3-Developing Transformational Leaders

3-Developing Transformational Leaders

Discussion 1

One of the Church’s primary goals must be to help every disciple become a disciple-maker. A disciple-maker multiplies disciples by leading people to faith in Christ and/or helping them mature as believers, students, servants, and followers of Jesus. A disciple-maker is referred to as a “Transformational Leader” because they are changed people who have become change agents impacting the present and future of the church.

Every disciple-maker is already a disciple, but not every disciple is a disciple-maker. In this section we want to discuss how to turn a disciple into a disciple-maker.

In your opinion, what are the obstacles to becoming a transformational leader, and what can we do to change this?

Discussion 2

You will not see a farmer cultivating an apple orchard in Antarctica, why? Apple seedlings simply will not develop in the snow and freezing temperatures.

With this in mind, how do we create a spiritual environment that will effectively incubate and produce transformational leaders within the local church?

Discussion 3

In John chapter 2 Jesus introduced a new spiritual reality about the Temple and the dwelling place of God.

Read the following verses and discuss what this means and how it is practiced in the church today (John 2:13-22; 14:9-23; 1 Cor. 3:16; Col. 1:27).

Discussion 4

Until Jesus introduced a new spiritual reality, God’s people lived according to a “Temple Mentality.” Under this paradigm, the Temple was God’s house, His dwelling place, where His presence was believed to be. It was the center of religious activity where the people went so that a select group of priests (Levites) could offer sacrifices and minister to them and for them. But Jesus introduced a new “Incarnational Reality” where all His followers become the temple of God and can minister as priests. (1 Peter 2:9).

In today’s world some churches function under the old paradigm of a Temple Mentality, while others function under the new Incarnational Reality.

Discuss the difference between a “Temple Church” and an “Incarnational Church.” (Matt. 18:20; Acts 2; 4:23-31; Heb. 10:24-25).

Discussion 5

The Temple Church confuses church with a building or a location where the people of God gather. An Incarnational Church, however, understands that church is a living body of spirit and flesh, the people of God.

Discuss this difference and think of three ways you can increase opportunities for fellowship and personal ministry between and among the members of your local church? (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor. 12:12-27).

Discussion 6

Discuss the differences between the following statements:

  • “Let’s go to church” vs “Let’s be the church.”
  • “How was church on Sunday?” vs “How was church this week?”
  • “A few chosen leaders minister” vs “every member a minister.”
  • How would you classify your local church? (Temple or Incarnational).
  • Are there any changes that you would make to help your church become incarnational?
  • Is your church involved in making transformational leaders?
  • Discuss ways that your church can become more effective in developing leaders.

Discussion 7

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 says that we are to make disciples by teaching them to obey the commandments of Jesus.

In the context of your church community, what opportunities can you create for people to practice teaching others what they have learned about Jesus?

Discussion 8

A transformational leader should know how to study the Bible and how to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit (John 10:27; 12:49; 14:26; Psalms 32:8).

How would you teach another believer to hear the voice of God? How would you teach another Believer to study the Bible?

Discussion 9

Jesus called His disciples to be with Him and to follow Him (Mark 1:17; 2:14; 3:14). He had a close relationship with His followers (John 10:3, 14). Transformational leaders must be able to form close relationships with those they are discipling.

How well do you know the people you are discipling? How well do they know you? What are some practical steps that you can take to know each other on a deeper level?

Discussion 10

Perhaps the most important skill transformational leader must cultivate is the ability to love others as Jesus has loved them (John 13:34-35). Without love, nothing a transformational leader does will bear lasting fruit (1 Cor.13:1-3, 13).

What are three specific steps you can take to help yourself (and those you are discipling) to grow in the Spirit-empowered skill of loving others as Jesus has loved us?

Discussion 11

A transformational leader must be able to see beyond who people are to who God has created them to be because it is in the process of discovering who we are in Christ that we learn how we are called to live for Christ (Matthew 4:18-22; 2 Cor. 5:17-21).

Ask God to give you one or two passages of Scripture for someone in your discussion group. What do those verses reveal to you about their identity in Christ?

Discussion 12

Transformational leaders must have a Biblical mindset, a Kingdom way of thinking, that informs and shapes their approach to disciple-making. Discuss the following statements:

  • Making disciples is a command, not a request or a suggestion (Matt. 28:19-20).
  • Every disciple is called to become a transformational leader.
  • Discipling relationships have an expiration date (John 1:35-42; 15:15; 16:7).
  • Disciples are to be released and sent (John 16:7; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4).
  • Making disciples is painful, costly, and worth it (Acts 5:41; 7:54-60; 1 Thess. 2:19).
  • Transformational leaders must decrease so their disciples can increase (John 3:30; 14:12).

Identify three ways you can help someone you are discipling surpass you in his spiritual development or be placed in a position of authority that is even greater than your own. Alternatively, how can you share with your disciples a position of power or prominence that you currently hold?

Discussion 13

Discuss the following three reasons people are not involved in ministry within the local church. How can this be changed?

  • They have not been invited or asked to get involved.
  • They do not think they are “good enough” or “gifted enough” to be involved.
  • They are more interested in being entertained or “getting blessed,” and prefer letting others minister.

Evaluation:

  • Where are you in the process of becoming a transformational leader?
  • What are some practical steps can you take to grow in this area?
  • Do you have an accountability partner to share with?
  • Make this a matter of daily prayer.