I. SPIRITUAL LEADERS

All relationships in a church or ministry require teamwork. One of the ministries that we have been involved in found itself facing some team issues. We held a retreat and it created an environment for each team member to identify where he or she thought the team was. It enabled each person to share their point of view and begin to clear the air of confusion and lack of trust. The people became a closer team by applying a verse on love from the Bible.

I Peter 4:7-11:

 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1. What observations do you make from this passage about the prerequisites to deeper love?

2. What does it mean to love one another deeply?

3. How does love cover a multitude of sins?

1. What situations are you facing in which these principles will apply?

2. Who do you need to share these with?

3. When the passage says, that each person should use whatever gift they have received, how does that need to be emphasized in your teamwork?

4. Who would you use these verses to help build a foundation for teamwork?

5. When will you share these with your teammates?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?