Identifying future leaders often involves visibility: public affirmation, titles, and platforms. In the Middle East, such visibility can be a death sentence. Here, leadership must remain hidden and planted deep like a seed beneath scorched soil. And if you don’t know how to discern the seedling before the sprout, you will either miss it entirely or expose it too early. Both mistakes carry a cost: one of fruitlessness, the other of fallout.
Let me tell you a story.
The Case of Yusuf
Yusuf was a quiet man in his late twenties. Formerly devout in Islam, he came to Christ through dreams and a taxi driver who doubled as a secret evangelist. For a year, Yusuf simply sat. No one pushed him to lead. No one handed him a book on “Spiritual Gifts.”
He swept floors after meetings. He stayed late, not to be noticed, but because he was hungry for God, not influence. He watched how older believers handled conflict. When persecution scattered our small house fellowship, it was Yusuf who called the others, arranged meetings in safe locations, and ensured no one was isolated.
We noticed. But we didn’t name it. Not yet.
Then, one day, after another raid and yet another elder imprisoned, we had no choice but to consider who could step into the gap. Someone suggested Yusuf. There was silence. Then an older believer said, “He already has.”
Lessons from Yusuf
Yusuf’s story isn’t unique. It’s how God raises leaders here: under pressure, through service, with no recognition. The process is dangerous. Not because the leadership task is too heavy, but because identifying a leader too soon—or too loudly—can endanger them, their family, and the entire network.
So how do we identify future leaders wisely?
Five Signs of a Leader-in-the-Making (In Our Context)
- They Serve Without Invitation or Incentive
Leadership here begins in secret faithfulness. They show up. They clean up. They follow through. Not to be seen—but because the Spirit has already begun forming them. - They Shepherd Before They Lead
Before they preach, they call others when they’re sick. They ask about needs. They remember names. They don’t just carry Bibles—they carry burdens. - They Know How to Stay Invisible
A real leader here isn’t one who demands a seat at the table. They know when to speak and when silence is safer. They understand that wisdom includes discretion. - They Bleed When Others Bleed
Persecution is our seminary. When others are arrested or beaten, these leaders don’t flee or fade—they double down in prayer, visit families, and stay connected even when it costs them. - They Multiply What They Learn
Even if they’ve only known Jesus for a few months, they’re already sharing what they know—carefully, respectfully, and always in step with the Spirit’s promptings.
How to Support Without Exposing
If you’re a Western partner—donor, trainer, or missionary—this next part is critical. Do not crown leaders. Affirmation is important, yes. But platforming can kill. Your good intentions might place a target on someone’s back. Here’s what you can do instead:
- Encourage Privately – Use Signal, not Facebook. Tell them you see Christ in them, but never use titles.
- Resource Quietly – Give them books, training, or access—but always in ways that won’t be traceable or raise flags.
- Let the Local Church Confirm – Leadership should rise from within the community, not be appointed by outsiders.
- Accept Slow Growth – It might feel inefficient. But in this soil, slow is safe. Safe is sustainable.
Don’t Rush the Vine
In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Vines grow by clinging, stretching, and resisting wind. The branches that bear fruit aren’t the flashiest—they’re the most connected.
Leadership in our context is like that vine. Tightly wound to Christ. Unseen. But when harvest comes, it’s those hidden branches that carry the heaviest fruit.
Let’s not force fruit before it’s time. Let’s water the soil, protect the roots, and trust the Gardener.
The Basin and Towel 