A critical yet often overlooked factor in church growth is the development of strong, disciplined leaders. This resource highlights the biblical concept of meekness—bridled strength—as an essential quality for those called to lead. Drawing from both scripture and real-world examples, it explores how shaping and strengthening emerging apostles requires patience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of their potential. True leadership mastery comes through the balance of boldness and self-control.

Selecting bulls for bull-riding is big business. It all starts in the paddock where, ‘after showing potential, the young bulls are given time to mature. At about two years old, the bull is bucked frequently to familiarise them with an arena environment and atmosphere. (Heather Burns, April 15, 2020 for Silver Spurs Rodeo).

These 4-legged rodeo athletes are bred for their genetically superior ability to buck. Breeders look for bulls that kick high, spin quickly and weigh close to a ton of sheer muscle. The bulls in their breeding lines were feared, unrestrained and not intimidated when it came to those vital 8 seconds of show-time. The ultimate quality desired in such fierce animals is meekness; a healthy mixture of aggression and self-control.

Of all the beatitudes, the one most applicable to apostles is, “Blessed are the meek, for they s hall inherit the earth.” Jesus’ goal was to develop the fruit of meekness in His apostles. He was highlighting their lifetime need for bridled strength as well as describing their unlimited reach around the globe. Meekness produces mastery. Bridled strength, exercised for a lifetime, has the consequence of producing the mastery that apostles are known for.

Possibly the greatest leadership challenge anyone will ever face will involve shaping and strengthening emerging apostles. They are the bulls of the Old Testament, the New Testament and Church history.