What does it mean to be a Phase 5b believer?
As a seasoned ministry leader and disciple builder, you now oversee a replicating disciple-making ministry. You are a leader of leaders, empowering those under your care to make disciples who disciple. You understand the part you play in God’s Kingdom and the importance of your life and ministry. You seek to foster unity, aim to love deeply, counsel wisely, and lead by serving. You possess both a broad, gracious perspective and an intimate understanding of the needs of your team and those they serve. You respond to difficulties in godly ways, revealing a depth of character, emotional health, and hope.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Pet 1:22)
In Human Development
As a seasoned ministry leader, you have developed a wealth of experience and spiritual depth that has prepared you to handle the hardest issues that arise in ministry. You are like a grandparent who not only cares for their immediate family but is also concerned about the future of their entire family tree, understanding the importance and impact of their health and maturity on the world.
In The Gospels
Jesus demonstrated mature servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–5). Throughout the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17), Jesus demonstrated a global vision, a heart to serve, a passion for unity, and a deep love for both His disciples and the people they would minister to.
He challenged His disciples to grow in their understanding of the Scriptures and empowered them to minister effectively. He demonstrated love, humility, and selflessness in all His relationships and modeled a life of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
In Relationships
You are building and maintaining strong relationships with other disciple builders and organizational leaders who can challenge, encourage, and support you in your ministry. You are intentionally investing in the lives of your leadership teams and mentees, modeling love, care, and respect. Your family life and health are a priority, and you seek for ways to serve and minister to your loved ones.
Growing In This Phase
In Phase 5B, signs of growth include:
- Increasing desire to see the diverse global Church unified to advance God’s Kingdom throughout the world.
- Increasing collaboration with other believers, ministries, and organizations to participate in the Great Commission.
- Decreased sense of “ownership” over your ministry work along with an increasing desire to see those you lead eventually grow into your position or role.
- Growing advocacy for spiritual and emotional health in the Church, from the leadership down.
- Overseeing healthy teams and intentionally discipling team leaders in areas of Christ-centered leadership and practical ministry skills.
- Sustaining a culture of discipleship and health in your home, church, and ministry and exemplifying a healthy work/life/ministry balance.
Recommendations For Growth:
- Read “Worldviews” and “Missions” with other ministry leaders.
- Bring your ministry teams through a 1-day “Life Coaching” training intensive.
- Lead your ministry team leaders through a “Developing New Leaders 1” cohort group.
- Bring your established ministry team leaders and emerging leaders on a spiritual retreat to encourage, empower, and refresh them.
- Meet regularly with another mature leader who can provide you with accountability.
- Identify the person(s) who will assume your role eventually, and invest in them emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
Contact Worldwide Discipleship Association for more information.