This document provides an orientation for small group leaders at Discovery United Methodist Church. It outlines seven qualifications for biblical leadership: connecting with Christ, pursuing one's calling, guarding one's character, honoring one's compatibility, developing competence, maintaining commitment, and increasing capacity. The document also discusses the commitment required of small group leaders to pursue spiritual transformation, build relationships, encourage healthy conflict, perform service, and accomplish God's purpose. It explains Discovery UMC's small group ministry goals of discipling the church community through initial community care groups and future Bible study, interest, and task-based groups.

1. Discovery United Methodist ChurchSmall Group MinistryOrientationPortions of this presentation are adapted from:Making Small Groups Work, H. Cloud & J. Townsend

2. Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, B. DonahueBiblical LeadershipNot the same kind of leadership you see in business, politics, or any other organization in the “world”

3. Servant leadership - the one who is not willing to serve is not fit to lead.Biblical leadership is analogous to shepherding. Shepherds guide their flock by:Serving the flockCaring for the flockDeveloping the flockMark 10:45

4. John 10:14Leaders shepherd others by modeling Christ’s care and sacrifice. Mark 3:14; Luke 10:1; Acts 3Leaders work with others and delegate authority.John 13:1Leaders love others and lead them because of love.Scriptural Characteristics of Leadership

5. Leading a Small GroupQualifications and Aspirations of Small Group Leaders

6. Small group leaders must agree with each of the following statements.I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Lord.I believe in the authority of the Bible in guiding my faith and life.I am a participating member of the Discovery church family.I agree to come into the small group leadership structure and fulfill the requirements of a leader.Initial Qualifications

7. Psalm 42:1You will lead best from an inner life that is growing and developing intimacy with Christ.As we grow in faith, we develop confidence in Christ and knowledge of His cleansing, healing power.Spend time in God’s presence and draw strength, hope, and peace from His Spirit.Your group members will be able to see the depth of your relationship with Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1#1: Connect with Christ

8. “Calling” means knowing that God is in this and that He will sustain you through times of struggle and difficulty Jeremiah 20:9Having a sense of calling will bring you confidence and a conviction that you are doing the right work.#2: Pursue Your Calling

9. Proverbs 4:23Pay attention to your integrity.Being truthful and trustworthy contributes to your character. Once trust is broken it is difficult to restore.1 Timothy 4:12Model the Christian life for your group members.Evaluate your heart before God, with Scripture.Be willing to engage in self-examination and peer examination.#3: Guard Your Character

10. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7Know the kind of ministry that best aligns with how God made you:Your giftsYour personalityYour experiencesTake time to assess where your leadership might bear the most fruit.#4: Honor Your Compatibility

11. 2 Timothy 2:15Pursue personal developmentRead the Cloud & Townsend bookDo some additional research on small groupsFurther your skills through trainingHow to study the BibleUsing spiritual disciplinesProviding care in a crisisStrengthening your prayer lifeDeveloping apprentice leaders#5: Develop Your Competence

12. John 21:15-19“… Serve in a spirit of commitment, not convenience.”“It takes courage, resolve, and perseverance when you are disappointed or weary. Leaders need to remain committed to the cause, to Christ, to the church, and to the people in their group.”Bill Donahue, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups#6: Maintain Your Commitment

13. 1 Timothy 4:16Are you caring for yourself emotionally, spiritually, and physically so that you have the energy – capacity – to lead?“There is a difference between going through a season of hardship or difficulty and trying to sustain a fruitful ministry despite frequent exhaustion and constant pressure.”God does not want you frazzled and exhausted while you seek to serve others.Bill Donahue, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups#7: Increase Your Capacity

14. Self-AssessmentWhere is God asking you to focus some energy in this next season of your ministry? In what areas should you celebrate progress?

15. Connect With ChristPursue Your CallingGuard Your CharacterHonor Your CompatibilityDevelop Your CompetenceMaintain Your CommitmentIncrease Your Capacity

16. The Commitment What am I signing up for? What are my responsibilities?

17. Pursue spiritual transformation.Practice intentional shepherding.Build authentic relationships.Encourage healthy conflict.Perform loving service.Accomplish a divine purpose.Essential Elements of All Group Life

18. Small Groups @ DUMCWhat is the goal? What are the plans? How do I fit in?

19. Mission: To disciple the Discovery United Methodist Church family so that the church as a whole is strengthenedPhase One (beginning Fall/Winter 2009): Community Care GroupsPhase Two (beginning Winter/Spring 2010): Bible Study Groups, Special Interest Groups, Task-based Groups, etc.Small Group Ministries at DUMC