Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. The principle of incorporation could very well be one of the most important responsibilities we face in our urban churches. Certainly, the inability to welcome new believers into our churches, and integrate them into the life of our body ranks as one of the greatest problems we face in conserving the fruit of our evangelism in the city. Be clear and concise in your answers, and where possible, support with Scripture! 1. Why should our understanding of Christian education begin with our welcoming of new believers into our churches? What is at stake if new believers do not feel welcome into our urban churches, once they profess faith in Christ? 2. How does the example of Peter’s relationship to the Gentiles inform our need to welcome people into our churches who are radically different from us in culture and background? 3. Why must we strive to incorporate new believers into our fellowship as soon as possible? Why is delay here a deadly practice for both our churches and the new believers coming to us? 4. Does someone have to change their cultural identity in order to join the body of Christ? Why or why not? 5. Why is our ability to incorporate new believers into our fellowship a barometer of our maturity and depth in Christ? What does it say about a church that cannot incorporate new believers into its life and worship? 6. Why is profession of faith in Jesus Christ the most important criteria for incorporation into the body? 7. What role does sound doctrine play in the first steps of bringing a new Christian into contact with the Church? What kinds of subjects should be covered with a brand new believer in the Church? How should we cover them? 8. What is the best way to help new believers form lasting, deep friendships with others in the body of Christ? 9. Describe some ways in which we might want to assign new believers to those who could offer them clear and excellent pastoral oversight. Can this be delegated to others, and if so, to whom?

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Student Questions and Response

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