Paul (the Apostle) must have been quite a leader. He is credited with almost single-handedly spreading the Christian church all over the northwest and northern Mediterranian area. Yet we know him through his letters and some stories in Acts.
He wasn’t a bishop. He evidently was not a pastor. He was a speaker, teacher, and writer. Yet he did plant churches and shepherd the people and their leaders.
We lack much detailed information. Reading carefully through the letters and stories in Acts, we can find examples of many other leaders who also went about starting and nourishing churches.
I became a leader in an organization first by saying Yes. I decided to serve the group.
Then I applied myself to diligently learning and growing in experience. I studied so that I could answer questions.
Then, I started looking for the next people to do that and carry on further than I could go.
I think Paul did much the same.
He was the most educated of the Apostles. That education served him well enabling him to provide documentation of the theology and practice of the new movement.
Then he said Yes.
After saying Yes and committing, he applied himself diligently to learning beyond his formidable education. And he gained experience speaking.
In this way he could teach, and speak, and write.
Then we notice his letters to Timothy. We see another side of Paul–Paul the mentor.
He picks his next generation leaders. Then he nurtures them. Giving advice, consolation, support, encouragement.
We can say Leaders are [lots of things]. But for sure, Leaders are Mentors.
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