-When the day of the mentor is over-
There comes a time when you are ready to be thrown into the mix, the fray, the fight.
When you are ready to be “sent out as sheep amongst wolves, with no coat or purse”, as the leader.
Sure we all need leadership and training in life and in certain areas from time to time for personal development, growth, and healing. We all need to have a leader/teacher- that will never change. And, we all need a time of training and that length of time will always vary from person to person and case by case (because much of it is in our own personal control). But I believe there is a moment of “release” that we must all understand.
Just as I know we leave from something more than we leave to something, we must be prepared but we must also be ready for release. Just as the adage of “when the student is ready the Masters will present themselves” makes sense. So too does “when student becomes the master” and at some point good leaders release you into the season of labor God has ordained for you to be in! We should know that there is a season of leadership for us in our life, that God wants us to expect and embrace, to walk in and raise up more disciples for Him, ourselves!
Perhaps you’ve heard everyone needs a pastor! Well I’ll tell you, that is not true! Everyone does not need a pastor, number one because not everyone is a pastor (lol, study five fold!); what everyone needs is accountability! Great leaders surround themselves with two types of people- those they are leading and those they are peers with. The key to being a great leader is allowing both of these groups to speak into your life. If you don’t have this, you are not a truly great and Godly leader.
As we think about this both from the premise and basis we see this picture of leaders being raised up and released many times in scripture. First, in the apostle’s after Jesus has ascended. They were the starting point of the pinnacle leadership of the church and who did they have? Only each other! This is chronicled in the Word, mainly in Acts. We also see it in Paul’s writings about himself and his journeys and relationships. They had each other and they had their disciples.
If you read between the lines you will see when they were ready. A few characteristics stood out; faith, the love of God, and a healthy dose humility. These three components will keep you on course to do all the things God is calling you to in this life, regardless of how hard the situation and circumstances will be. These three components will reveal the next steps of the rest of the things we need in our lives.
These three characteristics will be tested, stretched, and attacked. The enemy will try to separate all or even one of these from your life because together they create a synergy that is unstoppable by evil. With them active in your life, you become a walking destructive force to the enemy’s plans and kingdom!
Great leaders around you know when you’re ready. It will be when this trifecta gift mix is in operation and when humility is reigning. There is a moment when truly great leaders will “push you out” of the proverbial nest! You will hear things like “you’re ready!” Like Mr. Miyagi pulling the headband and black belt out of the drawer, telling you put it on, we’re going to the tournament; you’re ready!
If you feel like you’re not ready that’s one great sign that you are. The heart is the key in God’s kingdom like the apostles who, being with Jesus for only a year or two, were told to pick their partner Jesus was sending them out alone to heal the sick and cast out demons!
If you’re amongst great leaders then you must trust them in their leading if they say you’re ready! Yes, you will make mistakes; yes it will be tough; yes you will not know everything. But you are in good company and well prepared because they haven’t left you alone. After they pull you up to their platform they will now be your peers (you’re now a part of leaders leading each other). This may be inside of a current ministry helping it to grow or starting a new one! But on that day trust what they see and say, lead where you’re at, stay humble, seek wisdom, be proactive, and raise up your own team now for your personal vision at hand. Lastly, lead from the trenches and let those you’re leading see and speak into your life as well.
At The Barn we truly believe in letting leaders lead. We also believe you can’t be a great leader unless you’re proven to be a great follower first; it’s about a servants heart. We truly believe in raising up the next and replacing ourselves. We believe in trusting the plan of God for the growth of our lives. We know there is a next for us and we can release people to do what we have been doing because God has called them to it. As spiritually mature leaders we aren’t afraid or threatened by others greatness because we don’t have a scarcity or competition mentality- we know God has our next, and so does our ministry family!
If you’re feeling like you don’t have that kind of support structure around you to allow you to grow and advance or if you don’t know how to tell if you’re ready, etc., then get up and go find one, and don’t stop till you do! It is critical for your journey that you do and God is raising these types of “churches” and leadership structures all over the world today! Trust God; He is promoting the heart of David in leaders today and He is raising up the five-fold leadership to equip the church and bring unity to His body today for what is coming tomorrow.
Have faith, stay humble, and be proactive but also patient, let love lead, and get ready to be released!
To God (YHWH), Yeshua, be all the Glory! Forever and ever!
~Shane