LEADERSHIP GUIDE - MAY 2022

In Acts 20, the Holy Spirit prompts the Apostle Paul to minister in Jerusalem. Knowing his life will be in danger, he writes an important farewell message to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Paul reminds them that the Holy Spirit has called them to be shepherds to their “flock” of church members and that it’s their responsibility to oversee their members’ spiritual health and growth, while also strengthening their faith amid persecution and spiritual attack. This is done through discipleship. 

Paul says in Acts 20:28, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

Similar to the Ephesian Church’s leaders, we as Small Group leaders are also shepherds to the members of our Small Group (our flock) as well as those in our church that are new in their faith and/or new to Pearlside. We must help every member know God, follow God, discover their purpose, and make a difference in the world while helping others do the same. We do this relationally through our discipleship process.

We are in the midst of a harvest window, and there have been many who recently received Jesus as their Lord and Savior or have re-recommitted their life to Him. It is important that these individuals begin the discipleship process of growing in their relationship with God and with others. As leaders, it should be our heart to shepherd them to discipleship. Here are some important next steps of discipleship we can encourage them to take:

  • Growing in God (Classes): To help new believers or those new to Pearlside grow in their walk with God, we encourage them to attend our Growth Track which lays a foundation in our faith in Jesus and in being part of our church family. Our Discipleship Track goes deeper in teaching what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

  • Growing in Relationships (Connection): We know that relationships are an important part of our spiritual growth, and joining a Small Group and actively Serving in church helps foster a greater sense of connection in our relationship with God and also with others.

Application:

  • Ways for someone to take their next step:

    • Visit the Next Step Center after service with you or the person that invited them. 

    • Scan the QR code on the bulletin or on-screen during service.

    • Go to the Next Step sections at pearlside.org or the Pearlside App.

    • Fill out the Next Step card in the seatbacks in the sanctuary, then bring it to the Next Step Center.

  • Growth Track at Main Campus (available for other congregations to attend)

    • In-person

      • Sundays, June 5, 12, 19, & 26

      • 9:15am - 10:15am

      • Main Campus - Classroom 1

    • Online

      • Thursdays, June 2, 9, 16, & 23

      • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Discipleship Track at Main Campus (available for other congregations to attend)

    • In-person only

      • Sunday, July 3, 10, 17, & 24

      • 11:15am - 12:15pm

      • Main Campus - Classroom 1

Prayer Points: (25-30 minutes)

  • Pray that those who are new to faith or new to our church would begin their discipleship journey by taking their next step in growing in their relationship with God and with others.

  • Pray for the salvation of the one person or family you are sharing the Gospel with.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Zoom Reimbursement
    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.

  • Freedom Weekend
    (Men’s) Saturday, June 18 & (Women’s) Saturday, July 16 | Pearlside Main Campus
    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.