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

3. These special individuals provide care to believers in the same way that parents provide for their own children.

4. The purpose of the special care is for the upbuilding of Christ’s Church, which grows up into the fullness of Christ, to the glory and honor of God: God is building up his house to dwell in.

a. Eph. 2.19-22

b. 1 Pet. 2.4-5

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5. God wants every leader to participate in this exciting ministry of building up the people of God!

II. Understanding Paul’s Apostolic Model of Spiritual Parenthood

By understanding the way Paul ministered as a spiritual parent to growing believers, we can discern new models of discipling believers in Christ Jesus.

A. Personal correspondence

1. Paul composed personal letters to be read to all of the believers, some of which make up the books of our New Testament.

a. 1 Thess. 5.27

b. Col. 4.16