The book of Acts provides us with a clear roadmap on how to multiply apostolic leaders.

 Throughout the book, we see how the apostles, led by Paul, went about selecting and training leaders for the church. In this article, we will explore some of the key principles and methods used by Paul to multiply apostolic leaders, and how we can apply them in today’s context.

1. Identify potential leaders

The first step in multiplying apostolic leaders is to identify potential candidates. 

Paul did this by paying close attention to the people he encountered in his ministry. He looked for certain qualities such as faithfulness, teachability, and a desire to serve. Once he identified potential leaders, he invested time and energy into training and discipling them.

In urban contexts like New York City, there is no shortage of people who are hungry for spiritual leadership. 

As you go about engaging in the work, keep an eye out for those who exhibit the qualities of a potential leader. You might find them in existing churches, serving in leadership roles in nonprofits, or in the community.

2. Build relationships

The second key to multiplying apostolic leaders is building strong relationships with them. 

Paul understood the importance of investing in people and building deep, meaningful relationships with them. He spent time with his disciples, ate with them, prayed with them, and shared his life with them.

In urban contexts, building relationships can be a challenge due to the transient nature of the population. However, it is still possible to build strong relationships with potential leaders by being intentional and consistent in your interactions with them. 

Make time for one-on-one meetings, invite them to your home, and bring them along with you as you engage in the work of making and multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches.

3. Train and disciple

The third key to multiplying apostolic leaders is to train and disciple them. 

Paul was intentional about teaching his disciples the ways of the Lord and equipping them to lead others. He taught them through both his words and his actions, modeling what it meant to be a follower of Christ.

In urban contexts, it can be challenging to find the time and resources to provide formal training and discipleship. However, there are many resources available online and in print that can be used to supplement your own teaching. 

Encourage potential leaders to attend event trainings and bring them along as you model training new disciples.

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4. Delegate responsibility

The fourth key to multiplying apostolic leaders is to delegate responsibility.

Paul understood the importance of giving his disciples opportunities to lead and make decisions. He trusted them to carry out the work of the ministry and provided them with the resources they needed to succeed.

In urban contexts, it can be tempting to hold onto control and try to do everything yourself. However, this is not sustainable or effective in the long run. 

Identify areas of ministry where potential leaders can take on responsibility, and then empower them to lead in those areas.

5. Multiply leaders in a clear pathway

The final key to multiplying apostolic leaders is to continue the process by multiplying leaders. 

Once you have identified and trained a group of leaders, encourage and model for them a clear pathway for them to do the same with others. Paul’s disciples went on to become leaders in their own right, and they in turn trained and discipled others.

In urban contexts, it is essential to keep the momentum going by multiplying leaders. Encourage your leaders to identify and train potential leaders, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. 

This will ensure that the movement continues to grow and thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, multiplying apostolic leaders is essential for starting and sustaining disciple making movements in urban contexts like New York City. 

By following the principles and methods used by Paul in the book of Acts, we can identify, train, and multiply leaders who will continue the work of the ministry and spread the gospel to new generations.