Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

The following questions were designed to help you review the material in the second video segment. This segment discussed Scripture’s vision of the kinds of roles that a pastor offers the people of God in his function as shepherd of the body. The pastor is a nurturer who ensures that God’s people receive proper nourishment, feeding, tending, and care, a protector who guards the people of God against any harm or damage, and a leader called to go before the people of God and lead them into the fullness of the will of God for their individual and corporate lives. As those called to exercise leadership for the church in the city, it is critical that we understand these dimensions and roles with care and exactness. As you review the questions below, please concentrate on how these roles will need to be fleshed out in the urban community, and look to apply the Scriptures with an eye toward the urban scene and needs. 1. In looking at the examples of shepherding in the Word of God, what are three clear models and analogies given to us of what kind of persona (i.e., identity) a pastor ought to adopt as he cares for the people of God? 2. Explain the role of the pastor as a nurturer of the people of God. What does this role involve, and how does one prepare for this kind of ministry in the church? How can you tell if one is fulfilling this role in a local congregation to the maturity and well-being of the members of the body? 3. Lay out the various dimensions of the pastor as protector or guardian of the people of God. What are some of the things that a pastor may have to protect God’s people from? What kind of training or input do you need in order to be able to fulfill this ministry in the church? How can you tell if someone is doing a good job at protecting a local congregation from predators and other things that may want to harm them? 4. What are the different kinds of things involved in providing overall leadership and direction for a local congregation? In what way should a pastor lead a congregation, and what kinds of things are emphasized in that leadership? What is the best way to help pastors learn how to lead others in the church? How can you tell if a pastor is not fulfilling this crucial role in the body? 5. Name three unique challenges of the urban community that makes nurturing, protecting, and leading an important ministry for Christian leaders in the city? How can urban churches identify, train, and release pastors who will nourish, protect, and lead urban disciples of Christ to mature in Christ and give witness to the Kingdom of God in the city?

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Student Questions and Response

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