Last night was our annual Leadership Appreciation Dinner with Bridge Church. Bridge Church started in 2009 and in 2010 we held the first Leadership Appreciation Dinner with one table at a restaurant. Last night, we had six tables and another two tables full of leaders that couldn’t be there for various reasons. Grateful for these great friends in ministry and grateful to God for what He is doing in our lives together.

The real task of growing churches is that of growing, releasing, encouraging, equipping, and increasing leaders. Nothing increases the capacity of our churches to make a difference like leaders. A growing church is finding ways to grow leaders, PERIOD.

The struggle to grow leaders is often our own.

• The fear of losing control – as if control is what God called us to.
• “they’re not ready yet” – ministry was Jesus’ tool for development of leaders. Giving people opportunities was His model.
• and the “If I only had” – instead of developing leaders, waiting on someone else to send them.

Leaders are drawn by vision/mission and relationship.

• Like Mark, who shared last night about his journey beginning with two guys from our church showing up at the hospital after he was in a major accident. Today, he and his wife lead our Kids Ministry Team.
• Like Josh, who said, he’d been encouraged by numerous families from our church at area Foster Care meetings. Today, they’re adopting and have plugged in to our kids ministry team.
• Like Evan, who said the church said yes to his crazy ideas allowing him to explore his calling. Today, he’s on our Pastoral Leadership team and shares the teaching and preaching load.

It’s not just about how many are there on Sunday, but how many are influencing others, multiplying themselves, being shaped into disciples who make disciples. How many tables do you have right now? Grow leaders and grow your church.