EQUIP THE LEADERS

The second of Arthur Flakes principles for growing a church is: "Equip the Leaders."

One might think that one should find out who's going to be attending before leaders are selected and trained.

WRONG!

If people show up and there are no adequate leaders to lead, they'll go home and not come back.

How are leaders equipped?

Many denominations have training centers where there is training for Sunday School Directors, Teachers, and other offices in the Bible Study Ministry.

The picture at the top is the lake at the training center for my denomination in Florida. It is Lake Yale at Lake Yale Baptist Assembly between Eustis and Leesburg, Florida.

Let me tell you, the training is second to none and the facilities are 5-Star.


Here are a couple of leaders in front of the motel style rooms at LYBA. They have real beds and everything!

If your denomination does not have such facilities, you can probably send leaders to one of the camps operated by another denomination.

If you cannot send leaders to such a facility, there are hundreds of training resources available online, some cost, some don't.

Consider a banquet to kick off a leadership series, or perhaps some

The Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto men, workmen who can be proud (in the good sense) of our work.

Training can take the form of learning to use Bible Study literature, the effective use of technology to facilitate leadership, interpersonal relationships, and of course, how to understand and teach the Bible.

Another essential is evangelism training...not so much the cold-call type, but how to integrate the plan of salvation into EVERY Bible Study lesson, for children, youth and adults. Then it is necessary to train leaders to witness one-on-one.

If we take seriously the concept of Equipping the Leaders, when folks show up, they will have an enriching, spiritual growth experience and will more likely show up again.