Training Leaders in the Church to Serve

Abstract

Philip E. Zarling’s essay explores the biblical and practical foundations for training leaders within the church to serve effectively. Rooted in the doctrine of Church and Ministry, Zarling emphasizes the distinction between personal and public ministry, highlighting the importance of equipping lay leaders alongside called workers. Drawing on Scripture and contemporary leadership literature, he identifies challenges such as burnout, passive laity, and maintenance-focused congregations, and advocates for cultivating a positive church environment grounded in the Word. Zarling stresses that leadership training is not merely programmatic but spiritual, with the primary need being growth in Scripture and faith. He outlines practical strategies for mentoring, modeling, and empowering leaders, while underscoring the importance of stewardship, accountability, and encouragement. The essay calls for a renewed commitment to building up the body of Christ through intentional leadership development. Abstract prepared with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).