A longstanding debate exists over this question: Are leaders born, or made?

In church ministry this questions matters because we depend on so many people to lead so many ministries. If leaders are born, then we have a finite number of people who can lead. If leaders are made, then more people can make a difference by being leaders.

So what’s the answer? Are leaders born or made?

Most research today indicates the answer is “both, but mostly made.”

While certain inborn qualities and traits do predispose some people to leadership and make them better at leading, research also shows that leadership is about two-thirds developed (made) and about one-third born.

The good news for a church is that we have a lot of people with leadership possibilities. The challenge is helping those persons develop their leadership skills and inspiring them to step forward. Another piece of good news is that YOU have more leadership capacity than YOU may believe. Effective leaders sharpen their skills through experience, intentional self-development, and training. YOU CAN sharpen your skills.

That is why we are developing mentoring, leadership, and shadow programs for our church. Those will take time, but they will make a difference.

Meanwhile, allow me to suggest a few things YOU CAN DO.

First, stop thinking of YOURSELF as someone with no leadership capacity (if that happens be to be the way you see yourself).

Second, if there is a ministry you’re interested in helping…step forward and offer to help…offer to be trained by someone who is already doing a good job. Don’t wait to be asked. Leaders take initiative.

Finally, read a good book this summer. I know…some of you don’t like to read. But it will be very good for you. A good one would be the “The Orphaned Generation.” Our adult Sunday School classes are discussing this book during their summer fellowship gatherings. It will help you understand the younger generation that we are losing from the church. God can use the book to give you a heart for them. Part of being a good leader is understanding the changing paradigms in our culture and their impact on ministry.

Pastor Steve Hogg