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Dealing with Silence
Sometimes students are not prepared to share on a topic without giving some prior thought. The result can be an awkward silence. Try handing out paper and pencils and asking the students to write down their answer to the question first. This not only gives a time of silent reflection, but more timid students may be more likely to read what they have written than to speak “off the cuff.” The result may be a discussion with more participants than if you just allow those who are quick to speak to dominate the conversation.
A Pattern for Ministry
Read Luke 10:1-12
“The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest” (v. 2).
The harvest . . . the laborers. Christ's harvest is great both in its immensity and its intensity. The sheer population of eternal souls needing Jesus today is staggering. Missiologists tell us that there are an estimated 2.2 billion self-professing Christians worldwide. Even if these figures are accurate, that leaves two-thirds of the world still unreached. But not only is the harvest great in its immensity; it is great in its intensity. The needs of people are so deep and the chains of sin so strong that the task often seems overwhelming and impossible.
Pray . . . the Lord of the harvest that he will send. The project of human redemption is truly the most ambitious task ever undertaken. Due to both its immensity and its intensity, it cannot be accomplished by mere human intervention, creativity, or even sheer hard work. It will require divine intervention. The most powerful tool we have is prayer. Ironically, the disciples became the answer to their prayer for harvesters. (See Luke 10:3.) We cannot pray for harvesters without becoming one ourselves. If you want to see more done for the kingdom, begin with prayer and prepare to go! (Don D Callaway)
Here am I send me;</ br>Here am I send me;</ br>Use me in your harvest, Lord.</ br>Send me where you desire</ br>Fill my soul with holy fire,</ br>Here am I, O Lord, send me!</ br>— Don Callaway
This devotional is the Tuesday, August 1, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Evangelism and the Church
Lesson 10 - August 6, 2017
Focus Text: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8; 8:4-8
Central Truth: Every Christian should be involved in the Church’s disciple-making mission.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to give a clear definition of evangelism and how it may be done.
Lesson Outline:
- The Process of Disciple-Making (Matthew 28:18-20)
- The Power of Disciple-Making (Acts 1:6-8)
- The Proof of Disciple-Making (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7)
Disagreements
At some point, differing opinions are going to be expressed. How you as the teacher react to those disagreements is extremely important. First, stay relaxed! You are going to manage the situation well, and it is going to turn out OK! Express satisfaction that people feel free to express their opinions, even if theirs are different from someone else's. You might say something like, “OK, we have differing opinions here, and that is great. Maybe there is even a third opinion that you would like to share.” Statements like that can relax the group, and often will lead to avoiding a debate over the two opinions presented. If that doesn't work, ask your class to discuss first the positives of each of the differing viewpoints, and then the negatives. If the matter is a serious doctrinal issue, you might thank the person for sharing his viewpoint, and then say something like, “Historically our church has taken a different view on this subject,” and then share what that position is. Avoid communicating a flat, “You are wrong.” Keep the conversation open. You may be surprised at the changes that can take place if you do!
The Gifts for Leadership
Read Ephesians 4:1-10
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (v. 7).
To be a leader there must be followers, but what is it that inclines others to follow the leader? Some might say charisma, or a strong personality, a vision, or enthusiasm. While these may contribute pieces to the equation, what are the necessary gifts for leadership? As Christians picking up lead-ership roles in the church or community, what matters most?
The first verse of our study passage puts an emphasis on role modeling as it says, “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Then the writer lists areas in which a leader is to be exemplary, such as: humility, meekness, patience, and forbearance. The objective is to spawn and maintain unity or harmony. While all of these may be considered gifts for leadership, the gift that enables these is the “grace” mentioned in verse seven. This is more than “unmerited favor,” it is “divine influence on the heart that is reflected in the life.” This is the most crucial gift for leadership. (Rodney Stearns)
We trust not in our native strength,</ br>But on His grace rely,</ br>That, with returning wants, the Lord</ br>Will all our need supply.</ br>Lord, guide our doubtful feet aright,</ br>And keep us in thy ways.</ br>— Benjamin Beddome
The best leaders carefully follow the Leader!
This devotional is the Thursday, July 27, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Leadership in the Church
Lesson 9 - July 30, 2017
Focus Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Central Truth: God calls specific people to guide His Church.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify some requirements of godly leaders.
**Lesson Outline: **
- The Requirements of a Pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
- The Requirements of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
- The Behavior of Believers (1 Timothy 3:14-16)