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. Meaning of Parenting New Believers in the Family of God

Video Segment 2 Outline

A. Definition: the practicing Christian leader is one who equips the people of God by parenting spiritual sons and daughters toward maturity in the family of God.

[Exposition on 1 Thess. 2.7]: Paul and his companions cared for their converts as a nursing mother gently cares for her little children. This instructive illustration provides a good example for all who are responsible for the care of new believers. If a nursing mother does not feed herself, she cannot feed her baby. If she eats certain foods, her baby will get sick. Similarly the spiritual

1. Equips the people of God: by example and teaching, the godly Christian leader equips members of the Church to live as fruit-bearing disciples of Jesus.

a. God has given select individuals to the Church to equip his people for the work of the ministry, Eph. 4.11-13.

b. These individuals are specially called and gifted to build up God’s people, 1 Pet. 5.1-3.

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2. Parenting spiritual sons and daughters: spiritual parenthood involves offering tender, loving care to growing Christians in their lives as disciples , 1 Cor. 4.14-15.

diet of a parent Christian is vitally important to the health of a newer Christian. The gentleness and

3. Toward maturity in the family of God: all efforts toward equipping and parenting are for the purpose of maturing the members of the body of Christ , Eph. 4.13-16.

unselfishness of Paul as a spiritual parent shines through in this illustration. ~ J. F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. (electronic ed.) Wheaton, IL: Victor Books: 1983, c1985.

B. Implications for Christian leadership

1. God has made provision for the growth and fruitfulness of his people.

2. The Lord has called and gifted special men and women to equip his people to do the work of the ministry.