Leadership is often viewed as something innate—a natural gift some people are born with. However, when we study the pattern of leadership in Scripture, a different picture emerges. While some individuals may have natural abilities, most biblical leaders were shaped, trained, and coached over time. God’s design for leadership focuses on intentional development, not simply on innate talent. This has been true in my own life, as I reflect on the training and mentorship I received early in my walk with Christ. There were many people who helped me shape my life but in particular Peter, a mature believer who took me under his wing, coaching me in spiritual growth and helping me mature into the likeness of Christ. His guidance was not limited to instruction but extended into everyday life, showing me how to apply biblical truths in real situations. This personal mentorship was pivotal in shaping me as a follower of Christ and in preparing me to lead others.
This experience deeply informed my approach as I began to disciple and coach believers myself, especially as I worked to develop other believers into the likeness of Christ. Training others in the faith is a relational and intentional process. I walked alongside these believers, guiding them through their journey with Christ, much like I had been guided. Through personal interaction, teaching, and real-life ministry experiences, they matured and began to disciple others. This is the essence of multiplication, as described in 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul urges Timothy to pass on what he has learned to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. The job of a trainer or coach is complete when this multiplication is evident—when the disciples you train are now training others. The growth of the individual disciple is not the ultimate goal, but rather the expansion of the kingdom of God, fulfilling the Great Commission.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself exemplified this relational model of leadership development. He invited His disciples to “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) offering them not just instruction but participation in His mission. As I trained others, I sought to follow this model, offering believers the opportunity to live out their faith in real ways, to teach others, and to be part of a broader mission. As Paul told the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Just as I had imitated the mature believer who coached me, those I trained in turn began to imitate Christ through their own leadership.
Coaching is also essential in this process. Once a leader has stepped into a role, growth doesn’t end. Coaching offers ongoing guidance and encouragement through the challenges of ministry. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed”. This speaks to the importance of walking alongside leaders as they navigate their roles. I have seen firsthand how crucial this is, both in my own development and in those I coached. When leaders face challenges, failures, or doubts, having a coach to provide wisdom and perspective can make all the difference, helping them grow in effectiveness.
The context for leadership development is disciple-making. The Lord Jesus’ final command to His followers was to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This is not just about evangelism or bringing new people into the kingdom but about raising up new leaders who will in turn disciple others to impact the kingdom. True biblical leadership is servant leadership, rooted in the mission of multiplying disciples. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that church leaders are given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”. This should be our focus in every role of training and coaching others: to equip them to disciple others, thereby contributing to the growth of the kingdom of God.
Leadership development, when done biblically, is not about programs or techniques. It is a relational, disciple-making process that aligns with the Great Commission. As we invest in the growth of leaders, we are participating in the mission of the Lord Jesus. Leaders, simply are not born; they are made. It is our responsibility to invest in them, helping them to fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. As we do this, we will see the kingdom of God expand as more disciples are made, and more leaders rise to continue this cycle of multiplication. And as we step into this role of developing biblical leaders, we can hold onto the promise of the Lord Jesus: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life.
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