We invest heavily into the next generation at The Orchard Church, because we don’t want to have a “Joshua Problem.”
Lifegroup discussion questions after the jump!
Growing up, who invested into you? What adult had a significant impact on your life?
How did Jesus model different levels of leadership?
He taught the multitudes. We are all well acquainted with Jesus’ sermons. He preached all the time about the Kingdom of God. He was all about turning common thought processes upside-down and getting people to think. Public teaching was Jesus’ broadest method of developing leaders.
He mobilized the seventy. Jesus gave specific missions to a smaller, more intimate group of followers. He asked them for a BIG commitment. He expected them to perform miracles in the face of opposition.
He trained the twelve. He chose those personal disciples to accompany him on his mission. He gave them much more difficult mission assignments. BUT, Jesus poured his everyday life into these guys, and he entrusted them with the power to do the work that he himself had done.
He confided in the three. Peter, James, and John were Jesus’ “inner circle.” He allowed them to witness his transfiguration, and his deepest temptation. He prayed separately with them, and he taught them things he did not teach the others. These were his closest friends and confidants.
Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.
-Matthew 17:1-3
Which of these four levels do you currently occupy?
At The Orchard Church, we have identified four levels of leadership that people demonstrate:
Level 1: Leading Self
This person is leading themselves, demonstrating personal spiritual disciplines, such as consistent church attendance, involvement in a life group, personal Bible Study and prayer.
Level 2: Leading Others
In addition to personal spiritual disciplines, this person consistently serves an some visible way, such as in our Children’s Ministry, Guest Services Team, Production Team, etc.
Level 3: Leading Groups
This person has moved from a team member role to a team leader role. They are planning and executing events, training others up, and/or coordinating teams.
Level 4: Leading Leaders
This person is training and leading leaders, discipling them into an ever-increasing level of influence for the gospel.
Level 5: Leading the Organization
These are responsible for catching and casting vision, communicating direction, leading and teaching the overall body.
Next month, we are installing new deacons. These are men who already demonstrate a level 2 and level 3 capacity, and who are ready to move to level 4. You can read more about that in our short ebook, “5 Things To Know About Our New Deacons.”
SO, here are some questions to think about…
What was Jesus’ mission?
After Jesus, the Holy Spirit came for us… For a reason. What is that reason?
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
-Jesus, Acts 1:8
Do you see how Jesus connects the power of the Holy Spirit directly into the mission of being witnesses? He gives us His power to carry out His mission!
Do you have people around you that you are pouring into like Jesus did? Who will you pass the mantle of leadership to when you’re done here?