If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
Blog Site
Derek’s Blog which comes out weekly to fortnightly is at -
Go to the new more user friendly version - beingrecreated.org
Investing in God’s people from life to life
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
Where am I going in my leadership? What are the issues that I should be on the look out for? Questions such as these often pop up in a life on life ministry situation. If we are constantly encountering new situations, or are starting off and are not sure where to go, then we need some guidance over where to head. The Bible contains some excellent guiding texts that help leaders navigate a way forwards
As I have met up with people and groups of people over the years I have found that some guiding texts and phrases have been really helpful to give a pointer for where we are going, what issues might be important and what we are trying to achieve.
Bible Zone
Here are some guiding texts I have used, in order of maturity of the people I am meeting with. These are by no means exhaustive, and it may be that seeing the range you could be motivated to ask God for a passage of Scripture that you could go out with. In each of these cases think about who this type of encounter is appropriate for.
- Encouragement - Barnabas goes to a new situation to see what God is doing.
- Content - How is Scripture being used in the place of ministry?
- Accountable - Holding each person to the best, in light of who they are.
- Mission - Jesus delegates ministry to His disciples with clear objectives.
- Training Leadership - Prepare the next generation of leadership.
When new avenues were opened to the gospel the Apostles in Jerusalem sent someone to investigate. Acts 11:22-23 (NIV)
- With what attitude did Barnabas arrive in Antioch?
- What did he see? How might that have been evidenced?
- How would you go about looking for the grace of God in a young believer’s life?
- What was the focus of his time with the believers of Antioch?
Acts 11: 22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Paul writes to his companion Timothy with advice about the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
- What is the aim of this advice?
- Why is Scripture significant ahead of other advice? Note 1 Cor 1:18 - 31
- In what variety of ways could Scripture be used?
- Think through some situations with people you know, how could you use each of the methods highlighted in real situations?
2 Timothy 3: 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Paul writes to the Thessalonians (5:14 NIV) to keep eachother accountable.
- What variety of approaches are seen here? To whom are they targetted?
- How would you identify someone who is idle, timid or weak? - they could all be not doing what is expected of them!
1 Thessalonians 5: 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Jesus selected 12, He chose them for a purpose. This was later modelled by Paul who had his travelling companions on much the same basis. Mark 3:13-15 (NIV)
- What was the basis on which Jesus selected?
- What were the purposes for which Jesus chose the 12?
- What was going to be the ministry of those Jesus chose?
Mark 3: 13Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons.
Paul encouraged one of his travelling companions to pass on what he had received. 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
- What attitude did Timothy need to have for this ministry?
- What was to be entrusted?
- To whom was it to be entrusted? - What is the significance of the word entrust?
- Do you have anyone who would have these qualities?
- What has been entrusted to you that you might need to pass on?
2 Timothy 2: 1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
LEADER’S GUIDING TEXTS
