How leaders create opportunity to connect to people

Leaders connect with people, inviting them to share in the passion and vision of the vision of the leader.  The sincerity and depth of connection determines the commitment to the shared vision.

Look at this short inspirational video by Werner Joubert (pastor of Shofar Christian Church in Secunda, South Africa) on how to deliberately and progressively connect with people.

Scripture

John 1:40-41, 45-46

40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 41 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Peter.”

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

John 12:20-22

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

Observations and reflection questions

Context: Philip and Andrew were of the first disciples who responded to Jesus’ invitation to discipleship.

1. The three portions of Scriptures above relate three accounts where people were connected to Jesus.
   1. What progressions do you notice? [hint: note the relationships, and who asks who about Jesus?]
   2. What was the “primary strategy” to connect people to Jesus?

Application and Prayer

Philip and Andrew were two of the first disciples of Jesus Whom invited them into their lives.  From this they apparently learned that, to connect people to Jesus, they simply had to invite people into their lives.

In the video above Werner relayed three progressive steps in connecting with people (from Bill Hybels’ Walk across the Room):

• Develop a friendship (get involved in their world…)
• Discover their stories (ask questions…)
• Determine next steps (perhaps invitation to coffee or dinner or church?)

1. Write down three people whom you cross paths with regularly (co-worker, teacher or parent at your kid’s school, neighbour, someone at your gym, etc).
2. For each one consider which step above is most applicable in that relationship now.
3. Pray for God’s blessing on each of these three people intelligibly, considering what you know about each one.  Pray that God would connect your hearts for his goodness in their lives, and make yourself available for his purpose in their lives. Ask for wisdom and grace to love these people well.
4. Then make deliberate effort in this week to develop these three relationships!

Discipline of Rest 2 – reaffirming holidays

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect the rest found in corporate celebration.

Scripture

Leviticus 23:2-6,21

2  “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.

3  “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwelling places.

4  “These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them.

5  In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the LORD’s Passover.

6  And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread..

21  And you shall make a proclamation on the same day. You shall hold a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a statute forever in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.

Observations and Reflection

Context: In this chapter Moses relays God’s commands regarding “holy convocations (or gatherings).” In the Israelite calendar, every 7th day is holy to commemorate the deliverance from Egypt, the forming of their nation under and by God.  Yet in addition to the weekly ray of rest seven other feasts are prescribed, namely the Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Pentecost, Passover Feast, Feast of Booths (tents), Feast of Lights, and the Day of Atonement.  The Israelites were to gather in Jerusalem for these feasts, which occur over three periods through the agricultural year.

1. Reflect on the practical consequences of these “holy day” commands
   1. For the individual adult
   2. For the devout family farming / doing business outside of Jerusalem
2. Reflect on the relational implications of attending these “holy day” feasts
   1. What would these “holy gatherings” communicate to an Israelite regarding his or her relationship with God?
   2. What would these “holy gatherings” communicate to an Israelite regarding his or her relationship with other Israelites?
   3. What would these “holy gatherings” communicate to an Israelite regarding his or her identity?
3. Then in essence, what do these “holy gatherings” facilitate for the believer?

Personal reflection and Application

When you meet someone you typically ask “What do you do?”, then “Are you married? Tell me about your family!” or “do you know so and so?”  We find our identities in what we do and who we closely relate to; we are known by our work, our family and our friends.  “Holy days gatherings” reminded the Israeli that his identity is not found in his work primarily, but in his relation to God and his redemptive purpose, the family and the nation.

1. Which “holy days” do you do contemporary Christians celebrate that affirm your identity? [hint: just like the Jews we have weekly one as well]
   1. What do each of these “holy days” remind us of?
   2. How do these “holy gatherings” facilitate relationship for you?
   3. How do each of these “holy days” impact your identity?
2. In which ways could holidays miss to reaffirm our identity and strengthen relationships?
3. Consider your annual calendar in terms or holidays. How could you plan “holy day periods” to reaffirm your identity and relationships.

Prayer

Thank God for your work (or daily task) and what you benefit from it, remembering the benefits apart from the salary.  Then pray about your identity, who you are in relation to God, your family, your friends, your church as well as your nation.  Then pray to God for grace to arrange your calendar in Godly wisdom – for you and your family.

Fellowship of the saints 2 – fellowship with God in Christ

The aim of the module is to grow in understanding and habitual practice of Biblical Fellowship.  (Recommended read for overview of the module: True Christian Fellowship)

Scripture

Philippians 1:1-30 [ESV]

1  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of [God’s] grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9  And it is my prayer [to God] that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10  so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12  I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13  so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15  Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16  The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17  The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18  What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19  for I know that through your prayers [to God] and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20  as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  24  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26  so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28  and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30  engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Observations

1. As we study our fellowship (sharing) with God, mark every reference in Philippians 1 to God, Jesus Christ or God’s Spirit. And write down whether this reference is an objective reality or subjective experience (i.e. do we share in God in this instance through our activity, or passively)

(If you are not pressed for time, do this with Chapter 1-4)

Application

1. Looking at Paul’s relationship with God through Christ and His Spirit in Philippians only,
   1. In which do you fellowship / share in God today without any effort on my part (i.e. objective reality) such as “being saints in Christ Jesus”?
   2. In which ways can you fellowship with God today through my activity (i.e. subjective experience) such as “prayer” etc?

Prayer

Paul mentions the prayer that he prays for this congregation (1:9-11).  Take a few minutes and pray this prayer in your own words for your small group or Bible Study friends.

Fellowship of the Saints: Partnership in the Gospel

The aim of this devotional Bible Study is to grow in understanding and habitual practice of Biblical Fellowship.  Perhaps a good read to give a overview of the subject is this brief article on True Christian Fellowship.

Scripture

Read Philippians chapter 1 and Philippians chapter 4 (A literal translation such as ESV or NKJ is recommended)

Philippians 1:1-30 [ESV]

1  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10  so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12  I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13  so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15  Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16  The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17  The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18  What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19  for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20  as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  24  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26  so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28  and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30  engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 4:1-20 [ESV]

1  Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2  I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14  Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.  15  And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16  Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

18  I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Observations

1. Write down the four or five big events or thoughts that Paul is writing about in these two chapters. (one word per thought)
2. It is clear that he had a special place in his heart for this congregation. Look at each of the following verses and write down how Paul defines their relationship.
   1. Phil 1:5
   2. Phil 1:7
   3. Phil 1:27
   4. Phil 4:3
   5. Phil 4:10-11, 14-15, 18
3. Again looking at the verses above (and perhaps noting the sending and receiving of Timothy and Epaphroditus in 2:19-30) how did Paul and the congregation in Philippi have relationship, or as he says “partnership in the gospel”?

Application

1. How does this “partnership in the gospel” challenge you today in the following relationships?
   1. Your relationship with Christ?
   2. Your relationship with your local church?
   3. Your relationship with the world around you (neighbours, co-workers, family)?
   4. Your relationship towards missions and missionaries?
2. What do you need to adjust in one or more of these relationships to follow the example of Paul or the Philippians?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you were sent by the Father to save this world.  Thank you for your selfless sacrifice and example in obedience.  Again I affirm my partnership with You as part of Your church for the spreading and witness of Your Gospel.  Strengthen me with boldness and friends to “partner in the gospel” in a practical way.  Let your Kingdom come in and through me today!