Plan. Using the outline, determine the list of activities you are going to implement to meet each need that you have identified as necessary to achieve the vision.  Each activity should include their timing, resources, tactics, and organization.  This is where you focus on how each need is to be met. 

Step #4: Gather input from others in the church. Once you have a draft of your plan, ask others within the church or ministry for their thoughts, opinions and perspective.  This will enable you to adjust the plan or introduce new ideas that you had not thought of. 

Step #5: Prepare a written document. Writing a plan down helps to clarify it and uncover missing activities or ideas.  The plan can then also be distributed for others to comment on and provide a base point for discussions and reference.

Step #6: Finalize the Plan. Prepare the final written strategic plan that the team members can review for accuracy and completeness.  I suggest that you have each member of the planning team sign the document to acknowledge their agreement with it.. 

Step #7: Communicate the Plan. The last step in the planning process is to communicate the plan to team members and to the church or ministry.  The important thing here is to communicate to the church or ministry what the plan is and what your intentions are. 

Can a strategic plan change? Absolutely! A strategic plan is not meant to be carved in stone, meaning that it can never change.  A good strategic plan must change because our environment and situations are constantly changing.  And because things change, the plan must change and adapt to the changes that affect it as well.  Some of the assumptions included in the plan are no longer valid.  Some of the people you had counted on to implement the plan are no longer at your church.  Some of the costs you estimated have gone way up or way down since the plan was made.  All of these changes will impact the plan and must be taken into consideration if the plan is to be implemented effectively.  Without a plan in place you could make erroneous assumptions or inaccurate evaluations on the true impact of the change.  Taking the time needed to evaluate the impact and make adjustments to your plan will enable the church or ministry to better manage its resources and more effectively achieve its vision.

(taken from chapter 9 of our Management for Church Leaders™ Volume #1 Training Manual © 2010)

“You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:24

Virtually all ministries require some level of finances to operate.  Typically, they rely on the donations and gifts that they receive from their members or followers.  As a church leader, you have the responsibility to make sure that all donations are recorded accurately and that all church expenses are legitimate and accounted for properly.  This is typically a legal mandate, but, more importantly, it is a Biblical expectation as well (Luke 16:11-12)!  Managing your church or ministry finances well demonstrates to God, and your membership or followers, that you are trustworthy.  The Bible warns us that failure to maintain the highest level of integrity in your finances only leads to ruin and suffering. 

Why is managing money well so important? First of all, the Bible says that money can cause many problems. 1 Timothy 6:10 says that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”  Poor money management leads to stress and other sins (lying, stealing, coveting, etc.) and will destroy relationships. And it will usually not go uncovered (“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9). We must remember that money is not the goal. It’s only the means to a goal. It is a resource that we use to achieve a goal and we know that God will provide the resources we need to do His work. We must also be aware that the power of money over people is well documented and often results in bad decisions or even imprisonment. We are also warned that money can become a god or idol of worship (Matthew 6:24) and to pursue money is to pursue a false god. We lose our freedom in Christ by becoming a slave to money.

Secondly, using money inappropriately is cheating God. Treasures given to the church are given to God. Everything we have is His and, we are only His stewards (managers) of what He provides. Misuse of money is the same as stealing it. We rob from the church and we rob from God (Malachi 3:8) when we misuse what He has provided to us.

Thirdly, poor money management is poor stewardship. Poor stewardship is not managing money (God’s resource) wisely. Using God’s gifts wisely by investing them effectively produces fruit for the Kingdom and glorifies God (Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30).

Finally, good money management builds trust with our church members or ministry followers. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?  (Luke 16:10-11). So when we manage money well we are demonstrating to others that we are trustworthy.

Here are 8 basic principles of managing money:

1. Be content with what God provides you. Ask Him only for what you need and trust God to provide for your needs (“Don’t collect any more than you are required to.  Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely-be content with your pay.” –Luke 3:13-14).
2. Don’t use money for purposes it wasn’t intended for. Don’t ask for money for one thing then use it for another purpose. Honor people’s giving.
3. Don’t use church money for personal desires. Never take money from the church to satisfy a personal desire or want. Do not give church money to others for personal desires or wants. All expenses should have a legitimate ministry purpose.
4. Account for all money received. Record ALL income and gifts received. Record the requested purpose of all donations and honor them. Keep accurate and up-to-date records.
5. Account for all money spent. Record ALL expenses and keep receipts for them. Make sure to write the purpose and other details on the receipt if it is not shown.
6. Establish procedures for large purchases. Do not allow one person the authority to make a large purchase. Establish a check and balance system for all major expenses and require an approval form or other document to dispense large amounts of money.
7. Regularly publish a financial statement. Include the amount received, the amount spent, and the balance on hand. This can be done monthly, quarterly or annually.
8. Utilize independent people to periodically analyze church finances. Have someone from outside the church review your financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance or have an annual financial audit done.

There are 4 ways we as leaders can practice good money management in the church. First, teach the Biblical principle of tithing (10%).  Deuteronomy 14:22 says, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” Lead by example – be a tither yourself and encourage first fruits giving (Proverbs 3:9). Second, demonstrate financial integrity by recording ALL income and expenses, paying your debts first and putting procedures in place to audit and review church finances. Third, trust God to provide for your needs. He will give you what you need because God cares for His people (“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17). Fourth, allow members to see church finances. Do not hide your finances from your church members and be open and honest about all receipts and expenses.

If we practice these principles we will experience some great benefits. First, we will build trust with our church members. If they trust us with money, they will trust us with other things and are more likely to follow us. Second, we will avoid potential serious problems and remain a good example to our flock. Third, we will learn what the power of God can do and see first-hand how God provides for our every need.

(taken from chapter 10 of our Management for Church Leaders™ Volume #1 Training Manual © 2010)

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account”
Hebrews 4:13

In order to be an effective leader, one must learn to properly delegate responsibilities and hold others accountable to their commitments.  Since we cannot do all of the ministry by ourselves, especially as our ministry grows, we will need to delegate some of our responsibilities to others if we are to get the work done that the Lord requires of us.  Learning how to delegate effectively and then hold others accountable will produce action and not excuses.  

Delegation

“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.  We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”

Acts 6:3-4

Delegation is the act of empowering someone to act for another. When we delegate something to someone else we are asking them to take responsibility for getting something done on our behalf. There are several reasons why we would delegate responsibility to others.

First, delegation allows us to spread the workload so that more work can be accomplished in less time. Second, we delegate so that we can enlist the help of others. This enables us to have others participate in ministry and to utilize their skills. Third, we delegate to others to expand our ministry. This gives us time for other ministry work or to pursue other ministry passions and opportunities. Finally, we delegate to others to develop them as potential leaders. We do this to train others for ministry, enable ministry leadership succession, and to build the kingdom of God.

Here are 6 principles of delegation:

1. Delegate only to qualified leaders

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

2 Timothy 2:2

Delegate to people of character, people of faith, and people full of the Holy Spirit.

2. Delegate to trained people

Make sure they are trained for the task at hand and provide training, if necessary, before you delegate.

3. Delegate responsibility, not activities

Give them freedom to manage as they feel appropriate. Do not dictate the process but allow them to use their own style to accomplish goals.

4. Delegate authority with responsibility

Do not hold back your authority from them. Let them make decisions within the authority you give them. Gently guide, but do not decide.

5. Provide deadlines for results

Specify project time frames for completion and make sure deadlines are agreed to. Be firm but flexible on deadlines and allow for changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure new deadlines are also agreed to.

6. Follow up to answer questions or provide support

Provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.

When you delegate, first decide which project or responsibility to delegate to someone. It could be a project that you want someone else to lead or a responsibility that you do not have time to lead. Second, choose the leader wisely. Select only qualified, trained or experienced leaders. Third, communicate your expectations to them. Agree on goals & objectives and specify outputs & results. Fourth, give deadlines and specify desired completion dates. Make sure they commit to meeting the deadlines and monitor their progress to ensure deadlines will be met. Finally, provide support to them. Do not ignore them or leave them on their own. Give them encouragement along the way.

Accountability

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Romans 14:12

Accountability is an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. Leaders should never delegate responsibilities to others without holding them accountable. This is to ensure project success and the achievement of project goals, completing projects on time and meeting key project deadlines, developing the leadership skills of others and their decision making ability, and to build the leader’s confidence and trust in others.

Here are 4 basic principles of Accountability:

1.  Never delegate responsibility without accountability

It enables you to maintain control and tells them this project is important. It also shows them you are interested in what they do.

2.  Be specific in your expectations

Set deadlines for results and communicate clearly the results you expect. Write them down if necessary.

3.  Be diligent in your follow up

Check on their progress regularly and ask for status reports (weekly, monthly, etc.).  Expect results as promised and on-time.

4.  Be constructive in your feedback

Do not be overly critical and praise good work and effort. Offer your encouragement and support.

Holding someone accountable means that you first make sure objectives are clearly understood. Poor objectives will lead to poor results and potential project failure. Second, make sure deadlines are agreed to. Write them down if you have to and make sure you both agree to them. Third, ask for regular updates and status reports. Keep on top of the project and its progress and meet regularly to discuss project issues. Fourth, provide ongoing feedback and give your thoughts and comments on the progress. Fifth, praise and reward good effort and give them your encouragement. Finally, recognize success and short term achievements. Do it publicly if significant.

(taken from chapter 2 of our Management for Church Leaders™ Volume #2 Training Manual © 2010)