This study utilizes Wesleyan models of discipleship to design a model of resourcing churches to enable church planting and the creation of ecclesial communities by training identified laity for future leadership roles in a Methodist setting. This intervention allows for a small but formative sample of the means needed to recruit, equip, and form prospective leaders, using an internship model primarily focused on a transformational leadership approach. The strategic aim of this project is the development of a training program that can be tailored to each intern's experience, needs, and capacity. The project redesigns and evaluates the use of a covenant group (Wesley's class meeting) as a safe space for the interns to share and grow. The application of current adult learning theory is used as the basis of facilitating learning. The findings suggest that the combined effects of a local church based, experiential and supervised learning environment lead to the formation of effective lay leaders capable of making significant contributions to future church growth. The study concludes that the Methodist Church of Great Britain should adopt a cautious yet positive approach to rolling out the internship program covered by this research project. The more detailed recommendations for future work and future research are to be found in chapter five. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]