Church Leadership Bible Study/Devotional
1 Peter 5: 1-11
I am working on a Bible Study and Devotional for those in church leadership. I plan to share this with the Leadership Team at GraceCrossing Community Church, where I attend.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the “work” that needs to be done that goes along with being in leadership and forget to “lead the flock” and the care for the people. We, as leaders, need to be the example of what God expects from us as followers of Christ. We are not above those we lead but walking beside each other, keeping each other on the path and catching each other as we fall. Our responsibility is great, but the reward is greater!
Lori, sounds great and much needed in today's church. I have found that there is not a lot of support for the spouses of pastors who are just as much in the buisness of sacrifice and shepherding. I love Peters Epistles because they are written in a straightforward blue-collar way which I can appreciate, he gets his point across clearly without using flowery theological language as Paul often does. I cannot wait to see how this comes out for you. How many devotions do you think you will have? and will they be characteristics such as humility, service, submission, etc.? I find myself praying 1 Pet. 5:7 often but my thing is after casting it on Him for some reason I want to take it back like He cannot handle it. As leaders we must not forget that Jesus said the greatest will be the servant of all, and if we desire to be first we should get our hands dirty and start by setting the example by picking up cigarette butts on the property. C.S Lewis said, "humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less." If you do not mind I would like to have a copy of this devotional when you are done. thanks dlwolfe78@gmail.com Praying the Holy Spirit guide your hand and heart in this.
Hey Derek, Yes, agreed, spouses of Pastor's are definitely a forgotten people in ministry. We just expect them to put up with the crazy of ministry. Picking up and moving when called from place to place and new people. Leaving jobs, friends and comfort to start again with something new. Among many other things. I was just discussing this the other day.
Peter definitely gets his point across without fancy words. I can relate to that. I am not an eloquent speaker but I teach the way I understand and that makes it easier for others too.
I'm not sure how many devotions I'll end up with. I've just been studying the text, reading commentaries, thinking about my experience personally and dealing with other leaders and praying about it. I want at least a week long study or maybe longer. Sometimes when I get going on something I get out of control! Definitely the character traits of a leader like humbleness, pride and leading with integrity. The culture of any church is set by the cultural example set by its leaders. I think differently than others...should be an interesting ride. I've never put together anything like this before. I'm excited and nervous but I'pray for direction and what God needs me to get across to others through this.
I'll definitely share this when I get it together and thanks for your interaction! Really appreciate the prayers!
Lori, I look forward to hearing a session from this! I too, believe that we "are all in this together" and should walk side by side. Of course the pastor is the spiritual leader and helps others, but pastors need to lean on their "family" too. It is how I started out in ministry. My mom died in a car accident 5 months after I started at my first (and current) church. I felt lost and floundering, but my new church family surrounded me and loved me, and it was the beginning of a wonderful journey of friendship and teamwork!
Lori, this is a great topic! Leaders have to carry the burden placed on them "to have it all together", but we know that is not always the case. Having others around you to hold up your arms when things get tough is a true blessing. Not to mention the fellowship and respite that can be shared among the leadership. This also allows the leaders to challenge their "flocks" to step up and realize this is a shared journey.
Lori-You've got a great foundation, and some good suggestions to move forward. Grade-100