Developing New Leaders
Christianity is a faith that makes leaders out of everyone. Each of us is called to share our faith and guide others into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Our faith often flourishes best in small fellowship groups, much like the house churches in Acts—and each group needs someone willing to lead.
You don’t need to be an expert to become a leader. God equips those He calls, valuing our availability more than our capability. Scripture is filled with people who felt unworthy or unprepared yet were called and empowered: Moses, David, Samuel, Jonah, Peter, Paul, Timothy—as well as Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, and Lydia. God delights in using ordinary people to write His extraordinary story.
We are excited to invest in new leaders because we believe God will raise many workers to gather the harvest we are praying for across the Diocese of Chester. Jesus said in Matthew 9:37–38, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Yes, it could be you. God may be calling you to become one of His new leaders. We long for a diocese that is younger, bolder, more diverse, greener, safer, and more just. That requires leaders from every background and walk of life. Some will help us grow younger or braver; others will help us become more just, welcoming, or sustainable. The more diverse we are, the safer and more inclusive we become.
A few may feel called to ordination, and we will continue to support them through existing pathways. But for most of us, leadership simply begins with loving God and neighbour in practical ways. It may look like starting or helping lead a local Christian community—Beer and Bibles, Knit and Natter, dementia cafés, Lego church, Baby Alpha, or something unique to your parish.
If you’d like a confidence boost, our new leadership courses are designed for everyday Christians. They won’t involve heavy reading or long essays—just learning that is fast, fun, and fulfilling.
