Be The Salt and Light

Leadership Group Guide - June 2022

Matthew 5 accounts for Jesus’ sermon on the mount where He teaches the disciples the beatitudes. After the teaching, Jesus tells them that those who face persecution and hardship in His name are blessed. Ultimately, Jesus is preparing their hearts to love those they are called to reach with His love despite the persecution they will experience by doing so. Jesus didn’t want fear to hold the disciples back, but rather their love for others to move them forward. Jesus says to the disciples:

13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.           15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)

Despite global unrest, national tragedies, economic uncertainty, and personal hardships, we must continue to be the “salt and light” to others around us. There are many suffering without the eternal hope of Christ, and although the world may say pull back and pull away from relationships for convenience and safety, Jesus teaches the opposite. His church must continue to move forward in loving God, loving others, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples. 

As we’ve discussed, one practical way for ourselves and our Small Group members to be the salt and light is to remain relationally connected with the person or family God has placed on our hearts to reach. Despite the busy summer months, we must intentionally and consistently make time for them in our lives, ask how they are doing, listen to what they are experiencing, pray for them and serve them when possible. In building friendship and trust, the opportunity to share the Gospel will surface, and when it does, we must share the Gospel and believe they will receive the eternal hope of Christ.

Jesus calls us to change the world by being the salt and light in it. Despite the hardships we may face, we know God will use us mightily to change the world one life at a time.

Discussion Question (15 minutes): 

1. Who is the one person that God is calling you to be the salt and light to? How are you personally making time in your life to stay connected with them?

2. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not at all and 10 being always), how would you rate your Small Group as a whole in being salt and light to their one? How can you encourage everyone in your group to stay connected with their one?

Application: 

1. Ask each member in Small Group this week who is the person they are being the salt and light to. Encourage each member to make time for their life to ask how they are doing, what they need prayer for, how they can practically serve them, and even share the Gospel with them.

Prayer Points (15 minutes): 

1. Pray that our church would remain focused this summer on loving God, loving others, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples. 

2. Pray for the salvation and ongoing discipleship of the one person or family God has placed on your heart to reach.

3. Pray that our church would reach the harvest and that we’d see many people receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior or recommit their life to Him.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• ANNOUNCEMENTS: Growth Track

  Our faith is not designed to be static, rather God desires all believers to grow in their faith. In this 4-week session class, we will learn how to grow in our relationship with God through the essential practices of Christianity which include: knowing God, following God, discovering your purpose, and making a difference by helping others do the same.

  Main Campus Growth Track Registration

  Downtown Growth Track Registration

  Kapolei Growth Track Details

• Discipleship Track

  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. 

  Discipleship Track at Main Campus - Registration

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

• 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.

Leading with a Shepherd's Heart

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.

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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.

Leaving the Ninety-Nine for the One

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - APRIL 2022

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’” (Luke 15:1-7 NIV) 

In Luke 15:1-7, the Pharisees are upset that Jesus is spending time with tax collectors and sinners. In response to their grievances, Jesus tells a parable about an owner of 100 sheep. This owner leaves the ninety-nine sheep when one goes missing and is full of joy and celebration when he finds and brings his lost sheep home. Jesus then compares the lost sheep being found to someone repenting of their sins: “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (v. 7).

Jesus shares this parable to address why He left the comforts of heaven and came to earth—to seek and save the lost so that even “one lost sheep” could repent of their sins, receive the gift of salvation, and have eternal life. The Pharisees did not understand that Jesus’ heart broke for the lost, which is why Jesus regularly spent time in relationship with sinners. As Christ-followers, our hearts should also break for the lost around us and like Jesus, we must also be present in their life. 

God has placed “lost sheep” in our family, friend groups, working places, and campuses for the sole purpose so that we could one day share the Gospel with them and that they would repent of their sins, receive Jesus as their Lord, and Savior, and “return home” into Jesus’ loving arms here on earth, and then one day in eternity. For that to happen, we must all leave the comforts of our Christian circles (the ninety-nine) and go after our “one,” just as Jesus did.

Discussion Questions: (15 minutes)

• Who is the one person (whether unchurched or de-churched) that God is calling you to “leave the ninety-nine” for? Share why God has placed this person on your heart.

Application:

• Ask each member in Small Group this week who their “one” is. Encourage each member to stay close with them and to look for opportunities to pray for them, serve them, and share the Gospel with them.

Prayer Points: (25-30 minutes)

• Pray for the salvation and ongoing discipleship of the person God has placed on your heart to reach.

• Pray that your group would grow and be filled with new people coming into a relationship with Jesus.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Zoom Reimbursement
Due to the ongoing pandemic and 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.

Easter At Pearlside | April 15-17
One historic event changed everything. It changed the course of human history, and it can change your life. More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus rose from the dead. Two centuries later, that one event is still radically changing lives: bringing rest to the weary, peace to the anxious, hope to the hopeless. Come and experience how Jesus Changes Everything! 

For more information and digital invites, go to pearlside.org/easter.

Marriage Huddle | April 23
Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00pm @ Main Campus
When marriages encounter bumps or potholes this may bring misalignment or friction into the marriage relationship. In our Marriage Huddle, John and Lisa Bevere, nationally known Christian speakers and authors, teach biblical principles of marriage and share their personal stories of challenge and victory in their DVD “The Story of Marriage.” This workshop includes viewing the DVD series, followed by small group discussions and related activities. These times of reflection and repentance have led to realignment and reuniting for many couples who have attended. Cost: $20 per married couple / Childcare available, $5 per child.

For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/life-matters.

Small Group Leaders Summit

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - MARCH 2022

For this month’s Leadership Group, we will discuss lessons from our last Small Group Leaders Summit. We celebrated our vision and mission, highlighted by the commissioning of Pearlside Church Kaneohe, led by Pastor Kei and Chanelle Omo. In addition, we shared how we can move our groups forward in faith into this season of harvest. 

For those who could not attend or would like to review the session, you can access the recording and notes on the Pearlside App by clicking “Resources” > “Small Group Leaders Resources” > “Leadership Summits” > password: leader or by clicking the link here: Leadership Summits.

Discussion Questions: (25-30 minutes)

1. What stood out and resonated with you from the summit? Why?

2. What adjustments do you think you need to make in your small group to prepare for the harvest? What practical steps will you take?
   

Prayer Points: (25-30 minutes)

1. Pray that each of our small group members would embrace vision and mission and take personal ownership in making disciples, raising leaders, and planting churches.

2. Pray that God would bring an end to war in Ukraine and that the hope of Christ would unite our world during these times.

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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.

Next Gen Weekend  |  March 18-20
Pearlside Church values the next generation and our passion is to see them live out their God-given calling and destiny. From Friday, March 18, through Sunday, March 20, Pearlside will celebrate Next Gen Weekend. Our College and Young Adults Ministry will be hosting our Every Nation Campus Conference Friday night through Saturday night, while our Middle School and High School Ministries will be having special services during their regular times throughout the weekend.

To make room for our Every Nation Campus Conference, our Friday and Saturday adult services on that weekend will be consolidated to the Sunday AM and PM services.

If you have any middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students, or young adults in your life, please encourage them to join in on Next Gen Weekend. We know God is going to do great things in and through the lives of every young person that attends.

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.

Annual Financial Meeting  |  March 30
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Main Campus
Pearlside’s annual financial meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 30 at Main Campus in ENLI 1 at 7:00pm. This meeting is open to all regularly tithing members. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling the office at (808) 484-0061 by Monday, March 21 at 5:00pm.

What Are My Next Steps? Leading Others Toward Continued Spiritual Growth

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)

1. 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?

2. 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)

1. Pray for faith to arise in the church locally, nationally, and globally as the Gospel is being shared and new believers are being discipled.

2. Pray that our people would continue to take steps of faith and grow in their walk with God.

3. Pray that those in your life currently experiencing hardship would experience God’s healing, breakthrough, and blessing.

4. Pray for friends, family, and loved ones to come to the Lord.

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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.

Abide in Christ: The Power of Prayer When Connected to the Source

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JANUARY 2022

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8 ESV) 

In John 15:1-8, Jesus shares with His disciples the following illustration: His Father is the vinedresser (gardener), Jesus is the vine, and His disciples are the branches. As disciples, if we abide and remain connected to Jesus, we will bear fruit in our life (v. 5), God will answer our prayers (v. 7), and His glory will be revealed to others (v. 8). Conversely, if we are apart from Jesus, we will not bear fruit (v. 6). 

We’re experiencing yet another surge in this pandemic that has created fear, worry, and hopelessness in people’s lives. Yet, as Christ-followers we rest in the fact that God is faithful and as His plans and purposes will come to pass if we abide and remain connected to Jesus while also shepherding our Small Group members to do the same. We must continue to share the Gospel, make disciples, and pray boldly and confidently that God will make a way and that His will be done. 

After going over the discussion questions, please set aside time for focused and fervent intercessory prayer of the prayer points listed. Let’s believe in faith that God will move mightily in our prayer time together and that 2022 will be a fruitful year of disciple-making as we abide and remain connected to Christ.

Discussion Questions (25-30 minutes):

1. How are you abiding and remaining in Christ during the current state of the pandemic? What challenges are you facing as you abide in Him?

2. How are your Small Group members doing during the current state of the pandemic? Has faith remained or has it wavered? As their leader, how can you help shepherd them to abide and remain in Christ while also living on mission for God and others?
   

Prayer Points (25-30 minutes):

1. Pray that our people will continue to abide in Christ throughout this difficult season.

2. Pray that those currently suffering around us will experience breakthroughs and blessings.

3. Pray for family, friends, and loved ones to come to the Lord.

4. Pray that God would crush this pandemic once and for all.

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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 postponed until Feb. 15-17
We are excited to be having our first 2022 Seek Week from February 15-17. This will allow many who are traveling and adjusting back from the holidays to be focused, available, and in full health as we come together in prayer and fasting. Looking forward to seeking the Lord together! 

End of Year Giving Statements
Church, thank you for your faithfulness and generosity in 2021! Through your generosity, we were able to continue to be an extension of God’s hope and provision to the world around us. We will be sending out giving statements to your email on file. If you would like to request a paper statement, please request it by filling out the form at pearlside.org.give.

Hope for the Holidays

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - NOVEMBER 2021

Seasons of crisis can erode hope causing us to live in fear and hinder us from being witnesses for the Gospel. Biblical hope is defined as a “confident expectation” of a better future in this life, and more importantly, in Heaven because of Christ. It is this confidence that enables us to overcome earthly trials and fuels bold and selfless living for God and others. 

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…” (Ephesians 1:16-20 ESV)

We all know of family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers that have, or are currently, suffering due to various circumstances and situations. In His sovereignty, God has placed us in their lives so that we can share the eternal hope of Christ. We do this by building relationships with them, sharing the Gospel, praying for their needs, serving them when possible, and ultimately believing for their salvation and relationship with God to begin.

As our state opens up and we enter the holiday season, we must remain focused on sharing the Gospel with those God has placed in our lives. As we do so, we know that God will radically transform their lives and that they will also become witnesses for Christ and bring God’s hope to others.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who are the people that God has placed in your life to share the hope of Christ with this season? How are you intentionally building relationships and sharing the Gospel with them? How will you encourage your SG members to also reach those God has placed in their lives? 

2. What are some ways your SG can serve those who are in need this holiday season? In the announcements section below, we’ve provided some Pearlside Cares opportunities you can consider.
   

Prayer Points:

1. Pray that every Christian would intentionally and consistently share the hope of Christ with those God has placed on their hearts.

2. Pray for the salvation of those you are believing for and that they would begin their discipleship journey.

3. Pray for God’s spirit to move in our state, nation, and world, and that global awakening would lead to a harvest of salvation and discipleship like never before. 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Pearlside Cares Opportunities:

• Toy Drive
  Join us in bringing hope to families and children this Christmas. Please bring new unwrapped toys to any of our weekend services on November 19, 20, 21 & November 26, 27, 28.
  
  Toy distribution dates will be December 1, 2, 3 & December 8, 9, 10. If you know of a child in need, we would love to be a blessing - no questions asked. Someone from our team will be there to help you. Let's make sure every child within our reach is blessed this Christmas.
  

• Food Bank Distribution - November 6 & December 4
  In partnership with the Hawaii Foodbank ‘Ohana Produce Plus Program, Pearlside Church becomes a food distribution center to provide for families in need. Distribution will be on the first Saturday of every month.

For more information on any of our Pearlside Cares initiatives, go to pearlside.org/cares.

Zoom Reimbursement:
As the state slowly begins to reopen, we will continue our Zoom “Pro Package” subscription reimbursements until the end of December. If you have already received your November receipt, kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org. November and December Zoom invoices need to be submitted by the end of 2021.

As we continue to move forward in faith and emerge out of this pandemic, let’s continue to encourage our groups to meet in person. Thank you, leaders, for continuing to shepherd your people well during this time.

Fresh Start - Every First Sunday of the Month (Main Campus Only)
This class is for both those who are new in their faith and for believers who just transferred to Pearlside.

Growth Track - Sunday, November 14, 21, & 28 (Main Campus Only)
This is a 3 session class where we will learn how to follow God through the essential practices of Christianity which include how to grow in a spiritual community, how to read the Bible, and how to pray.

For more information or to register for any of our classes, go to pearlside.org/classes. 

Leading Through Change

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - OCTOBER 2021

Seasons of life will inevitably change as we all have experienced over the last year and a half. Although change can cause uncertainty and fear, we can rest in the sovereign assurance that God—who knows everything from beginning to end—will keep us anchored to His love through our relationship with Jesus, the only constant we have in this world:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

Our faith in Jesus tethers us to the promise of God’s all-encompassing care despite the uncertainty or fear that change may surface. Many of us and our Small Group members are experiencing drastic changes in the rhythms of work, health, their children’s schooling, finances, and everyday life. As leaders, it is paramount that we remind our members that their absolute hope lies in the unchanging nature of their relationship with Jesus. 

The current season of trial we are in will come to an end. Until then, we must all continue to live on mission by sharing the Gospel which is our sure foundation in Christ and making disciples in a world that is in desperate need of God’s hope and love. After all, no matter what changes may come, we know God is faithful:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Discussion Questions:

1. Are there any seasons of change you are personally experiencing? If so, share about the change and how you are trusting God with it.

2. Are there any seasons of change your Small Group members are experiencing? How has it impacted their walk with God? Share how you are leading and shepherding them to trust Jesus with the changes, while also remaining on mission for others.
   

Prayer Points:

1. Pray that the faith of every member of our church would grow as they trust God in the seasons of change they are experiencing.

2. Pray for current members to return back to in-person services and small groups.

3. Pray for healing and God’s peace over those currently battling the COVID 19 virus.

4. Pray that the pandemic would finally come to an end and that the COVID 19 virus would be crushed once and for all—in Jesus’ name.

5. Pray that those you are sharing the Gospel with would get saved.

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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 neglecting to meet 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.

Annual Household Update
To better serve you, we have a Household Update form that will be used to keep you up to date with the necessary information at our church. If you have recently joined our Pearlside family or have any changes to your household information, please complete and submit a form by going to pearlside.org/householdupdate or on our Pearlside App. Please complete the form by October 17.

Seek Week - October 26 - 28, 2021
As a church, we will be having a time of prayer and fasting from October 26 - 28. Aside from personal prayers, we invite you to join us corporately as we pray and believe for specific things in our church. For prayer targets and fasting guidelines, go to pearlside.org/seekweek.

Mission Focused

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - SEPTEMBER 2021

Jesus desires for oneness and unity amongst His disciples. When the church unites in sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and loving others, the hope of Christ is revealed to a world that desperately needs it.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Although we continue to experience difficult and polarizing times, the church is still called to shine our light brightly and reach the harvest that God has called us to. We can do this if our foundation and focus continue to be our oneness with God, with one another, and our witness of the Gospel to those around us who are not saved.

There are many people that have recently lost hope. Our Small Groups are the perfect place where they can experience the hope of the Gospel and the love of Christ through the faith of believers. Here is a reminder of why we have group:

1. Small groups are the way our church is pastored. Each small group leader is covered by a staff pastor and each small group becomes our most immediate spiritual lifeline.

2. Small groups are where we process biblical truth for practical life application. What we don't process we tend not to live out. Studies show that we retain only 10% of what is heard over the pulpit, but 70% of what we discuss in a group.

3. Small groups are where we learn from one another. The synergy brings enlargement and broadens our understanding in a way like no other.

4. Small groups are where we share love, care, and support while developing encouraging relationships. The bible teaches that we always grow together but we never grow alone.

5. Small groups are where we experience regular prayer support for increased spiritual breakthrough and stronger spiritual protection. 

6. Small groups are a safer, warmer setting to invite unchurched and formerly churched people to as an entry or re-entry point to faith. 

7. Small groups can be a place to serve and a family with whom you can serve the church and community with. 

8. Jesus did life in the context of a small group, and scripture encourages us to do the same. 75% of gospel accounts highlight Jesus changing the world one life at a time in smaller relational settings. 

9. The early church met in the home and temple: smaller AND larger settings. It was BOTH/AND not either/or. (See Acts 2:42-47 for the specific impacts)

Our groups are imperative in the church’s mission to share the Gospel and make disciples. As leaders, we must guard the culture of our groups and keep our members focused on their growth in discipleship and evangelism to others. Even though members may want to go off on a tangent regarding current world events during group, we must remember the purpose of our group is to align our hearts with God’s ultimate purpose of people coming to know Jesus and growing in discipleship.

Discussion Questions:

1. How has the culture recently been in your Small Group? Share why it’s been easy or difficult for your group to remain focused on discipleship in the midst of the season we’re experiencing.

2. As the leader, how can you shepherd your members to remain focused on growing in their walk with God, sharing the Gospel with others, and making disciples?
   

Prayer Points:

1. Pray that the body of Christ would remain unified and rise up to God’s calling to be a light of hope to the world.

2. Pray that our Small Groups would remain focused on sharing the Gospel and make disciples.

3. Pray by name those you are personally reaching out to.

4. Pray that COVID-19 and the Delta Variant would be crushed once and for all and that those affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God.

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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 neglecting to meet 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.

Courageous Faith

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - AUGUST 2021

We see in Acts 1 that Jesus personally reconnected with His disciples for 40 days after the resurrection and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God. They asked if Jesus was going to restore God’s Kingdom on earth at that time. Jesus responds by revealing two things: 1) He told them that only His Father knows the date when His Kingdom would be restored. 2) The disciples will receive power from the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel around the world.

“He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:7-8)

Immediately after saying this, Jesus was taken up into heaven and the disciples were now aware of the command — to be witnesses, to share the Gospel, and to make disciples in Jerusalem (where they were), in Judea and Samaria (beyond where they were), and ultimately to the ends of the earth. 

This command requires “courageous faith” because persecution, physical harm, imprisonment, and even death could follow. Courageous faith is necessary to overcome the Enemy who wants to halt the spread of the Gospel. Because the disciples obeyed, the Church grew exponentially throughout the world. 

As we emerge and converge out of the pandemic, we must also live with courageous faith. We must live out the command to make disciples in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities despite the challenges and/or persecution we may face along the way. There are still so many people who are struggling to find hope, and we have the answer in Jesus Christ. 

We were made for such a time as this, to share the Gospel and make disciples locally, nationally, and globally just as the original disciples did. This is the vision of God for His Church. As leaders, we must lead and live with “courageous faith,” and encourage those whom we lead to do so as well.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What stands out to you from the Leadership Guide this month? What are some challenges that you face in sharing the Gospel and making disciples in your world? How can you overcome them?

2. How can you encourage and empower your Small Group members to share the Gospel and make disciples where they are currently at (family, work, school) despite challenges that they may face?

3. What are some ways you can continue to help your Small Group members live beyond themselves by serving the needs of others, the next generation, and our communities?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that every member of our church would live with “courageous faith” and boldly share the Gospel and make disciples.

2. Pray that we would experience a revival in our middle school, high school, and college campus ministries.

3. Pray that all churches locally, nationally, and globally would experience a harvest of salvations and discipleship amongst new believers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 
Zoom Reimbursement
As the state slowly begins to reopen, we will be extending our Zoom “Pro Package” subscription reimbursements until the end of August. If you have already received your August receipt, kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org. As we continue to move forward in faith and emerge out of this pandemic, let’s continue to encourage our groups to meet in person. Thank you, leaders, for continuing to shepherd your people well during this time.

Discipleship Track
Wednesdays, September 1-22 | Pearlside 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’s) Saturday, Sept. 4 & (Women’s) Saturday, Sept. 18 | 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.

Prerequisites:
- Must belong to a Small Group and attend regularly.
- Must have completed the One2One Book with a leader.

The Heart of Serving

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JULY 2021

In Mark 10:35-45, Jesus teaches His disciples that true leadership comes from a heart of serving. In this passage, brothers James and John ask Jesus if they could sit at the right and left of His glory (verse 37). They knew that Jesus was the Messiah that the Old Testament prophecies declared would one day save God’s people. James and John wanted positions of authority and power beside Jesus.

Upon hearing James and John’s request and witnessing the outrage and tension that it caused the other disciples, Jesus stepped into the moment. He taught them that true leadership comes from a counterculture heart of servanthood. As we read in Mark 10:43-45, Jesus explains that His Father sent Him to the world to serve, not to be served:

43 “...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This is an important lesson for all of us to continue to live out Jesus’ example of leadership, which comes from a heart to serve - not from a position of control or entitlement. Jesus also teaches in Luke 22:25-27:

25 “Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’”

As our state emerges from this pandemic, and as we prepare for the harvest of salvations that are coming, we want every Pearlside Church member to exemplify Jesus’ heart by serving so that others can come to know Jesus through us. Serving helps us to understand God’s love and enlarges our hearts for the lost whom Jesus commands us to reach. We encourage everyone to be on a serve team to help our guests feel at home in our services so that they can encounter God's love.

There are many ways to serve. Currently, we are in need in our shuttles, parking, greeting, and ushering Serve Teams, as well as in our Kids Church and next-generation ministries. Those interested can go to pearlside.org/nextstep and click on the “I Want to Join A Serve Team” button or through our Pearlside App by selecting the “Next Step” tab.

Together we can make a difference by helping people encounter God’s love as we serve.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share with one another the area(s) you are currently serving in. How has serving enlarged your heart for the lost and helped you to grow in your walk with God?

2. How can you help the Small Group members that you oversee join a Serve Team? For those already faithfully serving, is there a next step of faith they could take (i.e. become a Serve Team Lead, help encourage others to join the Serve Team they are in, etc.)?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that every member of our church would have a servant’s heart like Jesus and become a faithful member of one of our Serve Teams.

2. Pray that we would experience a harvest of salvations like never before and people beginning the discipleship journey by joining a Small Group.

3. Pray by name for those you are believing will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior in this season.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 
Zoom Reimbursement
As the state slowly begins to reopen, we will be extending our Zoom “Pro Package” subscription reimbursements until the end of August. If you have already received your July receipt, kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org. As we continue to move forward in faith and emerge out of this pandemic, let’s continue to encourage our groups to meet in person. Thank you, leaders, for continuing to shepherd your people well during this time.

Transformational Marriage & Parenting with Keith and Jennifer Tower
Saturday, July 24 | Pearlside Main Campus
Pastor Keith and Jennifer Tower have 25 years of marriage and 15 years of ministry experience. Pastor Keith holds a Master’s degree in Counseling, is senior pastor of Highpoint Church, and is a former NBA player. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, is an accomplished businesswoman, and leads women’s retreats around the country. The Towers have ministered internationally and throughout the U.S. with a fresh sense of humor and a unique insight into how relationships can thrive. They have two college-age daughters. For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/life-matters.

Growth Track
Sundays, July 11-25  | Pearlside Main Campus
Our faith is not designed to be static, rather God desires all believers to grow in their faith. In Growth Track, we will learn how to follow God through the essential practices of Christianity which include; how to grow in a spiritual community, how to read the Bible, and how to pray. Growth Track is a 3 session class. For more information and to register, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Discipleship Track
Thursdays, August 5-26 | Pearlside 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, take a look at this video:

Building Relationships

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JUNE 2021

As we read about Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels, it is clear that He valued relationships. Whether it was Jesus teaching His disciples what it meant to follow Him, healing those in the community plagued with sickness, or ministering to those who were considered outcasts, Jesus regularly took the time to build relationships with those around Him. It was through these genuine relational moments that Jesus’ love could be witnessed, shared, and experienced first-hand - leaving such an impact that those He ministered to would become His followers.

Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:18-20 to share the Gospel and make disciples. Just as He modeled, building a genuine relationship is an integral first step in the disciple-making process. Here are four steps to building a relationship with someone: 

1. Make consistent time in your schedule to meet with them. 

2. Create a safe place for them to share and process their life.

3. Share with them your own life experiences and how God made a difference. 

4. Ask how you can pray and practically serve them. 

As our state continues to open up and returns to some form of normalcy, we have a great opportunity to share the Gospel with those God has placed on our hearts. Whether it be an unsaved family member, friend, co-worker, and/or classmate, building a genuine relationship with them over time will give us insight on how to best minister and pray for their needs just as Jesus did - with the hope that it would lead to their salvation. As Small Group leaders, we have the opportunity to equip our Small Group members to live this out as well.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who are you personally building a relationship with that is not yet saved? Share how that process is going.

2. How can you help the small group members that you oversee be more intentional in building genuine relationships where God has placed them (work, school, family, friend groups, etc.) so they can minister, share the Gospel and make disciples?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that every member of our church would build genuine relationships with the lost that would lead to their salvation and ongoing discipleship.

2. Pray by name for the person you are currently building a relationship with and sharing the Gospel with.

3. Pray that those in our church not yet connected to a Small Group would step out in faith and join one.
   

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 
Zoom Reimbursements
Starting July, we will no longer be processing Zoom “Pro Package” subscriptions. If you already have your June or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

Fresh Start Class - Every Sunday at 12:30 pm (Main Campus Only)
Salvation, or the decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, is the most important decision we can make in this life. In Fresh Start, we discover how to know God through faith in Jesus and how to begin to have an eternal relationship with God. This class is for both those who are new in their faith and for believers who just transferred to Pearlside. For more information, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Growth Track Class - Sunday, June 13, 20 & 27 (Main Campus Only)
Our faith is not designed to be static. God desires all believers to grow in their faith. The Growth Track is a 3 session class where we will learn how to follow God through the essential practices of Christianity which include how to grow in a spiritual community, how to read the Bible, and how to pray. For more information, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 5: Go and Make Disciples

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - MAY 2021

We conclude our discussion of the article “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington with Stage 5: “Go and Make Disciples.” This stage of the disciple-making process focuses on the final command that Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended to heaven: share the Gospel and make disciples. We know a person has grasped the heart of discipleship when they follow this command.

5. “Go and Make Disciples” Phase: Matthew 28:18–20; John 20:21; Mark 16:15–16
The fifth phase is the replication phase. Disciples need to be sent out to become disciple-makers themselves. They have been trained to be like their teacher (Luke 6:40). Note, the multiplication phase continues to require growth—we multiply while maturing—because we do not fully arrive in this life. In fact, to get to the next phase of maturity, we need to multiply because a certain amount of maturity is only achieved in the midst of the challenges of being a disciple-maker.

Jesus describes this phase succinctly in John 20:21, “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And in the great commission of Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus gives us the important details of what is involved in the commission of a disciple-maker.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

As described earlier, we have found that these verses provide a surprising amount of clarity on disciple-making. Jesus sends his disciples out to make disciples—after he has shown them how to make disciples. Stated differently, Jesus gave the commission after showing his apostles how to fulfill it.

Please note some key elements from within the text of the great commission itself.

There is one key command—“make disciples”—and four supporting parts to that command (according to the Greek):

• Go

• Baptize

• Teach Obedience

• Remember

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We send people out to make disciples as Jesus made disciples.

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Go – they are to go with the goal of making other disciples. Like Jesus, it starts as we go and enter into the lives of people. God has a heart for every people group on planet earth. He wants us to go and enter into the lives of people both near and far. As God’s motivation was his love (John 3:16) so ours is love. There is nothing more loving than making disciples.

Baptize – Jesus told us to baptize people because baptism, as a personal expression of faith, inaugurates a person into the possession of the father, son, and Holy Spirit. It marks conversion—which is both to salvation in Jesus and a new life as a disciple of Jesus. Conversion and baptism are not the goals, but the starting point as a person starts the disciple’s journey.

Teach Obedience – Jesus taught obedience-based disciple-making. He did not commission his disciples to just teach his commands (as we often do today). He commissioned his disciple-makers to teach obedience to all of his commands. So disciple-making must include the practical aspect of obedience—what it is and how to do it. The commission envisions development, after baptism, as disciples learn to obey all that Jesus taught (sanctification).

Remember – there is an expression in Greek found in verse 20 that literally says “and remember.” This expression, often translated, “behold,” or “surely” (NIV) often loses its force. We would state the expression this way today—“hey, remember.” Jesus wanted to punctuate for us the importance of remembering that he is present with us in disciple-making. He wants us to note and remember his presence—disciple-makers never go out, by themselves alone.

Those four expressions are helpful to note in disciple-making.

And, again, we are best served if we remember that Jesus commissions us to follow his method of disciple-making. He taught his disciples the supremacy of agape love (John 13:34–35) and then he commissioned them (and us) to go and make disciples just like he did.

How do we apply the principles from this phase today?
The most important part about commissioning disciple-makers is that, like Jesus, we have intentionally developed and led them to the point where they are spiritually and practically ready (with strategies and knowledge) to become disciple-makers. This is a relational, life-on-life process that takes time.

The apostles had one another so they could help and support each other as they lived out this commissioning phase. We too should walk closely with those we send out. And all disciple-makers will continue to need support and help from other disciple-makers. We will all need each other until the end.

Key points in the fifth phase:

• Do your best to make sure that people are both spiritually ready (it is about the kingdom of God) and practically ready (they know what to do) before you send them out.

• Pray for them and support them and remind them to rely on God through the Holy Spirit.

• Keep them focused on the basics that disciple-making includes an emphasis on baptizing people into Christ and teaching them to obey all of Jesus’ teachings.

• Seek to ensure your disciples are ready – spiritual adults and spiritual parents should be the focus for this phase.
  

Discussion Questions:

1. Who are you personally sharing the Gospel with and/or discipling?

2. How can you help the leaders that you oversee to begin making reaching out to the people in their lives to make disciples and to model making disciples to others? 

3. How can you help the people in the small groups that you oversee to begin making disciples and sharing the gospel with others?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that every member of our church would share the Gospel and make a disciple this year. Remember: “each one reach one each year.”

2. Pray that we would see a harvest of people getting saved and becoming disciples that share the Gospel and make disciples as well.

3. Pray for unity and protection as our state continues to safely reopen.
   

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 
Fresh Start Class - Every Sunday at 12:30 pm (Main Campus Only)
Salvation, or the decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, is the most important decision we can make in this life. In Fresh Start, we discover how to know God through faith in Jesus and how to begin to have an eternal relationship with God. This class is for both those who are new in their faith and for believers who just transferred to Pearlside. For more information, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Growth Track Class - Sunday, May 16, 23 & 30 (Main Campus Only)
Our faith is not designed to be static. God desires all believers to grow in their faith. The Growth Track is a 3 session class where we will learn how to follow God through the essential practices of Christianity which include how to grow in a spiritual community, how to read the Bible, and how to pray. For more information, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Marriage Huddle - Saturday, May 22 to June 22 (Main Campus Only)
In these unprecedented times, our marriages will encounter bumps and potholes that can bring misalignment or friction into the marriage relationship. In our Marriage Huddle, John and Lisa Bevere, nationally known Christian speakers and authors, teach biblical principles of marriage and share their personal stories of challenge and victory in their video series “The Story of Marriage.” In this 6-session workshop, we will review each session, followed by small group discussions and related activities. These times of reflection and repentance have led to realignment and reuniting for many couples who have attended. For more information, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Freedom Weekend (Main Campus Only)
Freedom Weekend is 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, go to pearlside.org/classes.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 4: Come Take Up Your Cross

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - APRIL 2021

We are continuing our discussion of the article “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington. The goal in our leadership team reading this article is for us all to become better leaders and disciple-makers. This month is Stage 4: “Come Take Up Your Cross.” This is an important stage of the disciple-making process as it focuses on the cost of following Jesus - a willingness to “die to yourself” and “take up your cross.” As disciples-makers, we must present this truth to those who are serious about following Jesus.

4. “Come Take up Your Cross” Phase: Mark 8:27–38; Matthew 16:13–27
The fourth phase is often a make-it or break-it phase. Scholars of the gospel of Mark teach us that when Jesus took his disciples to the district of Caesarea Philippi it was a fundamentally important turning point in Jesus’ ministry. It is also a crucial turning point as Jesus was making disciple makers. Caesarea Philippi is in the most Northern part of Israel; it was a non-Jewish area, away from the crowds. Jesus intentionally engaged his disciples in what, for many of them, was the most fundamental issue in becoming a future disciple maker.

Mark describes this turning point in chapter 8:27–29:
And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am…? Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

Two things should be noted: Jesus presses the disciples with a fundamentally important coaching question on his identity and Peter answers him rightly, that he is the Messiah (Christ).

Mark then records the decision point that Jesus wants his disciples to process (8:31–33).

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Jesus explains that, as God’s Messiah, he is going to suffer and be killed. That is not Peter’s concept of the kingdom or of the Messiah. Peter believes in a different kind of Messiah and a different kind of kingdom. Peter’s discovery at this point is vital. Jesus strongly rebukes him, saying that he does not have the right mindset on this matter.

That encounter then leads to Jesus making a fundamental point about disciples and disciple makers (like the Twelve) in the next few verses (Mark 8:34–35).

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

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The willingness to die to yourself is the distinguishing issue in the fourth phase.

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Jesus kept emphasizing this point to his disciples moving forward (Mark 9:31–32; 10:32–34). James Fleming points out that, in the oral culture of the first century, the stories of the blind men just before Jesus’ three-fold confrontations with the disciples on this point (Mark 8:22–26), followed by the healing of another blind man right afterward (Mark 10:46–52) was Mark’s way, in the ancient culture of the first century, to point out the blindness of the disciples.

They needed to accept that Jesus would die and, as disciple makers, they had to be willing to die just like him.

This phase is significant because it is about the death of self to the false dreams and human aspirations imposed on God’s kingdom.

The narrative in the gospels, especially in Mark, is that from this point forward Jesus is going to Jerusalem where he will die. Initially Peter and the other disciples are blinded to it. They too have to die to their vision of what it meant to be a disciple. They too have to surrender to God’s kingdom and die to themselves. Judas will NOT die to his false vision and he betrays Jesus (Mark 14:10–11).

Peter says he will die for Jesus—he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you,” but he does not really understand (14:31). He abandons Jesus, but later has great remorse and returns.

The last supper and Garden of Gethsemane, just before the crucifixion, magnifies this point (John 13:1ff). Jesus serves his disciples and models what it is to forgo one’s selfish desires for the kingdom. Jesus tells them that they should become like him.

How do we apply the principles from this phase today?
The focus is death to self.

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A person cannot truly become a healthy disciple maker or truly live out the Gospel until he or she dies to themselves and surrenders his or her dreams to God.

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Peter did it, but Judas did not.

This is a fundamental change of heart at a deep level that is inspired and nurtured by the Spirit of God. We have seen it lead to great fruit when future disciple makers leave successful careers or give up privileged positions, perks, and dreams because they are in conflict with God’s invitation into selfless service. It may not involve those things, but at some level, the willingness to die to self for the kingdom of God is established within a person’s inner being and disposition about life in this phase.

When a person is in a disciple maker position and his or her death to self has not been established, they will easily use other people or instill in them truths about being a disciple that are more reflections of their sinful mind or worldly aspirations. Once a person has truly surrendered and died to their dreams for the sake of God’s calling, they are on the path to becoming very effective disciple makers. It is now about God’s kingdom, not our kingdoms. It is now about other people, not ourselves.

Key points in the fourth phase:

• Pay attention to the motives of the heart of those you are discipling and pray for them the way Jesus prayed for Peter (Luke 22:31).

• Pray that the Holy Spirit leads future disciple makers through this challenging period and make note of the hardships that they are experiencing; hardships refine and purify our faith (Romans 5:3–5).

• In love and in close relationships, help those you are discipling to work through the death-to-self challenge.

• Pray earnestly and intently for your disciples in this phase, they are on the precipice of making a big difference.

Discussion Questions: 
1. Is there anyone in your Small Group who is currently stuck in Stage 4? Why do you think they have not been able to “die to themself” and “pick up their cross”?

2. As their SG leader, what are some ways you can challenge them in truth and grace in this area? 

3. If you have but they have not taken this step, is there anything else aside from prayer that you could possibly do? Leaders, please help one another by sharing your own experiences and giving each other feedback.

Prayer Points: 
1. Pray that those in your Small Group who are currently stuck in Stage 4 would choose to “die to themself,” “pick up their cross,” and continue to grow as disciples of Christ.

2. Pray that our church members would persevere through their current hardships and trials through the grace of God and that others would come to know Jesus because of their witness and testimony.

3. Pray for continued peace and unity in our state and nation during these unprecedented times.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 3: Come and Be With Me

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - MARCH 2021

We are continuing our discussion of the article, “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington. The goal in our leadership team reading this article is for us all to become better leaders and disciple-makers. This month is Stage 3: “Come and Be With Me”. This stage focuses on the importance of us being able to identify, train, and coach others to become leaders and disciple-makers - just as Jesus did with His disciples.

3. “Come and Be with Me” Phase: Mark 3:13–14, Luke 6:12–16
The third phase in which Jesus raised up disciple makers is punctuated by a night of prayer. Luke 6:12–13 shows this inflection point—in a ministry that began with forty days of fasting and prayer and regularly showed a daily focus on prayer—as Jesus seeks the Father’s guidance before selecting the Twelve.

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.

It is hard to over-emphasize Jesus’ dependence on prayer as he made disciple makers. We do not know exactly what Jesus was praying about, but there is a clear connecting from his time of extended prayer (and staying up all night) and the 12 men that he chose to be disciple makers.

These men are called apostles. From this point forward these men will be the focus of his time and effort. There are three in whom Jesus will most deeply invest – Peter, James, and John. Bill Hull describes the nature of Jesus’ selection.

Jesus was willing to disappoint hundreds of disciples who just wanted to be near him, to literally touch him. He could have chosen them all and they all would have said yes. But Jesus had a plan, he knew what was ahead, he knew many wouldn’t make it.

From this point forward, Jesus entrusts them with the message of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), they watch him being anointed by the sinful woman (Luke 7), and travel throughout Galilee together (Luke 8:1–3). He teaches parables publicly and then explains them in private to the twelve (Luke 8; Matthew 13). He exposes them to various miracles and circles back to them to see what they understand with regularity. Jesus’ concentration on the three (and the Twelve) show leaders today the importance of an intense focus on developing leaders.

How do we apply the principles from this phase today?
The first and most important lesson from this phase is how to select the right kinds of people to be leaders. It is grounded first in prayer. Secondly it is grounded in praying about people that you have come to know. We have a great acronym that may help you select future leaders in which you will invest yourself: F.A.T.S.O. people

• Faithful (Luke 5:4–5)

• Available (Luke 5:1–3)

• Teachable (Luke 5:6–10a)

• Sendable (Luke 10:1–4) and

• Obedient (Matthew 28:19–20)

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Jesus surfaced a focused leadership team and prioritized them. Selecting in the right people may be the most important decision a disciple-making leader makes.

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Secondly, I think Jesus was clear about why he was investing in the twelve. The word apostle in Greek means sent out. We think it is important to be clear about our intentions, and to do so early on. “I want to spend extra time with you so that we can grow closer and I can help you to become a disciple maker,” are words we might use. You establish the relationship as something will result in your disciples being sent out.

Thirdly, during this phase we want to not only expose and teach our future disciple makers to the teachings of Jesus, we want to be constantly debriefing them so that they gain practical and strategic guidance on what we are doing. Disciple making models should not just involve teaching and imitation, but also coaching, explanation and “the debrief.” Here is a simple but life changing formula.

• I do. You watch. We talk.

• I do. You help. We talk.

• You do. I help. We talk.

• You do. I watch. We talk.

• You do. Someone else watches. I do. Someone else watches.

The expression “we talk” is key—we are intentionally and regularly establishing a disciple-maker’s DNA every time we do that.

Key points in the third phase:

• In-depth prayer should guide those seeking to select disciple makers in this phase.

• Choose those who are FATSO people

• Be explicit about your intention to send these people out as disciple makers.

• Be intentional about debriefing and explaining why you do what you do for your apprentice.

• Mature spiritual children (ready for the next growth phase) and young adults are most common in this phase, but it can also include mature adults and spiritual parents who have been discipled in other churches or contexts before you got to know them personally.

Discussion Questions: 
1. Is there anyone you are currently discipling in your Small Group that is ready to be equipped to be a leader and a disciple-maker? What traits of the F.A.T.S.O. acronym do they exemplify?

2. What are some practical ways you can bring this person alongside you so they can witness what it is to be a leader and disciple-maker?

3. If the person is open to be trained and equipped to be a leader and disciple-maker, set aside consistent time with them for ongoing guidance, dialogue, and coaching.

Prayer Points: 
1. As our state and economy continues to open up, pray that we would experience a harvest of people getting saved like never before.

2. Pray that each member of our church would rise up to become a leader and disciple-maker for the harvest God is sending us.

3. Pray that our members who are still online for service and small groups would draw lines of faith and return in person.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 2: Come and Follow Me

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - FEBRUARY 2021

The calling for every Christ-follower is to make disciples. Throughout His life, Jesus displayed that discipleship is an ongoing process that is done relationally. We are continuing our discussion of the article, “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington with the goal of us all becoming better disciple-makers. Last month, we went over Stage One: “Come and See”, which focused on the importance of building genuine relationships and friendships with those far from God. This month, we will focus on Stage 2: “Come and Follow Me”.

2. “Come and follow Me” Phase: Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:16–18
The next phase in Jesus’ strategy to develop disciple makers occurred when He moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. This town became the home base of His public ministry. It was a town of two to three thousand people in the first century, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (and the ruins of the town, including the synagogue, Peter’s mother-in-law’s house, and other sites from Jesus time are still in existence to this day).

Note Matthew’s description of the turning point into this phase (4:12–17):
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali … From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This phase is punctuated by Jesus’ invitation for those who have been in a casual relationship with Him and have been watching Him from a distance to now come and follow Him. He asked them to make a decision. Matthew 4:18–19 describes it succinctly.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Verse 19 is a key verse by which we can define a disciple. The definition is contained in the invitation. A disciple is someone who is following Jesus (follow me), being changed by Jesus (and I will make you), and committed to the mission of Jesus (fishers of men).

Once this phase started, those who had now made the decision to follow Jesus are ledmore and more deeply into the life of a disciple. They continued to see what Jesus was all about up close and personal. They watched and listened as Jesus healed the demoniciac (Luke 4: 31–37), healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–34), went about teaching throughout Galilee (Luke 4:42–44; Mark 1:35–39), cleansed the leper (Mark 1:40–45) and the like.

During this phase, Jesus exposed His disciples to a broader and deeper understanding of his teachings and the implications of His kingdom. They also learned by watching the reactions of people to Jesus and their questions to Him. They are in a relationship with Jesus and with each other. Bill Hull estimates that there were 70 to 120 people involved with Jesus in this phase.

The broader community following Jesus is key. It takes a broader relational community around which new beliefs can be explored, expressed, practiced, and nurtured. In this phase, Jesus is discipling His followers, with the help of a new community.

How do we apply the principles from this phase today?
The key turning point in this phase is commitment. The disciples have responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. They were prepared for this decision because of the relationship and trust established in phase one. Likewise, people enter this phase today when they turn to Jesus as followers and involve themselves in the community of a disciple maker(s). They still do not understand what it really means to trust and follow Jesus, but they are on the journey and in a relational community of disciples.

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Remember to actively engage those who are making the decision to follow Jesus in further relationships—not just with you the disciple maker, but with others who collectively form a discipling community (a church).

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Continue to expose them to true kingdom living and the fullness of Jesus’ teachings and especially the real-life struggles involved in following Jesus. Conflicts will surface and that should be expected. Relational conflicts are necessary to a disciple’s development.

Do not call people (into ministry) while in this phase of disciple making. They are not yet ready, and they have not proven the genuine nature of their commitment to following Jesus. We do not yet know if they will be Faithful, Available, Teachable, Sendable, and Obedient (the acronym FATSO). This is an area where many of us make mistakes. We meet people who say the right things, they look good early on, seeming to get it and we decide to invest in them as small group leaders or disciple makers or youth leaders. Slow down: Jesus shows us by his example how to pick such people. This is also likely the reason why Paul told Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Key points in the second phase:

• Start with people who have made the commitment to be disciples.

• Expose them to continued relationships, more teaching, and a broader discipling community.

• Let them see what it is to be a disciple in “real life,” with conflicts, tensions, etc.

• Resist the temptation to invite people from this phase into being disciple makers.

• Spiritual infants and spiritual children are most common in this phase.
  

Discussion Questions: 

1. Last month we discussed who God is calling you to invite into your life so they can witness “the goodness of God”. Share how building relationships and friendships with them has been going for you. Has there been any praise reports and/or challenges?

2. After reading Stage Two: Come and Follow Me, was there anything new you realized about relational discipleship? Why do you think it’s important for those you reach to actually witness firsthand how you live as a disciple of Christ in the good and difficult moments of life?

3. Is the person you are reaching ready to learn more about what a personal relationship with Jesus looks like? If so, what are the next steps you can encourage them to take (i.e. reading the Purpose Driven Life book together, and/or inviting them to your Small Group or to service)?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that the person you have been inviting into your life would desire to be a disciple of Jesus, and for the boldness to invite them to Small Group, to service, or to begin the Purpose Driven Life book with them.

2. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests; for themselves or others in their relational circles.

3. Pray that the COVID-19 virus would be crushed and for unity in our country.

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 neglecting to meet as a small group. 

• If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

• If you already have your February or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 1: Come and See

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JANUARY 2021

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

The command to make disciples was the last instruction Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven. As present-day Christ-followers, making disciples is the calling for our life as well. Over the next five months, we will discuss the article, “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington. Jesus displayed that discipleship is done relationally and is an ongoing process. This article goes over the five stages of relational discipleship Jesus demonstrated. This month, we will go over Stage One: “Come and See.” 

1. “Come and See” Phase: John 1:39–4:46
The first phase of the journey to make disciple makers begins with Jesus’ baptism by John at the Jordan river, likely in the year 26 A.D. (C.E.) The Gospel of John provides a good picture for us. John describes the day after Jesus’ baptism.

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.” (John 1:35–39)

This text describes the first time Andrew and Peter meet Jesus. I like Jesus’ response to the fact that they were seeking (an interesting word), He simply said: “come and see.”

This first phase is aptly called the come and see phase because, for some time, the disciples are simply in relationship with Jesus watching what He says and does. They get to experience Jesus at the wedding in Cana described in John 2 (a highly relational event where they also shared some good wine), Jesus turning over the tables in the Temple as described in John 2, a discussion mentioned in John 3 with Nicodemus at night (on how he had to be born again), an encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4 (it is a cool well that you can see and experience to this day), and finally to Jesus being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, which was a small town with only several hundred people (in Luke 4).

In each of these settings, there are two things to note:

1. They are simply in relationship with Jesus (getting to watch and know Him in both enjoyable and tough situations).

2. They are not yet called into a commitment. They get a front-row seat to see and listen to what God would do (and does do) in a real human life.

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Conversion is a process and Jesus loves His disciples well by letting them get to know Him before He calls for a commitment.

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How do we apply the principles from this phase today?

In a like manner, we must remember that both parts of discipleship are a process—it is a process before conversion and it is a process after conversion. This first phase is before conversion. Like Jesus, we need to warmly welcome those who do not yet believe into relationships where we love them, spend time with them, and let them “see our lives.” Because of who we are as disciple makers, that will involve a lot of watching us talk about Jesus and real life and church. The lives we live are very important. The substance of the first phase is relationship and exposure.

We hope and pray that they will see our good lives and ask us for the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:13–17; Matthew 5:14–16). Non-believers are looking for love and life. Let them see that in our lives! Invite them to small groups, church, and especially relational gatherings. Help them to hear the Word of God, privately and publicly. If you can, help create Sunday gatherings that encourage and develop disciples, but also make room for non-Christians and seekers who just want to “come and see.” First Corinthians 14:25 describes non-believers in the early church services who would be, “falling on their faces, worshipping God and declaring that God is really among you.”

Key points in the first phase:

• Discipleship and conversion are processes, give people space.

• People need relationships, love, and to see our good lives.

• Expose them to the Word of God.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What stands out to you the most from Stage One: Come and See? Was there anything new you realized about the importance of building relationships with those far from God?

2. Who are those far from God that He is calling you to invite into your life so they can see the goodness of God? After reading the application portion, what are some practical ways you can invite them into your life to build with relationally and responsibly in the midst of the current pandemic?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests; for themselves or others in their relational circles.

2. Pray that there would be a surge of relationships being built by our church members with those far from God.

3. Pray by name for those God has called you to invite into your life and build relationally with so they can experience God’s goodness.

4. Pray that the virus would be crushed and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God.

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Fuel To Live On Mission

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - NOVEMBER 2020

Jesus calls us to live on mission by sharing the Gospel and making disciples. It is the final command Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven, yet it was something they initially struggled to do. However, as we see in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the upper room and filled them with incredible faith. This moment with God became the fuel the early church needed to go from sitting idle to passionately and fervently sharing the Gospel. This explosion of mission led to the early church experiencing its initial explosion of growth.

As present-day disciples, we can also struggle in living on mission for various reasons (busyness, availability, fear, doubt, etc.). However, just like the disciples in Acts 2, we know that our relationship with God is the ultimate fuel for us to share the Gospel and make disciples. David Jones writes in the article ​“Missional Fatigue: Fuel for When We’re Running on Empty​,” that if we struggle in living on mission, it is likely due to our lack of personal devotion with God.

For Leadership Group, read this article and take note of the four key areas Jones addresses that would strengthen our devotion to God and provide the fuel for us to live on mission.

Discussion Questions ​(Read the attached article)​ :

1. Which of the four points listed in this article stood out to you most? How can you address this point in your devotional time with God so you can be fueled up to live on mission?

2. Point four addresses “Mobilizing Collaborative Potential.” Who in your Leadership Group, Small Group or in our church could you partner with in reaching the person God has placed on your heart? If there is someone who comes to mind, contact them and begin to pray and discuss how you can work together in reaching your one.

Application​:

1. Small Group Leaders​: Feel free to take time this week and share this article with your Small Group and remind them to care for their devotional time with God so they can also be fueled up to live on mission.

Prayer Points​:

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests and for focus to care for their devotional time with God.

2. Pray that there would be a surge in our church of evangelism and living missionally to those God has called us to share the Gospel with.

3. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God.

4. Pray for unity in our country and state post-elections and for God to move in the lives of those elected to our national and local government.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Small Group Update

As of October 22nd, the State has moved into Tier 2 of Honolulu’s Reopening Strategy. Our small groups, in clusters of five, may continue to meet in person. Social gatherings are acceptable at homes, restaurants, public parks, and beaches with social distancing precautions. Groups that prefer to meet online may continue to do so.

Weekly Leadership Thought

As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected.

To access this page, go to ​https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources​ ​and enter the password: ​leader

Zoom Reimbursement

We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the months of October​. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group.

• If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

• If you already have your October or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org​.

First Responders Appreciation

On the weekend of November 27-29, 2020, Pearlside Church would like to recognize, pray for, and thank our First Responders. Please use the form below to let us know of the first responders that are in your small group or on your serve team.

First Responders include: Doctors, Nurses, Physician Assistants (PA), Certified Nurses Assistants (CNA), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Police Officers, and Firemen.

Please turn in all information by Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00pm. ​Link to form:​ ​https://pearlside.wufoo.com/forms/pearlside-church-first-responders/

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Sharing the Gospel

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - OCTOBER 2020

The early church served those that were in need due to hardship and crisis. We see throughout the New Testament that the disciples would provide food for orphans and widows, finances for the poor, and prayer for the sick. Serving others during crisis was important then, and we are so encouraged to hear and witness what our church and our members are doing now to help family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are so proud and we must continue to serve those in need!

However, as important as acts of kindness are, Jesus said the most essential thing the church does is sharing the Gospel and making disciples. In response to Jesus’ command to make disciples, the Apostle Paul wrote that each Christ-follower must take personal responsibility and ownership in sharing the Gospel with the unsaved, so they could have an opportunity to receive Jesus into their life.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14 NIV)

The early church was intentional and committed to presenting the Gospel to the unsaved that they served. These acts of kindness, led to Gospel presentations, which led to salvations, and thousands upon thousands of disciples of Christ being made. For us, as we serve and pray for unsaved family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates during these unprecedented times, let’s not hesitate to present the Gospel of salvation when God provides the opportunity to!

Application: 

Presenting the Gospel is simply sharing with an unsaved person the following: 

“The Gospel is the good news that God became Man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we should have died in our place. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving that He is the Son of God, and offering the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes in Him.”

Along with the Gospel presentation above, please see the diagram below which visually explains the Gospel and gift of salvation through Jesus.

If someone is ready to commit their life to Jesus after hearing the Gospel and the gift of salvation, lead them into this prayer to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you died on the cross for my sins, and on the third day rose again conquering sin and death. Today, I choose to turn from my sins, and follow you for the rest of my life. I declare that you are my Lord and Savior. Amen!”

1. Leadership Group Coaches: Take time to share and review with your leaders how to share the Gospel of salvation and lead someone to Jesus. Share your experiences in doing so, have others share their experiences, and answer any questions your leaders may have.

2. Small Group Leaders: Take time this week and share this teaching with your Small Group. Ask who God has placed on their heart to share the Gospel with. Encourage your SG to continue to pray for them by name, and to be bold and share the Gospel of salvation if God presents them an opportunity to.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Why do you think it can be easy for us to pray and care for others, but difficult to share the Gospel with them? 

2. Is there someone that is not saved that God may be calling you to share the Gospel with in this season so they can receive Christ and become a disciple? What steps of faith can you take to share the Gospel with them?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests and for a refueling of faith.

2. Pray that that the church would share the Gospel, and that those we are reaching would receive Jesus into their life and become disciples.

3. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God. 

Announcements:

• Small Group Update
  With the State’s Honolulu Reopening Strategy Tier One, effective Thursday, September 24th, our small groups, in clusters of five, may once again meet in person. Social gatherings are acceptable at public parks and beaches with social distancing precautions. Keep in mind that restaurants are not yet open to groups of people from different households. Groups that prefer to meet online may continue to do so.
  

• Weekly Leadership Thought
  As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected. 

  To access this page, go to https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources and enter the password: leader
  

• Zoom Reimbursement
  We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the month of September. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group. 

  • If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

  • If you already have your September or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

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Wait and Witness

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - SEPTEMBER 2020  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve become accustomed to the four W’s given by our local and national government to stop the spread: wash your hands, wear a mask, watch your distance, and withhold from gatherings. However, as Christ-followers there are two disciplines in our faith we must always live out whether we are in the midst of a crisis or not - WAIT on God and WITNESS to others. And as we see throughout the Bible and in modern-day history, the church (God’s people) was always at its best during crisis when it rose up in prayer, waited on God’s timing, and shared God’s love with others.

WAIT on God.
In Exodus, the Israelites had escaped from Egypt. However, the Egyptian army was coming after them and the Red Sea prevented them from moving forward. In the midst of crisis, Moses encourages them to wait on God to move, which He does with the parting of the Red Sea. In Isaiah, we are reminded that God strengthens and upholds His people.

“As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, “Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians”? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!’ 13Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ 15Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’” (Exodus 14:10-16 NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

WITNESS to others.
In Acts, the Apostle Paul - who himself faced persecution and imprisonment for his faith in God - shared with the church leaders in Ephesus that he was headed to Jerusalem to preach the gospel and share God’s love with others. This was a conviction that fueled all Paul did in life.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 NIV)

Regardless if we are in a pandemic or not, as disciples we must continue to trust in God’s timing and share God’s love with others. As Small Group leaders, it’s our responsibility to equip and encourage our SG members to do the same. We were made for such a time as this!

Discussion Questions: 

1. Is there currently anything specific you must faithfully wait on God for?

2. Who has God placed on your heart in this season to witness to and share His love with?

3. What practical steps can you take to be obedient in both areas?
   

Active Application:

1. Take time this week and share this teaching with your Small Group. Ask how they are personally doing in the areas of waiting on God and witnessing to others.

2. Encourage them to also take steps of faith to trust God’s timing in those areas and to continue to share God’s love with those He placed on their heart.
   

Prayer: 

1. Pray that one another would be faithful in waiting on God and witnessing to others. Pray by name those you are specifically praying for.

2. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) - would experience breakthrough and come to know God.
   

Announcements:

• Small Group Discussion Adjustment

  We also wanted to let you know that we are making small tweaks to our Small Group Discussion Guides in order to facilitate more processing of life as well as for more prayer. Please click here for the full update.
  

• Weekly Leadership Thought

  As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected. 
  
  To access this page, go to https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources and enter the password: leader
  

• Zoom Reimbursement

  We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the month of September. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group.

  • If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

  If you already have your September or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

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