Leader Guide: The Gift of Leadership — Order That Brings Flow
Scripture: Romans 12:6–8 | Exodus 18:13–27 | Mark 6:30–44 | Acts 6:1–7
Theme: When we lead diligently and build with clarity, we make room for God’s presence and people’s flourishing.
Goal: Help your group recognize leadership as a spiritual calling — practical, humble, and essential to God’s mission.
Opening (5–7 min)
Leader Note:
Welcome people warmly — this week’s tone is encouragement, not pressure. Keep the intro light before shifting into reflection.
Say something like:
“Tonight we’re talking about the spiritual gift of leadership. Charlie reminded us that leadership isn’t about control or personality — it’s a gift from the Spirit that brings order, clarity, and peace so that God’s people can flourish.”
Warm-up question (choose one):
“What’s one area of life right now that feels like it could use a little more order or clarity?”
“What’s one way you’ve seen good leadership make a difference in your life?”
Leader tip: Don’t linger too long here — 5 minutes max. Affirm laughter or honesty, then pivot to Scripture.
Story + Scripture (10–12 min)
Leader Note:
This section connects Charlie’s main texts. Read or paraphrase them briefly — don’t read all four in full. Pick one (Exodus 18 or Mark 6) to highlight and summarize.
Example setup:
“Charlie used these stories to show how the Holy Spirit often works through structure, not in spite of it. Moses needed to raise up others. Jesus organized the crowd before feeding them. The disciples in Acts appointed new leaders so the church could keep growing.”
Then say:
“God doesn’t bless chaos — He fills order with His presence. Leadership is one of the ways He does that.”
Key verse to read aloud: Romans 12:8
“If your gift is to lead, do it diligently.”
Discussion (25–30 min)
Leader Note:
You don’t need to cover every question — aim for 3–4 good ones. Keep discussion balanced between heart and practice.
Encourage quieter voices; gently cap long talkers by affirming and redirecting.
A. Personal Reflection
Where do you feel God calling you to lead diligently right now — home, work, or church?
What’s one “ridiculously practical” thing you could take off someone else’s plate to bless the body of Christ?
(Leader tip: use humor here — “Ridiculously practical” could mean helping set up chairs, mentoring someone, or just answering texts consistently.)
B. Spiritual Insight
Why do you think God ties leadership to maturity — “putting childish ways behind us”?
Have you ever seen clarity or structure actually create more freedom in a group or ministry?
(Leader note: keep this from turning into organizational critique — draw it toward gratitude and growth.)
C. Missional Connection
In this Live the Story, Tell the Story season, what would it look like for you to “lead diligently” in mission — hospitality, justice, sharing faith, or service?
How might our new building be an invitation for all of us to lead with greater ownership and generosity?
(Leader tip: Let a few people dream out loud here. Capture anything that sounds like an idea or prompting for future follow-up.)
Practice: Living the Story (5–7 min)
Frame it:
“The way we live the story this week is simple — ask God, ‘Where are You calling me to take responsibility and bring order that releases life?’ Then take one clear step.”
Examples:
Organize a dinner or prayer night.
Offer to help in a new ministry area.
Bring clarity to something chaotic at home or work.
(Leader note: Encourage something small and specific — clarity builds confidence.)
Prayer (15–20 min)
Leader Note:
End strong here. Either pray all together or split men/women if time allows.
Encourage brief prayers of response, not long monologues.
Frame it:
“Let’s pray for courage to lead diligently — not out of striving but out of love. Let’s also pray over the new season God is opening for Frontier and for clarity in where each of us is called to lead.”
Prayer prompts:
“Lord, show me where to bring clarity or take responsibility.”
“Fill our leaders and our church with wisdom and peace.”
“Raise up builders and servant-leaders for this next season.”
End with blessing:
“If your gift is to lead, do it diligently.
Lord, give us clear minds, humble hearts, and strong hands to lead in love. Amen.”