1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2and 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 Timothy 2:1-2

I recently heard that Tilley, the Canadian company that makes a hat that can survive being eaten by a elephant, is looking for a new owner. Its ready to sell. Sadly it seems there is no one there in the company ready to take the helm as the owner. Surely there are people within the organization ready to lead it forward!

Leaders of churches or the teams and small groups within them also have to think about the future and the people who will lead. Multiplying disciple makers is Paul’s mandate to Timothy. These kinds of leaders reproduce themselves no matter the context or type of group they are leading. Paul wants Timothy to focus on finding “faithful” people who will be able to teach others the Gospel life and ministry.

When leaders look around for potential what are they looking for? How do they know when they see potential? I have learned variations of the acrostic FAITH, as a way to identify the reliable, faithful person, with whom I can share my life and leadership. Here’s what I am using:
1. F — Faithful. They fulfill their previous commitments.

2. A — Available. They are available to meet up and to accept responsibilities in this season of their lives.

3. I — Initiative. They take initiative to meet the needs of the organization and people; they take initiative to ask questions.

4. T — Teachable. They are ready and willing to learn from me.

5. H — Heart. They Have IT— a growing, courageous, love for Jesus Christ and people.
So if you are a leader ask yourself:
Am I also demonstrating FAITH?
Who are the FAITH-full men and women around me?
What am I going to ask them to do next?

So if you are a member of an organization ask yourself:
Am I FAITH-full?
What are my growth areas?
How can I move from consuming to contributing?
Have I made myself available and accepted responsibility?