Large group - Leadership

Hi CCFers,

This week we will be talking about leadership, looking at both biblical examples and thinking about leadership in CCF (including a brief introduction about how leaders are chosen next term).  First and foremost, we must remember that we serve a servant God who, though He is master of the universe, humbles himself to die for us.

May you know faith, hope, and love,

Peter

P.S. I have attached this week’s discussion questions below:

1. Our God is a servant God. How does Jesus call us to lead (Matthew 20:25-28)? See also Philippians 2:5-11. What happens when we don’t lead as servants?

2. 1 Samuel 8:1-22. Start with 1 Samuel 8:3-5; is there an extra special responsibility to walk in God’s ways as a leader? Compare how Samuel’s sons acted with the way Daniel (who also has much power) acts in Daniel 2:27-28 and Daniel 2:46-47. Now continue on in 1 Samuel: what does God say to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:6-8? What is the importance of this? Samuel warns the people in 1 Samuel 8:10-18 (if you’re familiar with 1 and 2 Kings, did this happen?); now consider the state of the world, or simply the USA. How does it compare with Samuel’s warning?  In 1 Samuel 8:19 the people ask to be like all the other nations. How does this compare with Matthew 20:25-28?

3. What happens when we don’t listen to God (as leaders)? See 1 Samuel 15:26; see also Ezekiel 34:1-16. How can we be good stewards of leadership and listen to God and walk in His ways (hint: think back to previous Large Groups)? Perhaps Proverbs 11:14 is helpful?

4. Nehemiah 5:1-18. How does Nehemiah help the poor?  Is he firm? Do you think that the nobles liked hearing what he was saying? Now, zoom in on Nehemiah 5:17-18. Nehemiah gives up many things that are his right as governor. But he still has some ‘perks’ (i.e. he still has food made for him every day and wine prepared for him frequently and lots of people come dine at his table). Are there some benefits due to a leader? How much? How little? How does Nehemiah choose what is enough and what is too much?

5. Exodus 18:13-26. Is it okay to delegate? Is it okay not to delegate? In which circumstances? What does this story about Moses tell us? How should one delegate tasks (see Nehemiah 13:13, for example)?

6. Take a look at Hebrews 13:17. Leaders have special responsibility and special obligation to serve; being a leader is not easy (see, e.g., Numbers 11:1-23). What are ways that we can support those who have chosen to take on the burden of service and leadership?

7. Discuss how Family Business Meetings (FBMs) work to pick leaders for CCF.