Adult Content: Leading Is Better

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Talk to your group about baptism.  We are having our next baptism service at the north campus on March 22.  This is a great time as a leader for you to step up and help others see the importance of baptism and help them take their next step!



Summary: Paul lays out for Timothy what God is looking for in church leadership.  The characteristics of godly leadership are sometimes in stark contrast with what culture views.  Three areas in particular are highlighted: Personal, Family, and Public.

Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13


1.  How does culture define leadership?  What are some of the most popular leadership traits in your line of work?  How does those compare to some of the ones that Paul articulates?


2.  Personal:  God Focuses On Character
Reread the list of character traits in 1 Timothy 3:1-3, 6 and 8.
a.What are the traits you are doing well with?  What are the harder traits?

b.  How can your rGroup work harder at being hospitable for the sake of the Gospel and lead in that way?

c.  Read Matthew 6:24.  Why do we struggle with money so much?  Why does money tend to be the thing that Jesus chose to address so often?  How can money get in the way of strong godly leadership?


3.  Family: Leadership Starts At Home
Read 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 11-12
a. Paul said that there is no way he would trust someone with other leadership positions if they weren't leading well in their home.  What connection do they have?  Why would God be interested in how you lead at home?

b.  What are some of the "ministries" that God has entrusted you with in your home?  Wife, husband, parents, kids, roommates, neighbors, friends, etc.


4.  Outside: Leaders Always Live It Out
Read 1 Timothy 3:7, 9-10.
a.  What is the connection with how outsiders see you and how they view Jesus?  How they view the Church?  How they view Christianity as a whole?  Why can't you just live your life the way you want to and let the Bible speak for itself?

b.  Read James 1:22.  What are areas where your beliefs are high and well informed, but your life and actions are lagging behind?  How do you need to step up and be a doer and lead?