Sustaining the Future of the Local Church by Equipping Ministry Leaders Through a Development Program

This dissertation-in-praxis addressed the pressing need for intentional leadership development within local churches, focusing on preparing the head, heart, and hands of aspiring ministry leaders to fulfill the calling God has placed on them. The rationale for this praxis project stemmed from the observed shortage of trained ministry leaders in many local churches. The project emphasized that many churches fail to implement deliberate efforts to equip ministry leaders to fulfill the church's mission. The Legacy Leadership Ministry Training program served as a viable solution to this problem. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a comprehensive training program that could produce a continuous stream of leaders who are ready to lead in ministry as the local church grows. The program incorporated a blend of biblical principles, character-forming practices, and practical applications, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to lead in ministry. Key components of the program included weekly classes, mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning through serving and leading in real-world ministry environments. By focusing on the holistic development of leaders, this project sought to create a sustainable model for leadership training that can be replicated in various church contexts. This dissertation contributes to the field of Christian education by providing a framework for effective leadership development that empowers local churches to thrive in their mission.