How leaders can grow in the skill to challenge people to grow

Good leaders don’t only tell you WHAT to grow in; good leaders but motivates you personally with WHY and coaches you with HOW to grow further.  Can you do that?

Be encouraged and equipped as you listen to Dale Cilliers sharing his experience on challenging people to GROW FURTHER.

Scripture

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

^5:11 We have much to say about this [Melchizedek], but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. ^5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ^5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ^5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

^6:1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,^6:2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ^6:3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Observations and reflection questions

Note: The author of Hebrews challenges the laxness of this congregation and exhorts them to grow up spiritually.

1. What is the general tone of the author in this text? And what is his appeal?
2. What seems to be the main reason the congregation has not grown to maturity? (verse 5:11)
   1. What does this suggest about a key reason for spiritual growth?
3. The author gives one motive for the congregation to grow to maturity – what is it? (verses 5:14)
4. List the “elementary teachings about Christ” (verse 6:1-2)
5. What do you read in his closing words on this topic? What does the author try to communicate? (6:3)

Personal reflection and application questions

Reflect on the six doctrines the author of Hebrews lists as “elementary” and “foundation”.

1. Consider your own life. Which of these doctrines can you confidently explain and teach on (from Scriptures) without much preparing? Which teachings would require more preparation time? Find a good article, teaching or book about this during this week to makes sure your foundations are solid.  Pray for your further growth in Christ.
2. Now consider your fellowship group within its cultural and spiritual environment.
   1. Which of these doctrines listed by the author of Hebrews is lacking in your small group’s faith?  Pray for discernment.
   2. What other doctrine or foundational practice are they lacking in?
   3. How would you challenge them to grow spiritually? Like the author to Hebrews consider the WHAT / WHY / HOW with ENCOURAGEMENT.