You Don’t Have to Be the Expert

by Dave Miller

The Power of Modeling and Spirit-Led Timing in Kingdom Leadership

Why One Step Ahead Is Just Enough

Many leaders hesitate to step into disciple-making roles because they feel underqualified. They think, “I haven’t been trained enough. I’m not an expert. I still mess up.” So they wait—hoping someday they’ll feel “ready.”

But movements don’t grow through experts. They grow through faithful people who are just one step ahead.

If you’ve taken one obedient step, you’re qualified to help someone else take theirs.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show someone what obedience looks like in real time. People relate to someone still in the trenches more than someone who’s polished and far removed from the struggle.

In fact, your transparency is your strength. It communicates that this journey is real, that it’s possible, and that it’s okay to grow slowly.

The MAWL Pattern: Model, Assist, Watch, Launch

We use the M-A-W-L framework as a simple but powerful pathway for leadership development:

• Model – Go first. Let others watch your life, hear your story, and see how you share the gospel or pray for someone.

• Assist – Invite them to try it with you. You don’t throw them in the deep end. You go together.

• Watch – Step back and let them lead while you encourage and support. Offer feedback, not control.

• Launch – Send them with confidence, still available, but giving them the space to own the mission themselves.

This process isn’t complicated. It just requires presence, patience, and prayer.

You don’t have to launch someone after one conversation. But you do have to be intentional. Walk with them until they’re ready. And even when they are, don’t disappear. Launch doesn’t mean leaving—it means releasing.

How the Spirit Prepares Hearts Before You Even Show Up

One of the greatest reliefs in kingdom leadership is realizing this: You are not the power source.

The Holy Spirit is already at work long before you show up. Your job is not to initiate movement but to join what God is already doing.

That’s why proximity matters. When you stay close to people, you start to notice when their hearts are softening. You hear the questions that signal spiritual hunger. You see the cracks in their armor that indicate readiness for truth.

Your goal is not to script the encounter. It’s to stay present enough to recognize when the Spirit says, “Now.”

This is not passive leadership—it’s Spirit-led timing.

When you’re walking with someone relationally, you'll know when to nudge, when to ask hard questions, and when to simply be silent and let them process. That kind of leadership can’t be automated or rushed. It requires walking in step with the Spirit.

Practicing Obedience in the Midst of Uncertainty

Most of disciple-making feels foggy. There’s no clear roadmap. You try something and it feels awkward. You pray and wonder if anything’s happening. You share and get silence in return.

But this is how movements start.

Obedience in the uncertainty is where most people quit. But that’s where leaders are forged.

When you model consistent obedience—even in your doubts—you’re showing the people around you what faithfulness looks like. They see that the path forward is not always bright, but it’s always worth it.

You are not leading because you’ve arrived. You’re leading because you’re willing to go.

Final Word

You don’t need to be an expert to lead. You need to be available, intentional, and obedient.Use the MAWL pattern. Stay near the Spirit. Keep showing up when it’s unclear.

Because in the kingdom, the most powerful leaders aren’t the ones who know the most—they’re the ones who go first.

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