LESSON SIX - “Servanthood’s Bell-Shaped Curve”

INTRODUCTION:

We’ve now come to the place which demands we see our spiritual life as a journey. In describing our journeys over time, it might be more appropriate to picture multiple bell-shaped curves representing our spiritual journeys.

DIG DEEPER:

* Consider this graphic presentation of our spiritual journey.
What does this portray?

- The most important thing in our Christian walk is that our primary focus / direction is toward the cross of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2:2).
- We are all at different reference points.
- Some are at a place where they are moving away from the cross.

* Is there a correlation between our Christian service and our proximity to the cross?

* Do you agree that our motivations for Christian service get skewed when our eyes are not on the cross?

- It is then that we serve for merit or approval.
- Hear Bill Hybels’ words:

What propels you? What sustains you? If it’s a worship response to the grace and goodness of God in your life, that’s a renewable energy supply that will last. If you’re trying to run on any other kind of fuel, you’re going to get disappointed. And you’re going to run dry. It’s just a matter of time.

* Must read 1 Cor 13

A Proposed Model for Ministry

Worship:
- Through our worship experience, people should be drawn closer to God. Our worship should touch cords that challenge our thinking (head) and touch our heart.

Spiritual Formation:
- Read Heb 5:11-6:1
- How would you describe the progression we need to be making?
- We must create a culture where Christians aspire to be “life-long learners.”
- Do church leaders have an obligation to create a “growth climate” for the spiritual formation of all members?
- At the heart of this approach is the emphasis on developing and nurturing Christian leaders and servants who are passionately using their Biblical knowledge not just for intellectual stimulus, but also to enhance their witness / ministry in our community and around the world. This will demand that a true disciple live out their faith in ministry.

Ministry:
- Paul clearly states that spiritual gifts are given to every Christian in the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7).
- All members should nurture and develop their spiritual gift(s) to be used to expand God’s kingdom (Eph. 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:10).
- Read Eph. 4:11-16. Ministry leaders must recruit, train, and equip (mentor) others to participate in their ministry who possess the gift(s) and have the heart to dedicate themselves to that work.
- In this chapter, Bill Hybels spends considerable time discussing the drain of serving outside of one’s gift area.

* Compare and contrast our individual journeys with the life cycle of a church.

CONCLUSION:

Bill Hybels’ conclusion reads:

If you are properly motivated, serving in your giftedness area, and exercising self-care, then the graph of your servanthood will soar. And that’s what God wants. I can’t impress that on you enough. He wants you to be a joyful, effective, long-term servant of Christ.

And one day you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!”