Have you ever wondered why so many churches struggle to raise up new leaders? It’s a question I’ve wrestled with for a long time, especially as I’ve watched some communities thrive and others seem stuck with just one or two people carrying all the weight. If you’re passionate about seeing your church grow, empower others, and become a place where everyone can play a part in God’s story, you’re not alone.
In today’s post, I want to share what I’ve learned from churches that consistently produce leaders—people who aren’t just standing on stage, but are leading others to Jesus in everyday life. And I’ll be honest: the answer isn’t as complicated as you might think.
The Real Reason for the Leadership Gap
Here’s what I’ve noticed: Churches that multiply leaders have two things in common. First, they encourage personal engagement with God’s Word. This isn’t just about attending a Bible study or listening to sermons. It’s about learning to read the Bible for yourself, letting God speak to your heart, and discovering what He wants to do in your life—not just what He wants to say to someone else.
Second, these churches create safe spaces for real community. Whether it’s a small group, a Bible reading circle, or just a few friends meeting over coffee, these environments make it easy for people to be honest, ask questions, and grow together. There’s accountability, encouragement, and yes, sometimes a little “good pressure” to keep showing up and keep growing.
Why Does This Matter?
When people learn to engage with God’s Word personally, something powerful happens. They start to hear God’s voice for themselves. They become excited to share what they’re learning with family, friends, and even classmates. And before you know it, they’re leading others—sometimes without even realizing it.
On the flip side, when church is just about listening to someone else or waiting for the pastor to do everything, most people stay passive. The church misses out on the gifts, stories, and leadership that God has placed in every single believer.
Two Simple Steps to Spark Change
If you want to see your church or community raise up more leaders, start here:
1. Encourage real Bible engagement. Help people read the Bible for themselves. Teach them to ask, “What is God saying to me?” not just, “What should I tell others?”
2. Foster small groups or safe communities. It doesn’t have to be formal. Just create a space where people can share, learn, and hold each other accountable.
That’s it. These two steps can transform your church from the inside out.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your pastor or reach out to someone already leading a group. And if you’re interested in new resources, we’ve recently partnered with The Chosen to develop small group materials that make it easy to get started—no special training required.
Let’s empower every believer to engage with God’s Word and lead others to Jesus. The future of the church in Japan—and everywhere—depends on it.