DEVELOPING LAY LEADERS
A Simple, Repeatable Framework for Church Leaders
Developing leaders doesn’t require a complex system.
It requires a clear one you’ll actually use.
Most churches don’t struggle with a lack of people.
They struggle with a lack of development.
We recruit. We fill roles. We keep things running.
But somewhere along the way, we stop multiplying.
And if everything depends on you…
eventually everything bottlenecks at you.
This is a simple, repeatable framework to help you move from maintaining ministry to multiplying leaders.
Watch The Breakout Video
This content is from a Breakout Session taught by Matt Saxinger at our 2025 One Voice Leadership Conference
5 Steps For Developing Lay Leaders
1. Identify
Leadership development starts with attention.
Who is already showing up?
Who is faithful, available, teachable?
Who do you see something in—even if they don’t see it yet?
You don’t need a perfect candidate.
You need a willing one.
If you’re not intentionally identifying people, you’ll default to recycling the same leaders over and over again.
2. Invite
Potential doesn’t grow without clarity.
At some point, you have to say it out loud:
“I see leadership in you.”
Most people don’t step up because no one ever clearly invites them.
Don’t hint. Don’t assume.
Call it out and invite them into something meaningful.
Clarity creates confidence.
3. Develop
Development doesn’t happen in a classroom.
It happens in real ministry.
Let them see how you lead.
Let them try.
Let them fail a little.
Then give feedback.
If you only give responsibility without development, you create frustration.
If you only give development without responsibility, you create spectators.
You need both.
4. Release
At some point, you have to let go.
Not completely. Not carelessly.
But intentionally.
Give them real ownership.
Let them make decisions.
Let them feel the weight of leadership.
It will feel risky. That’s part of it.
If you never release, you’re not developing leaders—you’re creating assistants.
5. Multiply
This is where most churches stop.
A developed leader who isn’t developing others eventually plateaus.
Multiplication happens when you say:
“Now you go do this with someone else.”
This is how culture shifts.
This is how churches grow without burning out their leaders.
We don’t maintain.
We multiply.
Start Developing Leaders This Week. You don’t need a new program to develop leaders.
You need a simple process you’ll actually use. This tool will help you: Identify potential leaders. Invite them into something meaningful. Develop them through real responsibility. Release them with trust. Multiply leadership beyond you
Use it personally. Use it with your team. But most importantly—use it.