Tag Archives: Discipleship

SGL: Leadership: Casting Vision

Posted on by
Reply

Small Group Leadership: Casting Vision

 

Leading a small group is the next best thing after leading someone to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.  It is the adventure of watching the Lord work through you leading others on their spiritual journey to knowing Jesus.  There are victories and setbacks.  There are amazing testimonies of God’s grace and there are the disappointments of people choosing to become distracted in the American Disneyland.

            Leading a small group is definitely about leading a discussion with a group of people, but there are also many other responsibilities of the Small Group Leader.  One of those responsibilities is “Casting Vision.” Casting Vision helps people understand many things about themselves, about spiritual growth and about building in the lives of others.  Too many times people come only for what they are going to get out of the small group.  Thankfully, God can use that motivation to get people to join a small group, but God desires that leaders cast a vision to think outside of themselves.  What are some of the purposes of a small group leader “casting vision” to people in the small group?

First, life is not about them (John 5:19, 30).  A small group leader must lead in such a way that the people enjoy going, enjoy the discussion and the challenges and enjoy taking steps of responsibility in the group. In the process, the leader must help people see there is a bigger picture of why there are small groups and the intentional discipleship involved.

Secondly, there is an urgency of the future (Phil. 3:12-13).  Small groups gather to connect1 relationships, so that people can be equipped in discipleship to Jesus Christ.  The process should lead to multiplication to reach other disciples and influence the entire world.   If people come week after week without any sense of urgency, they will continue to come and miss out on the most important part of our vision.  The most important part of our vision is “multiply together with the gospel to reach the world.”2 Until people get the vision and motivation of multiplication, they will be content with the present, rather than pursuing for the future.

Thirdly, connect the vision to Scripture (Phil. 3:14).  Scripture is the one standard that measures all that we do, highlights what we are supposed to do and keeps us on track with making sure God’s will on earth will be as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).  Scripture is God-inspired (2 Tim. 3:16).  Scripture is one of the spiritual growth ingredients (Rom. 15:13-14). Scripture is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). Vision is not about a personal agenda.  It must be tied to Scripture to ensure it is God’s agenda.

Fourthly, in addition to vision casting, do problem casting (Neh. 2:15-18).  Let the people know what the problem is so they can see their part in what God wants to do.  Nehemiah went about the city at night and came back to the people to let them know that the problem – the wall – was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt so they would not be a reproach. Today, the reproach is a lack of disciples following Christ, a lack of vitality in Christian relationships, a lack of enthusiasm in witnessing and a lack of leaders developing other key leaders. There are many other problems like strained marriages, rebellious children, young people leaving the church, etc. etc.  Take care of the first set of problems (raising up leadership) and the second set will be overcome.

Fifthly, help them understand why they need to act (Neh. 4:12-14).  Many people can see the picture and the problem, but not understand “why” they need to act.  Too many people think someone else will act.  Too many people think there are better equipped people to act.  Too many people don’t think their contribution will matter.  Small group leaders need to help people see their contribution is essential for the urgency and the problem.

Sixthly, show how the vision affects each person (Matt. 9:36).  A small group leader casts vision, so people (sheep) know where the leader (shepherd) is guiding them.  People need to know how the vision affects them going forward and how it affects them if it doesn’t go.  What are the ramifications if the people don’t grasp the vision?  A good illustration could be taken from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  George was discouraged about life, until he saw what life was like without him in it.

Seventhly, call them to commitment (Luke 14:26, 27).  A disciple of Jesus Christ must make the commitment that nothing in life matters, but pursuing Jesus Christ.  He must decide that there are many good things to do in life and only a strong pursuit of Jesus will keep all relationships in balance.  He must commit to bearing His cross to keep all the distractions of the world in perspective and press to the ultimate objective of glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ.  A small group leader must be clear in his vision.  He must help people see the “baby steps” of spiritual growth.  He must be accessible to the people so when they have problems or questions, he is willing to talk. And he must give them measurable steps so they can see the process and progress of spiritual growth in the multiplication strategy.

            The small group leader must cast vision for the people to see where they need to go.  It’s like a shepherd leading the way to green pastures and still waters.  Cast the vision and disciple more closely those who want to follow your lead.

 

 

1Connect, Equip and Multiply are the three key words for the Grace Vision statement.

2This is the third sentence of the Grace Vision Statement.

Counsel: How to make observations in Bible Study

Posted on by
Reply

Counsel: How to make observations in Bible Study 

Recently, I have given some tools for doing Bible study using the “Bible Study and Application Format” worksheet.1It’s a simple exercise using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a pattern for looking at Scripture. To sum up, you take a passage of Scripture and do four things with it. First, record what the passage is teaching. Secondly, examine self to see how you might be failing to live according to the standard of it. Thirdly, identify the correction you need to make in order to get back on track with Scripture. And fourthly, outline a plan of action to put the correction into real living.   

To help you in doing the Bible Study and Application Format worksheet, here are several principles for doing basic Bible study.  Studying the Bible is often done in three steps: Observation, Interpretation and Application (OIA).  “Observation” is looking at a text and making observations about what is in the passage.  “Interpretation” is taking the observations and drawing out the meaning of the passage based on the context and what the original intent of the author was as he wrote to the original audience. The “Application” is the timeless truth that was true in the day it was written, but also how it applies specifically today in our culture and circumstances. 

 I often add one additional step called “Implementation,” because some people take application as merely “how does the passage ‘apply’ to me as an individual.”  What we need to do, in order to follow the model found in 2 Timothy 3:16,17, is to take the meaning of the passage and “implement” it into life.  What are the changes I need to make in my life? How should I implement the application to life?

This article focuses on observation. Here is a simple list of questions that will help you take a passage of Scripture and assist you in making observations. It really just follows the investigative reporter style. 

THE “5 W AND H” QUESTIONS 

Who is speaking?

Who is this about?

Who are the main characters?

To who is this written?

What is the subject or event covered in the chapter?

What instructions are given?

What does this tell us about the people or event?

Where was it said?

Why is this mentioned?

Why did it happen?

Why now?

Why this person?

How will it happen?

How is it to be done?

How is it illustrated?

As you make the effort to personal Bible study, you will gain richly and be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). Now, when you do Bible study, consider the fourth step and add implementation (OIAI).

Psalm 119:27
Make me understand the way of They precepts So I will meditate on Thy wonders.  

Every problem I face
can be traced to an
inaccurate view of God
~ Bill Bright ~
discovergod.com 

1The Bible Study and Application Format was posted April 14 and a recent application exercise using the acrostic SPEAK was posted April 19.

SGL: Leading a Home Group: How to Encourage People to Pray

Posted on by
Reply

Leading a Home Group: How to Encourage People to Pray

            Prayer is an essential ingredient for growth in the Christian life. There are three ingredients for growth, which include prayer (or faith), God’s Word and God’s empowering Spirit (Rom. 15:13-14).  As these three ingredients work in the relational environment of a small group, people will grow and want to pray. 
We listen to God communicate to us by listening to the reading, teaching and preaching of God’s Word.  We listen to God as we study and meditate on His Word.  But a relationship with God is built on two way communication.  People will never “know” the Lord, unless they have a dynamic prayer life.  That prayer life is developed over time.  We must help all Christians learn how to talk to God, just like a parent will help a baby learn how to talk to the parent.
            Yet, prayer is often a scary thing for some people.  For others, they hide behind the “shy” personality moniker or some others are just lazy and don’t feel like praying.  Here are several things you should consider in helping your group learn how to pray and grow spiritually to overcome their fear. 
First, people are afraid to pray in public. Even though they are talking to One who loves them more than anyone else, public prayer is like public speaking – it scares people to death!  They feel they might say a wrong word. They feel they might say something wrong. They feel awkward.  They can’t see God!  So for new people it’s frightening.
Secondly, people think praying is only for super spiritual people.They hear pastors and others give “eloquent” or really “spiritual” prayers and they think they have to pray like that also, or they better not pray.  Some don’t think they could ever sound spiritual enough, so they would rather remain quiet than say something that might come out “less spiritual.”  As a pastor, I think that way about my prayers at times.  Sometimes a prayer flows well, but other times, it seems like I stumble over myself or forget something important.  Yet, God knows my heart and I keep leading in prayer, because I know God wants me to talk to Him and lead others.
Thirdly, people have not been taught to pray.  Granted, prayer is just talking with God, but it is a big deal for new Christians.  There is no agenda, or order, or beginning or end that has to be said.  Using Scripture is the best thing to use in prayer, but it’s not an absolute, especially for new Christians.   If someone is a little nervous, they choose to think they don’t know what or how to pray.

Fourthly, people think what they pray must sound spiritual, intelligent and profound.  Fortunately, God hears the prayers of children often times more than the prayers of adults.  God is concerned with the faith behind the prayer more than the content or manner of prayer.
So what do you do?  I’ve tried things like asking people to pray one sentence prayers.  I’ve tried praying very simply so no one is intimidated.  I’ve tried asking who would pray for each of the prayer requests (but then that’s all they pray for and they are still uncomfortable).  But I’ve found something that seems to work.
In my home group, we close by praying around the circle.  I open the prayer time up for prayer requests, which I write down and then I tell the group that we’re going to go around the circle in prayer.  You can pray as you desire, or if you’d rather not, just tap the person next to you on the outside of the knee.  That tap lets them know it’s their turn to pray.  No one makes an issue of who prays or not.  To begin, I ask the person to one side to start and around the circle it goes.  That has been very effective in helping people feel relaxed about praying.  It’s not the inspired method, however.
You may want to meet with people outside the group who do not pray.  Your purpose is not to twist their arm, but to get to know them and build trust in the relationship.  As you get to know the person, you will be able to find out through discussion why they may not want to pray. 
Often it’s because they have never prayed in public and don’t know how.  In that case give them encouragement of something simple they could pray next time in the group, or even pray together right there with them – out loud.   It may be that as you see the person at the next meeting, you affirm them about the prayer time together from the last meeting. You may want to take some time to talk about prayer during one of the home group sessions.
Above all, affirm the prayer time with the group.  You don’t have to say something every time.  Yet, you can express once in a while how much you enjoy the prayer time together.  You can let people know how you are blessed by listening to the other prayers and praying along with them.  You the leader can dramatically change how people look at prayer and develop dynamic prayer lives.  There are many resources on prayer.  The key is that prayer is simply talking to God, expressing praise and thanksgiving for His goodness and character and for His ever faithful will in our lives.

 

Counsel: Finding Meaning in Scripture – SPEAK

Posted on by
Reply

Counsel: Finding Meaning in Scripture – SPEAK

Recently, I gave a great tool for personal Bible study using the “Bible Study and Application Format” worksheet. It’s a simple exercise using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as a pattern for looking at Scripture.  To sum up, you take a passage of Scripture and do four things with it.  First, record what the passage is teaching.  Secondly, examine self to see how you might be failing to live according to the standard of it.  Thirdly, identify the correction in which you need to get back on track with Scripture.  And fourthly, outline a plan of action to put the correction into real living. 
Sometimes it’s difficult for people to determine what the principles are.  This tool is designed to help you.  It’s an acrostic – SPEAK.  Each of the letters represents a word that will help you determine what the principles are from the passage.
S – Sin to confess or avoid
P – Promise to claim
E – Error to avoid/example to follow
A – Action to take/attitude to change
K – Knowledge of God to apply or praise
            By using each of the letters, you can more easily identify principles from the Word.  As you can see, the acrostic also is great for identifying the “reproof” and the “correction” aspect of the Bible Study and Application Format worksheet.
            Use this on several passages and you’ll gain tremendous confidence in making observations and applications from God’s Word.  AND you’ll be doing your own personal study, which will stick with you a much greater time than if someone just spoon-fed you.  Happy studying!

Just in case you needed the questions from the four columns of the Bible Study and Application Format Worksheet, they are below:
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Teaching– What is the commandment or principle?
Reproof– How have I failed to live by it?
Correction– What do I need to do?
Training in Righteousness-What is my specific plan- how will I do it?

 

           

 

SGL: Leading a home group: Asking a person to read

Posted on by
Reply

Leading a home group: Asking a person to read

There are few things more exciting than watching people grow spiritually.  Some people are going to be like John the Baptist and grow in difficult, desert conditions and deliver God’s message in difficult times.  However, most people are going to be far more hesitant to participate, let alone lead.  What about asking people to read Scripture in a home group setting? Does it matter?
It matters about asking people to read. Some people are afraid to read in public, because they may think they will say a word wrong, not know a word, or just stumble too much if they have to read.  Be careful not to call on people to read, unless you know them well and you know they are very willing to read.  Calling on someone to read may shut them down that night and even cause them to back out completely. Consider the following thoughts when you want people to participate by reading in home group.
People are afraid they won’t read well.  That prevents people from participating.  Some people did not learn how to read well in school or talk well publically.  Public speaking is one of the most fearful things people can do.  Many would rather die.  Even in a home group, it’s fearful for some.
People are afraid of unfamiliar words in Scripture. There are familiar words like Mary and Joseph, but there are also words like Jahaziel or Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Is. 8:1), which look too scary to say in a closet!  People do not want someone else making fun of how they pronounce a word.  Even a snicker is intimidating, so people just don’t want to try.
People are “texting” communicators, rather than verbal communicators.  In our not so brave new world, people are getting used to texting back and forth and all the “text short-hand” causes people to text, rather than talk, even from opposite ends of a couch.  Hence, people would rather just sit and soak rather than do any reading.
Finally, people have been taught to be passive by watching television or the internet.  That passiveness rather than interaction makes people less willing to open up and read. 
So what do you do?  Here are several ideas.
First, ask for a volunteer to read the passage.  Normally someoneis willing to read it.  It’s okay if some would rather not.  Now, if the same person always does the reading, meet with them afterwards, outside the group and ask them to let others read and help them understand you are discipling everyone to get to the point of reading.
Secondly, talk to a hesitant person ahead of time to understand them.  Talk to the person to get to know them.  There might have been an incident in the past where someone made fun of them reading, or they used to stutter, or they just don’t think reading is “them.”  Listen to understand and empathize with them.  Compassionately and as a shepherd, ask them if they want to grow spiritually.  Then help them understand when they are ready, that reading is part of the process of growing spiritually. Help them see they will want to help others read and their overcoming will be an encouragement to others.
Thirdly, talk to a person ahead of time with a specific passage.If someone is not reading very often or at all, talk to them ahead of time and let them know a specific passage you would like them to read at the next group meeting and see if they are willing.  If willing, then make sure you tell them “thanks” right after they read, but don’t make a big deal about the reading in front of others.  After the meeting, affirm them much more enthusiastically and get their reaction.  Ask them if they are willing to do it again.  Keep working with the person to build confidence in the Lord and to participate with the group.
Fourthly, affirm those who read.  A simple “thanks” or “great” doesn’t hurt.  Is it necessary?  For most people it’s not, but what is the problem with giving extra encouragement and affirmation?  You’ll make disciples quicker by following these suggestions.
Asking someone to read is a small thing and yet it’s huge to some people.  A spiritual parent will consider where the person is in his/her spiritual growth and consider how best to stir him/her up to love and good deeds.

 

Q & A: Get a Grip on your Father’s Promise

Posted on by
Reply

This is the Message Based Discussion Question sheet for the message presented on March 31, 2013, titled, “Get a Grip on your Father’s Promise.”  The message was posted on the April 1, 2013 blog.  Below, you will find the insert information for the message and then the questions are repeated with considerations for suggestions to the Message Based Discussion Questions.  They are only designed to assist your thinking and help you see that there are several answers for the Digging Deeper questions and there are many ways to answer the application questions.

Get a Grip on your Father’s Promise
Luke 24:32-49 

How do you get a grip on your Father’s promise?  

1)      When you experience Jesus, you can’t stop talking about Him   Luke 24:32-35

2)      When you encounter Jesus, you can’t help but enjoy His presence   Luke 24:36-43

3)      When you are empowered by the Father’s promise, you can’t help but lead   Luke 24:44-49
·         Acts 18:8; 16:31-34

The Promise of your Father will empower you to
Get a Grip on real life!
  • God has called every man to serve as a model of the Father. Joh 14:9
  • We men need to step up to the line and practice until we get it Phil 4:9
  • God will supply you what you need Phil. 4:19
  • We can do all things through Christ Phil. 4:13
  • Come join the team at Grace
Message Based Discussion Questions
1)      Do you remember a promise your father gave you growing up fulfilled?
Digging Deeper:
2)      Who are three heroes of faith in Hebrews 11? __________; ____________; _____________ What are examples of what they were trusting God for in the present and future life?  How many didn’t see the promise fulfilled in life?  Did that cause them to waiver in faith?
3)      Look up the following passages related to Father promises about the coming Messiah (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4; Is. 7:14; Matt 1:18,24,25; Ps. 2:7; Matt 3:17; Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16. How many of the passages prophesy of the coming Messiah? ___________ How were those prophecies fulfilled?  What does that say about the promise of the Father?  What promises has He made to/for you?
4)      Compare Eph. 5:18 with Col. 3:16 and their contexts.  What is similar about each passage? ______________.  What is different? _______________.  Note Rom. 15:13-14.  What are the three ingredients of growth? (cf. Rom. 15:4)  Why is your utter dependence on these three aspects crucial to enjoying God’s presence?
Making application of the message to life:
5)      How have you experienced Jesus this week? Have you shared that with anyone? If not, what will you do?
6)      How would you describe enjoying Jesus’ presence to a sixth grader?  What are several ways a believer can enjoy His presence?
7)      The Father’s Promise is real.  Is it causing you to lead others in faith?  How could you initiate trust and application so it becomes a reality?
Message Based Discussion Questions

1)      Do you remember a promise your father gave you growing up fulfilled?

a)      He promised he’d pay me 2 cents per minute if I worked on waxing his car.  He paid me.

b)      He promised that however the family chose to go on a side trip while on a vacation that we’d go to that site.  I cast the deciding vote and we went.

c)      He promised he’d come down for my officer graduation and he came.

Digging Deeper:

2)      Who are three heroes of faith in Hebrews 11? _Abraham_; _Moses_; __Sarah_ What are examples of what they were trusting God for in the present and future life?  How many didn’t see the promise fulfilled in life?  Did that cause them to waver in faith?

a)      Example of those who trusted God:

i)        Abraham trusted God for a land of promise and a city which has foundation. He offered up Isaac and received the blessing, because he trusted God would provide for him.

ii)      Moses chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than the passing pleasures of Egypt looking to the reward in the future, fearing God instead of Egypt.

iii)    Sarah trusted God for a child when she was beyond the age of conception.

b)      How many didn’t see the promise?

i)        Abraham didn’t see the coming seed

ii)      Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau not knowing what would come

iii)    Jacob blessed his sons, not seeing the future

iv)    All of them (11:39)

c)      They did not waver in faith to lose the promise and were an example for us.

3)      Look up the following passages related to Father promises about the coming Messiah (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4; Is. 7:14; Matt 1:18,24,25; Ps. 2:7; Matt 3:17; Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16. How many of the passages prophesy of the coming Messiah? __four_ How were those prophecies fulfilled?  What does that say about the promise of the Father?  What promises has He made to/for you?

a)      The prophecies were fulfilled:

i)        Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4 promise of the coming Messiah; He came in fullness of times.

ii)      Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18,24,25 promise of the virgin birth of Jesus and fulfilled in Mary and Joseph

iii)    Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17 Jesus was the begotten Son of God and the voice from heaven spoke it.

iv)    Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16 The seed was promised and the seed was Christ.

b)      The Promise of the Father will be fulfilled.  He will provide what I need in life Phil. 4:19; He will train me up and strengthen me through Christ Phil. 4:13

c)      He promised that:

i)        If I cast my cares on Him, He would care for me 1 Pet. 5:7

ii)      If I chose to trust Him rather than be anxious, His peace would guard my soul. Phil. 4:6-7

iii)    If I chose to practice what I’m learning in the Word and from others, that His peace would be with me Phil. 4:9

iv)    If I chose to humble myself, He would draw near to me Jam. 4:8

4)      Compare Eph. 5:18 with Col. 3:16 and their contexts.  What is similar about each passage? _I need to be filled with something___.  What is different? _Spirit/Word_.  Note Rom. 15:13-14.  What are the three ingredients of growth? (cf. Rom. 15:4)  Why is your utter dependence on these three aspects crucial to enjoying God’s presence?

a)      Three ingredients of growth

i)        Faith

ii)      Word

iii)    Spirit

b)      My utter dependence is crucial, because I cannot produce anything good apart from His Spirit.  I cannot do anything except by His Word.  I must be totally dependent on Him to receive His blessing.

Making application of the message to life:
 

5)      How have you experienced Jesus this week? Have you shared that with anyone? If not, what will you do?

a)      He has strengthened me to do His work, when I’ve felt rotten.

b)      He has caused me to watch my tongue, when my flesh wanted to say something sarcastic.

c)      He caused me to steady my thinking when I might have been frustrated working on the wiring.

d)      He caused me to get a better mortgage deal by waiting on Him and not rushing the decision.

e)      Can share with family tonight at dinner.

6)      How would you describe enjoying Jesus’ presence to a sixth grader?  What are several ways a believer can enjoy His presence?

a)      It’s like sitting with a good friend who accepts you the way you are.  He also loves you to laugh and help where you’re failing.  He desires to help you stand up and keep moving toward sanctification.  It’s chilling out when no one else is around and enjoying being with Him.  It’s not having to talk.  It’s enjoying to just be silent and looking at the world around me.  It’s like you know He cares and He’ll never leave you alone.

b)      A believer enjoys His presence by silence, meditation on God’s Word, looking at scenery, being alone in the dark.

7)      The Father’s Promise is real.  Is it causing you to lead others in faith?  How could you initiate trust and application so it becomes a reality?

a)      Yes, it motivates me to use opportunities to talk to people about Christ, especially in counseling and discipleship.

b)      I need to build bridges to people so I am using those opportunities to walk through the gospel.

c)      Am I leading others to Christ?  Have I put roses in the vase?

SGL: Coaching Small Group Leaders (2)

Posted on by
Reply

SGL: Coaching Small Group Leaders (2)

I love it when men bring together their leadership and serving others. As I watched a guy lead, I thought, “He’s got it.”  “He understands what he needs to do.  He’s there, not for himself, but for others.” 

Prior to arriving at the home group meeting, I told him I’d open the home group and then I asked him to facilitate the “Message Based Discussion Questions.”  It was like clock-work. The initial orientation went just a little long, but our group is beginning to enjoy each other and I normally like to begin the “Digging Deeper” questions before I passed the leadership to him.

During the small group, I wrote down several key points of what he did well.  Maybe it is because he leads a group of young boys in our Wednesday evening ministry.  Maybe it is because he has been in several different kinds of small groups. But whatever the past, he’s doing it now. Here’s the summary.

First, he affirmed people’s responses, even in their reading.  Just a light ‘thanks,’ or thank you, or even verbal “uh huh.”  The affirmation keeps the people encouraged and willing to respond with greater thoughts. 

Secondly, he was positive and light-hearted. He wasn’t blasé or like Eeyore.  He was positive and encouraging to what people said. It’s difficult to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep,” but the leader needs to be up and responsive to the participants 98% of the time, because it’s not about him, it’s about raising the people up.  Should a leader or facilitator let others know if he has a struggle? Sure.  But not so much that he can’t lead others.

Thirdly, he made good tie-ins back to the main message content from the questions. That keeps the consistency and unity from the message and creates a building aspect in the “Digging Deeper” portion of the Message Based Discussion Questions. 

Fourthly, he spoke well with his eye contact with each person talking.  He looked at the person talking and gave good non-verbal and tone of voice affirmation that he was tracking with each person.

Fifthly, he asked if there was anything else after a few comments were made.  He didn’t feel like he needed to do all the talking.  He didn’t respond to each comment, but he was definitely leading and carrying the conversation of learning on his shoulders. Before he went to the next question, he asked, “Any other comments?” Or, “Anything else?”

Sixthly, when there was a disagreement about an answer, he handled it extremely well by looking at how both answers could be considered and assigned us to re-look at the answer for the next week.  He didn’t waffle on the answer and didn’t come across as a know-it-all.  He recognized that the way the question was stated and the information in the text was presented, that both answers had merit, and what really mattered was the heart of the question.  He handled it very maturely.

Seventhly, he did a great job of summarizing the questions. He summarized the “Digging Deeper” questions and the “Application” questions so that people felt like there was a good ending to the discussion.  And what was the response?  As one person said, “That was a good discussion.”

I wish I could take credit for how well the group went.  Instead I thank God for how He continues to work in each of our lives to sharpen us to the truth and to present that truth in a winsome, biblical way.  Consider how some of these highlights might be incorporated into your small group leadership.  I know that night people were greatly challenged by the application questions about their personal responsibility with the message.

MSG: Get a Grip on your Father’s Promise

Posted on by
Reply

Get a Grip on your Father’s Promise

Luke 24:32-49

There she was sitting across the room in a cuddle-lumtuous sweater, horizontal stripes of pastel yellow, pink, cream and blue colors.  Her hair was long, blond flowing down to her shoulders.  She had a bright smile and a twinkle in her eye, but I was trying to be spiritual, so I tried to ignore her.  She looked like someone I’d like to meet, but I was trying to be spiritual.  We both happened to be in a Christian organization leadership training class, so I was trying not to be caught staring at her beauty.

That summer I was going to be on a beach project at Newport Beach, CA, body surfing for Jesus, I mean winning souls for Jesus.  My peg on the USA map was at Newport Beach and I saw that she was going to be only about 70 miles away in San Bernardino– pretty close, but far enough that I’d be too busy on the beach serving Christ.  Then while on the project, because of my roommates need to see his parents in San Bernardino, a chance encounter, but only for a moment.

Several months later, my action group leader invited me to watch a movie on leadership at his church.  I showed up on Saturday night and there she was.  It was her dad’s movie projector and that’s where she went to church.  Guess what?  I switched churches.  I changed from driving  seven miles to church to driving 41 miles to church.  Great church.  Good teaching.  Good looking gal.

All I could do was think about this gal.  That long blonde hair with that sweet smile!  I needed to go out with her, but I decided to call her dad to ask permission.  I wanted to do this right.  Okay, dad’s permission granted and then delayed by her church’s communion pitch in.  Whoa, that was a  good time.  I couldn’t wait to call her on the phone.  I could hardly wait to drive the 37.2 miles to see her.  I knew every tenth of a mile and curve in the road and elsewhere to spend time with her.  I liked how she thought.  I liked how ordered she was.  I liked how she knew so much about Scripture and she wanted to memorize Psalm 119 with me!  Whoa, what a gal!

When you experience someone you love, you can’t stop talking about her.  She presented a promise of a good life together and I sure enjoyed the time I had with her.  Every meeting was an adventure, a romantic rendezvous. Whoa!  I couldn’t wait.  She thought like the woman I wanted to marry.  So just nine months after I first met her, three months after our first date, at the ripe old age of 20, I was hooked and said, “Will you marry me?”   When you encounter someone you truly love, you can’t help but enjoy her presence.  When you are inspired by the promise of a great life together, you can’t help but lead.  So, 35 years later, after many bumps in the road, Barbara, I love you more than ever….

The same is true with Jesus.  When you experience Jesus, you can’t help but talk about Him. When you encounter Jesus, you can’t help but enjoy His presence and when you are empowered by the Father’s promise, you can’t help but lead.  With that promise of an abundant life, how do you get a grip on your Father’s promise?  The Children have joined us today, “Children, you should each have an insert. I’m going to give you three things to draw in the boxes, or you can write on your insert.”  

1)      When you experience Jesus, you can’t stop talking about Him   Luke 24:32-35

There were two men walking along the road to Emmaus talking about the events of the last week, when Jesus approaches them from behind and asks them what they are talking about.  One of the men, Cleopas, acts surprised that anyone would ask such a question.  So he recalls great details about Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, but He was seen alive. As they walk along, Jesus admonished them and helps them understand through Moses and the prophets that the Scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus.  As they approached the village the two men constrained Jesus from proceeding further and asked Him to join them to eat and rest. When they took bread, Jesus blessed it, broke it and gave it to them and their eyes were opened.  Then Jesus vanishes! [Children, draw a picture of your dad]

In our passage, the men were ready to flip out.  They became like two roosters welcoming the morning.  With great enthusiasm, the men begin to converse as Luke records,

                     32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us  
                on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
              33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those 
              who were with them gathered together,
              34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. (Luke 24:32-35)

The men were like a dozen Colts fan after the 2007 Superbowl! They described how their hearts were burning on the road before they knew it was Him as He opened Scriptures (22:32). Emmaus was 7 miles from Jerusalem, so they quickly left Emmaus and ran to see the rest of the disciples (22:33).  They arrive and find the disciples talking up a storm about the events!  They respond to the men, that indeed they know Jesus had arisen and He appeared to Peter!  Yes, even Peter, the one who denied Jesus three times (22:34). The two men related to the others how their hearts burned on the road and then they recognized Him while breaking bread!

Do you experience Jesus?  When you do, you can’t help talking about Him.  If you are not talking about Him, you haven’t experienced Him!  And when you do encounter Him, you look forward to His presence! 

2)      When you encounter Jesus, you can’t help enjoying His presence   Luke 24:36-43

I’ll never forget that Friday night on the way over to Barbara’s house. She asked me what I wanted her to fix for us to enjoy eating at her house.  I told her lobster.  So she bought these two large lobsters. 

Now, when you are in love, it’s like looking into the sun.  You can’t see anything else.  It seems sometimes, you don’t know what you’re doing.  You do some silly things.  I took those two lobsters with my gloves on and chased her cat called Pinkerton around the house.  Pinkerton was a big fat white cat.  He was probably 14 years old and weighed about 40 pounds. Pinkerton ran of course.  It wasn’t a very nice thing to do.  You do some silly things when you are in love.  You just can’t wait to be in each other’s presence. It’s like eating a delightful meal together. [Children, draw a picture of a table of food]

How does Jesus respond after the disciples ran out on Him?  Does He return in anger to set the record straight?  Does He yell and ask them, “How come you guys ran out on Me?”  Or, “Why didn’t you guys stick with your word; you said you would stand with me!”  Jesus does not do anything like that.  Instead Jesus seeks to restore the relationships.

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” (Luke 24:36)

Jesus appeared and said, “Peace.” They needed to hear that, because they all ran from Him at His worst moment.  They leave Him to be crucified, He comes back, so what or how is He going to react?  He responded with the mercy of God and said, “Peace.”

                 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.
            38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
 39“Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 24:37-39)

They were “scared out of their wits” just like they were Matthew 14 when they saw Jesus walking on the water and thought He was a ghost. Jesus sought to help them regain control of their emotions and asked, “Why are you troubled?” He wanted them to reflect and asked, “Is God not in control?”  When you believe God is in control, you can enjoy the presence of people. Jesus verifies to them, it’s Him and they have no need to fear.

                      40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet1.
               41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any 
                food here?”
              42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb1.
 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. (Luke 24:40-43)

Jesus gave them proof He was not a ghost; He’s back in person. He ate in their presence to prove to them He was the real thing. Can you imagine the fear turning to joy? Can you imagine the joy as they realized they had encountered the real Jesus again? That gives rise to the reality that Jesus was empowered by the Father’s promise of His will and plan, so Jesus passes that down to the disciples.  

3)      When you are empowered by the Father’s promise, you can’t help but lead   Luke 24:44-49

                  44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you,
              that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and
              the Psalms concerning Me.”
 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)

Jesus helped the disciples see there was nothing new.  “I’ve spoken this before.”  He made sure they understood what was written.  [Children, draw a soldier leading troops in a charge]

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise1 from the dead the third day,
47 “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
 48 “And you are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)

            There are seven points Jesus made to the disciples.  First, what happened was written already in Scripture.  Secondly, it was necessary to happen according to the Father’s plan. Thirdly, it was necessary that the Christ suffer for the sins of the world.  There would have been no reconciliation to God without the death of Jesus Christ.  Fourthly, it was necessary for Christ to rise from the dead on the third day to prove the Father’s righteousness was satisfied with the death of Jesus.  Fifthly it was necessary that the message of repentance and remission of sins be preached in His name to all the nations. Sixthly, it is necessary that every Christian be witnesses of that eternal truth.  That witness is revived with every moment spent with Jesus Christ, with every encounter with Jesus. Why?  So the seventh truth would be made known in verse 49.

49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem1 until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

            The seventh truth is that the Father’s promise would be empowerment to make that message known to the nations. The Promise of the Father – the empowerment is coming.  You will be endued with power, or “clothed” with power.  So stay in the city until you are clothed.  It all comes together by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is not a force, like on Star Wars.  He is a person, who will guide you into Scriptures and empower you to lead your family.  It is the promise of the Father.  The promise of the Father directs our attention to the importance of fathers.  Father’s represent God the Father.  Their influence has great affect or lack of influence leaves of vacuum of spirituality in the world as we are seeing in the United States today.

            Two important passages reveal the importance of the Father influence in Scripture.

Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)  

                  31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your
              household.”  32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his
             house.  33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And
             immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his
             house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his
             household. (Acts 16:31-34)
            Yes, the influence of fathers is incredible. God the Father worked it that way as a way to show how much influence He has when people follow and submit to His will.

 

The Power of Influence

Attending Church First Families Follow

100 Children 1.7%
100 Mothers 18%
100 Fathers 93% 

However, when fathers don’t lead and families don’t follow, then we have a vacuum of influence.  In fact, children and whole families begin to fall away from the Lord.  For example, 

For every 10 men in the average church…

• 9 will have kids who leave the church
• 8 will not find their jobs satisfying
• 6 will pay monthly minimum on credit cards
• 5 have a major problem with pornography
• 4 will get divorced affecting 1,000,000 children each year
• Only 1 will have a biblical worldview
• All 10 will struggle to balance family & work:

Because they really want to HAVE FUN!

Listen, fathers represent God the Father and when we don’t lead as the Father, provide as the Father, teach as the Father, lead as the Father, then family falls away.  Now, ladies, what is your part?  I love it when women get into Bible Study.  I love it.  But some of you don’t understand why men don’t lead.  I’ll tell you. 
Men (and woman) are in a spiritual war that is unseen and the enemy is fighting against men saying, “You can’t lead.”  “You’re not spiritual enough.”  “You don’t know enough.”  “You’re not good enough to lead.”  So men believe those lies and do exactly what Adam did back in the Garden of Eden.  Adam was standing right next to Eve, while she was talking to the jive-talking serpent.  He should have been protecting her, but because he didn’t she bought the devil’s line and was deceived.  Then Adam bought into it also and ate the fruit.
Today men lay back spiritually and  don’t take the risk of leading their families.  Why?  Men do not want to fail; they do not want to look like a fool; and they don’t want someone to find out they are a fake spiritually, that is they don’t want others to know they don’t know as much spiritually as they want others to think.  So, they hedge back. 
Women? We need you to pray for men.  If it was easy being a man, there would be men leading their families in Bible devotions regularly during the week.  Fathers would make sure their kids were memorizing Scripture.  Fathers would make sure their kids were the most grounded in Scripture so when they went into the world, they knew what promises they could count on.  Why does that not happen?  Because there is an invisible war going on. The enemy, the devil is winning. 
Today is all about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  God wins.  Everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ wins.  And we want to help people get beyond that and be discipled to understand God’s game plan.  That’s what this church is all about.  We want to help fathers understand and know the battle, so they can win their families, keep their families, enjoy their families and when the children grow up, the children will keep coming home for wisdom to go back into the world to disciple others to Jesus Christ.
We believe fathers or men leading are the key to solid growth in a church.  We’re grateful for women, youth and children.  It’s the fathers that must take their place and take the promise of the Father and pass that down to the children.  It is the plan the original settlers had when they came to America,
“Promising also unto our best ability to teach our children and servants the knowledge of God and of his will that they may serve him also.” – First settlers of Salem (1636)

It’s not the government’s job to teach our children.  Sometimes it does a pretty good job, but the parents are really the best ones as God designed it.  Why?  God designed the parents to be the teachers of their children.  We at Grace want to help you. I love what Jonathan Edwards says,

“Family education and order are some of the chief means of grace, if these fail in the home all other means are likely to prove ineffectual.” – Jonathan Edwards

In other words, we can have the best school system or even church program, but if the families’ are not raising up their children to godliness, even what we do in the church to train children, will not be as helpful.  We are here only to help parents.  Richard Baxter makes it very clear who must step up to the line and take responsibility,

“The husband must be the principal teacher of the family, he must instruct them, examine them, and rule them about manners of God.” – Richard Baxter

I praise God for moms that step up and lead their children.  I pray that we can help dads take on that privilege of making sure the kids know and understand who Jesus Christ is and why He came.   Get a grip on the Father’s promise, and you can’t help but lead.

The Promise of your Father will empower you to

Get a Grip on real life!

·         God has called every man to serve as a model of the Father John 14:9

·         We men need to step up to the line and practice until we get it Phil 4:9

·         God will supply you what you need Phil. 4:19

·         We can do all things through Christ Phil. 4:13

·         Come join the team at Grace

 

·         Get a grip on the Father’s will

·         Get a grip on Father greatness

·         Get a grip on your Father’s promise to the next two generations

 

Message Based Discussion Questions

1)      Do you remember a promise your father gave you growing up fulfilled?

Digging Deeper:

2)      Who are three heroes of faith in Hebrews 11? __________; ____________; _____________ What are examples of what they were trusting God for in the present and future life?  How many didn’t see the promise fulfilled in life?  Did that cause them to waiver in faith?

3)      Look up the following passages related to the Father promises about the coming Messiah (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4; Is. 7:14; Matt 1:18,24,25; Ps. 2:7; Matt 3:17; Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16. How many of the passages prophesy of the coming Messiah? ___________ How were those prophecies fulfilled?  What does that say about the promise of the Father?  What promises has He made to/for you?

4)      Compare Eph. 5:18 with Col. 3:16 and their contexts.  What is similar about each passage? ______________.  What is different? _______________.  Note Rom. 15:13-14.  What are the three ingredients of growth? (cf. Rom. 15:4)  Why is your utter dependence on these three aspects crucial to enjoying God’s presence?

Making application of the message to life:

5)      How have you experienced Jesus this week? Have you shared that with anyone? If not, what will you do?

6)      How would you describe enjoying Jesus’ presence to a sixth grader?  What are several ways a believer can enjoy His presence?

7)      The Father’s Promise is real.  Is it causing you to lead others in faith?  How could you initiate trust and application so it becomes a reality?

 

 

Q & A: Get A Grip on your Father’s Will

Posted on by
Reply

These are suggested answers for the Message Based Discussion Questions included on the reverse side of the insert for the message “Get a Grip on your Father’s Will” presented on March 24, 2013.  The full information from the insert is provided first, then the Message Based Discussion Questions are reiterated with suggested answers.  These answers only provide a beginning basis to answer the questions.  Each person should consider how he might answer the questions. Continue reading →

SGL: A Coach’s commitment to Small Group Leaders (2)

Posted on by
Reply

SGL: A Coach’s commitment to Small Group Leaders

            Coaching leaders is a fulfilling mission.  It’s fulfilling, because they already have proven themselves and they want to lead others.  Now it’s a matter of how to sharpen each other so that ministry can be more effective.  Both the coach and the small group leaders will learn from each other.  They both learn, because of the experience of the coach, but also the new experiences that small group leaders obtain, which  may bring new ideas to coaches.

            A coach must be committed to the small group leaders.  He is not there as a know-it-all or I’m-the-coach-so-listen-to-me type person.  He’s there to hold leaders to 1) the standard of God’s Word, 2) the vision set forth by the Elders and 3) the passion to intentional discipling of Christ-followers.  There are five contrasts that should be kept in mind when coaching small group leaders.

            First, maintain encouragement over teaching.  Small group leaders have already proven themselves steady in spiritual disciplines and grasping hold of the vision, so now they need encouragement to keep pressing forward.  Now that they are leaders, they are leading others who may be complacent (Is. 32:9-11), may bite and devour (Gal. 5:15) and may get distracted by the things of the world (1 Jn. 2:15-17).  That can be very discouraging when you prepare to lead a group and people don’t respond.  The leader may face “controlling talkers,” or “rebellious nit-pickers,” or those who just don’t want to get out of their comfort zones.

            Small group leaders may need to be taught some principles of leading, but they need encouragement far more.  They need to be nurtured along the way far more than understanding every list of what small group leaders should do.  Yes, seasoned Christians need to be encouraged, because the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the unseen spiritual forces (Eph. 6:12) and discouragement is likely Satan’s greatest tool.

            Secondly, lead by shepherding rather than directing.  A shepherd takes the sheep (in this case, the small group leader) to lush green grass of nourishment, the still waters of refreshment and the calming fields of resting in the Lord.  They are in a battle every day from spiritual forces trying to convince them their effort is not worth it.  The demonic realm deceives and manipulates to get leaders to think that they will never be able to influence people well enough to make a difference. 

Small group leaders don’t need to be told what to do as much as they need someone to care for them and listen to them.  They already care themselves to lead others.  They already have been in the trenches.  They may need some focus, or at times a jolt, but normally they need someone to bandage up their wounds of leading people.  They need someone to lead them.

Thirdly, emphasize connecting over influence.  There is no question that we are all about influencing people and making an impact, but when coaching small group leaders, you want to make sure they feel connected and not feel like a long ranger serving all by themselves, wondering when the next resupply will come in.  Small group leaders are  already working on connecting people, but in the process of leading, he becomes a target from the front and from behind and he wonders if he is alone.  Make sure you connect with him rather than driving him all the time just to make sure he’s on the top of his influence.  Let him rest in your presence and shepherd him by your encouragement.

Fourthly, listen for understanding rather than talking by managing.  He spends most of his time listening to other people; listening to understand.  He listens to understand, so that when he speaks, others will listen and he will have pithy comments full of Scripture and wisdom.  That takes an incredible amount of energy and he needs someone to listen to understand him, rather than someone telling him how he can be a better manager of resources (people).

And fifthly, ensure you are leading rather than pressing him forward.  He should feel like he is in the presence of Jesus.  He should feel like you are leading him, rather than driving him.  The small group leader should feel like you are a shepherd, rather than a butcher.  You make sure he knows you enjoyed the time with him, because the ones he is leading may not realize all the mental and emotional energy he is expending for them.  So you lead him to the still waters and green pastures of rest in God’s Word.  What has God been doing for you to calm your soul?  Affirm him in all that he is doing.  Make sure he knows you are there for him, not the other way around.

Coaching is a blessed privilege.  You’re not teaching volumes of material; you’re tweaking what he knows so he can be more effective.  God used Priscilla and Aquila to come alongside Apollos to be a better spokesman for Christ (Acts 18: 24-28).  Your coaching will enable him to rest more on the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit to lead others in grace.