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

2. In what sense can we understand the role of the deacon as a steward of the resources of God for the well being of the members of the body? What are the major issues associated with deacons working as an agent of Christ, being entrusted with goods and responsibility and the wise management of those goods for the sake of the body? 3. What is the relationship of the deacon to the spiritual leaders, and how does the role of assistant help us to better understand it? How is division of labor to function in the local church in order that deacons can learn to support and work side by side with the other spiritual leaders for the well being of its members? 4. Because of the distinctive nature of the challenges and needs of urban communities, what are the kinds of people we should seek to recruit and train to be deacons in our churches? What are some of the kinds of spiritual activities we should expect deacons who serve in urban churches to be capable of? 5. Finish the following statement: “In light of the shortage of godly leaders in the city, the one thing that we can do to find and equip godly deacons for our churches is . . .” 6. Why should we encourage growing believers who are aspiring to care for others to consider the work of the diaconate? Why, however, should we only appoint or elect to the diaconate people of proven character? 7. Describe the kinds of blessings, benefits, and rewards associated with the faithful fulfillment of the office of the deacon? What is the promise of Jesus himself to the one who comes and serves his people with integrity and trustworthiness?

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This lesson focuses upon our understanding of the foundation of Christian leadership, understood first of all through the lens of the humility and self-sacrifice of our Lord Jesus in his incarnation (i.e., his descent from the realms of glory to live among us). The richness of Christ’s example is clearly outlined in the biblical offices and functions of leadership in the Church in the roles of deacon, elder, pastor, and bishop. Listed below are some of the key insights covered in our lesson, with a particular emphasis on the ministry of deacons. Review these truths carefully,

Summary of Key Concepts

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