Christian Community

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter is writing to folks dealing with a lot of suffering encouraging them to find refuge and sustenance in Christian community. This is an important passage on what is the church and a look at its core values. Would you like to have a growing circle of friends united by a clear conviction of purpose, strengthened by other-centered love and service and where honest, truthful, trusted words prevail?

Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Thom Rainer

1 Peter 4:7-11

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.

The Vineyard Model for Equipping Leaders

Steve Robbins

1 Peter 4:7-11

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.

The Xenos Model for Equipping Leaders

Jim Leffel

Mike Sullivan

2 Timothy 2:2

In raising up leaders, the goal is to not undernourish or overwhelm. This presentation walks through Xenos' adult education program both inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, there is a Biblical emphasis on in-depth training for significant ministry roles and cultivating a love for the Word. Based on 2 Timothy 2:2, Xenos trains people who will be faithful to train and teach others, and these classes are agile in order to balance the demands of ministry while providing an equipping program that successfully prepares leaders. Outside the classroom, discipleship is the catalyst and format through which leaders teach and train believers on biblical literacy, personal ministry, and character growth.

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 Art of Leadership (Part 2)

Jill Briscoe

Philippians 3:12-14

Through Paul's letter to the Philippians, we see Paul not let his circumstances dictate his mood. He allows God to put courage into him and accept the unacceptable. Paul demonstrates servant leadership, modeling Christ. He presses on and is obedient, leading to liberty. He shows us that if you want to be big, learn to be small. And that when we minister we must remember that we are dead to sin and to let God give us our throne.

A "Thorn in the Flesh"

Dennis McCallum

Galatians 6:11-17

Paul had a thorn in his flesh that God allowed to be there, this thorn was a reminder to Paul that God's grace is sufficient for him. God will allow us to suffer in order for us to see our need for him in our life. We need to choose to depend on God with our lives to experience the fullness of His love and to powerfully be used by Him.

Radical Servitude or Selfish Mediocrity?

Dennis McCallum

Luke 15:4-10

Paul lived a life dedicated to serving God and other people. People often choose to live a life that is self focused and care more about their own riches than the needs of others. As servants of the Lord we set our aim at leaving an eternal impact, and serving those around us.

Christians and Generosity (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Proverbs 20:4

Paul calls us to be good stewards of the money God has blessed us with. We are called to give voluntarily of own volition; God loves a cheerful giver. The best thing we can do with our temporary resources is invest in things that are eternal.