AT THE MOVIES - LEADERSHIP COACHING[The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Small Group Leader. Each week we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your group and grow as a disciple yourself.]

Abiding [grow as a disciple yourself]

When was the last time you joyfully declared, “I am a follower!” If we are honest, we all want to be leaders. Our culture places a high value on the idea of leadership, but true leadership begins with one who follows well. Part of John the Baptists’ story was that he knew who he was and who he was not. He was not the Christ, yet he knew that he had a vital role. John’s mission was to prepare the hearts and minds of Israel for the coming of their messiah. He set the mental framework that repentance of your sins is necessary to be in a right relationship with God. In what may be one of the greatest leadership passages in scripture, John declares “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) John was so secure in his identity as God’s child that he was willing to gracefully step out of the spotlight so that Jesus could reign.

As you reflect upon the calling of John the Baptist in Luke 1:5-17, consider the following:

Make two lists based on your answers to these questions: “How do I define who I am?” and “How does God define who I am?”

As you look at these lists, what adjustments to you need to make about how you view yourself?

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively]

Being "missional" or drawing people from the community into our groups requires intentionality. So often we focus on using the group's wall, connections within the church, and the pastors to bring people to our group that we forget to invite our neighbors. An awareness should be built within those in our group that we all have a purpose of making disciples from every part of our life. Help your group members to identify neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members that they can invite to the group. Use these connections to make disciples and connect them to church.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep]

‘Calling’ can be a weird term for many people. This word has been used so much to talk about vocational ministry that we often forget that God places a calling on all of us to use the skills, opportunities, and resources in ways that build His kingdom. This week you may have people in your group that have never considered the concept of a personal calling. Coach them through this by doing the following:

Affirm that God created each of us uniquely and intentionally to accomplish a purpose. (Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 1:4-8)

Invite them to consistently pray for God show them a clear personal calling. Show them how to take a spiritual gifts inventory. This does not measure a calling but provides a general

direction on how God has equipped them. (www.spirtualgiftstest.com) Lead them to begin serving in areas of giftedness and allow this to help clarify their calling over time as

they find areas of passion and ability.

AT THE MOVIES: MOANA

Open in PrayerWelcome/Introductions