LEADER DEVOTIONAL
When I worked in church ministry, I would often be asked if I was the youth or assistant pastor. Sometimes I would let it go, and at other times I felt compelled to say, “Well, actually I’m the Associate Pastor!” For most people, if not all, it didn’t matter, but for me, it was another step up the church corporate ladder from my days working in a church office and students work. Maybe one day I would have the title of Senior Pastor and all the privileges that came with it, like a bigger salary or even better, a bigger office!
MATTHEW 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When I worked in church ministry, I would often be asked if I was the youth or assistant pastor. Sometimes I would let it go, and at other times I felt compelled to say, “Well, actually I’m the Associate Pastor!” For most people, if not all, it didn’t matter, but for me, it was another step up the church corporate ladder from my days working in a church office and students work. Maybe one day I would have the title of Senior Pastor and all the privileges that came with it, like a bigger salary or even better, a bigger office!
Achieving a high status, having a powerful position, or being given respect are things that the world chases after, but God’s kingdom has a different approach.
READ: Matthew 20:25-28.
What is the context of our story?
The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, has come to Jesus to ask a favour. She wants her two sons to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. What is she really asking for? She is asking that her sons be given high positions in God’s kingdom. This wasn’t done without their knowledge or to their embarrassment either; they came along with her.
How did Jesus respond to this request in v26?
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.”
He reminded the disciples how the world operated. Roman culture was all about status and the authority that you had (see Matthew 8:5-11, John 19:9-11). Yet God’s kingdom was going to be radically different.
What did Jesus say to the disciples in v27?
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave”
Jesus told His disciples that they were not to exercise authority over others. Instead, if you want to become great in the kingdom of Heaven, you must become less - you should become like a servant. The commentator Michael Green wrote,
“Greatness in the world is determined by status; in the kingdom by function. In the world greatness is shown by ruling; in the kingdom by serving.”
A good Christian leader does not worry about their authority, nor are they obsessed with status. A good Christian leader seeks to become like a servant, seeking the benefit of others before themselves. There’s no arrogance, pride, or selfish ambition. This was completely different to the culture at the time, and still is today!
What example does Jesus use to illustrate this in v28?
“even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus wasn’t asking his disciples to do something that he hadn’t been prepared to do himself – instead, he WAS the example for us to follow. The one who had full authority over the entire universe and everything in it, became like his created ones to serve them! Jesus humbled himself and did not seek after earthly glory, but instead, gave himself up for our benefit.
What an example we have been given in Jesus, to lead as servants.
PRAY
Lord God,
Thank you for the example of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. Help me to avoid pride or selfishness and equip me to serve others for their benefit and your glory. Amen.
REFLECT
Do I see my position as a Bible study leader as being one of status, or do I see myself as a servant, helping others to dig into God’s Word?
Cross Reference
For further reading and reflection read Philippians 2:5-8.
ReLaunch Event Report
On Monday 17th August we hosted an online Precept Leaders Get Together - ReLaunch. This was an opportunity to get together to study God’s Word, provide some feedback on groups, and be encouraged as we look to a new autumn term.
RELAUNCH LEADERS EVENT
On Monday 17th August we hosted an online Precept Leaders get together - ReLaunch. This was an opportunity to get together to study God’s Word, provide some feedback on groups, and be encouraged as we look to a new autumn term.
Valerie opened the evening by leading us in a Lightning Study looking at 1 Corinthians 15:17-20, 51-58. One of the key verses in the passage is verse 20:
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Christ has been risen! And we now live to serve a risen Saviour! We were greatly encouraged as we considered this and the implications of Christ’s resurrection and what it means for us now.
Following this, Karen facilitated a discussion around current groups and how they have found it during lockdown. We also discussed plans for the new term with contributions from both current and potential leaders. It was especially good to have contributions and the perspective of leaders serving in the south.
Dave then talked the group through the two options for Bible Study during this time of Covid19: online study, and in real life study. Digital has provided many groups to continue their studies, but we can also make use of meeting in small numbers as restrictions change. Though many may want to wait to start a study group once larger numbers can meet, we should not ignore the value in groups of 2 or 3 people, who can meet in a home or in a café to study together. Dave challenged everyone to consider how they could even encourage one other believer in their study of God’s Word, and the impact that could have.
For those who were new to leading, Dave suggested 3 P’s to help:
Pray - We cover everything we do in prayer, for if God isn’t invited to be part of it, then what’s the point?
Plan - Think about the who to invite, the what to study, the where to meet (online / offline), when to meet, why are we meeting?
Propose - Not for marriage! Propose the study to other people. Invite them to join you as you study God’s Word
Following this, Gavin led the group in a time of prayer, when we were able to commit one another into God’s care and pray for leaders across Ireland.
Overall it was a great evening, and was really good to have leaders from the south of Ireland as well as those who are interested in starting new groups, and we look forward to seeing what God will do across Ireland this term!
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
You can download the Lightning Study we used on the night by clicking the button below.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Precept Leader or want to browse our resources, please use the buttons below.
My Story: Studying the Bible Together in a Digital World
Being a leader in 'normal' times has many challenges. Then with lockdown came the additional challenge of classes no longer able to meet face-to-face. However, with lockdown came a great opportunity. Two leaders share their experience.
Being a leader in 'normal' times has many challenges. Then with lockdown came the additional challenge of classes no longer able to meet face-to-face. However, with lockdown came a great opportunity. An open door inviting (and challenging) us to think of different ways of connecting.
As a ministry it has been so encouraging to see how you as leaders have embraced technology to stay connected with your class and keep studying together.
Two such leaders (among others) are Janet and Margo. Both have adapted to the changed circumstances by moving their classes online. In this edition of 'My Story' we hear from them of the benefits and challenges they have faced in doing so.
We pray that as you hear their story you will be both encouraged and challenged.
Encouraged that God's Word is not bound and that through technology we are reaching more people than ever before.
Challenged to seize the opportunity, whilst physical restrictions on meeting continue, to move your own class online and so help others to continue to know God more deeply through the study of His Word.
Here Janet shares her experience of leading a Precept class during lockdown, and of moving from meeting in person to meeting online.
Dave also had the opportunity to speak to one our Precept leaders Margo in Wexford to hear about her experience of taking her Precept class online.
Dave: Hi Margo. Tell me a bit about the study you were doing with you class.
Margo: We were studying a Precept Upon Precept course, Romans Part 1, and would meet most Fridays.
D: And as lockdown took hold, how did you feel about taking your group online?
M: Going online was necessary for us as we wanted to continue, and there was no alternative for us: the virus kind of mandated it! Thankfully I use it in my job regularly, and so had no qualms about going online. It wasn’t as daunting for me as it may have been for others as I was already familiar with it.
D: That was a blessing for you as a leader, but I suppose for some people it may have been a barrier?
M: There were a couple of hesitations from some in the group. For some, the technical aspect may have presented a challenge. For others, it wasn’t practical for them with a family at home at the same time. Most of the group did however join in, and we got one new person who joined. It meant there were six of us online on a regular basis, usually four out of that number would show up in any given week. The first meeting took a bit of getting used to for the group, but everyone picked it up very quickly. Those who did attend online generally were the ones most comfortable with the technology.
D: How did the study progress?
M: We were able to go at the same pace and enjoyed the banter as normal really – but the biggest thing we noticed was how we missed the closeness of meeting in person. Online can seem a bit cold, and there is a warmth in meeting together. When you can give one another a hug or pray together in person; these were important elements that we really missed.
D: Studying together in person is often such an important part of what makes a Precept study special, and it’s very hard to replicate that online. Were there any other disadvantages from meeting online?
M: You are relying on technology, and sometimes technology isn’t always reliable! A lack of internet connection or disrupted internet was a nuisance. As I mentioned, some people weren’t comfortable with the technology, which means you may lose a couple of regulars from the class.
D: What have been the benefits of studying online?
M: There are some very practical benefits from meeting online, particularly time and travel. There is no setting up tables and cleaning up like you have after a physical meeting. Nobody has to spend time travelling to a group either. We would have some people who may have travelled 20 minutes to our study, and so that barrier is removed.
D: What have you learned from this time of studying online during lockdown?
M: Studying online is a workable alternative to meeting in person. It’s given us another option for being able to study if circumstances mean that we can’t meet in person. Though it’s not my preference, it has given us a substitute way of doing things that can hold us over temporarily when necessary. It has also been a means of connecting with those who have been isolated during lockdown. It has definitely made me more sensitive to how isolation can affect someone when it is enforced and not by choice. It’s really made me appreciate how important face to face contact and church fellowship is!
D: I totally agree and studying online in a group can sometimes be the only contact for those who are isolated, which is wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to share some of your insights with us, and may God continue to bless you and your group as you study God’s Word.
The impact of Covid19 will be felt for quite some time and the future is uncertain, as restrictions may be lifted, and at other times may be reinstated. We would encourage you to consider how you can connect with students online and study the Bible together. If you would like any help with setting up an online study, please contact us.
Face To Face
We are now in the 4th month of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Slowly easing out and carefully moving about. It has been a strange and disturbing time of isolation for us - unable to enjoy the face-to-face contact we previously enjoyed with friends and family.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. - Romans 1:8-12 (ESV)
We are now in the 4th month of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Slowly easing out and carefully moving about. It has been a strange and disturbing time of isolation for us - unable to enjoy the face-to-face contact we previously enjoyed with friends and family.
As leaders of Precept Bible studies, you may not have been able to continue meeting or you may have moved your studies online. It’s good but not the same as being together.
Like Paul, in the first chapter of his letter to the Roman believers, we long to see our friends face to face. Let’s look at his example from the Word of God to see how God can encourage us and help us to endure in these times.
The first thing Paul does is thank God for the faith and witness of the Roman believers. They are living the gospel as God’s servants, just like him. Let’s remember to thank God, first and foremost, for the students in our classes as they witness for Jesus Christ in their everyday lives.
Paul then tells them of his unceasing prayers for them. Shouldn’t we be doing the same?! - lifting each person before God for His will to be done in their lives!
He also prays that, by the will of God, he may be able to see them face to face. What reasons does he give?
- He longs to impart some spiritual gift to them so that they may be strengthened. He wants to spend time looking at God’s Word with them, to hear from God, and so to establish them further in the truth.
- He wants to be encouraged, along with them, by each other’s faith. This is the result of being in fellowship with other believers.
We may have to be isolated from our groups for a while yet, but let us be encouraged to thank God for each other, to unceasingly pray for each other, and to pray that it may be His will that we will be together in fellowship again soon!
REFRESH Event Report
On Monday 1st June we hosted an online Precept Leaders Get Together - REFRESH. An enjoyable evening of giving thanks for God’s faithfulness in song and prayer, sharing experiences and encouraging each other as we move forward.
REFRESH LEADERS EVENT
On Monday 1st June we hosted an online Precept Leaders Get Together - REFRESH. An enjoyable evening of giving thanks for God’s faithfulness in song and prayer, sharing experiences and encouraging each other as we move forward.
We started our time by focusing on Jeremiah 9:23-24 where we learn our boasting is in knowing the Lord who delights in showing steadfast love, justice and righteousness. The rebranding of Precept in April has provided a new strapline which fits in perfectly with these verses - Know God Deeply, Live Differently.
We were updated on Precept Ireland as a ministry and how God has been blessing and moulding us to meet the needs of the times we are living through. We have been busy! We value prayer for the way ahead and acknowledge that God alone knows how that will be!
Being a leader in normal times has many challenges and the last few months have been far from routine as many classes have moved online. We looked specifically at important things to consider and obstacles to navigate and, while this has had its difficulties, it has opened a whole new world, reaching more people than ever before! We are so encouraged by how many have found new ways to keep in touch with their students and to continue to meet around the Word of God.
It would not be a Precept meeting without engaging with God in His Word! Our focus was a short study from Joshua 1 called “Taking New Ground with God” which encouraged us to focus and move forward with strength and courage in the promises of the LORD! We did this by breaking into small groups on Zoom to facilitate more discussion and interaction. It was lovely to have fellowship with a few people, even for a short time.
Our evening finished with time to pray together and praise God in song. We look forward to a future time when we will be able to meet in person and share a cup of tea and some food together!
You can download the study we used on the night by clicking the ‘Taking New Ground With God’ button below. We will also be running online leader training this month on Saturday 27th June. To find out more about this click the Leader Training button below.