5 Traits That Set Apart A Successful Disciple-Making Leader

Making disciples takes a lot of hard work, commitment, patience, and practice. Like parenting, it entails learning through experience. Moreover, there is no proven way to make disciples as people respond to different ideas and approaches. You need to customize your strategies to maximize your reach and following in the long run.

Before diving in, you must understand the qualities that set apart successful disciple-making leaders. If you identify and imbibe them, inspiring people becomes easy. There are outlets like discernment counseling linked here, that can help you make the right decision.

Here are the traits to stay ahead of your discipleship goals.

They are faithful

Great leaders are faithful in all things- to God’s Word, their church, spouse, and employer. This quality makes them trustworthy to their disciples as well. Learn to keep your word in the first place if you want people to listen and follow you. Imbibe the mindset in small things such as showing commitment to being on time for your meetings and appointments. Be responsible for everything you do and say so that others can count on you.

They are flexible

It is crucial to understand that you cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach to discipleship. What works for one person will probably not work for everyone. You need to connect with people in different situations and settings. While your goal is about connecting them to faith, your methods must change according to the needs and expectations of people. If you want to succeed as a disciple-making leader, be willing to adapt and evolve.

They are willing to learn

Transforming people and impacting communities requires more than a commitment to these goals. The willingness to learn and grow sets apart great leaders. Luckily, you can achieve these objectives by joining an intentional discipleship training program where you can learn new skills, share experiences, and dive deep into lessons. Look for a program that covers in-depth topics such as the foundation of discipleship, its practice, and leadership development. Training enables you to answer questions with confidence and conviction, so people are more likely to stick.

They invest in relationships

Successful leaders do not see discipleship as a one-time process. They connect with people, educate them, and invest in long-term relationships. They focus on the quality of relationships, rather than just staying in touch. It requires spending time with people, knowing them better, and understanding their fears and challenges. You must have the answers ready even before they ask questions.

They prioritize self-care

Your physical, spiritual, and emotional health matters as much as success as a disciple-making leader. Achieving a balance in all these areas requires setting and maintaining your personal priorities. These include your relationship with Jesus, your ministry in the church, and your family. Self-care starts with physical well-being, and a healthy lifestyle takes you a long way with it. You can focus on prayer, ministry, and Bible study to maintain your spiritual health. Love and gentleness keep your family relationships on track.

Becoming a great disciple-making leader is easier than you imagine. You only need to imbibe these traits of successful leaders to stand apart and make an impact. Listen, learn, and love your disciples!