Multiplication isn’t just about starting new churches—it’s about raising up leaders who are ready to go where God calls them. Church growth that lasts isn’t built on charismatic personalities, big events, or temporary momentum—it’s built on faithful leaders who disciple others and multiply the mission.
The early church thrived because leadership wasn’t concentrated in one person or place. The apostles didn’t just preach the gospel—they trained and released leaders to carry the message forward. Paul invested in Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). Barnabas mentored John Mark (Acts 12:25, Acts 15:37-39). Jesus Himself spent three years pouring into twelve men, preparing them for the moment He would send them out to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 3:14).
If we want to see a movement of gospel multiplication, we must intentionally identify, equip, and send leaders who will carry the mission forward. Without a clear leadership pipeline, churches become dependent on a few, overwhelmed by growth, and unprepared for the next season of ministry.
So how do we build a leadership culture where disciples make disciples and leaders equip other leaders?
1. Identify the Leaders Already Among You
The first step in leadership development is simply paying attention. Leaders aren’t just those with titles—they’re already leading in quiet, unseen ways.
What to Look for in a Future Leader:
✅ A Heart for God – Do they love Jesus and live with integrity?
✅ A Servant Mindset – Are they eager to serve before they seek to lead?
✅ A Natural Influence – Do others already look to them for guidance?
✅ A Teachable Spirit – Are they willing to grow, learn, and be shaped?
✅ Faithfulness in the Small Things – Do they steward what they’ve already been given well?
Multiplication starts with seeing people the way Jesus did—not for who they are now, but for who they are becoming in Him.
Leadership isn’t just about gifting—it’s about calling and character. The best leaders are often already living on mission before they are recognized.
2. Disciple Leaders Through Intentional Investment
Leadership development isn’t about filling roles—it’s about making disciples. Churches that focus only on skills and strategies without spiritual formation will create leaders who are competent but not Christ-centered.
How to Develop Leaders Well:
✔ Walk with them, don’t just teach them. Jesus didn’t run His disciples through a program—He invited them into His life.
✔ Give them a place to practice. People don’t grow by sitting on the sidelines. Let them lead small before they lead big.
✔ Make mentorship a priority. Every leader needs someone pouring into them—without it, burnout is inevitable.
📌 Follow Jesus’ Model:
🔹 “I do, you watch.”
🔹 “I do, you help.”
🔹 “You do, I help.”
🔹 “You do, I watch.”
Leadership isn’t built in a classroom—it’s built through relationship and hands-on experience.
3. Empower Leaders to Step Into Their Calling
One of the greatest barriers to multiplication is fear of letting go. Churches often hold on to leaders too tightly, worried that sending them out will create gaps. But true multiplication requires open hands.
How to Empower Leaders for the Kingdom: ✔ Give them real responsibility. Let them own something instead of just watching from the sidelines. ✔ Encourage them to take risks. Some of the best growth happens through failure—failure is a great teacher. ✔ Release them with blessing. If they’re called to go, celebrate it, don’t resist it.
📌 If we are not sending leaders, we are not truly multiplying. Healthy churches raise up and release leaders, trusting that God will provide for what’s next.
4. The Danger of Not Having a Leadership Development Plan
What happens when churches don’t prioritize leadership development?
⚠ Burnout: The same people do all the work, leading to exhaustion.
⚠ Stagnation: Growth slows because there aren’t enough leaders to sustain ministry.
⚠ Shallow Multiplication: Churches send out leaders too soon without equipping them well.
⚠ Mission Drift: Without strong leadership, churches lose focus and struggle to stay healthy.
The Solution? Make leadership development a daily rhythm, not a last-minute scramble. A healthy pipeline means your church is always ready for what God is calling you to next.
Leaders Who Build Leaders
Multiplication isn’t just about planting churches—it’s about planting leaders who will carry the mission forward for generations to come.
The question isn’t “Are we growing?” but “Are we raising up leaders who will outgrow us?” Sustainable church growth depends on identifying, equipping, and empowering leaders who will continue the work of the gospel long after we’re gone.
Learn More About Church Multiplication
🎙️ Listen to Episode 4 of the Elevate Podcast: Multiply Your Impact: Creating a Culture of Church Growth, featuring Fady Al-Hagal. Listen now!
📅 Join us at the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025, in Nashville, TN! This one-day gathering is designed to equip church leaders with practical tools for multiplication, leadership development, and sustainable ministry growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, connect with like-minded leaders, and take the next step in building a church that multiplies. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com.