Section 3: Fathers

In a general fashion, this is a review session and will simply lay out for the us the theological underpinnings for any ministry, especially a discipleship ministry. Participants in the seminar will have a chance to rewrite or affirm this theological statement. Theological Foundations

Spiritual Fathers who are burned out, have lost the zest for ministry; they ‘go through the motions’ day after day; but with little joy, and with greatly reduced capability for effective service. The sad part of this is that leaders who burn out are among our most dedicated people. The hopeful part is that burnout...

What are some of the specific character qualities we can deduce from Scripture that all disciples/leaders should have growing in their lives? When a leader is described, the tendency is to look at the outward appearances, actions, or gifts. It is interesting to note, however, that outward manifestations are rarely, if ever, mentioned in choosing...

It is constructive to remember those who have influenced us; those who have lived through testings and trials. The Jewish people were called to remember the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. It is likewise appropriate for us to remember our leaders as well. We might be tempted to drift or to return to our...

This session gives us an essential truth for leadership and that is, the heart and ministry of a leader are inseparable. If we intend to be effective and reflect the lordship of Christ in our leadership, then we need to constantly remind ourselves of the relationship between these two. To put it another way: what...

When Paul writes his first letter to his young associate, Timothy, he wants to spell out how people should behave in the church and he wants to speak a word to Timothy himself. In this situation, he is going to tell Timothy that at a time like this, he had better get back to fundamentals;...

What is the job description of a spiritual leader? I’m sure we could compile quite a list of expectations. In I Thessalonians 1 & 2, we have an example of Paul’s heart and ministry modeled and described. It is an amazing story and example for us. This passage tells us why the Thessalonians stayed true...

The key question to ask and answer for all of us is, “How can I finish well?” Supplemental to this question are the related ones: “Who did not finish well?” “Why did they not finish well?” The writer of Hebrews is in effect saying, “Don’t give up too soon; don’t relax before the tape; don’t...

See also our Special Section on Burnout Expository Preaching (Riveted and Relevant). Being riveted to Scripture, and at the same time being relevant to our times is the balance needed for expository preaching. This seminar will focus on a number of key ingredients that are central to the expository process, and lead to pertinent steps of...

Section four contains lessons for those who have developed in their spiritual lives so that they are now recognized as Spiritual Fathers. The characteristic John used to describe those who have grown to this extent is repeated in two places in I John 2: 13] “I write to you, fathers, because you have known him...