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

Eph. 3.7-8 - Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. [8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ What an unbelievable privilege to actually sacrifice and suffer on behalf of Christ’s very own body, the Church, and mysteriously through our sufferings to actually “fill up that which is lacking” of Christ’s afflictions for his people. Truly, this is a privilege, an honor, and a great blessing to stand for the Lord Jesus in such a way that he himself is honored through our sufferings on behalf of his people. This is the challenge of all who sacrifice on behalf of the people of God. Regardless of the kinds of things we will endure as we care for the well-being of other believers, let us embrace these sufferings as somehow related to our Lord’s own sufferings on behalf of his people. And truly, may our dear Lord provide us who lead the church with the same kind of spiritual dynamism and vision displayed when the apostles were first dishonored on behalf of the Gospel and the Church. Acts 5.41-42 - Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. [42] And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer:

Nicene Creed and Prayer

A prayer for the bishop . . .

To you, O Father, all hearts are open; fill, we pray, the heart of this your servant whom you have chosen to be a bishop in your Church, with such love of you and of all the people, that he may feed and tend the flock of Christ, and exercise without reproach the high priesthood to which you have called him, serving before you day and night in the ministry of reconciliation, declaring pardon in your Name, offering the holy gifts, and wisely overseeing the life and work of the Church. In all things may he present before you the acceptable offering of a pure, and gentle, and holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and power and glory in the Church, now and for ever. ~ Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer and Administrations of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David . New York: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1979. p. 521.