Lucian Coleman once wrote, “A disciple who disdains learning is no less paradoxical than a cowboy who won’t go near horses.” I find that humorous and at the same time very accurate. As we lead, our leading should always be to cause learning in those following. The word cause means to produce, initiate, or affect. Cause is defined as; a person or thing that gives rise to an action. Our desire should be to initiate, produce, and affect the learning of our employees/volunteers.

Jesus set a prime example for us. He selected 12 men from various backgrounds. They represented a good cross-section of the culture of the day. Mostly, unlearned men, Jesus selected men because of their potential to be leaders in His Kingdom. Various backgrounds, unlearned men with all the prejudices of the day, yet, the one attribute they each had (well at least 11) was they were teachable.

Training (equipping) those who follow us (employees/volunteers) involves 3 steps, just as Jesus demonstrated with His disciples. Successful leaders assist their followers in observing, practicing what they’ve learned, and then training others also. What a wonderful joy when those we have trained and equipped become the teacher for newer employees, volunteers, or church members.

In the corporate world, we have devolved to simply finding someone who needs work (or a paycheck) and placing them in a position where they have no passion, skill, or desire to work. Unfortunately, in the church we have followed the same pattern – filling an empty slot with a warm body, any warm body. This only breeds discontent and low output.

A leader is a learner and should always be pouring into those following. It will not be at the same level for each person, but willing learners are more productive. Jesus called to few men with short statements like, “Follow me.” When He did these men dropped their workload and followed. Why? The reason is most of these men had already had some short interactions with Jesus. Jesus’ profound leadership was clearly evidenced through these early interactions. These 12 men had already observed (the first step) Jesus’ ability. He apparently demonstrated likeable leadership qualities through simple observation, to cause these men to want to learn and to follow Him in learning.

Is your leadership causing people to want to follow you? Those you lead are your disciples, if only for the job they are being paid. Treat them as disciples. Grow them to be the best disciples possible. They will be more productive and will also produce a positive, learning atmosphere for newcomers.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life.