White Book provision
The discipleship method in forming new leaders. New leaders are best formed through a guide-disciple relationship. It is a process of growing in practice, within the community, not just acquiring theoretical knowledge.
The model of Jesus
Jesus did not found a school in today's sense. Mark writes that he appointed the Twelve “so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14). The order matters: first being with him, then being sent. The disciples watch Jesus act, are sent on mission (Mark 6:7-13), return, report and are corrected (Mark 6:30; 9:28-29). Finally they receive the command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19) - make disciples as I made you disciples.
We see the same pattern in Paul: “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2) - four generations of disciples in one sentence.
A simple model: “I do - you watch”
Leader formation often uses a four-step pattern for handing over responsibility:
| Stage | Leader | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | does | watches |
| 2 | does | helps |
| 3 | helps | does |
| 4 | watches (and supports) | does it alone - and starts teaching someone else |
This pattern fits well with situational leadership (from directing to delegating) and with the principle of delegation.
Why it works
- Learning by experience - most leadership competencies develop in action (see leader formation).
- Passing on culture - the apprentice takes on not only techniques but attitudes and values.
- Safe failure - mistakes can be discussed as they happen.
- Natural succession - the community always has new leaders on the way; the White Book preamble stresses care for healthy succession.
See also mentoring and spiritual accompaniment.
Sources
White Book of Good Leadership Practices, preamble and provisions, bialaksiega.pl Mark 3:13-15; Mark 6:7-13, 30; Matt 28:19-20; 2 Tim 2:2 R. E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Revell 1963