D. GROWING COMPETENCE

Recently, at church, there was an unusual event unfolding. A Christmas backdrop with trees and presents was on the stage. Some people were dressed to look like Santa Claus. Little Minions were present and dressed up. The kids loved it. We had pictures. It felt like we were in the mall. The amazing thing was that people just loved it. All these people were getting pictures with their families; A different emotion was stirred. It was moving to see that there were so many people of different ethnic backgrounds who had never connected with others in the church before. The question was asked, “Who is shepherding these people?”

This brought a memory of one the verses of Scripture in Matthew 9:35-39.

Matthew 9:35-39:

 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

1. How can we personally become involved in answering that prayer?

2. What steps can you take to become a laborer?

1. How will you ensure that there is a disciple-making conviction in the people you pass your teaching to?

2. What steps can you take to improve this generational thinking?

3. What will you pray for future generations?

Tools to help this process can be found in the Navigators 2-7 series.

I Peter 5:1-5:

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1. What is the responsibility of a shepherd?

2. What of these responsibilities do you feel competent in?

3. Which ones need work?

1. Which one would you like to work on first?

2. What would be a step you could take to grow in that area?

3. When do you want to get started?

Tools to help this process can be found in the Navigators 2-7 series.

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?