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Philosophy of Ministry

Explore key biblical mandates & foundational priorities

We must ask ourselves what do we value? What does the Bible teach concerning good leadership? What philosophy of leadership leads to spiritual growth and development of the individual and the family?

This course will explore key elements which form a biblical philosophy of leadership with specific emphasis application in the local church. Old Testament and New Testament leadership will be examined. Specific topics include servant leadership, plural or collegial leadership, the expression of this leadership in teams, leadership which commissions, and leadership which liberates.

Week One

Week Two

  • Watch Video: Week 2
  • Read:
    • Read and Study Acts 2:42-47 and the article by Steven J. Cole
    • Read Chapter 1 of “Upside Down” and answer the questions on page 25
  • Study Questions:
    • Would you add or eliminate a Mandate? What scripture would you use? Would you change the order I have placed them in? Why?
    • Of the priorates you see practiced in the early church, which are strongest/weakest in your ministry and church?
    • Can we, should we, expect the same results that the first church did?
    • Prepare to discuss some of your personal experiences in and under leadership in the church.

Week Three

  • Watch Video: Week 3
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 2 of “Upside Down” and answer the questions on page 25
  • Study Questions:
    • Should a percentage of the church’s budget include ministry to the community or should that be left to the individual or parachurch ministries.
    • What ministries are most needed in your city and community? How can they be encouraged?
    • Do you see the parables of the Kingdom as contamination or impact?
    • Prepare to comment on the declaration from the Manila Manifesto.
    • Does “being all things to all men seem like compromising to you? Why, why not?
    • Can or should we incorporate the strengths of each steam in our ministry?

Week Four

  • Watch Video: Week 4
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 3 and 4 of “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • What authority and power do all believers have?
    • What are the bases of our authority and power in Christ?
    • Have you seen authority without power or vice versa in your ministry or in the church?
    • How can we move more in the power of God? In the Authority of God?

Week Five

  • Watch Video: Week 5
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 5 “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • Where would you say you are weakest regarding submission under the four spheres? Where is the church weakest?
    • How important do you think the operation of the Ministry Gifts is for you and in your church?
    • Where have you seen blessing and/or damage done by Ephesians 4:11 ministry gifts?
    • What do you see as the most important aspects of “measure of rule”?

Week Six

  • Watch Video: Week 6
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 6 “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • Do you think you can improve on how you view control vs influence in your life and ministry? Is the concept of spheres of influence helpful in that regard?
    • Do you feel covenant relationships are important in discipleship? Why, why not?
    • Have you discussed the concept of covenant relationships in your ministry or church? What might the advantages or disadvantages for doing so?

Week Seven

  • Watch Video: Week 7
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 7 “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • Be prepared to discuss listening skills you’ve learned and incorporated in ministry.
    • What would you say is your apology language? What language do you most frequently use with others?
    • What is your philosophy regarding having close friends in the church? With nonbelievers?
    • What process would you use to clarify expectations with co-laborers in the church?
    • What might you do to better prioritize relationships? Or make a deposit in a damaged relationship?

Week Eight

  • Watch Video: Week 8
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 8 “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • Do you agree that embracing conflict is positive and important?
    • How do you think you can improve your conflict resolution skills?
    • Do you feel the church is effective in conflict resolution? Why? Why not?

Week Nine

  • Watch Video: Week 9
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 9 of “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • What role does identity play in servant leadership?
    • What are 3 practical ways you can become more of a servant leader?
    • How can you and your church foster plurality in leadership?

Week Ten

  • Watch Video: Week 10
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 10 of “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • What can you and your church and ministry do to improve on the commission of leaders?
    • How might you and your church be more liberating? How might you be limiting liberty?

Week Eleven

  • Watch Video: Week 11
  • Read:
    • Read Chapter 11 of “Upside Down” and be prepared to dialog about the reflections at the end the chapter.
  • Study Questions:
    • What specific area of ethics philosophy laid out in the lecture might you see as problematic for you or your church?
  • Write:
    • Write a brief outline of your personal philosophy of ministry. (2-3 pages)

Week Twelve

  • Final discussion & Challenge

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