Developing Male Leaders in a Church of Willing Women
Big Idea:
By following these six guidelines, you can foster a culture of leadership that benefits your church community as a whole.
In a world where capable and willing women often step up to lead in our churches, it can sometimes leave us pondering how to encourage men to take on leadership roles. At times, the readiness of women to lead can be a blessing, but it can also present a unique challenge. How do we develop male leaders in a community where women are not only willing but eager to take the lead? In this blog post, we'll explore six essential guidelines on how to nurture leadership in men within a congregation of willing women.
1. Don’t discount your ladies' leadership – Find ways to use them!
It's essential to recognize that Godly women are a valuable asset in church leadership. They understand the importance of having Godly men leading alongside them. Rather than sidelining them, leverage their strengths and willingness. Engage these women in activities such as weekly prayer for the men in the church or mentoring younger men and teenagers in spiritual disciplines. Embrace the fact that these women can be your greatest allies in developing male leaders within your church. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30
2. Pray for them to step up
Start by creating a list of men in your church and commit to praying regularly, even daily, for them. Pray for their personal growth, their roles within their families, and their influence among coworkers. Seek divine intervention to keep them from harm and to foster regular confession of sin. Your persistent prayers can pave the way for a transformation in their lives and inspire them to take on leadership roles within the church. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2
3. Identify men to challenge towards leadership
During your prayer time, certain men will naturally come to the forefront – those who are earnestly striving to love God and others. These individuals should be your focus. Challenge them to take meaningful steps toward leadership, but make sure your challenges are specific and tailored to their spiritual growth. Encourage them to embrace practices such as the 'one anothers' or deepen their commitment to spiritual disciplines, or even to assume leadership roles within their families. "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17
4. Equip them to lead
Once you've identified the men you want to challenge, it's crucial to equip them with the necessary tools. If they're struggling in their personal walk with God, provide support through avenues like Bible studies, accountability partnerships, or training programs to help them grow spiritually. If family leadership is their stumbling block, offer resources and guidance on relationships, marriage, or parenting. Likewise, if church leadership is their goal, point them towards books, conferences, and podcasts that can aid in their growth. Remember, a man can't lead in church unless he's leading his family, and he can't lead at home unless he's leading himself spiritually. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16
5. Provide coaching or guidance
Men need more than challenges and resources; they need a supportive community. Encourage them to join a group of like-minded individuals – a band of "Brothers" who seek to honor Christ in their lives. These gatherings provide the encouragement, support, and accountability that men need on their journey of leadership. Weekly discussions and reflections can be instrumental in their growth and development. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." - Hebrews 10:25
6. Turn them loose on mission and vision
When men have been prayed for, challenged, equipped, and encouraged within a supportive community, they are eager to take the lead. Share your church's mission and vision with them, and watch as they enthusiastically embrace it. Once they are empowered and motivated, simply step back, pray for them, and watch them take action. Their obedience to God's calling will bring great joy to both them and your congregation. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." - Proverbs 16:3
Conclusion:
In a church where women are willing and capable leaders, developing male leaders is not about competing but complementing. Embrace the strengths of both genders and cultivate a diverse leadership team that reflects the heart of your congregation. By following these six guidelines, you can foster a culture of leadership that benefits your church community as a whole. Let's work together to encourage both men and women to lead with purpose and devotion, for the glory of God.
Invitation:
Are you ready to make a difference in your church and community? We invite you to join us in this journey of leadership development. Whether you're a man seeking to step into a leadership role or a woman eager to contribute your talents and insights, there's a place for you here. Let's build a thriving and balanced church community together, where both men and women play essential roles in advancing God's kingdom. Get in touch with us today to explore how you can be a part of this exciting mission!
