Leadership Group Guide - August 2024
Leadership Thought:
Many of the parables Jesus taught remind us to live with a sense of urgency, knowing that the Lord’s return can happen at any time and that we will one day stand before God to give account for how we lived our lives. This urgency should also apply to our leadership. We need to lead, knowing that time is limited for us, those we lead, and the world we are trying to save. We never know when people will face a crisis or when they will stand before the Lord themselves. Additionally, the Enemy is at work in the world. He never rests in his mission to “steal, kill, and destroy” lives (John 10:10). What we see happening in the world and our communities requires courageous leaders who will not be deterred or distracted but will lead. Sometimes, the busyness of life can lull us into a state of complacency and comfort. Instead, we need to lead with intentionality and urgency to make a difference in the lives of others and make disciples who will impact the world for the Kingdom.
How do we lead with a sense of urgency?
“Spur” one another on towards Christlikeness.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)
Leaders are called to guide people to become more like Christ in every way. Sometimes, this comes as gentle encouragement, and other times, a more assertive challenge. Here, the Bible tells us to “spur one another on…” To “spur” refers to the spurs on the heels of a horse rider. Just as a spur digs into the skin, causing discomfort and motivating the horse to run, leaders provide “loving discomfort” to lead people toward discipleship.
Sometimes, we can hesitate to challenge people, but this is the role leaders must play. Love must, at times, provide uncomfortable challenges to help people grow. Think about a parent forcefully challenging their child out of love. Leaders must not be afraid to do the same because we love those we lead.
Fight for consistency in spiritual disciplines.
“…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)
Urgency requires consistency. For people to grow as Christfollowers, consistency is necessary. Numerous forces pull people’s focus and attention away from God minute-to-minute. Therefore, consistency in church, small groups, and spiritual disciplines is essential.
We mustn’t shy away from fighting for consistency for ourselves and for those we lead.
Maximize every opportunity.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)
Scripture reminds us that a wise person makes the most of every opportunity to fulfill God's purposes. This means maximizing every evangelistic opportunity to share the gospel with our friends and loved ones at work or in our daily lives in the community because we never know when it will be our last opportunity.
This also means maximizing every opportunity to help someone grow in their relationship with Christ. This would include our small group meetings, weekend services, discipleship over coffee or a meal, or a conversation to encourage and pray for someone to grow in their discipleship to Jesus.
Disciples of Christ see every opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. By being intentional about this, we set an example for others to follow.
Discussion Questions:
Do you lead with a sense of urgency? Explain. What factors (distractions, mindsets, etc,.) hinder you from doing so? What can be done about it?
How do you need to “spur” people under your leadership to grow as disciples of Christ? How has that been challenging for you? Why do you think that is? What is God prompting you to do in this situation?
What keeps you from maximizing every opportunity for God’s purposes? Explain. How is God challenging you to adjust your mindset?
Throughout your week, what opportunities do you have to reach out to someone who doesn’t know Jesus yet? How can you maximize those opportunities to reach out to them? Explain.
Prayer:
Pray for one another in a challenging leadership situation where you must “spur” someone in their discipleship to Christ.
Pray for one another to lead with a greater sense of urgency.
Pay for one another to maximize every opportunity to share the Gospel with someone.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
UPCOMING CLASSES:
Discipleship Track:
Main Campus Discipleship Track, August 3, 17, 24, 31, and September 7 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am in Classroom 1 at Main Campus
Downtown (Kahala) Discipleship Track, October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in the Conference Room at Kahala Elementary School
Freedom Weekend:
Main Campus Men’s Freedom, September 28, from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm in classroom 1 at Main Campus
Main Campus Women’s Freedom, September 28, from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus
Downtown (Kahala) Men’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus
Downtown (Kahala) Women’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus
FUTURE SMALL GROUP LEADERS SUMMITS:
September 14, 2024 - All Small Group Leaders Summit (*Leaders only)
If you have any questions or concerns, please email smallgroups@pearlside.org.