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Unearthing Potential

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By the time I was in kindergarten, I knew I was different. Not only did I stand several inches shorter than my classmates, but at 4 years of age I was also a full year younger. It was risky for my parents to send me to school so early, but they made their decision based on the potential they (and others) saw in me.

As I reflect back on that decision now, I realize my parents were putting an important leadership principle into action - "a good leader must learn to unearth potential in others." Much like Jesus saw potential in a common fisherman, a ruthless tax collector and a self-righteous Pharisee; we too must learn to look beneath the surface of what ?is' and help people explore - unearth - what could be.

Here are a few steps I've found helpful when it comes to unearthing potential in others:

1. Provide opportunities for others to explore their gifts. Too many ministries operate with the unspoken motto: "leave the ministry to the professionals." To determine if this is our modus operandi we must ask ourselves, "Who am I trusting to help dream-up and implement my ministry events and programs?" If all of the people behind our events and programs have an official title (i.e. are on staff), then it is no surprise that we aren't seeing other people's potential emerge. We must intentionally create opportunities for others to dive in and explore their gifts if we long to see people's potential bloom. This may be as simple as inviting select people into your planning meetings, or as risky as asking someone to spearhead an important aspect of an event. As you do this prepare to be surprised - potential often emerges in the most unexpected places!

2. Watch for signs of momentum. Once you've started inviting people to give their gifts a test-run, begin to watch for signs of momentum. For example, listen for those events/sermons/programs people can't stop talking about. Then take note of the person driving those efforts. It is highly likely that if momentum and excitement are building the person responsible has discovered the intersection of gifting and opportunity. This intersection is the perfect place for potential to shine and develop.

3. Commit to walk alongside. As momentum begins building, it will be tempting to remove yourself from the potential-unearthing process. Leaders often rationalize this withdrawal with thoughts like, "Things are going great, they don't really need me" or "Since that program is running smoothly, now I can get back to everything else on my to-do list." However, we must fight this temptation to disengage. As leaders we are called to continually and prayerfully shepherd those who are learning how to exercise their gifts. Even a person bursting with potential needs a guiding and supporting hand. So choose to check-in often, and offer authentic encouragement whenever possible.

Unearthing potential in people is risky. It takes time, intention, prayer, and a willingness to step out in pursuit of what could be. But I believe the payoff is well worth the investment. I would not be the disciple/wife/minister I am today if people in my life had not made the decision to develop the potential they first spotted in me. Just imagine what God has in store for those people in your life whose potential has yet to be unearthed!

Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on May 8, 2009 8:55 PM

Related Tags: church, lay leaders

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