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Growing Others Into Their Calling – Lesson #14

Growing Others Into Their Calling – Lesson #14

Growing Others into Their Calling

One of the highest callings of a leader is not to gather followers—but to raise up leaders. The future of your church, ministry, and movement depends on how well you grow others into their calling—not just how well you operate in your own.

Paul’s example with Timothy shows us this clearly. He didn’t just develop a ministry team—he developed a ministry legacy. And he did it by intentionally training, trusting, resourcing, and releasing others for the work of the gospel.

“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” — John C. Maxwell

Scriptural Foundation

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul gives Timothy a four-generation discipleship model:

  • Paul → Timothy → Reliable people → Others

This is a picture of what multiplication looks like within ministry, as opposed to the often experienced model of maintenance within ministry. You might consider how this model deepens and develops people, over simple delegation alone. As Paul writes Timothy, he shows him (and us), that the best approach to leadership is found in growing others into their own God-given assignments.

Likewise, Ephesians 4:11–12 (which we have referenced in several other Leadership Lessons), reminds us that Christ gave leaders to the church for the express purpose of  “equip(ping) his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” When a leader chooses to express their leadership by doing all the ministry themselves, they are actually limiting the effectiveness of the church they have been entrusted to lead. In contrast, when they assume the position of equipping others, they expanding the ministries and their own effectiveness.

Remember, you job isn’t just to get things done—it’s to develop people so they can become who God called them to be. This means helping them discover their calling, identifying their gifts, training them to grow and develop, and then providing them with real opportunities to put their gifts and calling into action.

Craig Groeschel says,“A leader is at their best when they are helping someone else become their best.”

The Importance of Training and Resourcing

You cannot expect what you do not equip. Far too often, we assign responsibilities without offering the necessary training or tools. This creates frustration, confusion, and often disengagement—not because the person lacked calling, but because they lacked preparation and support.

Paul didn’t just give Timothy a task; he gave him his time, his teaching, his trust—and the tools to succeed. That’s our model.

“You cannot hold someone accountable for something they’ve never been trained or empowered to do.”

Equipping is more than handing someone a job description. It’s about:

  • Preparing hearts with clarity and biblical vision
  • Sharpening minds through teaching and mentoring
  • Empowering hands with the tools, access, and authority needed to do the work

In practical terms, this may mean:

  • Giving team members access to books, curriculum, or discipleship materials
  • Offering devices like a church laptop or tablet for communication or creative tasks
  • Enrolling them in online learning platforms, church leadership memberships, or conferences
  • Bringing them into environments like team retreats, classes, or mentoring groups
  • Setting clear expectations and matching authority to the level of responsibility they’ve been given

Jesus modeled this with His disciples. He didn’t just command—they watched Him, walked with Him, asked questions, and were ultimately empowered and sent out with authority (Luke 9:1–2; 10:1,17). He provided both training and trust.

When you train and resource your team well, you’re not just managing volunteers—you’re growing ministers. That’s the kind of leadership that multiplies and lasts.

“Leaders who hoard resources may build followers. Leaders who share them build leaders.”

Key Elements of Growing Others into Their Calling:

1. Train Thoroughly

Don’t assume people know what you know. Walk with them. Teach them not just what to do—but why it matters. Think apprenticeship, not assembly line.

2. Resource Generously

Don’t send someone to battle without armor. Provide what they need—books, digital tools, online access, budgets, support systems. Make training environments available and accessible. Resource them like you believe in them.

3. Delegate Authority, Not Just Tasks

If someone is responsible for something, they also need the authority to make decisions in that area. Without it, they’ll hesitate, second-guess, or shut down. Trust releases creativity and fosters ownership.

4. Coach With Grace

Mistakes will happen. That’s part of growth. Be present, provide feedback, and celebrate progress—not just perfection. Encouragement is often the fuel that gets people through discouragement.

Practical Application

  • Evaluate Your Team: Who are you currently training? Are there those you are using to help accomplish a given task? What could you do to intentionally invest into their personal development?
  • Create a Development Pathway: Offer opportunities for those under your leadership to experience their own growth track—spiritual, practical, and relational.
  • Invest in Resources: Here’s a litmus test for potential investment: If it matters, fund it! What tools, subscriptions, or events could help your team take the next step?
  • Empower the Called: Match responsibility with authority. Let them own their role—fully. Refuse to micromanage people or tasks. If you delegate a responsibility, also delegate the authority they’ll need to accomplish it effectively.

Personal Challenge

You weren’t called to do it all—you were called to equip others to do what God has called them to do. Paul didn’t just preach to crowds. He poured into people. And because of that, the gospel continued to expand and the Kingdom of God has grown long after he was gone.

Reflection Questions:

  • Who are you growing into their calling?
  • What could happen if you gave them the tools, the trust, and the time to become all God has designed them to be?
  • How do you need to better equip and empower those under your care?