A dominant biblical metaphor for leaders is the concept of being shepherds of the flock of God. There is a very real sense that growing church is all about caring for one another, in the same way that Christianity is all about discipleship. God has demonstrated his love for us, sending the Chief Shepherd to seek and save the lost, and he calls us to be followers in the same way. Nurturing and developing leadership is both an act of shepherding and a training of the same people in pastoral care.
The following articles and papers were written to address some of the above matters.
Check out these leadership development schemes and materials.