Ministry Leadership Discussion Series- Entrusted to be an Example

This is part of a series of discussions that can be used for study among ministry leaders or small groups.

Entrusted to be an Example

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care.” – I Timothy 6:20a

A.  How do we “guard what has been entrusted” to our care?

(diligence; willing & eager heart, not greedy, not lording it over, being examples (actions match words; servant heart); self-controlled, disciplined, hold firmly sound doctrine and refute bad doctrine)

B.  Why do we have to be so careful?

(people are imitating us; nothing against us/our witness; judged more strictly because teaching by example)

C.  Since we are sinners, how can we do this well?

     (follow Christ’s example - serve as Christ did, practice disciplines, be whisper ready!)

D.  What are some ministry-specific examples?

(behavior around kids, how we speak to parents—intentional and loving, we need to be diligent-if we say we will call or do something…then we need to do it!; others?)

Verses for Study

A.

“6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us 8b if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” –Romans 12:6, 8a

“2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3

“5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” – Titus 1:5-9

B.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7

“7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” –Titus 2:7-8

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” -James 3:1

C.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:15