One of the most underdeveloped leadership crises in the local church is not a lack of programs. It is a lack of activation.
Scripture is clear: Every believer has been entrusted with spiritual gifts for the building up of the body and the advance of Christ’s mission.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (NIV).
Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 4:10: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (NLT).
There is no category in the New Testament for a passive Christian.
The Holy Spirit does not distribute gifts to a few professionals. He distributes gifts to the body. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are given not to perform ministry for others, but “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12 CSB).
That means the mission of the local church expands only to the degree that its people are equipped and released.
When believers do not understand their gifts, ministry contracts around clergy. When believers are trained and activated, ministry multiplies through the body.
Leadership development in the local church must begin here: not with staffing plans but with Spirit-gifted people.
Dr. Tracee J. Swank guides Kingdom-minded leaders, churches, and entrepreneurs to clarify their purpose, reimagine mission, and multiply hope—so they can lead entrepreneurial movements that transform communities and advance the Great Commission.