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Churches or any organization for that matter that neglect to
sponsor exceptional leaders with loads of potential and move them through the
organization are in danger of losing them through the back door. This could be
very, very dangerous to organizations. As they lose their best leaders to other
ministries or other organizations that provide challenges and allow
opportunities for using the gifts and abilities that God has given them.
Organizations must recognize this fact and identify and release strategic
sponsors who can work with mentorees.

 As I look at the church I pastor, Lake Ridge Church,
God is bringing us exceptional men and women who have the potential to be top
level leaders in our church.  We also have existing within the church individuals
who have the spiritual gift of leadership and are leading.  I am
continually challenged as how and where these people can use their gifts to
lead in order to grow people that results in kingdom growth. On our journey as
a church we have developed the mind that developing leaders is an investment,
not an expense. In order for us to continue to make a kingdom impact, it will
take the mentoring of more and more leaders.

 In most churches we are more worried with getting by and
making sure the programs we already offer function at least halfway decent.
Organizations, especially the church must take the time to do some long range
planning and goal setting. One of the best ways to prepare for the future is to
identify and train leaders with potential to influence the organization. This
benefits both the organization and the individual. The organization gets
someone who is gifted, who is talented, who can lead, who can influence. The
individual gets challenging situations and gets to be involved in an organization
where he or she can use the potential within them.

In the occasional level of mentoring, we find that
counselors are extremely valuable. All of us, at one time or another could use
the advice of a trusted third party who acts as an impartial counselor. It is
good to check out our thought, attitudes and perspectives. It is good to seek
out counselors whenever you need them. Often times when we think of seeking a
counselor, we think of ourselves as being weak, as someone who can’t do it on
their own, someone who is failed in trusting God. These are all distortions of
the truth and misconceptions. God can work in your life and lead you to
counselors who can give great advice. Don’t feel bad when you go someone and
ask for advice. That is one of the most beneficial and one of the most healthy
things you could do. 

 The teacher-mentor imparts knowledge and understanding with
inspiration and excitement and with relevance. The key here is to remember that
the more clearly you can discern what it is you need to learn, the easier it
will be to find someone to teach it to you. I believe that without a sponsor
many potential leaders fall through the cracks. As a pastor it is my
responsibility to do my best to insure that potential leaders are mentored by those
who can mentor and want to mentor. Sponsors must exhibit humility as they seek
to develop others because often the mentorees move beyond the level of
influence and authority of the mentor.  Being a sponsor takes a very
special kind of person who is not self -seeking and who delights to see others
move beyond him and have greater impact.

 If you are a pastor or in a church leadership position, take
that responsibility serious and move out of your comfort zone to begin
mentoring someone who has the leadership gift.  In order for your ministry
to become effective, you must be willing to let go and be a leader, not a
continual doer. Remember, Leaders lead other Leaders.