8. The Preparation of Future Leaders 

Discover: Identifying Future Leaders 

Current church leaders are commanded by Scripture to identify men in their churches whom the Lord may be calling into church leadership (2 Tim 2:2; Titus 1:5). Such men exhibit the qualifications of biblical leadership, embrace and articulate sound doctrine, are eager to shepherd and to be shepherded, humbly give and receive correction, and demonstrate theological, philosophical, and relational unity with current leaders (Prov 12:1; 27:5–6, 17; 1 Cor 1:10; Phil 1:27; 2:2; 1 Tim 3:1–13, Titus 1:6–9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:2–3). 

Develop: Training Future Leaders 

Current church leaders are responsible to train men who have been identified as potential leaders (2 Tim 2:2). Such training involves both spiritual and doctrinal development, cultivating both the mind and the heart for optimal service of the church (1 Tim 4:15–16; cf. Mal 22:37; Eph 3:14–19; 4:14–16; 2 Tim 2:7, 15). For those aspiring to pastoral ministry, formal seminary education is a vital aspect of this training. 

Deploy: Sending Out Future Leaders 

Local churches must send qualified, trained men into ministry both locally and globally in fulfillment of the Great Commission (Mal 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Tim 2:2; Titus 1:5). Prior to their affirmation for ministry, these men must be tested and affirmed by current leaders with respect to their character, spiritual giftedness, Bible knowledge, theological soundness, love for the local church, and competence to shepherd Christ’s flock (1 Tim 4:14; 5:22). After sending a man, his sending church ought to remain invested in his personal growth and ministerial progress, providing support and accountability where appropriate (Acts 15:36). 

Disclaimer: All present and future commitments are shared between The Master’s Fellowship and the pastors, leaders, and missionaries that make up its network, not between The Master’s Fellowship and the churches represented. We fully expect and anticipate that the brotherhood formed in the context of the Master’s Fellowship will result in shared resources and goals amongst the churches represented. However, the goal of the Master’s Fellowship is to serve the local Church by networking and supporting its pastors, leaders, and missionaries. The Master’s Fellowship makes no formal commitments to nor does it formally partner with any individual church. 

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