For congregations to transform there must be a connection between people who are maturing as disciples and people selected to fill leadership positions. Many congregations are afraid to connect disciplemaking and leadership selection. They are looking for available and willing people, selecting friends, or giving into the culture and tradition of the congregation.
In the selection of lay leaders, it is important to ask them to share how they are intentionally growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. If they cannot positively answer this line of questions, then they should not be selected as leaders until they can.