THE BASICS: Every Member a Minister
1) Why are you going to help lead a Life Group?
Becoming part of a leadership team of a Life Group is a big step. It moves you up the ladder of involvement in the greatest task on earth – helping people grow in their spiritual walk. That is “bearing fruit” and it helps others grow to bear fruit also!
WHY?
There comes a time in the cycle of life of every Life Group that a leader asks him or herself: “Why am I doing this?” It’s important that we settle that question at the beginning, rather than search for an answer in the midst of our exhaustion, frustration or disappointments with people.
The secret is found in John 21:15-17 15:
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” New Living Translation
There comes a time in our spiritual growth where we only move forward by taking responsibility for others’ spiritual growth!
As we study the life of Peter, we discover four different stages in his growth and maturity. The first stage was in response to Jesus’ call when He said: “Follow me.” When Peter left everything to follow Jesus he began, what we have called, the stage of New Relationships. In this stage he began to relate to Jesus, and the others who were following Jesus, in a brand new way. He did a lot of observing, evaluating and adjusting his life to the life he saw in Jesus.
- This stage is equivalent to those who are beginning their walk with Jesus and the church family.
- They are observing, evaluating, adjusting their lives to His ways.
At a certain point, Jesus asked Peter a very direct question: “Who do you say that I am?” As we know, Peter responded: “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” This began the stage we call a New Identity. He made a public confession of his belief and faith in Christ. It was a stage of many ups and downs, of trying new things, of several successes and more than a few failures.
- This stage is equivalent to those who decide to make their decision a public decision through baptism and church membership.
- They take a step forward and let everyone know their intention to follow Christ.
- It’s not always perfection, but they are taking the steps in the right direction.
One of Peter’s lowest points came when he denied Christ, right before the crucifixion. After His resurrection, Jesus requested, by name, that Peter meet with him: Peter found acceptance in Jesus, even in the midst of his imperfections.
Shortly after this is where the next stage appears in Peter’s life, in response to Jesus’ question: “Do you love me?” Peter’s answer was: “Yes,” but Jesus’ response was basically “Prove it by being responsible for younger sheep.” This began the stage of a New Purpose. Peter was to prove his love for Jesus by looking out for someone other than himself. He had to grow up; he had to not be so selfish; he had to become a shepherd for others.
When Paul was writing to the Philippians he addressed this issue with these words: 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (2:3-5 NLT)
This is where every Life Group leader needs to firmly anchor him/herself! I am doing what I am doing because I want Jesus to know that I love Him! Yes, He knows all things, but He instructs us to live out our love for Him by taking responsibility for the spiritual growth and well being of others.
Unfortunately, a great majority of Christians never take this step. That is why so many flounder in their Christian walk; never seem to get beyond their own interests. The Church, consequently, both local and world wide, continually struggles with a lack of laborers for the harvest God wants to give.
Thank you for taking this next step in your Christian growth. Thank you for loving Jesus enough to invest yourself in the lives of others.
Leadership is Influence A Radical Minimum Standard
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been scripturally baptized, and being in agreement with IBB’s purpose, values, goals and strategy, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the IBB Church Family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members of IBB to protect the unity of my church, to share in the responsibility of my church, to serve in the ministry of my church, to support the testimony of my church and to strive to fulfill the mission of my church.”
Life Group leaders @ IBB carry out the function of “Deacons” (caring for the needs of people)
1 Timothy 3:8-13 NLT
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives[a] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.