One of the outstanding qualities that sets apart truly anointed and impactful leaders in the Body of Christ is their willingness to raise others and give them a platform to shine. While good leaders raise followers, and great leaders raise other leaders, the most exceptional leaders raise leaders of leaders—those who can multiply leadership capacity in the church.
This is the kind of spirit that Brother Barnabas, a key figure in the early church, clearly possessed. He was not only a Spirit-filled man of God but had discernment to identify grace and divine potential in others. He willingly gave opportunities for others to step into their callings. This was clearly seen in his relationship with Apostle Paul, who eventually grew in influence and ministry impact to surpass his spiritual mentor.
Barnabas was a man of great character—he was generous, humble, encouraging, and full of the Holy Spirit. His name, interpreted as “Son of Consolation,” reflects his ministry of encouragement and support (Acts 4:36–37). The Barnabas spirit is a godly spirit—a giving spirit, not a self-centered or competitive one. It seeks out whom to lift and whom to empower for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Every spiritual leader today must seek to be clothed with this spirit in our generation.
A. BARNABAS GAVE PAUL A PLATFORM TO RISE
Acts 9:26–27; 11:25–26
Barnabas, though a businessman and an early disciple, was much more than a generous giver. He was a kingdom builder, filled with the Holy Ghost, committed to the work, and trusted by the Apostles. He showed us what true spiritual maturity looks like by mentoring Paul and opening doors for him. Consider how he ministered the spirit of leadership:
- He stood up for Paul’s conversion when others doubted him.
- He searched for Paul in Tarsus and brought him into the move of God in Antioch.
- He gave Paul space and opportunity to use his gift and grow in ministry.
- He took Paul with him on the first missionary journey, laying a foundation for apostolic work.
- When Paul eventually became more prominent, Barnabas rejoiced rather than resisted.
- In a conflict over Mark, Barnabas showed mercy and restored a fallen brother, who later became useful to Paul again (2 Tim. 4:11).
- He used his financial and spiritual influence to advance the spread of the gospel.
Though Barnabas was not among the original twelve apostles, he left behind a powerful legacy by raising up one of the most influential apostles in church history. He introduced Paul to the apostolic circle and stood by him until he could stand alone. This is the kind of ministry spirit the Church must recapture today.
B. THE CALL TO RAISE AND EQUIP GOD’S PEOPLE
Gen. 14:14; Mark 3:13–14; 2 Tim. 2:2–3; 1 Pet. 5:2–3
It is not just an option; it is a divine mandate for spiritual leaders to train, disciple, mentor, and equip God’s people. As shepherds and stewards of God’s flock, we are called not only to preach but also to build people up in Christ.
- People are God’s greatest investment and resource in any ministry.
- Buildings, programs, and structures are secondary to people.
- Investing in people is how a ministry sustains spiritual momentum and relevance.
- Structures built without trained people will collapse in the long run.
- While buildings deteriorate with time, spiritually equipped people grow stronger.
- The future of your ministry is not in your vision alone, but in the people you equip to carry it.
- Churches filled with undiscipled, untrained believers are vulnerable to error and confusion.
- Discipleship, grounding, and doctrinal training are non-negotiable in the Great Commission.
- One trained and discipled believer is more powerful than a crowd of casual seekers.
- Leaders who fail to raise and release others are sabotaging the future of their calling.
- Numerical growth without solid discipleship leads to spiritual instability.
- Empowering people is what keeps the church strong in all seasons.
- Giving people money or prophecy is good, but building their character and capacity is better.
- Jesus is not raising religious fans—He is raising devoted disciples.
Preach to many, yes, but disciple a few deeply. Among the multitude, identify the faithful few and pour into them. These are your spiritual sons and daughters who will carry the work forward. Don’t build on numbers alone; build on character, commitment, and calling.
C. WHY MANY MINISTRIES NEVER RISE INTO TRUE KINGDOM GREATNESS
2 Tim. 2:2–3
Many churches and ministries with great potential remain average, not because God hasn’t called them, but because their leaders neglect the responsibility of raising others. It is not enough to bless people with powerful sermons. You must build people with intentional training and mentorship.
A ministry will never reach divine greatness when:
- It functions only as a “bless-me club” with no focus on growth and maturity.
- The leader preaches but never trains or disciples.
- The pastor or founder does everything alone, refusing to delegate or trust others.
- The leader is intimidated by gifted people, fearing they will outshine him.
- The leader has no joy in the success of others.
- The leader is jealous when the people gravitate toward rising leaders.
- The pulpit becomes a personal possession, not a platform for growth.
- The leader uses harsh words and spiritual intimidation to silence promising ministers.
- The leader pushes away wise voices who want accountability.
- The leader prefers to control and cage destinies, not release them.
If you’ve been in ministry for over 10 years and you’ve never raised a Timothy, then your work is not rooted in the Kingdom culture of multiplication. You are not walking in the footsteps of Barnabas, and you are not fulfilling the heart of Christ.
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D. SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD AND MENTORING THE GODLY WAY
1 Cor. 4:15; Isa. 42:1–4; Prov. 13:22
Spiritual fathers and mentors have a high calling in the Body of Christ. Just like physical fathers raise children, spiritual fathers must nurture spiritual sons and daughters. The work of God will only endure if the next generation is trained, equipped, and empowered.
Once you are leading people or winning souls to Christ, you become a spiritual parent. Here’s how to walk rightly in this assignment:
- First, lead yourself well—self-discipline and personal holiness matter.
- Be full of the Holy Spirit—walk in sensitivity to God’s voice.
- Be a giver, not just materially, but spiritually—give your time, grace, and wisdom.
- Be honest, transparent, and maintain a godly reputation.
- Be open-hearted—look out for people to lift up and encourage.
- Give others opportunity to minister and serve under supervision.
- Disciple, mentor, and equip people to grow in their calling.
- Look out for those who are struggling, strengthen them with love and truth.
- Don’t just give people fish; teach them how to fish for Christ.
- Help others discover their gifts, develop their grace, and deploy their calling.
- Correct them with love, affirm their progress, and cheer them on.
- As you release them, bless them, speak prophetic words, and open doors for their destiny.
The Church today desperately needs leaders with the Barnabas spirit—selfless, generous, Christ-centered leaders who see beyond themselves and are committed to raising the next generation for Jesus.
Will you be one of them?