The Power of Vision to Raise up Leaders

Dennis McCallum

Not all people who have vision are leaders, but having vision is an important source of empowerment when trying to raise up leaders. Communicating both positive and negative vision is important and biblical; explaining the results if someone chooses or chooses not to align themselves with God. There are several ways we can cultivate vision, including sitting before the Lord in prayer and looking at other churches and outside examples. We must also communicate effectively, framing vision appropriately and juxtaposing the negative and positive vision side by side, without shying away from appropriate heat. Through prayerful consideration, thoughtful communication, and repetition, believers can infuse vision into fellow brothers and sisters. In order for the vision to stick, the visionary must exemplify credible character and trustworthiness.

Paul's Advice for Effective Leadership

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Timothy 2:1-26

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he presents six mandates for Christian leaders, mandates that we too are called to follow today. First, we are called to draw strength from Christ's grace. We must develop leaders who will go on to develop leaders and embrace the hardships of leadership. We must focus on both keeping biblical instruction central and continuing to experience personal character growth. Finally, in order to be effective leaders, we must deal with sinful opponents in a godly way.

Invading Secular Space

Dwight Smith

2 Timothy 2:1-26

The goal of the church is emphatically to go out and reach people. This stands contrary to the American church which places larger emphasis on making the people inside happy. Believers in Christ, no matter which church they may belong to must take responsibility for those who do not know Christ: in their city, in their country, and in their world. This means that we must partner with other Christians and churches around us for the greater mission. Through personal Bible reading, interdependent leadership, and positive witnessing seen through our relationships, there is hope for evangelism. \r\n

Leading the Church in Stewardship/Generosity

Jeff Gordon

Titus 3:14

God calls us to be generous with our resources, and leaders must often help develop the burden for financial generosity in the people they lead. This is done in love through prayer, helping people develop their own convictions based on what the Bible says, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work. By looking at several past campaigns at Xenos, Jeff Gordon offers practical insight into what has made some successful and some unsuccessful.

Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Thom Rainer

Titus 3:14

Through his research of breakout leaders in churches across the country, pastor Thom Rainer complied a list of ten characteristics of effective leaderships which he illustrates in depth. These breakout leaders have a long-term perspective, an eagerness for personal evangelism, and confident humility. They are people who keep focused, who are obviously passionate, who take feedback, and who loves others unconditionally. They are people of hope and promise who understand life's brevity. These leaders take their ministry seriously but don't take themselves too seriously. It is these characteristics that are observed in the men and women who have emerged as servant leaders in God's church.

Leading Home Group Evangelism

Doug Patch

Titus 3:14

In order to lead our home groups toward consistent and effective evangelism, we must first convince home group members of God's mission for the church, which is to reach the lost and disciple the saved. We ourselves must own this and model this in our daily lives, showing personal commitment in this area. We want to draw attention to the right motives behind evangelism and help equip our people to effectively reach people themselves. Prayer too is a powerful weapon. While we need to emphasize each member having a burden for this, we also want to ensure the structures of our Bible study put non-believing friends and family at ease when they visit. This would include the environment, comfort of the room, meeting times, available food, and avoidance of strictly Christian language.

Raising Up Student Leaders

Jess Lowery

Hebrews 5:14

As a leader in the college ministry at Xenos, Jessica Lowery has a lot of experience training and raising up young leaders. Looking at Luke 10, Jessica points out several principles Jesus used in his own discipleship ministry. She discusses the importance of things like giving direction, casting vision, and setting goals. The session ends in a group discussion regarding issues specific to young people and ideas on how to help them wade through these issues.

The Calvary Chapel Model for Equipping Leaders

Carl Westerlund

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Carl Westerlund from Calvary Chapel discusses the structure and focus of this church's leadership building. Carl describes the difference between servants and stewards, and emphasizes the responsibility that stewards or leaders of the church have. This requires strong character and integrity. In this church, there is a large focus on teaching throughout the week and sending people to build up their own churches, exercising authority there.

The Vineyard Model for Equipping Leaders

Steve Robbins

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The Vineyard Model for equipping leaders focuses on several key areas. One of these is emphasizing well-rounded discipleship, approaching the need for compassion, evangelism, integrity, and so on in the disciple's life. Another large focus is on effective teaching and training at the in-depth level. The church trains members on actual pastoral experiences that will arise, not only academics. Along with this, members receive training within the local church, learning together in community and integrating both classroom and real-world experiences. This offers a more streamline equipping that is not disconnected from the local church or regular pastoral needs.