The PursueGOD Training Podcast: Recent Episodes

PursueGOD

The official training podcast for the discipleship resources at pursueGOD.org. Great for pastors, churches, small groups leaders, and one-on-one disciple-makers. Find more at pursueGOD.org/training.

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us this week for a special episode, highlighting the updates to our website in 2026!

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan wraps up 2025 and gives us a clear snapshot of what God has been doing through PursueGOD—and what’s coming next in 2026.

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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Check out our YouVersion reading plans

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Hey leaders, welcome to the PursueGOD Training Podcast. Today we’re going to give you a complete roadmap for leading the SALT program—from the big picture 9-month journey to the nightly flow that makes every meeting meaningful, fun, and spiritually powerful.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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If you’re leading SALT, this is your playbook.

Segment 1: The Big Picture Vision SALT is a 9-month student leadership program that helps high school students:

Grow in their faith,
Serve consistently, and
Lead by example in their local church.

It comes straight from Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth.” SALT students learn to be distinct, purposeful, and impactful in a world that needs Jesus.

The program centers on three core habits:

Read daily through the Bible plan.
Serve weekly on a ministry team.
Meet monthly for teaching, discussion, and accountability.

Your job as a leader? Guide students through these habits, cheer them on, and make it relational, consistent, and fun.

Segment 2: The 9-Month Structure Here’s the program flow:

Boot Camp (Weeks 1–6):
These first weeks set the tone. Students meet each other, start the Bible reading plan, find a serving role, and learn the rhythm of SALT.
Monthly Meetings (Months 2–8):
After Boot Camp, you meet once a month for a leadership lesson, Bible and serving check-in, group discussion, and prayer.
Graduation (Month 9):
The final meeting celebrates growth, shares stories, and launches students to keep living out their faith.

Every meeting follows a similar rhythm—but the first few weeks focus on relationships and introductions, while later months focus more on leadership growth and consistency.

Segment 3: Preparing Before Each Meeting Here’s what leaders should do before every SALT meeting:

Watch the lesson video/podcast and review the Talking Points and discussion questions.
Listen to this leader podcast so you feel confident about the plan.
Set the atmosphere: Whether you meet at someone’s home or the church, make it welcoming. Play music, have snacks ready, maybe even start a game while students arrive.
Plan the fun: Bring icebreakers or simple games like Uno or Play Nine to make it easy for students to connect.

The goal is for students to show up feeling like this is their space—a place they want to be.

Segment 4: The Nightly Flow Okay, let’s get practical. Here’s a simple outline for each SALT night:

Food and Fun: Start with snacks or a meal, plus a game or icebreaker. This sets a relational tone.
Watch the Video: Keep it short and focused—it sets up your discussion.
Read the Talking Points: Invite students to take turns reading aloud.
Ask One Question at a Time: Read the question, let the group respond, and keep it conversational.
Check In on Bible Reading & Serving: Encourage consistency and celebrate wins.
End with Prayer Requests: Have each student share one thing to pray about and invite students to pray for each other.

This simple rhythm works whether you’re in Boot Camp or month seven.

Segment 5: Leading with Purpose SALT isn’t about perfection—it’s about walking with students as they learn to own their faith.

As a leader, remember:

Relationships first: Know your students personally.
Model consistency: Be faithful in reading, serving, and showing up.
Keep it fun and welcoming: Kids come back when they feel connected and cared for.
Pray with them and for them: This shapes hearts more than anything else.

By the end of the 9 months, students should feel closer to Jesus, more confident serving, and ready to lead others.

Wrap-Up So that’s the full SALT playbook: a 9-month journey built on daily Bible reading, weekly serving, and monthly meetings—each night filled with fun, discussion, and prayer.

If you want all the lessons, videos, and guides, go to pursueGOD.org/SALT.

Thanks for leading the next generation—we can’t wait to see what God does through you and your students this year.

In today’s leadership episode, we talk about how small group leaders can create a culture of care where everyone participates. We’ll explore why care starts with the leader, how to move your group from consumers to contributors, and practical ways to equip others to carry both spiritual and practical burdens—so your group becomes a true family that reflects Christ’s love.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Create a Caring Group | pursueGOD.org

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Find it here: https://www.pursuegod.org/create-caring-small-group/

Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode we'll finish up our Oversee Training series, discussing the responsibilities of a church leader.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Responsibilities

Pray for your campus regularly
Prayer doesn’t get us ready for the bigger work. Prayer is the bigger work.
Swan - If we haven’t prayed we haven’t started.
All overseers should be on campus prayer team
Be an active participant in overseer meetings
Come prepared, review agenda doc beforehand
Be ready to give an update on the serving teams you’re overseeing
Listen to any podcasts, read any articles that are going to be discussed in the meeting
Monitor progress of the campus
Attendance
Mentoring handoffs
Giving
Small Group attendance
Decide on issues of church discipline
Decide on issues of benevolence
Financial Help Request Form
Assist campus pastor in leading the discipleship efforts at the campus
connections/handoffs
Baptism requests, prayer requests, wedding requests are all opportunities to make a handoff for mentoring
Tracking them in Planning Center
Being diligent in following up
Oversee at least one serving team/serving team leader at the campus
Check in monthly
Report needs and health of team during monthly overseer meetings
Assist in recruiting volunteers for teams you oversee

Welcome back to week two of our Overseer Training series!

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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From the Job Description: An overseer must qualify according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 and PG’s profile of a healthy leader.

He must affirm Alpine's doctrinal statement, the Alpine Way, and Alpine’s Statement on Sexuality and Gender. - reference back to the unity we mentioned last week. It’s imperative your elders/overseers can affirm your philosophy of ministry.

1 Timothy 3:1-5 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader,[a] he desires an honorable position.” 2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Overseer, elder, bishop, pastor - words used interchangeably in NT- to oversee, to care for - caring for the flock is at the heart of the calling of an overseer
Several translations say, “He desires a good work.” Many people desire honorable positions, but how many desire to work for the Lord?
What is the use of a lazy minister? He is no good either to the world, to the Church, or to himself. He is a dishonor to the noblest profession that can be bestowed upon the sons of men.” (Spurgeon)
Ashamed of the low expectations I placed on Overseer Team in Logan for the first four years I was campus pastor. Men often rise to the level of expectation. I saw that first hand in the years I coached and I’ve seen it in ministry.
Above reproach
Literally means “nothing to take hold upon” - It is a metaphor of a boxer who so skillfully defends himself, it is impossible to hit him.
It can’t mean perfection or there would be no overseers. Is there a pattern of sin in your life someone can point a finger at? Not just sins of commission, but sins of omission as well. This is why we look to see if someone is obedient to helping others pursue God before we invite them to serve in this capacity. Are they honoring God with their finances?
Faithful to his wife
Original Greek - must be the husband of one wife, Some translations say must have married only once
Most commentaries agree it means monogamy, faithful to his wife
I’ve always taken a very conservative view on this requirement, but I am softening that stance, or at least think I am. It seems all of the other requirements describe the condition of the man after he has begun a relationship with Jesus. Would Paul have been described as gentle before his conversion, while he was rounding up Christians to be imprisoned or looking upon their stoning with approval? If that element of the list isn’t looked at as “Has always been gentle” why would we look at this element as “has always been the husband of one wife”.
Faithful to his wife would include being faithful with your eyes
Self Control, live wisely, have a good reputation
Story about deacon who bragged he was a real S.O.B. Monday through Friday
Self control on social media, self control when we engage in hard conversations
Live wisely means there may be areas in my life that aren’t necessarily sinful, but is it wise?
Enjoy having guests in his home, hospitality
Traveling Christians in that culture who didn’t want to stay at public inns because of the depravity - may look different today
Able to teach
The seventh item is "able to teach". This implies not only a readiness to teach, but also having the spiritual power to do so, after the overseer has prayerfully reflected on God's Word and its practical application.
Teaching environments: small groups, mentoring, Sunday morning, Alpine U classes or similar
Not a heavy drinker or violent, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money
In our culture, quarrelsome would also apply to the way the handle social media
Most literal translation is not contentious - an overseer should not be someone that people are walking on eggshells around.
Do they put love of things over love of God and love of people?
Manage his own family well
How does this look when kids are out of the home?
If kids are rebelling, is it because of the father’s parenting or in spite of the father’s parenting?
Honest feedback from the candidate’s wife can be very helpful in this case.
Not a recent convert and good reputation with outsiders
Recent is a relative and subjective term. Has the potential overseer been through trials since they’ve become a believer that have revealed the genuineness of their faith?
Have they served alongside others? How do those who have served with them feel about their qualifications?
Profile of a Healthy Leader:
Spiritual: Be humbly submitted to Jesus as Savior and Lord. Honor God with excellence in your work, depending on God for the results. Colossians 3:23-24
Emotional: Celebrate your strengths and take ownership of your weaknesses. Stay teachable and positive in the face of trials. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Relational: Care about people, not just tasks. Do conflict well, speaking truth in love according to the standard of Jesus. Matthew 18:15-17
Financial: Don’t love money. Be generous to God through regular, sacrificial giving to your local church. 2 Corinthians 8:7

Missional: Buy into the disciple-making mission of the church. Model it personally in your life and encourage others to participate. Matthew 28:19-20

Part 1 of 3 in the Overseer Training series. Go through this with a mentor (or mentors) from the existing pastoral team at your church or campus.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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In the New Testament, you’ll find the authors use three different words to describe the office of elder, pastor, overseer, or bishop.

Episkopos - overseer
Philippians 1:1 I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons. (NLT)
NIV, NASB, ESV - overseers
KJV, NKJV - bishops
Poimen - shepherd/pastor
Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and becoming mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NLT)
NIV, NKJV, KJV, NASB - pastors
ESV - shepherds
This term is the least used term of the three in referring to the official position in the church. Jesus uses this term throughout the book of Matthew; sheep without a shepherd, I am the good shepherd, the sheep know the shepherd, etc.
Presbyteros - elder
1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. (NIV)
NLT, ESV, KJV, NASB, NKJV - elders

Alpine Way - At Alpine Church, we understand and take into account the culture that surrounds us in this moment of time. This helps us to wisely contextualize our ministry practices, so that we can be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in the arena where God has placed us.

Our primary field of engagement begins with the Wasatch Front of Utah, and extends to other areas throughout the Intermountain West where the culture of Mormonism is most rooted. We share the Gospel with all those we encounter, but our target audience is disaffected Latter-day Saints and others with a Mormon background. As God gives opportunity, we are open to serving in areas beyond the Mormon cultural domain, but we are especially interested in areas where Mormonism is common.

Because of this we use the terms “overseer” and “‘pastoral team” as “elder” and “bishop” carry meanings in the LDS culture that could be confusing to our attenders.

Functions of pastor, elder, overseer, bishop according to scripture

Oppose False Teaching/Proclaim the Gospel - 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer. 1 Timothy 4:6, 1 Timothy 4:11, 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Timothy 6:2-3
He is to be a teacher - “able to teach” is listed as a qualification. According to 1 Timothy 5:17 there are elders/overseers whose role is not primarily teaching or preaching because Paul uses the phrase - “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching”. This indicates a separation from those who don’t have that primary role. Environments for teaching - small groups, mentor relationships, Sunday services, in the home
Promote unity in the body - 1 Timothy 1:3-4
Pray for the body 1 Timothy 2:1, 2:8 (This command is to “men everywhere” so it is not limited to overseers/elders, but would certainly include them)
He is a manager - 1 Timothy 3:5
Spiritual discipline - 1 Timothy 5:20, 1 Timothy 5:1
Spiritual Authority - This would make sense that you don’t have the responsibility to discipline unless you have authority.

The role of pastor, elder, overseer, or bishop is different from the role of deacon.

Phil 1: (NLT) 1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Qualifications of both roles are similar. If you hold the position that women can be deacons then deacons would not have spiritual authority or this would be inconsistent with Paul’s writings in 1 Timothy. We don’t see the “able to teach” requirement listed for deacons.

Excerpt

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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Notes

In this episode, we take a look at some principles of effective and compelling preaching. Also in the episode is an interview with author Phil Campbell, who has great insight in how to make sure your congregation stays awake!

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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The Three C’s of Preaching

PG sermons are designed to give you a simple skeleton for your sermon. The preacher’s job is to prayerfully put “flesh” on it using scripture, exposition, and personal stories.
Prep with the “3 C’s” in mind. Be clear. Be concise. Be compelling. Great preaching engages everyone – seekers as well as believers, young and old, male and female.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Ethos speaks to the credibility of the speaker. Are you believable? What qualifies you to preach in the first place?
Pathos speaks to the emotions of the audience. Why should they listen? Have you prepared the message in a way that connects to them?
Logos speaks to the logic of the message. Does it make sense? Have you connected the big idea to the talking points with simplicity in mind?

Get Phil Campbell's book Saving Eutychus.

In today's episode, we look at the transformative impact of shepherding relationships, emphasizing that true growth often occurs outside the pulpit. We discuss the vital role of preachers in equipping believers for discipleship, fostering unity and maturity in the body of Christ.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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Real transformation happens in the shepherding context (families, small groups, and one-on-one mentoring relationships), not in the preaching context. Matthew 9:35-37
Matthew 9:35-38 (NLT) 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
The preacher’s job is to equip regular Christians to do the work of the ministry. A great sermon empowers conversations throughout the week. Ephesians 4:11-12
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ultimately, PG sermons are designed to help people pursue God – and this means getting more people to go “full circle”. Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We build resources with one distinctive in mind: to equip the preacher to support the discipleship infrastructure of the church. If conversations aren’t happening after the sermon, we’ve missed the point.

Today we’re starting a 3-week series called Preacher Training – with a focus on preaching sermons based on the pursueGOD discipleship resources.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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In this episode we introduce five questions for self-reflection to determine if you’re qualified to preach in a local church.

Before we get to those questions, let’s talk for a minute about the PG resources.

PG uses podcasts on a variety of topics to offer biblical answers to everyday questions. Then we organize these podcasts into series so you can use them to make disciples at church, home, or in the world.
Local churches can freely preach sermons based on our series and then point small groups, families, and mentors to the series page for sermon-based curriculum. You’re welcome to adapt your sermon as needed.
Ultimately, PG curriculum is designed to help people pursue God – and this means getting more Christians to be disciple-makers. We’ll explain this philosophy of ministry in detail in lesson 2 of this series.

Five Questions before you preach:

Are you connected to Jesus? Preaching in the early church was a function of spending time with Jesus, not of seminary training. Acts 4:13
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Are you honoring God in everyday life? Preachers are qualified by solid character and sound doctrine. Titus 1:5-9
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker,* violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Do you care about people? Godly preachers are not motivated by ego or financial gain, but rather by a desire to help people pursue God. 1 Timothy 6:3-4
3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.
Are you personally making disciples? You can’t lead someone to a place you’ve never been. Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore, go and ma ke disciples of all the nations,* baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Do you have a teaching gift? 1 Corinthians 12:29-30
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!

Excerpt

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the practices of a great board member. They emphasize the importance of being prepared for board meetings and understanding the purpose of the meetings. They also talk about the spiritual side of board membership and the need to hear the Spirit in decision-making. They discuss the process of voting and seeking consensus, as well as the responsibility of breaking the ice when there is a holdout on the board. They also highlight the importance of participating constructively and cultivating emotional maturity as a board member. Finally, they discuss the importance of teamwork and defining success in team terms.

Takeaways

Being prepared for board meetings is crucial and shows that you take your role as a board member seriously.
Board meetings have a spiritual side and it is important to hear the Spirit and seek God's leading in decision-making.
Participating constructively in board meetings involves speaking respectfully, listening patiently, and asking tough questions without being demeaning or aggressive.
Board members should continue to grow in their skills and wisdom as board members, as well as in their relationship with Jesus.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the traits of a great board and common pitfalls to avoid. They emphasize the importance of board members being spiritually attuned, relationally healthy, fully invested in the mission, focused on strategy rather than operations, and self-policing. They also highlight the need for good record-keeping, attention to finances, and avoiding relationship dysfunction and personal preferences over the mission. To do this, the pastors introduce three practical tools: a board member covenant, an annual board calendar, and a prime responsibility chart.

Takeaways

Board members should be spiritually attuned, relationally healthy, fully invested in the mission, focused on strategy, and self-policing.
Good record-keeping is essential for legal requirements, credibility, and resolving disputes.
Board members should pay attention to finances, have checks and balances, and build financial reserves.
Relationship dysfunction and personal preferences can hinder the effectiveness of a board.
Practical tools like a board member covenant, annual board calendar, and prime responsibility chart can help improve board functioning.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the relationship between the governing board and the senior pastor. This conversation explores the role of a governing board in a church and the importance of supportive yet accountable board members. It discusses the nature of board approval, decision-making, budget approval, performance evaluation, and the removal of the senior pastor. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear processes and guidelines to ensure effective governance and accountability within the church.

Takeaways

Avoid an adversarial or submissive attitude towards the senior pastor.
Support the senior pastor by providing encouragement, resources, and wise counsel.
Hold the senior pastor accountable and ask tough questions to improve decision-making.
Buy into the church's mission and be supportive of the pastor's vision, but avoid becoming yes-men. Board members should provide support and accountability to the senior pastor, ensuring that decisions align with the church's vision and goals.
The relationship between the board and the senior pastor should be both supportive and accountable, with a balance between working for and working with the board.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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In this episode, Bryan and Ross discuss the key responsibilities of a board member in a church. They cover three different hats that board members wear: the governance hat, the volunteer hat, and the participant hat. They emphasize the importance of understanding foundational principles, engaging in strategy rather than operations, and being a positive force in the church. They also discuss the boundaries of a board member, including no individual authority, no personal agendas, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Takeaways

Board members play different roles and wear different hats, including the governance hat, the volunteer hat, and the participant hat.
Understanding foundational principles and documents is crucial for board members to fulfill their responsibilities.
Board members should focus on strategy and the big picture, rather than getting involved in operational details.
Board members should be a positive force in the church, nurturing relationships, growing in faith, and praying for the church and its leaders.

This is a general series that many churches will find helpful. It should be a great conversation starter for established boards, and it might even help your church rethink your leadership structure.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

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This episode is the introduction to a five-week series on church board training. The series aims to help churches think through their governing structure and prepare new board members. The topics covered include key responsibilities of a church board, legal responsibilities, financial responsibilities, missional responsibilities, responsibilities with the senior pastor, and the overall well-being of the church. The series emphasizes the importance of prayer, biblical principles, and collaboration in board governance.

Takeaways

Churches need to have a governing structure to make important decisions and ensure legal compliance.
The board has key responsibilities in areas such as legal, financial, missional, senior pastor support, and overall church well-being.
Board members should be committed to prayer, promoting the church's mission and values, and assessing and improving the board's performance.
The biblical basis for board governance is found in the roles of elders and deacons, although the specific structure may vary among churches.
The PursueGod resources can be used to facilitate discussions and training for church boards.

Today we look at the story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus, a classic example of “mission drift” in the Bible. Jesus had called Peter to make disciples, but now his commitment was in question. Peter, as with the other disciples, is brimming with confidence that his faith will not fail. But then it does, in shocking fashion. So that’s the famous story, but today we’re putting the story in the context of a broader question: Have you ever experienced mission drift?

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

Examples in marriage, in the workforce
Marriage vows: Chris, do you take Brandi to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live? If so, say “I do”.
Kodak: Founded in the late 19th century, Kodak was a pioneer in the photography industry with the mission of making photography accessible to the masses ("You press the button, we do the rest.") However, as digital photography began to emerge in the late 20th century, Kodak struggled to adapt and continued to prioritize its traditional film business. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, a stark reminder of the consequences of mission drift and the failure to adapt to changing market dynamics.
What it looks like in Christianity: (Go make disciples…)
Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
So many churches just miss this. So many Christians never get it.

Before we get to our text today in ch 14, we need to set the stage by going all the way back to chapter 1, when Jesus first called his disciples. Pay attention to where this all happens, because it’s going to come up again in ch 14:

Mark 1:16-18 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Talk about mission of Jesus, they left their nets, spent 3 years with Jesus

Amazing faith! What sacrifice!
Their expectation - this is going to be good. We’ll be famous! Rich!?

Now let’s get to our text today from Mark 14.

Last week we covered the Last Supper, and Jesus’ identification of the one who would betray him. Luke adds context in his account: Luke 22:24 (NLT) Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

Can you imagine? Hilarious!
In the Luke account Jesus goes on to define greatness: (NLT) Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

So let’s stitch this together the timeline:

Jesus said “one of you will desert me”
They all wondered, “Am I the one?” (last week’s episode)
Somehow that turned into an argument about who would be the greatest among them!?
And the very next “scene” in Mark’s gospel says this

Mark 14:27-28 (NLT) On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

A couple of things here:

First, notice that Jesus says “All of you will desert me.” - Right after “all” of them drank the cup!? Right after they argued about who would be the greatest.

He knew they would fail to stay on mission (it was prophesied!)
Yet he believed in them, he knew their journey wasn’t over
He would meet them where it all started, where he first called them.

This was Galilee - Mission Central

It’s where Jesus first called his disciples
Remember the verse we started with today?
It’s where Jesus will meet them after his resurrection to restore them
not in Jerusalem - because this message was for the whole world, not just Jews
Fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-3) about “enlarging Israel” - and eventually including Gentiles (see the unfolding of this in Acts).

So let’s sum up: Jesus says they will ALL desert him. But he’s not phased by that fact - it was prophesied! He’ll stay on mission, and he knows eventually they will, too.

So Jesus doesn’t panic when our faith falters. (Say it again.)
But here’s the thing: Peter didn’t think his faith would fail! Back to the text:

Mark 14:29,31 (NLT) Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

… And all the others vowed the same.

Peter throws everyone else under the bus! Yet he is confident in his faith. Peter’s not the only one with confidence. They all vowed to stay faithful. (Note: Judas wasn’t there at this point? See John 12.)

Mark 14:30-31 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!”

Peter learned what most believers have experienced: It’s one thing to be bold when you’re surrounded by believers. It’s another thing to stay on mission when the world is against you.

Story of spiritual retreat or worship night or Sunday morning, then Monday comes

That’s what we see as we FF in the chapter to see how the story ended:

Mark 14:66-68 (NLT) Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”

But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.

Bryan’s idea about starting the sermon with Mark 1 in Galilee to provide context for the tumultuous situation in our passage, pointing out verse 28 where Jesus says he will meet them in Galilee again after the Resurrection. Love how it can tie in with Galilee as a symbolic place of their origin and their mission to reach the Gentiles.

Mark 14:69-70 (NLT) When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”

There it is again. What a reminder for Peter - that’s where he first met Jesus. That’s where he left his net to “fish for people” and join Jesus on his mission, just 3 short years earlier. And now, probably not 3 hours after he vowed to never betray Jesus, he denies him for the third time:

Mark 14:71-72 (NLT) Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

Nugget: Peter doesn’t even say his name! Just “this guy”. Shameful!

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) The third accusation is the boldest, and so is Peter's denial. The Gk. is coarse and explicit, "He began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this man you speak of'" (v. 71).

Back to the question:

Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

Close:

More context from Luke’s version of this account (Mark leaves this part out):

Luke 22:31-32 (NLT) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus’ reunion with the disciples in Galilee was just as assured as their denial after Gethsemane. Staying on mission is less about the quality of our faith and more about the power of God’s grace.

PursueGOD is a podcast-based discipleship library. In this episode we'll give you a quick tutorial on how to use our resources with your family, small group, or one-on-one mentoring relationship.

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The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians to make disciples through healthy biblical churches.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/training.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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No conversation about leadership is complete without discussing Jesus. He was the most influential leader in the history of the world. He calls his followers to lead like he led.

We’re coming to the last conversation in our leadership principles for men series, and we’ve saved the best for last. Today, we’re going to talk about how to lead like Jesus. This isn’t going to be a comprehensive conversation. We’d have to spend several podcasts discussing all of the amazing things that describe Jesus’ leadership and its effectiveness. We’re going to focus on three characteristics of Jesus’ leadership that we work to incorporate as we lead at home, in the church, and in the workplace.

Laser Focus

Jesus had absolute clarity on the mission. He didn’t let the desires of others, or even his own preferences, get in the way of accomplishing what he was sent to do.

Luke 2:49-50 (ESV) And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Set context of the scene - The family was in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. He’s 12. They left assuming Jesus was with their group that had traveled. They get a day away from Jerusalem and realize he is not with them. Talk about pressure - you lost the Son of God. They look for him for three days and when they find him, he’s interacting with the teachers of the law in the temple. He’s listening and asking them questions.

Jesus’ response is so telling - didn’t you know I must be about my Father’s business? Mom, Dad, you know who I am. You know what the angel said about me. Would you expect anything less than this? You should have known that I’m going to be on mission.

Jesus was on mission at a young age. I think we do our young people a disservice when we don’t give them opportunities to be on mission while they’re young. Dad’s, are you encouraging your kids to pursue God and to help others pursue God while they’re young?

As Jesus began his earthly ministry and grew in popularity there were people, who were sometimes well meaning, that sought to get him distracted from the mission.

John 6:14-15 When the people saw him[b] do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!”[c] 15 When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Jesus had just finished the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. The crowds see this amazing miracle and they want to make Jesus king by force. For most of us, it would have been so tempting to get carried up in the emotion and adoration of the crowd. Jesus is rightfully king so why not let the crowds do what they want to do? He knew the Father’s plan was the plan. He knew his time hadn’t come. He knew he wasn’t going to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords by going man’s way.

Do we have clarity on the mission? Is it to accumulate the most wealth? Is it to provide a comfortable home and upbringing for our kids? Is it to have the most fame, power, pleasure? Those things aren’t necessarily bad in and of themselves, but they can get us off track. As a husband, my mission is to love my wife as Christ loved the church. It’s to give myself up for her. It’s to make her holy - set her apart - It’s to wash her with the Word. As a dad, my mission is to raise my children in the fear and understanding of the Lord.

As a follower of Christ, my mission is to go full circle in my pursuit of him and help the next person do the same thing. The great commission. A co-mission with Jesus.

Mark 8:31-33 Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man[c] must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. 32 As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.[d]33 Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

This is the most severe rebuke we see Jesus issue to the disciples. Peter had good intentions, but he was trying to get Jesus to stray from the mission.

This is one of the reasons connection with other believers is so important. The world is always going to pull you away from pursuing God, sometimes unintentionally sometimes intentionally. When you’re trying to decide about taking a new job offer, what’s the first thing the world would usually ask - does it pay more? You need someone to ask - how will this affect your ability to love your wife and kids well? How is it going to affect your time for serving the kingdom? Is it a good use of the gifts God has given you? Again, earning more money is not a bad thing and Praise God that he sometimes blesses us financially - but it can so easily get us off track.

When I used to coach football, I rarely watched college games on the weekend, even though I love college football. I just felt like I was already committing 20 to 25 hours per week between practices, weights, watching film and games and I thought it would be irresponsible to spend more time on the weekend watching it. When I would tell my coaching buddies that, they couldn’t believe it. When I told my close, Christian brothers they would say, “makes sense. You don’t want it to be an idol and you’re already taking plenty of time away from your wife and kids.” I knew the value of bouncing ideas off of men who love Jesus and care for me.

Teachable Moments

Jesus was intentional about taking advantage of teachable moments. He didn’t let the urgent get in the way of the important. He knew he had a limited amount of time to invest in his disciples and wanted to make the most of every opportunity.

Mark 8:14-21 But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. 15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”16 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? 18 ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’[a] Don’t you remember anything at all? 19 When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”“Twelve,” they said.20 “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”“Seven,” they said.21 “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.

Jesus was so intentional about taking advantage of teachable moments with the disciples. Here, they’re out on the lake, away from the noise of the crowds. He warns them about the yeast of the Pharisees and they’re clueless about what he’s talking about. They think he’s bringing it up because they forgot bread. Jesus was so patient with them. He reprimands them in this lesson. Don’t you remember anything at all? We know that Jesus didn’t overreact when he did this. He didn’t lose his cool. He was sinless. Sometimes, we have to point out obvious foolishness when we’re in a teaching moment. We want to be very careful that we’re not prideful about it, lest we fall into the same temptation, but sometimes we have to be direct and straightforward.

Story about couple sleeping together and me beating around the bush when asking about it.

We see a pattern so often in the gospels of Jesus giving a public teaching and then explaining it to the disciples when he had them alone. The sermon wasn’t enough. Jesus was the greatest preacher of all times, so if they needed more teaching after listening to him, how much more do people in our lives need it.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.[a] 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Are you intentional about looking for teachable moments for your kids? If you have teenage sons, do you invite them to listen to this podcast with you? Do you have times of intentional conversation with them? I know it’s not easy. I know there’s a lot of awkward silence at times. I experienced that with both of my sons. But stick with it. Hang in there.

The time we have with our kids goes by so fast. We have to be intentional about teachable moments.

Humble Servant

Jesus was the epitome of servant leadership. He humbled himself, left the comforts of heaven, and went to the cross. The God of the universe took on frail, human flesh and was faced with every temptation we face, but never sinned. When we’re following Jesus, we’re following a servant.

John 13:3-8Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

It was out of Jesus’ knowledge that God the Father had given him authority over everything that led him to serve the disciples in this way. Verse 4 says “so” he got up from the table. It’s linking it back to verse three. Insecurities often cause us to not want to humble ourselves. There isn’t an ounce of insecurity in Jesus. He knows exactly who he is and the authority he has.

Washing someone’s feet in that culture was the lowest of the low jobs. It’s what the slave in the household who was at the bottom of the totem pole had to do. They’re walking on dirt roads, barefoot or in sandals, there’s animal dung everywhere. This was not a pretty sight. And Jesus takes it upon himself to wash the disciples feet.

There was a time when leadership like this meant something, even in the secular culture. What do we call our elected officials? Public servants right? Do we still call them that anymore? That’s the ideal though. They’re supposed to consider themselves servants to those who they lead.

Men, we’re called to be the leaders in our homes. That means we should be the biggest servant. If we want our wives and children to respect our leadership, we need to lead with their best in mind. We need to lead in a way that models service to them.

Philippians 2:5-8 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God,[a] he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d]8. he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross

Jesus modeled servant leadership long before he washed the feet of the disciples. Taking on flesh, leaving the comforts of heaven, being born in a manger, dealing with hunger, thirst, fatigue, cold, heat - all the things humans deal with is such a powerful example of him humbling himself and leading by serving. The apex of it was when he went to the cross and did a criminal’s death.

Close

To be great in the kingdom of heaven, we need to be a servant. In God’s upside down kingdom, we’re exalted when we humble ourselves in service to others.

Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This comes as the disciples are indignant with James and John for asking to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in his kingdom.

If Jesus didn’t come to be served, even though he deserves it, then how can we have the attitude of expecting people to serve us? If we want to be great, if we want to be a leader in the kingdom of heaven, we better learn how to be a servant.

Intro

We’re in the third week of our leadership principles for men and we’re taking a look at Jonathan. Jonathan is the son of King Saul, the first king of the nation of Israel. The first story we’re going to look at is at a time when Israel is at war with the Philistines. Saul has already disobeyed the Lord and has been reprimanded by the prophet Samuel and the army is in a tough spot. They’re outnumbered and they’re ill-equipped. Jonathan is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. We’ll see he had great courage, great faith, humility, and he was a great leader. This may be the most practical lesson in the series. We’re going to get into some very specific leadership principles that can help you lead at home, in the church, and in your workplace.

Communicate

Jonathan over communicated, communicated clearly, and welcomed feedback. Good leaders are always looking for opportunities to earn trust, and it’s clear Jonathan had earned trust from his armor bearer. Jonathan knew his strength came from the Lord and that God was the one who would bring victory.

1 Samuel 14:1-14 One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing.

2 Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree[a] at Migron. 3 Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh.

No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. 4 To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. 5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. 6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”

7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

8 “All right, then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”

11 When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” 12 Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!”

“Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!”

13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.[b]

Jonathan communicates very clearly and very specifically to his armor bearer about what his plans are. He didn’t have to do this. His armor bearer was essentially a servant. No one would have reprimanded Jonathan for keeping his plans to himself. He communicates it in a way that gave his armor bearer a chance to respond. Jonathan has created an environment with his armor bear where he feels safe giving feedback.

Do you seek feedback on a regular basis for those you lead? Have you created an environment where people are unafraid to ask questions if they don’t have clarity on what you’re asking them to do or have you created an environment where people feel like you have an “It’s my way or the highway” type of leadership style?

Jonathan gives very clear instructions about what he is proposing. He isn’t quite sure of the battle plan at the beginning because he wants to be sure the Lord is behind them. He knows that it is the Lord who is going to give victory if they engage with the enemy. He isn’t worried about the numbers. He knows the Lord can win a battle whether he has many warriors or few. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It’s such a great reminder to us. We live and minister in an area that has a relatively small percentage of people who practice biblical Christianity. If we just look at the numbers, it can be very discouraging and daunting, but God is mighty and will win the battle with many soldiers or few.

I love the armor bearer’s response - “Do what you think is best. I’m with you completely - whatever you decide.” In the translation I used as a kid he said, “Do whatever you have in mind. I’m with you heart and soul.” Man, that’s a leader who has led well. That’s a leader who has earned trust during the course of the relationship. If your wife and your children say, “Dad. Do what you have in mind. We’re with you heart and soul.” Wow! What a powerful testimony that would be to your leadership. We may not always agree. We may not always understand, but we know you love us. We know you love God. We know that you’re genuinely making decisions that you think are the best for us - so we’re with you.

The armor bearer had to obey Jonathan. He didn’t really have a choice, but you can tell there’s much more than that going on here. He didn’t just say yes sir. He said, “I’m with you completely!” I’m all in.

I’ve been blessed to have a handful of men in my life that I would say, “Do whatever you have in mind. I’m with you heart and soul. You want to climb those cliffs and fight those guys who outnumber us? Let’s do it. My father-in-law was a man I’d go into battle with. The members of our Executive Team at our church - They’re not perfect. They make mistakes like the rest of us, but these men have earned my trust. I know they’re trying to honor God in their decision and do what’s best for the flock and I’d follow them anywhere.

Verses 8 and 9 - look how clearly Jonathan communicates the plan - clarity is so important. Fight for clarity.

When it’s time to go, Jonathan is in front. He’s not asking his armor bearer to go somewhere he’s not willing to go first. I watched a documentary on this story and they were at the actual location of the battle and this cliff they had to climb just to get to the Philistines was brutal. It was literally 4 points of contact in several places. Then when they finally get to the top, they’ve got to fight. And they’re some bad men - two whip twenty.

Calculated Risk

Good leaders know the appropriate time to take a risk. When we step out in faith for God, it can trigger great victories for the kingdom.

1 Samuel 14:15-23 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.

Israel Defeats the Philistines

16 Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight—the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction.[c] 17 “Call the roll and find out who’s missing,” Saul ordered. And when they checked, they found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were gone.

18 Then Saul shouted to Ahijah, “Bring the ephod here!” For at that time Ahijah was wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites.[d] 19 But while Saul was talking to the priest, the confusion in the Philistine camp grew louder and louder. So Saul said to the priest, “Never mind; let’s get going!”[e]

20 Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. 21 Even the Hebrews who had previously gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites. 22 Likewise, the men of Israel who were hiding in the hill country of Ephraim joined the chase when they saw the Philistines running away. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle continued to rage even beyond Beth-aven.

The Israelite army had been in a stalemate. They were in a vulnerable position. Morale was low and men were defecting to the enemy. You get a sense that Jonathan knew it was a critical time and that it was time to take a risk, to step out in faith.

This first skirmish where Jonathan and his armor bearer kill twenty men becomes the catalyst for a rally and victory. God is involved. He creates an earthquake. He causes panic in the camp. The Philistines actually begin fighting one another. The Israelites who had defected over to the enemy turned back and began fighting for Israel.

This was a risk, but a calculated risk. Jonathan didn’t move forward until he was confident the Lord was with him. We’re not talking about just taking foolish risks, although sometimes God calls us to go against the world’s wisdom like we saw when we studied Joshua’s leadership a couple of weeks ago.

Where is God calling you to take a risk? Do you have believers in your life you can bounce the idea off of like Jonathan did with his armor bearer? So often, there are others who will join in if someone will just take the risk. The men who were hiding in the hill country joined in the fight once they saw the Philistines running away.

Braveheart - Robert the Bruce scene - Now tell me, what does that mean to be noble? Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country, but men don't follow titles, they follow courage. Now our people know you. Noble, and common, they respect you. And if you would just lead them to freedom, they'd follow you. And so would I

Story of young boy at our church who has been leading a small group since he was in 5th grade. Going up to strangers at a park and asking them if they want to join his Bible study. They decline and he just says “no problem. If you change your mind, we’ll be right over here.” That’s courage. That’s a young man people are going to follow.

Psalm 20:7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God.

It may seem like a risk, but when God is moving and has called us to step out in faith, the real risk is not doing it. It keeps us from seeing him at work. It robs us of that faith milestone where we get to see him do something God-sized.

Principle over Position

Jonathan chose principle over position. Though he was next in line to be king of Israel, he wanted to obey God and he wanted what was best for the nation - even if that meant going against his father and putting his own life in danger.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

David and Jonathan form a tight bond right from the start. They’re both warriors. They’ve both taken risks. God has given them both amazing victories.

1 Samuel 19:1-6 Saul now urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. But Jonathan, because of his strong affection for David, 2 told him what his father was planning. “Tomorrow morning,” he warned him, “you must find a hiding place out in the fields. 3 I’ll ask my father to go out there with me, and I’ll talk to him about you. Then I’ll tell you everything I can find out.”

4 The next morning Jonathan spoke with his father about David, saying many good things about him. “The king must not sin against his servant David,” Jonathan said. “He’s never done anything to harm you. He has always helped you in any way he could. 5 Have you forgotten about the time he risked his life to kill the Philistine giant and how the Lord brought a great victory to all Israel as a result? You were certainly happy about it then. Why should you murder an innocent man like David? There is no reason for it at all!”

6 So Saul listened to Jonathan and vowed, “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed.”

Jonathan stood to be the next King of Israel. David was a threat to that position. The people were already singing songs that Saul had slain thousands and David tens of thousands.

Jonathan acted as a peacemaker between David and Saul and had some momentary success. That is a role that we’re called to as leaders - peacemakers. We should take the initiative to help relationships be reconciled. Families, organizations, teams all function better when relationships are healthy.

Jonathan reprimands the king. Even though it is his father, that still carries risk. Saul could have had him killed.

1 Samuel 20:30-34 Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan. “You stupid son of a whore!”[d] he swore at him. “Do you think I don’t know that you want him to be king in your place, shaming yourself and your mother? 31 As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!”

32 “But why should he be put to death?” Jonathan asked his father. “What has he done?” 33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.

34 Jonathan left the table in fierce anger and refused to eat on that second day of the festival, for he was crushed by his father’s shameful behavior toward David.

Jonathan’s loyalty and doing the right thing put him in physical danger. It caused a tear in his relationship with his father. Jonathan was willing to do the right thing even when it came at a great personal cost.

When Jonathan reports to David that Saul still intends to kill him he says, “May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father.” Jonathan recognizes God’s plan. He doesn’t try to fight against it even though it means he will not be king. Great leaders put the needs of those they’re leading above their own.

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Most of us aren’t going to be called to take the kind of risks Jonathan took but we will be called to take risks and step out in faith. We need to be looking for opportunities to earn trust from those we lead. Effectively communicating is one very practical way we can do that and not asking them to do something we aren’t willing to do is another.

Intro

We’re going to look at a leader today who had big shoes to fill. Maybe you can relate to that. Joshua was stepping in for Moses. The man who led Israel out of Egypt and was the mediator between the people and Almighty God. I can only imagine the pressure he must have felt as he stepped into that role. Maybe you have a father-in-law that is a spiritual giant and you feel like you’ll never live up as you try to lead your family. Maybe in the corporate world, you’ve just stepped into a new position and you have big shoes to fill. Whatever it is, I think there are some lessons we can learn today that will help you and encourage you.

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In the Face of Adversity

Joshua focused on the character and power of God not the circumstances around him. He knew God would deliver on his promises. Godly leaders stand on God’s truth in the face of adversity.

Numbers 14:5-12 Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel. 6 Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle.[a] 11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? 12 I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!”

Set context for the scene. Moses had sent out twelve spies to scout out the promised land.

Only Joshua and Caleb want to move forward and take the promised land. Talk about harsh criticism - the rest of the people wanted to stone them. Stone them! Now that’s a high pressure situation.

Story of students who left the classroom and all of the other students were clued in to answer incorrectly to a specific question. By the end of it the vast majority of the students who were out of the room just followed along with the crowd.

Joshua and Caleb knew God was on their side. They weren’t the underdogs. The other nations didn’t stand a chance. Always bugs me when people call the story of David and Goliath an underdog story. David wasn’t the underdog. The Lord God Almighty was fighting with him. Goliath was the underdog and he got smoked.

Do you know God’s promises? The only reason Joshua and Caleb weren’t suicidal maniacs is they knew God had promised they would inherit the land.

His promise to never leave you or forsake you.

His promise to forgive our sins when we confess them.

His promise to work all things out for our good.

Side note: We can’t hold God to promises he never made - prosperity gospel

We need to stand when everyone around us is critical. I’ve come to grips with the fact that there could be a time in my life when I go to prison for speaking God’s truth. I hope that’s not the case. I don’t know what God has in store for our nation. But if something doesn’t change, I can see myself being accused of hate speech when I teach what God’s Word says about marriage, the sanctity of life, transgenderism, etc.

Not allowing sleepovers for our kids, canceling cable - not saying God has put that conviction on everyone and not judging, but for us, we knew it was something God had called us to do and we took quite a bit of teasing and flak from...

Intro

Leading well is something every man should desire to do. God took a reluctant leader in Moses and used him to bring the entire nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt.

We’re starting a new series today on the podcast and the focus is going to be on leadership. We’re going to be looking at several characters from the Bible and lessons we can learn from them about leading well. I know some of you may be tempted to tune out. You might think, “I’m not a leader.” Maybe you’re an introvert or maybe you would say you’re socially awkward or not an effective communicator. If that describes you, please stick around. I think the Bible would challenge that attitude. We’re going to kick off this series by looking at Moses. And though we’re calling it “Lead like Moses”, we’re going to start by learning from some of Moses’ mistakes so that we don’t repeat them. Moses shows us that we can grow in our leadership and early failures don't mean God can't use us. If you define leadership as simply getting others to go where you want them to go, Moses had to be one of the greatest leaders of all time.

Moses: Overcoming reluctance

Joshua: Sticking to it

Jonathan: Earning trust

Jesus: Serving humbly

Calling All Men

God can use anyone, regardless of your past. God isn’t calling all of us to lead large groups of people, but he is calling all of us to lead our families if we’re married, and lead at least one other person in discipleship.

Exodus 2:11-12 Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.

Background on Moses’ birth, cultural context of israelites after the time of Joseph.

I don’t know what mistakes you’ve made in life, but I would imagine they fall short of murdering someone. God still had a plan to use Moses.

Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

Paul recognizes that one of the spiritual gifts is leadership. He says, “If” God has given you leadership. That implies that not everyone has that spiritual gift. Not everyone is called to lead large groups of people. But, if we do have it, we need to take the responsibility seriously. How many men are recognized as leaders in their community or in their profession, but fail to lead at home? They fail to lead in their church. If you sense God has given you the gift of leadership, exercise that gift. Doesn’t mean we base leadership positions in the church using the same criteria the world uses. God judges the heart. The world looks at the outward appearance.

This is one of the reasons I’m in ministry. I’ve always been what I could call a reluctant leader. Captain of the football team in high school, even though I wasn’t the most gifted player, president of the show choir in high school even though I wasn’t the most gifted singer, led small groups by default, recruiting and led 1800 sales professionals in previous career and yet, if it was up to me, I’d stay in the shadows. I was challenged by Christian men who recognized I had the gift of leadership to take the responsibility seriously.

Ephesians 5:23-34 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

Though we’re not all called to lead large groups of people, all men are called to lead in the home if you’re married. All men are called to lead at least one other person in...

We’re tackling a subject today that our granddads never really dealt with, our dads most likely didn’t deal with it, but it seems to be in our face and in the faces of our children on a daily basis - and that is the issue of gender. Are there two genders? Is gender just a social construct? Can I change my gender if I feel like I’m not really the gender that I was born as? These are questions that no one was even asking just a few decades ago.

Find more resources at www.pursueGOD.org/men.

Email us: podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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We look to God and his Word in all that we do. So what does God’s Word have to say about gender? 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. - His Word is useful. It corrects us when we’re wrong, and there are a lot of people who are wrong on this issue of gender.

In the beginning, God created them male and female. This was before the fall and God said it was very good. The differences between male and female should be celebrated, not diminished.

Genesis 1:27-28 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

God’s design, his perfect design, was two genders; male and female. This was his original, perfect plan. Both are created in the image of God. Both have immeasurable worth and value. They are of equal worth and dignity, but they are not the same. They complement one another. Eve is described as Adam’s help mate. The differences between male and female are good. They are for our benefit. They should be celebrated, not diminished.

God’s command to be fruitful and multiply could only be carried out because of the two distinct genders and their roles in procreation.

Genesis 1:31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

When God looked over the creation earlier in the creation story, it was good at the end of each day. It wasn’t until God created humankind that it was very good! The differences between male and female are part of what made it very good!

I’m so thankful women aren’t exactly like men. I can guarantee you my kids are thankful. Their mom brings strengths to our family as a result of her femininity that I don’t have. And my wife is kind of a tomboy. That’s probably a politically incorrect term nowadays. She rides motorcycles. She’d rather wear pants than a dress. She likes shooting guns. But she still brings a nurturing, a compassion, and an empathy that I lack. I know some of that is more personality related than gender, but not all of it. Studies show that, on average, women are more nurturing than men. Women are more compassionate than men. They typically have more empathy.

Genesis 6:17-21 Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. 20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive.

The flood was sort of the great reset and once again, we see the importance of male and female - Noah and his sons and their wives, male and female from each kind of animal.

The reality is if you put 50...

Where we talk about the final module for The Pursuit... and how you, too, can make disciples who make disciples. Find it at pursueGOD.org/go.

Where we walk through topics 7 through 9 in the 12-part series called The Pursuit. This is a fast track overview of the third module of the flagship discipleship track at pursueGOD.org/go.

Where we walk through topics 4 through 6 in the 12-part series called The Pursuit. This is a fast track overview of the second module of the flagship discipleship track at pursueGOD.org/go.

Where we walk through the first three topics in the 12-part series called The Pursuit. This is a fast track overview of the first module of the flagship discipleship track at pursueGOD.org/go.

Excerpt: Many small group leaders must deal with people who dominate the discussion during a meeting. Here are a few tips for dealing with a dominator.

Hook/Intro:So what’s the problem?* A common problem many small group leaders face is dealing with people who dominate the discussion time during the meeting. * Dominators like to contribute their insights early and often to every question. * They often speak up before others have a chance to say anything and often give long rambling answers to questions. * There is a limited time available for each question and dominators tend to take up most of the time with their own contributions rather than allowing others in the group to participate. * When denominators are allowed to continue unchecked in a small group setting it will likely lead less vocal people to check out, become passive or eventually leave the group in frustration. * If you let a dominator go unchecked, people will become discouraged. Eventually they will drop out of the group. Worse than that, they won’t be able to process the truth together with the group and their pursuit of God will be stunted. * Before you were leading your own small group, have you experienced a SGD as a member of a group? Explain. How did it make you feel? * Have you ever been in a small group where the host was the dominator? Be sure as a host you’re not dominating the conversation

So what’s the solution?Set discussion ground rules

At the outset of your group make sure to set up the expectation that you want lots of participation from everyone in the group which means giving everyone an opportunity to share. You can speak directly to the issue of conversation domination before it becomes an issue so that everyone is aware.
As the group continues, remind people occasionally at the beginning of each meeting’s discussion time of the importance of everyone participating and not having one person speak too much.
If domination becomes an issue, say at the beginning of each meeting something like “I want to make sure everyone has a chance to talk tonight, so let’s give everyone an opportunity to share before anyone speaks twice.” When this encouragement is given broadly to everyone it helps the dominator not feel singled out or offended but hopefully to understand the issue.
Transition: Easier said than done b/c if this worked we would not be having this discussion. =)
In tougher situations, I will make myself available for a small, quiet side conversation in the moment, while Rich continues to lead the group. I do my best to wrap up quickly with something like “let’s dig more into this later” and then rejoin the larger group conversation with the dominator.

Use gentle correction and/or humor

If a dominator hasn’t picked up on the ground rules, sometimes using more direct tactics can be necessary during the discussion.
If you need to address the dominator directly during the meeting, it can be done so gently, casually and using light-hearted humor.
You could say something like “Now, I want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to respond, so who else has a thought?” or “Okay, Bill has already used up his answer allowance for this week, so someone else needs to step up.”
Talk about some personal examples you have experienced as a leader or member of a group…
Other ideas?
In our group now, we like to choose at least one question where we ask everyone to answer. Usually an easy question early in the conversation about “what jumped out at you about this topic” or “how did you most relate to this message”. We have found if we begin with getting everyone talking, it is easier to keep everyone talking.

A few more tricks up the sleeve

Call on specific people

If a dominator is usually quick to answer a question first, you can try calling on specific people by name to answer a question.
After asking a question say something like “John, what do you think about this one,” or “Let’s hear from one of the ladies (opposite gender of dominator) on this one.”
Has anyone had success with this? Talk about it.
Kills two birds w/ one stone i.e. challenges your silent types to chime in.

Use body language

Often a dominator will look to make eye contact with the leader during the discussion and as soon as they lock eyes they will start speaking.
A simple tip is to look the opposite way of the dominator when asking a question and try to avoid direct eye contact.
Another effective method is to try and sit right next to the dominator during the discussion which makes it much more difficult for him/her to make eye contact with you and begin speaking.
Talk about a situation where you have tried this… was it effective?
Before we move on to the last straw, does anyone have other creative solutions they have tried or even thought about trying? Talk about it.
I’ve been in some larger small groups where we have broken up into smaller groups for portions of the group, this can allow the dominator to be grouped with some of the stronger people who don’t mind speaking up along with or even over them sometimes. And then allows some of the quieter folks a chance to share in a smaller setting.
For the people in a group who are quieter or more reluctant to share, I do my best to encourage them and praise them any time they do share! If we can cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe and confident to share, we can shut down a dominator before they even have a chance to make an issue.

The last straw

Talk to the dominator privately

Sometimes if a dominator fails to pick up on all the clues you’ve given as the leader it may be necessary to talk to them privately about the issue.
When you talk to them, give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they’re simply not aware of their pattern rather than sounding accusatory.
Encourage them that you appreciate their participation and eagerness to to share but remind them of the importance of giving everyone an opportunity to participate.
Assure them that you don’t want them to stop participating, but give them some guidelines like letting others share first, limiting their responses to one minute or less or waiting until you make eye contact with them to share.
Maybe the dominator does not get a lot of opportunity to share about their faith outside of small group. If possible, make time to meet with them for coffee, or have them over for dinner, or even just call or text them during the week.. If you can provide and encourage an additional outlet, maybe they will naturally have less to say during small group, because some of it will already have been said.

Close

So don’t let one dominator derail your group and peoples pursuit of God! Develop the courage and skill to deal with the dominator! With some leadership from you, your dominator can quickly move from a liability to an asset for your small group!

Ready to make disciples with the tools at pursueGOD.org? Remember these five important essentials, and then go out and start helping people pursue God!

Commit to a real relationship. Discipleship is relationship, and none of this matters if you don’t care about the person you’re mentoring. John 15:12-17
Share the right truth at the right time. Pay attention to the kinds of topics that they need to talk about, and don’t cram your favorite conversations down their throats. Luke 12:12, 1 Corinthians 2:14
Just do your part, not God’s. You can’t make someone else pursue God; just walk alongside them and keep showing up, even if they don’t! Acts 8:29
Point it all to Jesus. Remember, you’re not just helping someone become a better person; you’re helping them meet Jesus.
Pray, pray, pray. Keep a prayer journal and make a habit of praying for the people you are mentoring – and let them know you’re doing it.

If you’re a Christian, Jesus wants you to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). But how do you do it? Where do you start? PursueGOD offers a simple approach, modeled after Jesus’ own ministry. He discipled his followers through everyday conversations, helping them discover truth by asking questions and providing answers.

PursueGOD disciple-making works the same way. If you can have a conversation, you can make a disciple. The process works in three simple steps....

Small group leaders are awesome. They’re the most important people in any local church. They have a big job with many tasks, but there’s one task that surpasses them all. The greatest thing a small group leader can do is give their job away. Here’s why that matters.

It matures other people“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Remember that we grow mature by helping others pursue God. That’s why small group leaders are the most mature people in the room. But if you want to help others mature, you need to give away responsibility. Let them co-lead the group. Train them how. Encourage them to mentor people outside the group and at home. Teach them how to do what you do so they, too, can grow mature.

From the first small group Rich and I were in it was easy to see the ways in which it would serve and help to mature us as Christians. Proverbs 27 has the famous verse about iron sharpening iron. Small groups are exactly the place where those sort of “sharpening” relationships happen and grow. It brings the bible and our faith into a public part of our life on a day and time other than Sunday morning.

It helps you stay saneExodus 18:14 (NLT) When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”

Exodus 18:17-18 (NLT) “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

Leading a group well is fun and exciting. That’s why it’s tempting to hoard your power and make people dependent upon you. Many small group leaders (and even pastors) want to be the superstar. According to Jesus, that’s crazy. He created his church to work like a body with many interdependent parts. So it will drive you insane trying to shepherd everyone around you. Quit it. Share the ministry with as many people as possible.

In 1 Corinthians 12 we read about all Christians being part of one body. It would be crazy to believe that you alone could even begin to do the work of the entire body. All of us are gifted, and all in different ways. It is important to the health and growth of the church that everyone be matured and empowered to use their gifts. The spiritual growth of an entire church is a heavy burden to bear. But that weight lightens significantly each time we reproduce ourselves as small group leaders!

It empowers the next generation“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬

Everybody dies. If small group leaders don’t equip others, their gift dies with them. That’s why Jesus was so intent on equipping and empowering his disciples to carry on his work. He even came back from the dead and put on a seminar for them. You won’t be able to do that, so you’ll have to train people while you’re alive. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Jesus set the example for this. He chose a group of 12. He spent time in close relationship with them, teaching and praying and being prayed for. And then, in no uncertain terms, he sent them out into the world to continue the work of sharing the Gospel.

Even before Jesus we see examples of leadership in Small Groups. Noah and his family – finding favor with God in a wicked world, being placed in a boat to survive the flood and begin again once the earth had been wiped clean. Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah – they prayed for and encouraged one another while exiled and serving in Babylon.

If you want to thrive as a small group leader, give your job away.

Practical advice:

Invite purposefully
Let someone open or close in prayer
Let someone host the group at their home
Let someone lead the conversation

“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT

Get Phil's book "Saving Eutychus: How to preach God's word and keep people awake"

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Talk about it: www.pursueGODnetwork.org/pastors

Talk about it: https://www.pursuegodnetwork.org/create-a-culture-of-prayer-from-the-stage/

Talk about it: www.pursueGODnetwork.org/pastors

Talk about it: https://www.pursuegodnetwork.org/making-the-handoff/

Talk about it: https://www.pursuegodnetwork.org/discipleship-culture-envisioning-a-new-kind-of-church/

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Talk about it: https://www.pursuegodnetwork.org/how-to-recruit-for-ministry-teams/

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This is part 4 in our series on the minor prophets.

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Preach!

This is part 2 of our series on the minor prophets.

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Most people think there are many ways to get to heaven. Jesus, however, shows us that there is only one way to heaven: through him.

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Hell is real and God doesn’t want you to go there.

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Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/too-casual

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/too-casual

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/too-casual

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/too-casual

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/too-casual

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Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/sermons

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/sermons

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/sermons

Find more at pursuegodnetwork.org/sermons

Find resources for this sermon at pursueGODnetwork.org/sermons.