7 Principles for Leadership Development in Disciple Making Movements

When a disciple‑making movement begins to multiply, it’s both exciting and humbling to watch. As second and even third‑generation groups start forming, you begin to sense something important: these emerging leaders need more input. The question becomes clear—What is the best way to train leaders in a rapidly growing movement?

To find our answer, we look first to Jesus. How did He prepare leaders for His movement? We can also learn from proven best practices emerging from healthy, growing movements today.

Birthing a Movement

When I first began learning about church multiplication, I sat in a two‑day seminar with George Patterson, one of the early pioneers of movement thinking. His words have stayed with me ever since.

George explained that our role is not that of a parent, but a midwife. The new churches being born are not our babies—they belong to the local believers. If we try to take over and “raise” them ourselves, we interfere with the natural bonding and responsibility that must develop among the people God has entrusted with these groups.

As a young mother at the time, this analogy hit home. Nurses and doctors had helped me with my newborns, but the responsibility was mine. I needed guidance—but I also needed ownership. New believers, like new parents, must grow into their God‑given role as leaders.

Jesus modeled this approach. In Luke 9, He sends out the twelve. In Luke 10, He sends out seventy‑two more—multiplying the laborers and entrusting ministry to them. It’s likely the twelve who helped train these new workers. Leadership multiplication was embedded in Jesus’ strategy.

7 Principles for Leadership Development in Movements

1. Build close relationships with fruitful leaders.

Jesus invested deeply in His disciples—walking, eating, ministering, and even fishing with them. Relationships of trust grow in the ordinary rhythms of life. Informal time is often the most transformative.

2. Invest in leaders as whole people.

Emerging leaders face real-life challenges—financial, marital, emotional. Don’t just train their hands; shepherd their hearts. Healthy leaders sustain healthy movements.

3. Give real responsibility and authority.

“Responsibility is the fertilizer for leadership growth.” Start small, then expand. Let locals lead from the beginning—prayer times, outreaches, meetings, decisions. Don’t give tasks without authority. Trust them, coach them, and walk with them when they make mistakes.

4. Provide regular, practical just‑in‑time training.

Growing movements often gather their most faithful leaders for short, intensive problem‑solving sessions. These times build skills, deepen relationships, and create a sense of shared mission.

5. Make coaching a core practice.

Both group and one‑on‑one coaching help leaders learn to evaluate their situations, identify next steps, and stay accountable. Friendly accountability at every level keeps the movement healthy.  Track coaching sessions and supervise new coaches you are developing.

6. Help with evaluation and planning.

As the movement expands, issues become more complex. Leaders need help learning how to track growth, analyze patterns, and plan strategically. Do this with them, not for them, until they can do it themselves.

7. Stretch them continually.

Keep giving increased responsibility. Take emerging leaders with you when you train others. Let them teach. Let them make financial decisions. Remember: your goal is to work yourself out of a job.

Take the Long View

Leadership development begins immediately. Don’t wait until you think people are “ready.” Start investing early—skills, character, vision, and mindset. Look ahead and ask, If God does what we’re praying for, what kind of leaders will we need?

Then begin developing those leaders now. Pray much, stay intentional, and trust God to raise up the laborers for the harvest.

Which of these seven things do you already do well?  Which one needs improvement or action?

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