In the four major sports, great head coaches do not just lead their teams; they develop people. They invest deeply in their assistant coaches, shaping them, stretching them, and preparing them for what is next in their coaching careers. These assistants study the system, learn how to lead a locker room, manage pressure, manage people, and make decisions when it counts. Over time, a “coaching tree” is developed that forms fully trained leaders who go on to become head coaches and make an impact.
What is striking is this: the best head coaches never rush the process. They do not recommend one of their assistant coaches for a head coaching position until that person is fully trained and ready to lead. Readiness is not just about knowledge of the game; it is about character, conduct, understanding, maturity, humility, and the ability to lead others with excellence. It is a reminder that leadership is not given lightly; it is cultivated, developed, and fully trained.
In the same way, God cares deeply about the heart of a leader.
Jeremiah 3:15 says, “And I will give you shepherds (leaders) after My own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jesus modeled this perfectly with His disciples. He walked closely with them. He taught them. He corrected them. He allowed them to grow. And even though Jesus had all authority, He chose patience. Do not miss this:
Jesus made fully trained disciples, and then He appointed leaders.
He shaped His disciples’ character and conduct first, before He entrusted them with leadership and influence (Luke 6:40).
Listen closely: the right type of leaders are not born; they are fully trained over time. They start out as seekers, become followers, are fully trained as disciples, and then serve as appointed leaders.
Who has trained you? Who has developed you? Better yet, whom have you trained, developed, and equipped to become fully trained disciples of Christ? What does your “disciple tree” look like?
When you become a leader after God’s own heart, with the right heart, the right knowledge, and the right understanding, you will always get the right results.
Love God. Love People. Live Sent.
