What is a Healthy Church Member? Study Guide Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

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1 What is a Healthy Church Member? Study Guide Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 0

2 What Is A Healthy Church Member - Study Guide Purposes Of This Study The primary purposes of this study are to: 1) Expose the church to what the Bible teaches about church membership; 2) Unite the church around the Bible's vision for church membership; 3) Create an environment of accountability wherein membership in the local church will not be taken for granted; 4) Demonstrate to the congregation and the surrounding communities that church membership does matter; and 5) Live individually and collectively according to God's Word. How To Use This Study Guide 1. Questions From The Biblical Text: Since the Bible is the basis of both our beliefs and practices, we will begin each chapter by examining key biblical texts. When studying each text you should avoid asking the question, "What does this mean to me?" as this is not a proper way to do Bible study. Instead, you should ask, "What was the author saying to the original audience?" The answer to this question will provide you with the meaning of the text. After discovering the meaning of the text, you should ask, "How does this truth (meaning) apply to my life?" 2. Questions From The Book: The book is meant to be an informative guide, not as a supplement to the Bible. The questions from the book are meant to engage your mind as you think through what it means to be a healthy church member (a healthy Christian). Reading the book (and answering questions about it) is similar to hearing a sermon or lesson on a subject taught by someone who is well-versed in what the Bible says on the topic. 3. Group Discussion: Class discussions are intended to provide you with an environment to share what you have discovered through your study and reflection. Your time spent studying the biblical text and considering the information in the book should provide you with further questions, answers to previous questions, and ways to apply what you have learned. In addition to sharing what was discovered through personal Bible study, group discussions are also a time of accountability. All opinions are respected, but all views are not equally valid or correct. When viewpoints are shared that are based on unbiblical preferences, traditions, or ideas, believers must respond by sharing truth in love. 4. Action Plan: What good is a study on being a healthy church member that does not lead to action? It is the responsibility of every participant to act on what he or she has learned. Each week you will be given suggestions on how to put what you have learned into practice. Additionally, we suggest that from the onset of this study, you recruit an accountability partner who will challenge you to live what you are learning. 1

3 Week 1 - Introduction A Healthy Church Member Why Start With A Focus On Healthy Church Membership? It is possible that thousands, if not millions, of church members around the world are not Christians. If this is true, then why focus on developing healthy church members when we should be concerned with the "converting" of members who are unregenerate (lost, not saved, etc.)? Great question! The Bible does not separate being a healthy Christian from being a healthy church member. Healthy Christians will be healthy church members. The fact that church rolls are full of unbelieving members is result of both unhealthy Christians and unhealthy practices. Therefore, if we (the church) desire to engage the unbelievers whose names are on the church membership roll, believing members who have fallen into sin, and the unbelieving world, we must first get our own house in order. This study is meant to shine a light on each of us individually, asking the hard questions about our beliefs and practices, and then, in turn, shine the light on our beliefs and practices as a church. Then we will be ready (collectively) to engage unbelievers everywhere with the gospel. Healthy Christians = Healthy Church Members = A Healthy Church! What is a Christian? A Christian is someone who, first and foremost, has been forgiven of his sin and been reconciled to God the Father through Jesus Christ. This happens when a person repents of his sins and puts his faith in the perfect life, substitutionary death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark Dever, What is a Healthy Church?, 22). Questions On Ephesians 2: Describe our condition apart from faith in Jesus Christ (2:1-3). 2. Describe God's character in His saving (redeeming) work (2:4). 3. Describe how God saved (redeemed) us in Jesus Christ (2:8-9). 4. Explain the purposes for which God has saved (redeemed) us (2:10). 2

4 Questions On 1st Timothy 4:7-10 According to Paul, the path to growth in the Christian life (a.k.a. growth in godliness) is spiritual discipline (spiritual exercise). Describe the importance of each of the following spiritual disciplines in the spiritual growth (maturity) of a Christian. 1. Bible Intake & Memorization: 2. Prayer: 3. Stewardship (Giving, Spending, Investing, & Saving): 4. Missions & Evangelism: Questions From The Book (Introduction) 1. How do unhealthy and healthy church members contribute either to the unhealthiness or healthiness of a local church? a. Unhealthy church members: b. Healthy church members: 2. How can you, as an individual member, contribute to the health of the local church? Action Plan: Are you willing to inspect your own heart, correct any wrong or unbiblical thinking, and apply your hands to ensure the health of this church? 1. List areas, issues, etc. that you have asked God to change your heart about recently concerning your church. 3

5 2. List some ways, now or in the past, that you have thought incorrectly about your responsibility as a church member. 3. List several ways that you can get involved (ways in which you have not previously been involved and that will stretch you out of your comfort zone) to help your church become a healthy church. a. b. c. 4. What areas of your life are you going to change or readjust in order to ensure that you are spiritually exercising every day? a. Bible Intake & Memorization: b. Prayer: c. Stewardship (Giving, Spending, Investing, & Saving): d. Missions & Evangelism: 5. Enlist an accountability partner who will challenge and encourage you to grow as a Christian. Who is your accountability partner and how often do you plan to meet to challenge and encourage one another to grow in your Christian faith? 4

6 Week 2 - A Healthy Church Member Is An Expositional Listener Questions On James 1: Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (1:19b). a. We often hear people use this to describe our general reaction to difficult situations or trials - what specifically is this verse referring to? b. What is the relationship between this command and listening to the Word of God? 2. Why is this command (warning) to be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (1:19) needed and important for Christians (individually and congregationally)? 3. How is hearing and doing God s Word like looking in a mirror (1:22-25)? Questions From Romans 10: What is the relationship between hearing God's Word and the salvation of a person's soul? 2. What is the primary method that God has chosen for people to hear and understand His Word? 3. It is impossible for a person to exercise faith in a message (the gospel) if he or she can't "hear" (correctly understand) the Word of God. a. What role should the reading, teaching, and preaching of the Bible have in public, congregational worship? b. Why is it important that Christians and non-christians alike follow along in their Bibles as the Word of God is preached? 5

7 Questions From The Book (Mark 1) 1. What is expository (expositional) preaching (19)? 2. What is an expositional listener (20)? 3. What are some of the benefits of being an expositional listener (20-22)? 4. What are some of the negative consequences of not being an expositional listener? 5. What are some of the challenges that make it difficult for you to be a good expositional listener? Action Plan: Becoming An Expositional Listener Beginning this week, you should work on developing the spiritual habits that will ensure that you are on the path to become an expositional listener and a healthy church member. 1. Meditate (read & reflect) on next week's sermon passage during your daily study time. a. What time of the day do you study the Bible? b. Do you know where to find next week's sermon text? 2. Use trusted resources to assist in your study of God's Word. a. What other resources do you use when studying the Bible? b. See Appendix A for a list of recommend resources (books, websites, and commentaries). 6

8 3. Spend time talking to others about what you have learned about God's Word through the sermons. a. What do you do after church? b. Do you normally spend any time REFLECTING on the sermon? c. Do you have a conversation with family or friends about the sermon? d. Do you attend the Wednesday night Questions & Answer Bible study to ask questions about the sermon? 4. How do you plan to strengthen your listening ability (26)? a. What time of the day are you going to meditate on next week's sermon text? b. Do you plan to TAKE NOTES on this week's sermon and discuss them with your accountability partner or someone else? c. Do you plan on listening to any previous sermons via the church's website during your study time? d. List other ways you intend to become a better listener. 7

9 Week 3 - A Healthy Church Member Is a Biblical Theologian Questions From Luke 24:25-27; How did Jesus interpret and apply the Old Testament (27)? 2. How did Jesus interpret his own life, death, and resurrection in light of the Old Testament (44)? 3. According to Jesus, the Old Testament prophets had predicted what fundamental aspects of his ministry (26, 46)? 4. How does Jesus connect the story of the Old Testament to the MISSION of the Church in the New Testament (47)? 5. How were the disciples able to understand the Old Testament teachings about Jesus (45)? Applying Biblical Theology (Read Galatians 4:1-7) 1. What does this passage teach us about the unfolding of redemptive history? 2. What does this passage teach us about Jesus? 3. How is this passage a fulfillment of something promised in the Old Testament? 4. In what way(s) does this New Testament passage clarify, unveil, or amplify something from the Old Testament? 8

10 Questions From The Book (Mark 2) 1. What is biblical theology (28)? 2. In the grand narrative (one story) of the Bible, what are the five central truths we learn about God (28)? a. A God. b. A God. c. A God. d. A God. e. A God. 3. How does biblical theology promote spiritual health (29-31)? a. Practicing biblical theology. b. Practicing biblical theology. c. Practicing biblical theology. d. Practicing biblical theology. e. Practicing biblical theology. 4. Attempt to explain the story of the Bible in as few sentences as possible. Action Plan: Practicing Biblical Theology Read the following Old Testament passages and write a brief explanation on how each one fits into the grand narrative of the Bible: a. Genesis 3:15 b. Exodus 12:1-13 c. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 d. Jeremiah 31:

11 Week 4 - A Healthy Church Member Is Gospel Saturated Questions From 1st Corinthians 15: Describe the gospel that Paul was preaching? 2. According to Paul, what are the three fundamental aspects of Jesus' ministry (3-4)? Justification Through Faith: This is one of the key aspects of the gospel. It needs to be made explicitly clear that a person can only be justified (saved) from sin in the sight of God through his faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Again, since this is one of the key components of the gospel, any alteration from this teaching is not a mere distortion but a complete desertion of the gospel. Justification is the area of salvation that deals with our standing before God as sinful human beings. How is our sin paid for? Only through our faith in Jesus Christ. None of our good deeds (works of law) are able to mitigate our guilt before God. We cannot be a good enough person to make God overlook our sins. How are we counted righteous before God? Only through our faith in Jesus Christ. Again, none of our good deeds are able to gain God s favor. God loves us because he finds us in his Son through faith. The Bible is clear that we are not justified (saved) through moral acts. To take this approach would be to throw us back upon the law, which we were not able to keep. We are to act right and serve God out of our love and devotion to him, not out of desire to justify ourselves. Questions From Galatians 1:6-9; 2:16 1. Is the gospel a message that is open to alteration or modification (8-9)? 2. How is a person justified (16)? Questions From The Book (Mark 3) 1. Before you can be saturated by the gospel, you must KNOW THE GOSPEL: a. What are some messages (false gospels) that are often mistaken for the gospel today? 10

12 b. Please write down what the gospel message is, as presented in the book, in the space below: 2. The author writes that a healthy church member ought to desire to hear the gospel and preach the gospel to himself or herself. What would participating in worship gatherings at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with an desire to hear the gospel look like in your life? 3. It is not enough to simply cherish the gospel, but to realize the gospel points us to something far more valuable than the message itself. What does it mean to take the gospel to its conclusion? 4. Do you know anybody whose life is genuinely gospel-saturated? How can you tell, and do you honestly feel like living a gospel-saturated life is worth it? Why or why not? Action Plan: Ensuring That You Know And Have Believed The Gospel. Using the following verses as a guide, list the essential elements of the gospel: a. Genesis 1:1, b. Genesis 3: c. Matthew 1: d. John 19: e. Mark 16:1-8 - f. Romans 10: g. Ephesians 2:

13 Week 5 - A Healthy Church Member Is Genuinely Converted Fakes, Frauds, Or Followers? When it comes to Christianity, not everyone is the REAL THING. That is, not everyone has a genuine faith. There are people who attend church regularly, who live very religious lives, who would be considered good people, and yet are not genuine Christians. How do we know if someone has undergone a genuine conversion from sinner to saved? While only God truly knows if someone has genuinely placed their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, the Bible does give us guidance on what genuine Christians look like. Genuine conversion starts with understanding and admitting that we are sinners. The Bible says that we are sinners by nature and by our actions (Eph. 2:1-3). This means that we are born as sinners (our nature) and that we are sinners because we do not perfectly follow God s Word (our actions). The result of our rebellion is a broken relationship with our heavenly Father and eternal punishment in hell. The good news is that God is both holy and merciful. He demonstrates both his holiness and mercy in the incarnation (God becoming a man), when the one and only Son Jesus Christ came to die in our place (as our substitute) and paid our sin debt (as our sacrifice) to reconcile us to God the Father. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, accomplished our salvation through his death and resurrection. The genuinely converted person will display these evidences: (1) They will admit and confess both their sinful nature and sinful actions; (2) repent (turn away from) their sinful nature and desires; and (3) trust (rely solely upon) the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for their salvation. Creedal Statement: We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Questions From 1st John 1: How does God respond if we confess our sins (1:9)? 2. What does John (1 John 1:1-10) say about a person who claims to be a Christian, but does not live a life that is consistent with being a Christian? 12

14 Questions From The Book (Mark 4) 1. How does the author define conversion (49-50)? 2. By what power is conversion accomplished (50)? 3. What happens when someone is converted (49)? 5 Proofs For Genuine Conversion 1. Walking in the Light a. What does 1st John 1:6-7 mean by walking in light and walking in darkness? 2. Loving the Triune God (God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit) a. Why do the things of the world seem so enticing (1st John 2:15)? b. What are some practical things you can do in everyday life to encourage you to love God more and love the things of the world less? 3. Loving other Christians (1st John 3:11-15) a. What are some practical ways you can show love to other Christians? b. What are some of the attitudes that unhealthy (or unconverted) church members demonstrate toward other Christians? How can we avoid these attitudes? 13

15 4. Having the Testimony of the Holy Spirit [the indwelling of the Holy Spirit] (1st John 3:24) Cross Reference: Read Ephesians 1: This passage tells us that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus for salvation. a. What does it mean to be "SEALED" with the Holy Spirit? b. How does the Holy Spirit "GUARANTEE" that our salvation in Christ is secure? c. How does the "sealing" and "guaranteeing" work of the Holy Spirit strengthen and encourage you? 5. Persevering in the Faith (1st John 5:4-5) a. Who enables (empowers) genuine believers to persevere to the end of their lives? b. Read 1st John 2:19. What does this passage say about those who have walked away from the faith and are now living for the world? c. What encouragement would you give to someone who is struggling to keep on believing (i.e. they don t think their faith can carry them through their trial or struggle)? Action Plan: Are You Genuinely Converted? 1. On page 51, the author writes, genuine converts to Christ grieve at their sin. a. Is their open or hidden sin in your life that you are not grieving over? b. Why are you holding on to those areas of sin? Have you discussed these struggles with your accountability partner? 14

16 2. This chapter opens and closes with an example of a person who seemed to become a Christian, but was not genuinely converted. What are some questions we can ask someone who recently got saved to see if they are genuinely converted? This question may seem harsh, but the author says that 40% of his members thought they were saved, but were not. 3. Are you genuinely converted? (WRITE YOUR TESTIMONY) Telling the story of how God saved you can be intimidating for a number of reasons. However, a person who has been saved by Jesus Christ has a story to tell. This is your opportunity to tell the story of how God forgave you and made you a new person in Christ. Use the space below to write a brief summary of your conversion to Christ. 15

17 Week 6 - A Healthy Church Member Is A Biblical Evangelist To be a biblical evangelist means that we have the right understanding of evangelism and conversion and that we are faithfully proclaiming the gospel message through our words and actions with the people around us. In our small groups (discipleship classes) we will discuss our role as evangelists, how to avoid sharing a shallow message, and how we can more effectively share the gospel with others. Questions From Acts 8: Notice how the Holy Spirit caused (providentially) Philip and the Eunuch's lives to cross. Have you ever prayed that the Holy Spirit would provide you with opportunities to speak to unbelievers whom you never met before? Why or why not? 2. Philip was prepared to answer the Eunuch's questions about Jesus. Are you willing to be trained (equipped) to answer the questions unbelievers ask? 3. Read 1st Peter 3:15. What are all Christians to be prepared to do? Are you prepared? Why or why not? 4. What is our part in evangelism? 5. What is God s part in evangelism? Questions From the Book (Mark 5) 1. What methods and techniques have you seen churches use to try to get people to accept the gospel message? What are the dangers in relying on these methods? 16

18 2. What is the significance of knowing that success in evangelism doesn t depend on our abilities? 3. What is the primary requirement for biblical evangelism (58-59)? 4. Doing the WORK of an evangelist (59-60): a. Tell people with that if they repent and believe they will be saved but it will be costly. b. Tell people with that if they repent and believe they will be saved but they must decide now. c. Tell people with that if they repent and believer the good news they will be saved. However difficult it may be, it is all worth it! d. Use the. e. Realize that the of the individual Christian and of the church as a whole are a central part of evangelism. Both should give credibility to the gospel we proclaim. f. Remember to. 5. How can the local church help in personal evangelism (60-61)? 6. Preach the gospel always; if necessary, use words. How does this statement undermine biblical evangelism? Is moral living the same as gospel preaching? Action Plan: Becoming A Biblical Evangelist 1. Take a few minutes to reflect on how you have shared the gospel in the past. Have you faithfully shared the gospel, or have you proclaimed a shallow message (p. 57)? 2. Which of Mark Dever s or Michael Andrus advice regarding evangelism (pp ) was most helpful to you? How will this truth change the way you share your faith? 17

19 3. Why do you think so many Christians are not doing the work of an evangelist? Do you agree that the number one problem is that too many Christians do not believe Romans 1:16 that the gospel is the power of God for salvation?" Do you believe the gospel is the only message that can save a person? 4. When was the last time you shared the gospel with an unbeliever? (This can include a time when you shared your testimony of conversion). 5. Who evangelized you? How thankful are you that they took serious the mandate to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 6. Commit to sharing your testimony with at least one person this week. Be prepared next week to share your experience. 7. Make a list of unbelieving friends and family members that you have not shared the gospel with and commit to either personal telling them your story as soon as possible. 18

20 Week 7 - A Healthy Church Member Is A Committed Member Questions From Hebrews 10: Describe what this passage is saying our involvement in the local church should look like. 2. In the passage, the author of Hebrews doesn t simply argue for church attendance because some are neglecting to meet together. Rather, he is advocating for a commitment. This commitment is the foundation for stirring up (encouraging) one another to love and good works. How is this an argument for greater commitment to the church and even membership? 3. In the passage, the author writes that commitment to the church occurs all the more as you see the day drawing near. Why should the 2nd Coming of Christ and His judgment be a motivation for believers to be sincerely and significantly involved in the life and activity of the local church? Questions From the Book (Mark 6) 1. Explain why each of the following provide strong reasons for the importance of church membership: a. Church Leadership (65): b. Church Discipline (66): c. Keep Lists and Voting (66): 2. Read John 13:34-35 and review page 67. a. Why is "committed love" the essence of church membership? b. Why does church membership matter? 19

21 c. How does neglecting the importance of church membership lead to an unhealthy church? 3. What does a committed church member look like (68-70). Analyze your health as a church member in each of the following areas: a. Attends Regularly b. Seek Peace c. Edifies (Encourages) Others d. Warns & Admonishes Others e. Pursues Reconciliation f. Bears with Others g. Prepares for the Ordinances h. Supports the Work of the Ministry Action Plan: Becoming A Committed Church Member. What steps do you plan to take to take and what behaviors do you intend to correct to become a committed (healthy) church member. Use the list above as a guide to areas that you can work on each week. 1. Do you plan to attend discipleship classes (a.k.a. Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study) and worship gatherings regularly? 20

22 2. Are you willing to be a peacemaker in the church? Are you willing to refrain from participating in any form of gossip? 3. Will you refrain from criticizing others and instead be a source of encouragement in the church? 4. Are you willing to speak truth in love and warn fellow Christians who are walking in sin? 5. If you are offended or give offense, will you pursue immediate reconciliation? 6. Are you willing to be patient with others in the church, even if they disappoint you? 7. What are some ways you can better prepare yourself to participate in the Lord's Supper? 8. Are you willing to systematically and sacrificially GIVE of your resources (time, talents, & treasure) to further the ministries of the local church? 21

23 Week 8 - A Healthy Church Member Seeks Discipline Questions From Matthew 18: Jesus has instructed the church to handle conflict in a way that is focused on reconciliation. a. When corrective discipline is needed, what is the first step (18:15)? b. Why is it wrong to discuss an offense with third parties before discussing it with the person who has offended (or sinned against) you? c. Does Jesus provide a "loop-hole" for gossip about problems in the church? 2. After a person living in sin has been approached privately, what is the next step prescribed by Jesus (18:16)? a. What sort of people should accompany you when addressing a person in sin? b. Discuss the importance of objective third parties who will call for repentance and restoration? c. Discuss the dangers of "sweeping sin under the rug" and not addressing professing "Christians" living in open sin or rebellion to the gospel. 3. What is the final step Jesus commands the church to take in discipline (18:17)? a. Why do so many churches ignore this mandate (command)? b. When was the last time (if ever) you witnessed biblical church discipline? 22

24 c. Why is biblical church discipline a mark of a healthy church? d. How does not addressing sin in the church negatively affect the mission of the church? Questions From The Book (Mark 7) 1. What is the root word of discipline (74)? 2. What are the two forms of discipline that must take place in the local church (75)? 3. Describe formative discipline (76). 4. Describe corrective discipline (76). Action Plan: Living A Disciplined Life 1. How do you plan to receive the Word of God with meekness (77-78)? 2. Has your view of God's discipline as a work of grace changed (78-79)? If so, why or why not? 3. Are you the type of person who is willing to humbly receive correction from others (79-80)? What changes are you willing to make to ensure that you can receive correction form other Christians? 4. Can you be counted on to address sin in the church (80-81)? What are some ways you can be an agent of reconciliation and gospel-centered discipline in the church? 5. Can you rejoice in every season? The church needs mature believers who can rejoice in the midst of discipline (both formative and corrective). 23

25 Week 9 - A Healthy Church Member Is A Growing Disciple Questions From Hebrews 5: Describe the frustration that the author expresses about immature Christians (5:11). 2. Explain the connection between growth in one's understanding of God's word and spiritual health (5:12). 3. How would you describe your current biblical intake, milk or meat? Why? 4. Discuss the role of "constant practice" (5:14) in studying God's Word and growth as a disciple. Questions From 1st Peter 2: What are some clear signs that your are growing in your Christian walk (2:1). Make a list of the "things" (sinful behaviors & attitudes) you have put away. 2. How is the metaphor of "milk" used in a positive way in relation to our spiritual growth (2:2)? 3. How does the phrase "to grow up into salvation" (2:2) accurately describe what it means to mature into a spiritually healthy Christian? Questions From the Book (Mark 8) 1. In the past year, in what ways (areas) do you feel you ve actually grown as a Christian? 24

26 2. In what ways (areas) has growth been lacking? 3. Using the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18, the author highlights three wrong ways of thinking about growth in godliness (86-88). Summarize each of these incorrect attitudes. Have you seen evidence of any of these ways of thinking in your own life? a. The Performance Trap b. Judging By The Wrong Standards c. Depending On Personal Strength Or Effort In Spiritual Growth Action Plan: Becoming A Growing Disciple While growth in godliness is not ultimately measured by external or superficial standards, there are practical steps we can take to facilitate growth. 1. Are you (practically speaking) abiding in Christ (89-90)? Explain what "abiding in Christ" looks like in your life on a daily basis. 2. Are you using the ordinary means of grace to grow as a Christian (90-91)? Have you been tempted to overlook the ordinary, yet powerful, means of grace in your spiritual growth? Why or why not? 3. Are you actively participating in the life and ministries of the local church (91)? In what ways has your participation in the local church fostered your growth as a Christian? 4. Does the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ have any bearing on your growth as a Christian (91-92)? If so, in what ways? 25

27 Week 10 - A Healthy Church Member Is A Humble Follower Questions From 1st Peter 5: What is the primary title used in the New Testament to refer to the men whom God has chosen to lead His church (5:1; cf. Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). 2. Describe how each of the following responsibilities assigned to the elders can positively affect the health of the members of the church: a. Guarding the Flock (shepherding) b. Feeding the Flock (shepherding; cf. John 21:15-19 "feed my sheep") c. Leading the Flock (providing oversight) 3. What does it look like to "clothe yourself with humility" in relation to others in the local church (5)? Questions From Hebrews 13:7 1. What is the difference between being a humble follower and a harsh critic? 2. Why does the Bible command us to consider (remember) the example of godly leaders? Is this a potential safeguard against being caught up in gossip or unwarranted criticism? 26

28 3. Describe how the examples of faithful leaders have encouraged and challenged you to grow as a Christian. 4. We are called to imitate the example of godly leaders. What does this look like? Questions From The Book (Mark 9) 1. What has been your attitude toward the leadership at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church? How have you sought to honor or show love to the leaders? 2. How is the church (collectively) and you (individually) doing in these areas: a. Patiently participating in the selection of leaders. Does the church use biblical methods to select and appoint leaders? Why or why not? Are you involved in the process? b. Obeys and submits to leaders. Do you try to make the work of the pastor(s) a joy, and do you eagerly submit to the teaching and direction? Why or why not? c. Follows the leader s example. Do you actively apply the truths that are taught and modeled by your pastor(s)? Why or why not? d. Prays for leaders. How often do you pray for your pastor(s)? e. Supports outside ministry and interaction of leaders. Is the pastor a "hireling" that must be at your "beck and call" or do you support him being on mission in the community? 27

29 Action Plan: Becoming A Humble Follower 1. Take some time to write a letter to a pastor. Specifically how the Lord has affected you through his ministry. 2. Ministry leaders often point to James 3:1 & Hebrews 13:17 when talking about their responsibility in the local church and before God. As humble followers, it is also important for us to understand the charge that Scripture has for leaders. a. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (James 3:1 ESV) b. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17 ESV) c. In what ways can you partner with them in fulfilling their responsibilities? 3. Consider praying for the leadership and staff of the church. Start this week, praying for 15 minutes each night for the leaders, their families, and their ministries. Pray this passage for your pastoral leadership: Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4 ESV) 28

30 Week 11 - A Healthy Church Member Is A Prayer Warrior Questions From Matthew 6: Make a list of the ATTRIBUTES OF GOD that are either directly or indirectly referred to in this model prayer. 2. In what ways should our prayer life demonstrate our trust (faith) in God's sovereignty? 3. What spiritual and physical needs does God wants us to bring to Him in prayer? 4. How is prayer an act of worship? 5. What is the relationship between providing forgiveness to others and a fruitful prayer life? Questions From The Book (Mark 10) 1. What are three common misconceptions about prayer (107)? 2. How can Christians "constantly" pray (109)? 3. How can Christians pray "in the spirit" (109-10)? 29

31 TYPES OF PRAYER Adoration - Prayers exalting God for who He is and what He has done. Confession - Prayers that declare one's dependence upon God and lead to repentance. Thanksgiving - Prayers that recognize the grace and mercy of God toward those who repent and believe. Intercession- Prayers for others. Supplication - Prayers that are made for yourself and/or others wherein you plead for God's supernatural intervention. Illumination- Prayers for understanding and guidance. Action Plan: Becoming A Prayer Warrior Discuss ways that you and your group can pray for the following people: 1. Laborers And Shepherds 2. All The Saints 3. Those In Authority 4. Those Who Abuse And Persecute You 30

32 Appendix A Recommend Resources Books 1. Expositional Preaching by David Helm 2. Sound Doctrine by Bobby Jamieson 3. What is the Gospel by Greg Gilbert 4. Am I really a Christian? by Mike McKinley 5. Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles 6. Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman 7. Church Discipline by Jonathan Leeman 8. The Master Plan of Discipleship by Robert E. Coleman 9. Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne 10. Discipled Warriors by Chuck Lawless 11. What is a healthy church? by Mark Dever Websites 1. (Mt. Carmel Baptist Church) Commentaries 1. The New American Commentary Series 2. Holman Old & New Testaments Commentary Series 3. The John MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series Appendix B Special Thanks This study guide was not born in a vacuum. While the idea for the guide originated with the leadership of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, during the initial research phase we discovered that another church also had a similar plan. Lighthouse Community Church of Torrence, California had developed a guide to be used in their small groups and had posted it on their church website. After contacting the church, Pastor Gavin Kajikawa gave Mt. Carmel Baptist Church permission to use either all or portions of their study guide. We have incorporated a small portion of their material; however, the majority of the material in our study guide remains original. We are thankful to Pastor Gavin for allowing us to use their study guide as a primary source in developing one that meets the needs of our local body of believers. As a sign of our gratitude, we will forward our study guide to Lighthouse Community Church and provide them permission to use all or part of it in their teaching ministries. 31