Lovewell: A Theology - Day 35

WEEK 5 OF 5       
End Statement #5: Crosswalk will be a community that exemplifies servant leadership.

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Think about and share a time when your true self (authentic self) was revealed. What happened and what was that experience like? Positive or negative??

HEAD
Read Proverbs 21:3, Colossians 3:12, Philippians 4:12-13, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10, and Romans 12:15 together and share any wisdom, insights, or questions in response to the reading.

Think about and reflect on the theme of “servant leadership” throughout these verses. What stands out to you? What do you see as a common thread?

The series guide reflected on six qualities of a servant leader that are reflected in our readings; integrity, humility, flexibility, resilience, stewardship, and empathy.  If you had to pick one  of these qualities as the most important in a leader, which would you choose and why?

As a group, come up with a simple one line definition for each quality, thinking of one tangible example (a person) you can think of besides Jesus that exemplified that quality well.

INTEGRITY (Definition/Example)
HUMILITY (Definition/Example)
FLEXIBILITY (Definition/Example)
RESILIENCE (Definition/Example)
STEWARDSHIP (Definition/Example)
EMPATHY (Definition/Example)

Take some time to think through the life of Jesus.  What are some specific examples you can think of that expressed one or all of the qualities above?

HEART
When you look at your church community, what are some areas that you see need help?

What are some tangible ways you could practice being a servant leader in the above areas?  How about just in your home?

When Jesus washed His disciples feet on the night of His arrest, He was telling them that there was nothing He wasn’t willing to do for them.  What is one thing you could joyfully do for another this week that can be done without recognition?

HANDS
The hardest thing for a servant leader is to talk about how they are a servant leader.  However, it’s good to take time and stock to reflect on your life and the qualities of a servant leader that you have, and maybe the ones you know need work.  With that said, do you feel that you are a servant leader?  If so, why?  If not, what are some areas that you could pray about and commit to asking the Holy Spirit to help develop in your life?

LIVING WORDS for YOUR WEEK
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2: 5-8