Time Magazine listed Jesus in their top 100 most influential of all time. Author Joel Stein stated, “If 3 billion people follow your teachings 2,000 years after you're dead, that's pretty influential.” As a Christian approaching Easter, I would argue that “after you’re dead” should be substituted with “after you are resurrected and leave earth” but the point is Jesus’s influence is spread through all world..
Beyond his mission of restoring people back to God, he left a blueprint for leadership development by how he developed his disciples and brought them on a journey with him. He ushered them through three steps that changed their lives. Although each one of his team progressed on his own time, he engaged them on a journey that still works today.
- Explore. Jesus invited them to "come and see". They followed along to see what Jesus was all about watching, learning, listening, and participating in his ministry.
- Grow and coach. He challenged them to think and act in new ways. After spending time with him, he challenged them. In Luke 9, he directs them to go out and minister, and Luke 10 he sends out another 72. He gave them tasks to grow. He asked them tough questions.
- Mentor/model. After his resurrection, Jesus told them to go out and make disciples. He helped them explore, learn, and grow. They were told to replicate what he taught them creating even more followers and leaders.
What is overlooked many times is an intentional plan includes the explore stage. Why? Exploring takes time. Impatience wants to move us fast and get straight to where we see more impact – and isn’t it great to delegate a task or feel like we are a mentor?
But exploring is learning. Its necessary. New leaders see what works and doesn’t work. They see styles and situations without pressure. They have a chance to think critically about the type of leader they want to be and how they want to make a difference. Interning, interviewing leaders, career exploration sessions, shadowing, spending time with experienced leaders, and training opportunities all provide opportunities to explore. It may feel less productive at times. But it makes a difference and it will uncover the diamonds in the rough and give a foundation for future tasks and roles.
Jesus took common men and invited them to explore. Empowered by their ongoing relationship with him after resurrection - they changed the world after exploring their calling, being challenged to grow, and mentoring others in the faith. Who will you invite to explore that will be the next generation of leaders?
