Leadership Development - Model, Assist, Watch, and Leave

  

     This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

Our topic for 2026 is Leadership Development. In my two previous podcasts, I spoke with VCP Assistant Director Peter Baraka and his wife Fidélité Ramla, the Dynamic Women Supervisor for Africa. During the course of our conversation, Fidélité mentioned a leadership development methodology frequently spoken of in VCP.  

Model, Assist, Watch and Leave. This is not unique to VCP. It is not a new approach; rather, we see this method used by Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. I would suggest that the MAWL model is necessary for generational church planting. Apostolic leaders do not settle down in comfort. They empower and equip others to extend the work, and they trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide the next generation of leaders.

Model – We show how things are done. Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) We demonstrate the skill, process, or behavior in a real-world context. Leaders lead by example, explaining their thought process as they go. Let me repeat this; as we develop leaders, we not only show them how things are done; we also explain our thought processes. Paul had a long list of mentees that he was preparing for leadership, including Silas, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and others.

VCP leader, what emerging leaders are you mentoring?

Assist – The next step is to do things together. We work alongside the learner. We offer real-time feedback, answer questions, and provide the support they need to build both confidence and competence. Barnabas mentored Paul in their early days working together. We read in Acts 11:25-26 that “Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people.”

Watch – At this point, we take a step back and observe. We allow the learner to take the lead while we monitor their performance. We also offer constructive feedback afterward, focusing on refining their skills and reinforcing their strengths.

The Assist and Watch steps are an iterative process as multiple opportunities to work together and to observe the mentee are often required in their leadership growth process.

Leave – Finally, when the emerging leader is ready, it is time to step away and to empower their independence. We must be willing to transition full responsibility to the learner, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed without our direct involvement. However, we must remain available for occasional consultation, and our ongoing encouragement is vital to their continued growth and success.

Stepping away, or leaving, is often difficult yet it is necessary for their full growth.

I very much appreciate Peter’s and Fidélité’s leadership and their willingness to share these thoughts with us.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters and leaders