Multiplying Leadership: Equip the Next Generation of Leaders

As someone who has served in leadership for over two decades, I’ve come to believe that the greatest mark of a leader is not how much they do—but how many they equip to lead alongside them. My calling today is clear: I want to train leaders to multiply their influence and reproduce themselves—whether in children’s ministry, the marketplace, or any environment where they lead or serve.

The concept of multiplying influence through leadership development isn’t new. I certainly didn’t invent it, and countless books and experts have echoed the same truth: leaders reproduce leaders. Yet in all my experience, I’ve seen a surprising number of leaders fail to live this out. Why?

Fear Hinders Reproduction

Some leaders don’t train others because they’re afraid—afraid of being replaced, overshadowed, or made irrelevant. They hoard knowledge, guard responsibilities, and keep tight control, thinking it protects their job security or position. In reality, that fear limits their impact and stifles growth in those around them.

Others don’t intentionally withhold knowledge but become so overwhelmed by the complexity of their work or ministry that leadership development gets pushed aside. The tyranny of the urgent keeps them from investing in others.

It’s time to change that.

A New Mindset: Leadership That Multiplies

I want to invest my experience into developing leaders who multiply their influence—not just in theory, but in real life. I’m building off the lessons I’ve learned through failure, frustration, and faithful perseverance. Leadership is not about control—it’s about multiplication.

And I’m looking for leaders who are ready to embrace that calling.

What Makes a Great Leader?

While no leader is perfect (ask my team—they’ll confirm that quickly!), here’s a working list of traits I believe every great leader should pursue:

• Integrity – Character matters more than talent.

• Growth-Mindedness – Develop yourself so you can develop others.

• Servant-Heartedness – Serve others before serving your own interests.

• Humility – Be teachable. Be honest. Ask for forgiveness often.

• Encouragement – Build others up intentionally and consistently.

• Excellence – Always give your best, not for applause, but for the mission.

Leading with Purpose and Passion

God has positioned me—and maybe you too—in places of influence not to hoard leadership but to create disciples through leadership. That’s right. I see leadership as an extension of discipleship. Jesus modeled it when He called, trained, corrected, and released His disciples to carry on His mission.

The end goal? Reproduction. Multiplication. Movement.

The Leadership Ripple Effect

My team isn’t just a group of coworkers or volunteers—they are leaders in their own right. Each one brings a different personality, skillset, and background. But they all want to grow. That means I need to do my best to grow with them and for them.

When I grow, they grow.
When I invest, they multiply.
When I lead well, they learn to lead others well.

I want to see them flourish not just in our ministry, but in their families, workplaces, and communities. And then I want them to pass on what they’ve learned—just like Paul told Timothy:

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2 (CSB)

Final Thought

If you’re a parent, a pastor, or a children’s ministry leader—you’re a leader. You’ve been entrusted with influence. Now is the time to invest that influence with intentionality. Don’t be afraid of multiplying yourself. In fact, your greatest legacy might not be what you do, but who you raise up to lead after you.