Key Thought : All church members have a field of labor where they may utilize their spiritual gifts in ministry.

[Teaching Plan for Releasing Into Ministry May 28, 2012]

 1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 7:17-20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What kind of fruit is talked about here? Our actions, attitudes, and lifestyle, or winning souls?
C. Personal Application: How do we distinguish between good and bad fruit?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t think my talents are appreciated by the church. I am good at what I do with music, but the church doesn’t seem to appreciate it.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Acts 6:1-8.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How organized should our work in food, clothing, and community service be? What challenges does your church have in this area? Should our Dorcas Centers be open once a week or twice a month, or more often? Share.
C. Personal Application: Do we tend to help those we fell “comfortable” with and in our own church more quickly than we do with others? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why should the pastors, teachers, and evangelists think that they are above doing Dorcas work? They should spend some time working at the center like other church members do.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Acts 15:36-40.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How can leadership get every member involved in ministry and leadership in the church?
C. Personal Application: Do you do your share of church responsibilities to help alleviate the burden of leadership? Share..
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why should pastors, teachers, and evangelists share the work with those who are untrained and unskilled in soul-winning and sharing the gospel?” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 3:9.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why was there a difference of opinion between Paul and Barnabas? How did they settle it without messing up the missionary plan?
C. Personal Application: Is there someone in the church that needs Encouragement and discipling that you can help? Share.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this
week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

 (Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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