Who Are Your Next Leaders? Find Them Using the ‘5 Cs’

Wherever I go, I hear the same concern: “We just don’t have enough quality leaders.” It’s something I’ve heard from pastors, ministry leaders, and nonprofit directors alike.

They’re worn down, stretched thin, and wondering who they can trust to carry more weight. And more importantly… how to find those people in the first place.

Let’s talk about it.

You’re Probably Already Surrounded by Future Leaders

Leadership development isn’t always about looking outside your current circle. In fact, some of your best future leaders are likely already walking closely with you.

Want to know who to pour into next? Start by asking these questions:

• Who’s leaning in when you’re leading, teaching, or modeling ministry?
• Who shows up ready to serve—without being asked?
• Who applies what you teach and shares it with others quickly and naturally?

These are clues. And they matter.

“Faithful in little, faithful in much” still holds true.

The people who quietly live this way are often the ones God is already shaping. You don’t have to twist their arm. You just need to notice and invest.

Here’s a short video where I talk through this same idea if you’d like to share it or watch later.

The 5 Cs of Leadership: A Field-Tested Framework

Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a simple set of filters to discern who’s ready—or close to ready—for leadership development.

These five qualities all start with the letter C. They’ve helped me avoid costly mistakes, and they’ll help you too.

1. Character

This comes first for a reason.

Does the person live with integrity when no one is watching? Do they follow through? Do they choose what’s right, even when there’s no recognition or reward?

Character isn’t perfection—it’s trajectory. If someone’s heart posture is humble and teachable, there’s room to grow everything else.

2. Chemistry

Do you enjoy being around this person? Do others on your team?

Leaders need to be relationally trustworthy. If people breathe easier—or tense up—when they enter the room, that’s worth paying attention to.

Healthy teams require leaders with strong interpersonal “chemistry.”

3. Capacity

Can this person actually carry more?

They may have great intentions, but do they have the time, energy, and emotional bandwidth to lead well?

You’re looking for someone who is steady under stress, has margin in their life, and isn’t in a season of overload already.

Leadership without margin leads to burnout. For everyone.

4. Calling

This one can be overlooked—but it matters.

Is this person called to lead in this area? Not just willing, but spiritually compelled?

Do they sense a tug from God… and has that calling been affirmed by others?

Sometimes we elevate people out of convenience, not calling—and it shows.

5. Competency

Skills matter. But they’re not the starting point.

Competency can always be developed in someone who has the first four Cs in place. Look for people who are already growing, learning, and pursuing excellence—even if it’s rough around the edges.

Here’s what to ask:

• Are they using their gifts to serve others?
• Are they self-aware enough to grow in their weaknesses?
• Do they pursue feedback and act on it?

If yes… they’re worth developing.

If you’re leading a church or small group and wondering how to multiply your impact, I’d recommend this conversation from the podcast:
How Your Small Groups Need To Change w/Hugh Halter

Pour Into the Right People

This 5 Cs framework isn’t a formula. It’s a lens. Use it to discern, not to disqualify.

The leaders God wants to raise up are already around you. You just have to slow down enough to see them clearly.

And when you do? You’ll find that you’re not alone in carrying the weight. You’re multiplying.

If you want a step-by-step workshop for disciple-making that helps you build this kind of leadership culture, check out the Everyday Disciple Workshop.

FAQ: Developing Everyday Leaders

Q1: What if someone has character and calling, but low competency?
That’s actually a great starting point. Focus on developing their skills while affirming their deeper foundations.

Q2: How can I tell the difference between gifting and calling?
Gifting is what someone can do; calling is what they must do. Look for evidence of both, confirmed in community.

Q3: What if I’ve made leadership decisions based on urgency before?
Most of us have. The good news is: you can recalibrate and build slower, better foundations starting now.

About the author, Caesar

The author of the top-selling books, The Gospel Primer, Transformed and Small is Big, Slow is Fast. His latest book, SLOW BURN: Relaxing Into Theology hit #1 on Amazon.

"I help those with a high commitment to intentional living in the areas of their family, faith and work acquire the leadership skills and tools necessary to succeed and leave a lasting legacy."