Bless those we love this day, Lord Jesus. Keep them in Your care and protect them from all evil. If there are problems between us, may we be humble enough to let you heal us. When we are at peace together, may we give You the glory. You have given us each other. Praise be to You, Lord Jesus, AMEN
Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- If you are a church leader, how do you respond to what is said here? Is it exciting or is it frightening?
- If you are not a church leader, does this passage reflect what you expect of a leader? In what ways?
- What place does special gifting have within ministry, and how much should be made of it?
Topis covered by this text
- Leadership within the life of the church
- The reading of Scripture and teaching in the church
- Keeping close to the call of God
Personal comments by author:
There are many difficult issues raised by this text to do with how people cope with the demands of ministry within the church. I suggest that God’s advice that every man woman and child should have a Sabbath of rest is the most helpful starting place for any discussion about how a church leader might find balance in life. One whole day of rest can be organised in a number of different ways.
Ideas for exploring discipleship
- Read through this passage and see what the Lord is saying to you personally through it. Sometimes the Lord will have a special word from scripture for us, which is something we need to hear at a particular time and place, always be ready to listen.
- Pray for your church leaders and make it your business, over a period of a week, to pray about what they do, their gifts, their reputation and preaching skills, and everything about them. Pray for understanding and with understanding.
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!