The Importance of Mentoring Leaders
Investing in Others
Article by Steve and Sandra Long
5 March, 2019
In Acts, we see that Barnabas mentored Saul/Paul even when others were not willing to. Barnabus saw something in him that others were too afraid to see or trust. Nonetheless, Paul was a significant influence. Let’s look at how we can mentor leaders, what to look for in a leader, and decide who to choose to invest in.
Acts 9:26-30 reads, “When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.”
Barnabas Mentored Saul/Paul as a Leader
1) He stood with Saul when no one else would in vs. 26.
2) He connected Saul with the Apostles in vs. 27.
3) He knew Saul’s prophetic calling in vs. 27.
4) He welcomed Saul to his leadership team in Acts 11:25-26.
5) He took Saul on the first church planting mission in Acts 13:4.
What to Look For in a Leader in the Making?
1) Anointing - God is using them to benefit others.
2) Faithfulness - Diligent with small tasks before taking on greater roles.
3) Seasons - Consistency and time.
Steve Long’s Four Keys to Earn the Title Leader (Pastor)
Key #1) Call of God on their life validated by others.
Key #2) Confident on the stage and able to carry a meeting.
Key #3) Clear anointing in one of the five-fold roles.
Key #4) Champion of others who have become leaders.
Other C’s to Note
1) Charisma for what they are doing.
2) Competency in their area.
3) Character is more important than anointing.
Warning Signs (1 Timothy 3)
1) Lack of integrity - relationships, addictions, habits, conversations, attitudes, etc.
2) Not teachable - pride, too eager for titles, etc.