The quality of training given to church leaders determines how well different church departments work in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In this article, we will answer the question, “Why are leadership training and development important in the church?” But first we will discuss the main objectives of leadership training in the churches.

The aim of Church leadership training is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively guide and serve their congregations.

The primary objectives of such training include:

• Spiritual growth and development: Church leadership training helps leaders deepen their personal faith and understanding of biblical principles. This enables them to lead by example and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations.
• Leadership skills and competencies: Leaders learn effective communication, conflict resolution, team building, and decision-making skills. This equips them to manage their congregations effectively and inspire others.
• Pastoral care and counseling: Training focuses on providing spiritual guidance and support to congregants. Leaders learn how to address emotional and spiritual needs and offer care during difficult times.
• Administrative and managerial skills: Leaders develop skills in financial management, organizational planning, and legal compliance. This ensures that the church operates efficiently and responsibly.
• Church growth and outreach: Training helps leaders develop strategies for church growth and outreach. This includes evangelism, missions, and community engagement, enabling the church to reach more people and make a positive impact in the community.

The importance of training church officers, both clergy and laity, cannot be overstated. Jesus Christ Himself was the greatest teacher who ever lived, yet he saw the need to equip his disciples for service. He chose twelve men to train them before sending them out into the world as witnesses to His teachings.

The example of Jesus reminds us of the importance of investing adequate time and effort into providing necessary training to our ministers, lay evangelists, bible workers, elders, and other esteemed church officers. Such meticulous preparation is required for them to carry out their sacred duties and effectively minister to the needs of our beloved congregations today.

The following are some of the reasons why church leadership training and development are important:

1. It Ensures Continuity by Preparing Successors

We begin with what President Obama said to African leaders on July 28, 2015, during an African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In his statement, President Obama expressed concern that some leaders were unwilling to pass on leadership mantle to the next generation. He stated:

And sometimes you’ll hear leaders say, well, I’m the only person who can hold this nation together. If that’s true, then that leader has failed to truly build their nation.”

BARACK OBAMA

Obama’s address to the African heads of state resonated deeply. Failing to nurture potential successors not only reflects your failed leadership approach but also signifies a lapse in effective leadership.

The Corporate Finance Institute emphasizes the importance of succession planning in their article titled “Succession Planning.” They stress the necessity for organizations to proactively prepare for a future successor, stating:

Succession planning ensures that there is no leadership vacuum after the retirement or exit of a senior officer in the organization.

THE CORPORATE FINANCE INSTITUTE

Conversely, in his article “Developing Effective Leadership Succession Planning,” Alex Larralde asserts that succession planning mitigates transition risks. He articulates this by stating:

Succession planning is important because it reduces the risks associated with leadership transitions, preserves continuity, and protects mission-critical information and objectives.

ALEX LARRALDE

Church leadership continuity, just like it is in the corporate world, is critical to the growth of the church. The apostle Paul encourages young Timothy to pass on godly knowledge and instructions to faithful men in order to ensure the Ephesian church’s continuity.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).

With strong leaders at the helm, the church can move forward with greater harmony among its members. The word of God commands us to:

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)

2. Training Motivates Church Leaders: 

Training and development programs for church leaders help them learn more about their roles and responsibilities in the church as a whole. This information gives them the motivation and inspiration they need to serve the church to the best of their abilities.

Training your church’s leaders makes them feel more invested in serving God and increases their enthusiasm for their work. Church leaders who have gained knowledge and skills through training are more eager to serve God and His church.

Ralph Waldo expresses the importance of inspiring other leaders in these words:

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we can be.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Remember that while training boosts and motivates a leader, it is the Lord who makes firm the steps of a leader, as Psalm 37:23–24 puts it:

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23–24, NIV)

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

3. Improves Communication and Collaboration

Church leadership training is essential for improving communication and collaboration between departments. It helps make sure that tasks are done well, that misunderstandings are cleared up quickly, and that everyone is working toward the same goal.

Teaching church leaders how to communicate and work together well can cut down on wasted resources, boost productivity, and make the church a better place for everyone. Communication encourages orderliness, which the scriptures encourage us to have.

Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40, NIV).

4. Boosts Performance and Efficiency 

Effective churches provide excellent opportunities for leadership development for both paid and volunteer staff. Training church members to do their jobs well ensures that the church benefits from their diverse perspectives, ideas, and strategies.

Church officers who have received proper training carry out their duties in their respective departments confidently and with little supervision. The church is better able to carry out its mission because it makes the most of its members’ gifts and talents.

According to the apostle Peter, we are all uniquely gifted by God:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

God’s gifts must be improved so that they can be used to bless humanity by serving others.

5. Builds Capacity and Increases Competency

The most efficient way to increase church capacity and competency is through proper training.

The church’s needs evolve as it grows and matures. To keep up with the changing dynamics, the church must provide enhanced leadership training to its members. Training allows the church to keep up with growth dynamics.

Training points the church in the right direction by providing its leaders with the skills they need to do their jobs well.

6. Helps Establish the Vision and Mission of the Church

Christian leadership training helps leaders understand and adopt the church’s core values, beliefs, and mission. The workshop for church leaders enables pastors to articulate the church’s vision and mission with greater clarity and conviction. The word of God reminds us that:

Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18, NIV)

These seminars help ministers communicate their ministry’s mission effectively, build and lead cohesive teams, and manage the church’s various departments.

It equips the church members with the knowledge, skills, and experience to serve in their roles and encourages members to contribute their unique talents and skills to further the church’s mission.

Through training, leaders learn how to set a clear vision for the future of the church.

Dan Reiland writes in his article on ways to boost staff morale:

A clear and compelling vision boosts morale both when you have strong momentum and when you face more difficult seasons in your church.

DAN REILAND

In his article The Importance of Leadership Development in the Journal of Applied Christian Leadership, Ron Aguilera emphasizes the importance of adjusting leadership development to meet organizational needs.

Leadership development is a process. It must be tailored to meet the organization and its unique mission and goals to be successful.

RON AGUILERA

A scripture that comes to mind is Proverbs 24:6 which states:

For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 24:6, NIV)

7. Promotes the Spiritual Development of Leaders

A call to leadership in the church is a call to a deeper spiritual commitment. When we grasp the concept of servant leadership as taught in the Bible, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God.

Training in church leadership helps us develop spiritually because it teaches us to emulate Christ’s model of servant leadership. All of this reminds us of the importance of serving others without expecting anything in return, as Christ did.

8. Refreshes and Enhances Leaders

Church leader training is beneficial to both established and aspiring church leaders. The leadership workshops provide an opportunity for experienced leaders to refresh, improve, and hone their skills.

The workshops are a fantastic opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain insight from both the presented material and the testimonies of the more seasoned participants. By doing so, emerging leaders can refine their own leadership style and build the confidence necessary to take charge.

One effective strategy for bringing out the best in leaders is to design programs that cater to their specific needs, whether they are just starting out or are seasoned veterans.

9. Fosters Unity Among Church Leaders

Church leadership development programs foster mutual respect and trust. These training programs encourage church leaders to network and collaborate on projects.

These collaborations ease the tensions between leaders. The church and its departments become more effective as their leaders learn to collaborate. This increases church attendance, resulting in a more powerful and cohesive body of believers.

The apostle Paul pleaded with the Philippian church members to be of one mind:

Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2, NIV)

10. Increases Church Membership Retention

Church leadership training is an essential step in fostering commitment among church members. Every church should invest in the leadership development of its leadership if it hopes to retain and increase its membership. Training church leaders instills a sense of responsibility and dedication to the church’s success.

There should be interpersonal skills training for all church leaders. These skills help them make friends with other Christians, meet their needs, and get past their fears in the church community. As a result, the church has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes people want to stay. The word of the Lord encourages us to:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for as members of one body you are called to peace. And be thankful. – (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

Training not only makes members feel more connected to one another, but it also gives them a sense of purpose and ownership in the church.

It’s an excellent way to involve members in the success of the church. Churches should encourage members to take on leadership roles in order to increase member participation and teamwork. Every member is created in Christ Jesus to do good works:

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

11. Guides Department-specific Tasks and Roles

Training for church leaders is beneficial because it clarifies roles and responsibilities. Church leaders receive training to help them understand their roles more fully and learn how to:

• How to delegate tasks
• How to build an efficient management structure
• How to keep the church running smoothly
• How to handle conflicts
• How to mobilize resources for major projects
• And many other functions and duties

12. Helps in Conflict Management

Training for church leaders is crucial to maintaining a harmonious and healthy congregation. It teaches participants how to voice their opinions in a way that respects others’ rights.

Church leaders need to be trained in conflict resolution skills in order to create a thriving church community. Such interventions help lessen church strife.

With the proper leadership training, members can work together more effectively and ensure that the church remains a positive and harmonious place.

13. Helps Discover New Talent 

Many churches have members who are passionate about their faith and want to serve in leadership roles but lack the necessary experience or knowledge.

Church leadership development can be an excellent way to discover and use these hidden talents.

Leadership development helps identify and develop potential lay leaders and volunteers who might otherwise go unnoticed.

14. Makes it Easy to Make Decisions

Church leadership training teaches leaders how to make decisions that are in line with the mission and values of the church.

This provides leaders with the tools they need to weigh their options and consider the implications of their decisions.

It also eliminates the possibility of costly mistakes and ensures that all decisions are made with the church’s best interests in mind.

15. Improves Church Services and Programs

Christian leadership training for church workers improves the overall quality of church services.

When church leaders receive the necessary training, church services and programs function more efficiently, meaningfully, and in a way that meets the needs of their congregations.

Consequently, church members become more content, devoted, and generous as a result.

16. Promotes Accountability and Responsibility 

Church leadership development fosters responsibility and accountability. Leadership development also helps church leaders understand the impact of their decisions on their congregation and the people around them. It teaches leaders to accept responsibility for the positive and negative outcomes of their decisions.

Training fosters a culture of accountability and continuous growth for church leaders, allowing them to stay focused on their mission and goals.

In his article The Need for Spiritual Leadership, Morris Thompson explains it as follows:

Although spiritual leaders may see the importance of accountability, it is essential that they build an environment in which accountability can grow and thrive.

MORRIS THOMPSON

17. Promotes Creativity and Innovation

Christian leadership development fosters creative and innovative thinking in the church. Leaders are taught how to generate new ideas and plans for spreading the gospel.

This allows the church to keep up with the times. As a result, the congregation is more energized and engaged, and the church stays ahead of the curve, successfully reaching more people with the Good News.

18. Increases Church Revenue 

Leadership training can equip church workers with the skills and knowledge needed to manage the church’s finances, allowing them to maximize resources and increase revenue.

19. It’s a Platform to Introduce Change 

Christian leadership training for church workers is a forum where church leaders can learn new skills, strategies, and methods of leading congregations.

Leaders can also learn about the latest trends in church organization and management so that they can be better prepared to guide their churches in the future. 

It provides an opportunity to explore new ideas and gain insight into how to better serve their churches.

20. Helps With Risk Management 

Risk management skills are important for the success of any church project, and they can help church leaders make smart choices that will lead to good results.

Church leadership training equips leaders with the critical skills to identify, assess, and manage potential risks associated with church projects.

Leaders can increase their chances of project success and reduce the likelihood of failure by gaining this understanding of risk management.

21. Helps Identify Weaknesses and Challenges in the Church

Attending church worker training sessions allows church leaders to learn more about the issues confronting the church, potential areas for growth, and strategies for bucking negative trends.

The training also helps church leaders realize and address their own personal leadership shortcomings.

22. Enhances Church Community Service

Christian leaders who have been properly trained are better able to assess the needs of their communities and implement programs to address them. Such tailor-made programs are great for strengthening ties between local churches and their surrounding neighborhoods.

The information gathered in this manner helps the church develop and implement outreach initiatives such as feeding the hungry, providing job training and mentoring, and distributing resources to those in need.

23. Increases the Church’s Potential for Growth

The church can expand its opportunities to reach more people and usher them into God’s kingdom by investing in the training and education of its leaders. These new believers will then be trained to bring others into God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom will grow, and more people will be prepared for eternity.

Final Thoughts

From the foregoing, it is very clear that church leadership training and development are essential parts of the success of any church. Church pastors can foster excellence and cooperation while enhancing performance, efficiency, and capacity by investing in leadership training.

Training and development also help church leaders help members understand the church’s vision and mission, grow spiritually, and identify weaknesses and challenges. This facilitates decision making, revenue growth, and service enhancement.

Given these gains, it’s easy to see why investing in the growth and development of church leaders is so important. Churches that put effort into cultivating their leaders tend to be more cohesive, responsible, and innovative.

Therefore, in order to foster an environment of excellence and cooperation, it is imperative that all church leaders receive training before taking office. The church will grow and reach its full potential as it serves its members and the community if it invests in the training of its officers.