“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”
1. Be a shepherd! Desire the role, not for personal gain, but because you desire to serve God and people.
2. Be a friend not a boss. Serve people joyfully.
The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3. Be committed to being a good example. That means, love and represent the House of God (the Church) with Godly values of love, forgiveness and faith. Model a consistent Christian life in words and actions.
A leader must be well thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable.
4. Be committed to being a disciple (follower) of Jesus Christ (i.e. have a teachable heart).
5. Be a signpost – pointing people to Jesus and the Word of God. The goal is not to make people dependent on us (our thinking or advice), but on Jesus and His Word.
6. Be inspired and positive as you lead. Speak well over people’s lives. Believe the best for them.
7. Be Word based. Encourage people to make decisions based on God’s Word. Our role is to share principles of God’s Word, but never to make decisions for people.
8. Be excited to be a continual learner.
The 2 Main Roles of a Connect Group Leader
“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”
Pray in the Spirit at all times and in every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Teach
Keys To Being An Inspiring Teacher
A. Able to teach
If you are a teacher, teach well.
B. Teach with authority (spend time with Jesus).
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
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.
C. The goal in teaching is simplicity, not complexity.
We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
D. God helps us become great teachers and coaches.
The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others.
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Pray
Keys To Praying For People
And I always pray for all of you with joy.
- Be Persistent
Pray frequently and with joy
- Be Brief
Prayer doesn’t need to be long or loud, or eloquent – just heart-felt.
- Be Faith-filled
Believe for a great answer to prayer.
- Be Appropriate for the context (usually in a public space).
Touching people during prayer is not necessary, but if you do plan to touch someone, please ask for permission first. Holding hands in a circle every week might feel comfortable for you, but there are many people who don’t enjoy touch, including holding hands.
