Practicing Christian Leadership, Student Workbook, SW11

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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

I. Defining Effective Biblical Counseling

Video Segment 1 Outline

A. Definition: the practicing Christian leader is one who provides counsel to the people of God by providing effective spiritual direction through a careful, relevant application of the Word of God.

The Christian leader as counselor touches upon all of the formal offices of leadership mentioned in the New Testament. The Apostles referred to overseers and deacons, who were appointed from among the saints (cf. “bishops” are used interchangeably (see Titus 1.5, 7), and it was they who pastored the people of God (cf. Acts 20.17, 28). The “deacons” (or “servants”) cared more for the materials needs of the saints and were supportive of the elders (see Acts 6). Phil. 1.1). The designation for “elders” and

1. Provides counsel to the people of God: the Christian leader is charged with giving biblical counsel and wisdom to the people of God, James 1.5 .

2. Providing effective spiritual direction: the Christian leader strives to give direction that demonstrates care and provides healing to those needing help .

3. Through a careful, relevant application of the Word of God: the Christian leader anchors their helping strategies and methods on the teaching and promises of the Scriptures .

B. Implications for urban Christian leadership

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1. Christian leadership is synonymous with being a godly counselor.

2. God desires his leaders to guide his people into the understanding and execution of his will, which is good, acceptable, and perfect, Rom. 12.1-2.

3. The Word of God offers the best, richest, and clearest understanding of the human condition and the way to freedom, wholeness, and justice in the person of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 1.23-35.