Released Leaders

What comes to mind when you think of an “ideal” church? Describe that kind of church, even if you’ve never experienced it.

Often, Christians tend to think of the first church in Acts as the ideal church. Certainly they experienced both the Gospel and biblical community in supernatural ways, but read Acts 6:1 together. Now describe the problem that this church was experiencing. (Think specifically about the racial and class divisions that are described.)

Read Acts 6:2-6 together. Notice how the church leadership addressed the problem of a marginalized group falling through the cracks in ministry. Describe what they DID and what they DID NOT do.  

What does this tell you about the diversity of ministries in the local church?

What does this tell you about the spiritual depth of leaders in every kind of ministry— both those who gave food for the body and those who gave food for the soul?

Why is it so critical for a heathy church to multiply leaders for ministry?

Fellowship’s mission statement is “to produce and release spiritual leaders who know and express the authentic Christ to NWA and the world.” And we define a spiritual leader as a “maturing disciple with a ministry focus.” What encourages or inspires you about that definition of leadership? How well do you see yourself in that definition?

Read Acts 6:7. Describe the results of a healthy church that multiplies spiritual leadership continually. What do you think that could mean for your community group or for Fellowship Bentonville?