Key Thought : Knowledge that includes an experience in faith, hardship, sanctification, and self-sacrifice along with doctrine prepares disciples to become leaders.

[Lesson plan for Discipling Spiritual Leaders March 10, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read John 16:7-12.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Was there more truth that the disciples needed to learn through the study of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
c. Personal Application: Do you think we have all the truth, or is there truth as a church for us to discover? What about individual truth? Do we need to grow in our understanding of God’s truth? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I do and say whatever the Spirit leads me to. He impresses my mind and controls my thoughts. Too many people are stuck on doctrinal issues when what they need is a dose of the Holy Spirit to liven their lives and lift their spirits.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Luke 6:12-16.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Why did Jesus pray all night before choosing His disciples? Didn’t He already know who would be right for the job?
c. Personal Application: Which of your church leaders do you look up to the most? Why? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How does the church select its leaders? Do some people show signs of leadership? What are these signs? Do people in your church know what their spiritual gifts are?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 11:29 and Isaiah 57:15,16.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean to be of a contrite spirit? How can we tell if someone is humble or not? What is humility?
c. Personal Application: What if a leader is causing problems in the church through strife, contention, or a negative attitude? How does the church handle such issues? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What are the most important qualities you want to see in a leader in your church? What are these qualities important? Can a person be a good leader in your church without them?” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 1:23-26.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What is the biggest challenge to you to make a disciple by being a mentor?
c. Personal Application: Have you been mentored by someone in the church? What have you learned from them? Was it focused more on knowledge or experience? Share your thoughts.
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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