Series Introduction
We are all leaders in some capacity and
we can all lead people in taking next steps in their relationship with God. This series will walk through 4 key
parts of leadership with Biblical examples that show how we all can lead and
ultimately live with a greater purpose.
Series
Big Idea
Leadership is influence. As Christ-followers we are called to be people of influence
as we share our journey and help people take next steps in their relationship
with God.
Session 1 The Heart of a Leader
Big Idea
The process of leading begins when our heart breaks
for people to take next steps in their relationship with God.
Icebreaker
If your house was burning
and you could save one thing, what would it be?
Introduction
The city of Jerusalem is the very center of God’s
covenant with His people. Unfortunately,
the city became a very broken place.
Nehemiah was aware of the plight of the city and it wasn’t anything new,
but at some point his heart was changed and he could not ignore the situation
any longer. He weeps, fasts, and
mourns for days. What broke within
him was the heart of a leader.
As Christ followers, our hearts will tend to break
for the same things that break God’s heart. 67 percent of the world is struggling to find their way back
to God. Nehemiah is a great
example of someone who’s heart broke for those who didn’t know God. Nehemiah set out to restore God’s city using
his influence and wealth from his respected and lucrative job as cupbearer to
the king. Nehemiah was going to
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem which were essential to it being the city that
God intended it to be.
It is often difficult for us to feel like leaders,
like we could make any difference at all.
We may not have the same influence that Nehemiah had due to his
financial and social status but we all have the opportunity to influence those
around us.
- What is most important to you right now?
- What would you think or how would you feel if the most important
thing in your life became lost, stolen or broken?
- Is there anything in the world or in your direct sphere of
influence that you would like to see change?
Read Luke 15:1-7 (The Message)
By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation
were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion
scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in
sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their
grumbling triggered this story.
"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost
one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost
one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across
your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and
neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on
it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over
ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
It’s true there are many sheep in God’s flock,
there are a ton of people who are following Christ and even more who are not. It often feels inconsequential to make
a difference in one person’s life.
But God views people – individuals – as very valuable.
- In Jesus’ story the shepherd leaves the 99 to find one lost sheep. Do you find this to be “the right
choice”? Is it a choice most
people would make, or does it seem more radical?
- Is it fair to rejoice over the sinner who repents more than the
ones who are in right-relationship with God? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Jesus told this parable to the tax collectors
specifically?
.
- Do you feel like your heart is aligned with this mission of
following Jesus when it comes to helping people take next steps in their
relationship with God? On a
scale of 1 – 5, where would you place yourself?
1 3 5
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Caring for self plan to seek others actively helping others
Read
Nehemiah 1:3-4 (The Message)
The exile
survivors who are left there in the province are in bad shape. Conditions are
appalling. The wall of Jerusalem is still rubble; the city gates are still
cinders.
When I
[Nehemiah] heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and
praying before the God-of-Heaven.
Nehemiah had the heart of God. He understood that if even one person
was apart from God there was work to be done. Nehemiah’s heart breaks for the same things that break God’s
heart.
- When Nehemiah realized that Jerusalem was no longer a place that
represented God’s covenant with His people, Nehemiah responded with
mourning for days; fasting and praying to God. Have you or anyone you know ever experienced this type
of connection with God when it comes to helping people take next steps in
their relationship with God?
Read Matthew 28:19-20 (The Message)
God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out
and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by
baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them
in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this,
day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.
What’s
Next?
Our goal is to invite people into our lives and by
doing so invite them to take a look at their relationship with God. Take the time to write down a friend, a
family, or an acquaintance that you will make an intentional effort to pray for
and invite to join you on your journey so that by doing so you are inviting
them to take next steps in their relationship with Christ.
