The vitality of any church rests heavily on the shoulders of its leaders.¹ They guide the direction, shape the vision, and steward the resources of the church. However, achieving proficiency in leadership can often be a daunting challenge.

Many churches grapple with common hurdles such as ensuring seamless leadership succession,² fostering peaceful conflict resolution,³ creating effective strategic plans,⁴ and clearly articulating a shared vision.⁵ These are complex tasks requiring a comprehensive understanding and mastery of diverse skills.

While these challenges might seem formidable, they are not unique. Church leaders equipped with the right training can confidently and effectively navigate these intricacies.

Proverbs 11:14 says,

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

To address this need, more and more churches are realizing the importance of investing in leadership training programs. This guide aims to offer insights on choosing the ideal leadership training program for your church that enhances and empowers your leaders, grounded in Biblical principles and practical wisdom. 

The Biblical Basis for Leadership Training 

Throughout scripture, the importance of leadership training is repeatedly emphasized. The Old Testament is teeming with narratives of leaders like Moses and Joshua, who devoted time to mentoring their successors, passing on wisdom, and ensuring continuity in leadership. The process wasn’t a rushed passing of the baton; it was a careful and calculated transfer of authority that took years of training.

Cassi Lea Sherley, a leadership professor, writes in her article Empowering Stewardship: Leadership Lessons from Exodus 18:13-27:

“Moses is often cited as a biblical example of servant leadership; he demonstrated a deep love for God and others, humility in his approach to God and his own abilities, and an impetus to serve God, and His chosen people.”

Cassi Lea Sherley

Exodus 18:21 records Jethro advising Moses to select capable leaders to share the burden of governing:

"But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens." (Exodus 18:21 NIV)

The New Testament also contains many examples of leadership development, most notably from the Apostle Paul. His relationship with Timothy is an ideal example of leadership training in action. Paul mentored Timothy, providing guidance and eventually entrusting him with substantial responsibilities in the church at Ephesus.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells 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." 

These narratives demonstrate the essential role of mentoring and training in leadership development within the church. 

In Ephesians 4:11–13, the Bible clearly outlines the necessity of “building up the body of Christ by equipping the saints for the work of ministry.”

This scripture underscores the fact that the church’s leadership’s role is not only to lead but also to equip others. This equipping process includes training in areas such as pastoral care, conflict resolution, communication, and many others to ensure a strong, sustainable leadership lineage.

How to Select the Right Leadership Training Program for Your Church

Choosing the right leadership training program for your church begins with:

Identifying Your Church’s Unique Needs 

Identifying the specific needs of your church is a pivotal first step in choosing the right leadership training program.⁶ Every church is different and has unique needs that arise from its specific context. These might include, but are not limited to, training needs in areas like pastoral care, conflict resolution, strategic planning, or communication.

The first step in this process is a comprehensive needs assessment. This involves taking a close look at your church and its leadership to identify areas of strength and areas that need growth and development. This might involve seeking feedback from the congregation, self-assessments by leaders, or even seeking external input from trusted advisors or consultants. 

Here is a complimentary sample survey form for assessing church leadership that you can use in your church. You can also download the file by clicking the button below.

Regular reassessment of the church’s leadership training needs will ensure that your training remains relevant and impactful. 

Additionally, leaders need to have a solid foundation in theology and biblical studies to guide their decision-making and leadership practices. Depending on the background of the leaders in your church, this might be an area where additional training is needed.

By carefully assessing the needs of your church and its leaders, you can select a training program that will most effectively address these areas and contribute to the overall health and growth of your church.

Understanding Your Church’s Culture and Beliefs 

Understanding your church’s culture is key to selecting a training program that will resonate with your leaders and members. Every church has a unique culture and set of beliefs, which are shaped by factors such as its history, its theological perspectives, the community it serves, and its vision for the future.

A leadership training program should not only address the specific needs of the church but also align well with the church’s culture and beliefs.

When selecting a program, consider how well it meshes with your church’s ethos. Is the program’s approach compatible with your church’s style and pace of learning? Does it respect and reflect your church’s theological stance? These are important questions to consider in ensuring the chosen program is not only effective but also consistent with your church’s identity.

Reputation and Research 

Proverbs 14:15 states,

"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps."

The wisdom of this scripture is worth emulating. Prudence and careful thought are needed when choosing the leadership training program for your church.

Investing in a leadership training program is a significant commitment for your church, both in terms of time and resources. Therefore, it’s important to choose a program that has a proven record of success.

As with any major decision, due diligence is key. Thorough research into the program’s reputation, the background and qualifications of the facilitators, and the feedback from past participants can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness.

Consider the Learning Format and Duration 

Leadership training programs can vary significantly in their structure, with formats ranging from in-person classes, online training, weekend workshops, and longer-term hybrid models. These options each have their advantages and may be more or less suitable depending on factors such as geographical location, schedule flexibility, and the technological capabilities of the participants. 

Moreover, the duration of the program can also be a crucial factor. Some leaders may be able to commit So, consider what format and length are most practical and beneficial for your congregation.

Budget and Affordability 

While investing in training is important, it shouldn’t financially strain your church. It is critical to strike a balance between training costs and the church’s financial needs. Financial strain can impair the church’s ability to carry out its mission and serve its members.

It is critical for leaders to find cost-effective ways to provide training and development for church workers, such as using free or low-cost resources, collaborating with other churches or organizations, or applying for grants and donations. Your goal should be to train church workers well without straining the church’s finances.

Smart Church Management outlines the following in an article on how churches can manage their finances:

“Many church financial problems can be avoided by good planning, consistent budgeting, and accountability for spending. Church leaders should embrace structured processes to ensure the resources are available to keep the organization in the black and moving forward, regardless of the economic climate.”

Smart Church Management

Sit down and estimate the cost, just as Christ admonishes in Luke 14:28:

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" (Luke 14:28 NIV)

Apply this principle when considering the cost of a leadership training program.

Financial prudence is a biblical principle that extends to choosing a leadership training program. As Proverbs 21:5 teaches, good planning and hard work lead to prosperity.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)

It’s vital to consider your church’s financial health and choose a program that offers the best value for money. This includes assessing not only the upfront costs but also additional expenses such as travel, materials, or ongoing fees.

A valuable program should be seen as an investment in your church’s future, but it shouldn’t place undue financial strain on your resources. 

Customizability and Resources 

In an ideal world, the leadership training program you choose would be customized to meet your church’s specific needs. Some programs offer this flexibility, tailoring their training to address your church’s unique challenges directly.

Additionally, consider whether the program offers resources like online modules, coaching, or mentoring that can provide ongoing support and reinforce learning. Having resources for continual learning can foster deeper understanding and application.

Measuring Success 

Finally, a leadership training program should offer clear metrics for measuring its effectiveness. This could be in the form of assessments, feedback surveys, or direct observation of behavior changes. These success measurements will ensure that the program is not just providing knowledge but is genuinely leading to improved leadership. 

Remember, the ultimate goal of the training is to strengthen the church and better serve your congregation and community. As Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:23-24,

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the process of selecting the appropriate leadership training program for your church is not a trivial task; it is an undertaking of immense spiritual and practical significance. It requires deep introspection, an understanding of your unique needs, diligent research, and a discerning spirit. However, the rewards for this effort are profound.

As you align your church leadership with Biblical principles, invest in skill development, and cultivate a culture of servant leadership in the likeness of Christ, you lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant church. The words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 remind us,

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

This journey may seem daunting, but let these words serve as a beacon of hope. When we focus our efforts on developing godly, equipped, and effective leaders in our churches, we participate in God’s kingdom work. We pave the way for a harvest of spiritual growth and transformation in our congregations, our communities, and beyond.

Ultimately, we contribute to the fulfillment of the Great Commission that Jesus entrusted to us all. Keep steadfast, choose wisely, and remember that the work you are doing is not just for the good of your church; it is service to the Lord.

Footnotes:

1. Jason Wollschleger, ‘Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Vitality’, Sage Journals Home, First published online, Sage Journals Home, December 1, 2018, http://doi.org/10.1007/s13644-018-0352-7, (accessed 28 August 2023). ↩︎
2. Todd Adkins, ‘Church Leadership and Succession’, Lifeway Leadership, First published online, Lifeway Leadership, 2017/05/11, http://leadership.lifeway.com/2017/05/11/church-leadership-and-succession/, (accessed 28 August 2023). ↩︎
3. A. Aaron Spiegel, ‘Handling Conflict in Your Congregation’, The Congregation Resource Guide, First published online, The Congregation Resource Guide, June 26, 2023, https://thecrg.org/collections/Handling_Conflict_in_Your_Congregation, (accessed August 28, 2023). ↩︎
4. Nancy D. Olsen and Howard W. Olsen, Ph.D, ‘Church Planning Part 2: Elements of Your Strategic Plan’, OnStrategy Resources, First published online, June 5, 2023, https://onstrategyhq.com/resources/church-planning-part-2-elements-of-a-strategic-plan/, (accessed August 29, 2023). ↩︎
5. Chris Vacher, ‘Establishing Clarity in Your Church’s Mission, Vision & Values’, Tithe.ly, First published online, Tithe.ly, September 20, 2022, online resource, https://get.tithe.ly/blog/establishing-clarity-in-your-churchs-mission-vision-values-with-chris-vacher, (accessed August 29, 2023). ↩︎
6. Donna Howell, ‘Church Leadership Training Programs: How to Develop Effective Leaders in Your Church’, ACS Technologies, First published online, ACS Technologies, July 4, 2023, page number (if available), https://www.acstechnologies.com/church-growth/church-leadership-training-programs-how-to-develop-effective-leaders-in-your-church/, (accessed August 29, 2023). ↩︎