Home Group Leadership (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 4:11

In order to promote a leader-rich home group, there are seven conditions that should be present. The church must first believe in the vision that qualified leaders are the key to success, and new leaders must be Spirit-chosen. Spiritual leaders must be held in honor, accountability and discipline. Every leader should seek to replicate themselves and top leaders in the church must prioritize helping develop new leaders. Finally, people should see a clear pathway to leadership, and leaders should be formed into teams to promote increased leadership within the church.

How to Lead When You're Not Gifted to Lead

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

While God has given some people the gift of leadership, not all in a leadership role also have the spiritual gifting. What matters much more than a leadership gifting is the pursuit of character growth and sanctification. When Paul leaves Timothy in charge of the church in Ephesus, he tells Timothy to be an example to the people, preach God's Word, and not neglect the giftings God has given him. Even though Timothy was seemingly not a gifted leader, he was qualified for the office of leadership because he had godly character and was faithful with what God had given him.

Leading Evangelism

Doug Patch
Colossians 1:28

God's heart and plan to reach the lost is through the church. While God is the one who ultimately causes the growth, we each have a role to play as well. Effective evangelism in a home church setting is driven largely through discipleship relationships between committed workers, bringing the power of the Word and teaching people that exchanging their agenda for their lives for God's agenda is ultimately fulfilling. For a home church to effectively reach the lost, a substantial number of members have to own God's plan for evangelism and reorder their lives according to His value system.

Raising Up Youth Leaders

Tom Dixon
Judges 2:6-10

An overview of what student ministry looks like at different ages and how to raise students up to be leaders is discussed. What qualities should be looked for in potential student leaders as well as essential components to time spent with those students. We also hear from a handful of student leaders on their experiences, growth, trials, and successes.

Discipleship Failure

Jim Leffel
Luke 22:32

Peter and Judas give us two profound examples of how to deal with failure. In Peter's life, we see a beautiful picture of repentance that leads to restoration. While in Judas' life, we see a picture of remorse leading to destruction. Audio testimony by Vicky Mascarello included.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Jim Leffel
Mark 8:27-37

Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" In the ensuing discussion, Jesus teaches the implications for following him and why doing so is worth it. This involves a personal choice to let him lead our lives and to go through suffering. The investment of having a relationship with God and living for Him is worthy of our soul. This is what gives us satisfaction and the abundant life.\r\n

Calling Disciples

Jim Leffel
Luke 5:1-11

Though Mark's description of Jesus calling his first four disciples is brief, a look into the gospels of Luke and John proves that each of the four men had history with Jesus. By the time Jesus called them, they had come to their own convictions about who he was and were able to make an informed decision to follow him. To this day, the focus of Jesus' call to discipleship isn't based on the adequacy of those he calls, but on Christ's adequacy. The focus is on how he is able to work in us; we need only be available. Discipleship is a purpose-driven life, and we are often called upon to give some things up for the sake of following Christ.

Making Strategic Investments

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 2:8

Faith and love are paired in the writings of Paul to communicate the personal confidence in God paired with an others-centered outworking of this belief. The strategy that naturally comes from these truths is personal discipleship, this requires dependence on God to transform us. God will deliver wisdom, strength, and confidence to His followers.

Two Decisions

Dennis McCallum
Luke 14:28-35

Who do you think Jesus is? Your answer has immense implications, in this life and the next. Jesus asks us not only to trust in his free gift of eternal life, but also to entrust our earthly lives to Him as well. This life of discipleship will cost us everything we have, but in return we'll experience an exciting, fulfilling earthly life and an eternity full of rewards.