LEADERSHIP GUIDE - FEBRUARY 2022
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV)
Ephesians 4 teaches that Jesus gives specific members of the church leadership roles to build the body of Christ (v. 12). This God-given calling for church leaders produces unity as every believer matures in their faith (v. 13), prevents the enemy from being able to deceive believers (v. 14), and allows each believer to take their next step in their walk with God and their role in the church (v. 15). As members of the church continue to grow in their faith, the church is strengthened in Christ as the mission to share the Gospel and make disciples continues (v. 16).
Throughout the season we’ve been in, many of our Small Group members, including ourselves, have experienced disruption in different areas of life. However, as SG leaders, it is our God-given calling to lead our members through the disruptions and shepherd each individual to grow in their walk with God and apprenticeship to Jesus by taking their next step (i.e. One2One discipleship, daily devotions, Pearlside classes, water baptism, joining a Serve Team, sharing the Gospel with others, etc.). As we mature in our faith and lead our members to do so as well, we know that God will continue to work mightily in and through us all for our good, His glory, and the salvation of others.
Following the discussion, take time to pray focused and fervent prayers for the points listed. As we continue to lead and shepherd our people in their journey of faith, let’s believe to see each member of our church—new and old—take their next step and grow in their walk with God.
Discussion Questions: (25-30 minutes)
What are the next steps of faith God has called you to take in your own spiritual journey? What must you do to remain obedient to God in this area?
What are some of the next steps of faith you can help the members of your SG take in this season (i.e. One 2 One discipleship, daily devotions, water baptism, Pearlside classes, joining a Serve Team, sharing the Gospel with others, etc.)? How can you lead your SG members to take these steps of faith individually and/or together?
Prayer Points: (25-30 minutes)
Pray for faith to arise in the church locally, nationally, and globally as the Gospel is being shared and new believers are being discipled.
Pray that our people would continue to take steps of faith and grow in their walk with God.
Pray that those in your life currently experiencing hardship would experience God’s healing, breakthrough, and blessing.
Pray for friends, family, and loved ones to come to the Lord.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Zoom Reimbursement
Due to the ongoing pandemic and with the uncertainties of people's schedules, we will continue to reimburse Zoom “Pro Package” subscriptions until further notice. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglect meeting as a small group.
Once you have received your Zoom Pro invoice for the month, kindly forward them directly to info@pearlside.org in a timely manner. Thank you, leaders, for continuing to shepherd your people well during this time.
Seek Week | February 15 - 17
Tuesday - Thursday
As a church, we will be having a time of prayer and fasting. Aside from personal prayers, we invite you to join us as we pray and believe for specific things in our church for 2022! For fasting guidelines, prayer pockets, and to download a devotional booklet, go to pearlside.org/seekweek.
Small Group Leader’s Meeting | February 26
Saturday, 9:00am - 11:30am @ Main Campus
Join us for a time of vision casting for what God wants to do in and through us in 2022 and beyond. Check your email for the registration link.
Discipleship Track | March 6 - 27
Sundays, during 11:15am service @ Main Campus
Over the course of four weeks, you will gain a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church, and for influence in the world. For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/classes.
Freedom Weekend - Men & Women | March 12
Saturday, 9:00am @ Main Campus (Men - The Hub / Women - Worship Center)
A powerful class designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects into a new life of freedom and victory. For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/classes.
Every Nation Campus Conference | March 18-19
Friday & Saturday @ Main Campus
Every year, thousands of students around the world gather together in different cities to experience powerful life-change and be equipped to make disciples on their campuses. This conference brings a mixture of celebration and empowerment. Connections are made. The gospel is preached. Students come together to share testimonies and reunite with friends. They grow deeper in their relationship with God, and some even receive their call into full-time campus ministry.
Events will look different around the world, but the goal will always be the same: empower students to make disciples on their campuses. For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/cya.