The Chrysalis Factor

Before it becomes a butterfly, a caterpillar goes through a growth stage called a "chrysalis." On the surface it may not look like much is happening, but the delicate chrysalis process changes the fuzzy caterpillar into an awesome butterfly with wings of intricate designs and intense colors. The chrysalis process symbolizes how Christ can transform you and your church into something beyond your dreams. It happens when you grow beyond yourself, opening your life to Jesus' power and love.

When this principle of nature is applied to leadership and church growth there are some insights to understand what the “chrysalis factor” is not. There are seven insights:

1. It is not about a Charismatic Leader
2. It is not about latching onto “hot trends” in the religious world
3. It is not about having a clear articulated vision statement
4. It is not about geographical location
5. It is not denominational identity
6. It is not strategic planning
7. It is not solely (though important) about doctrinal conservatism

So what is the “Chrysalis Factor” as applied to religious leadership and churches? Consider the following table:

Level of Leadership	Description	% of Senior Pastors Who Have Attained This Level
Acts 1: The Called Leader	The early church leaders were called to be witnesses of and for Christ (v.8). The “Chrysalis Factor” cannot occur by leaders who are not definitely called by God	98%
Acts 2: The Contributing Leader	Most of Acts 2 is devoted to Peter’s sermon. We see him fulfilling the basic essentials of leadership: Preaching/Teaching/Prayer. Only 4% of churches in America Meet these criteria.	22%
Acts 3: Outward Focused Leaders	These leaders constant move the church to look beyond itself	14%
Acts 4: Passionate Leadership	Passion is not a personality trait. You will recognize it: “…they began to recognize them as having been with Jesus” Acts 4:13	6%
Acts 5: Bold Leadership	These leaders are willing to take steps of faith, to make tough calls that few other leaders are willing to make – Acts 5:1-11	3%
Acts 6/7: The Legacy Leader	These leaders quickly give the ministry to others and let them receive the credit for their work Acts 6:1-7	Less than 1%

There are a few penetrating questions to consider:

• In what ways are you being developed as a person?
• What are you presently doing that develops leaders around you?
• Do you have a fair grasp of how fearfully and wonderfully you have been made?

How are you releasing other into ministry?