Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John 14:21
As a small group leader at River, we want to be leaders who Communicate Biblical Beliefs, Celebrate Biblical Values, and Demonstrate Biblical Behavior
Communicate Biblical Beliefs
What the Christ-centered leader believes and teaches must align accurately with what Scripture says. Leading God’s people towards God’s purposes requires that the leader understand adequately and accurately what God has said in his Word. The leader must not lead based on opinion, emotion, or passing trends but rather on the principles and patterns outlined in Scripture.
Celebrate Biblical Values
What we believe to be true must shape what we hold to be most valuable. For instance if we believe that God’s word is true when it says God treasures people then we too must learn what it means to treasure people in our hearts and lives. If in our hearts we value money and possessions more than people then there is a disconnect in our states beliefs and our actual values. We celebrate biblical values by “making much” of people who serve others rather than people who have talent or certain types of personalities. We celebrate Biblical values by investing in emerging leaders based on their faithfulness not merely their giftedness. Ultimately we demonstrate what is most valuable to us by what we most consistently do.
Demonstrate Biblical Behaviors
What we really believe and value will show up in our behavior. If we truly believe and treasure what God has said then we will live a life that is increasingly in line with the life of Christ. As Christ-centered leaders it is important that what we teach is Biblical but it is vital that we live Biblical lives. Ultimately modeling Christ-like character is what will be most impactful in the lives of the people we lead.
Leader’s Lifestyle
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John 14:21
A small group leader at River is someone who Communicates Biblical Beliefs, Celebrates Biblical Values, and Demonstrates Biblical Behavior
Communicate Biblical Beliefs
What the Christ-centered leader believes and teaches must align accurately with what Scripture says. Leading God's people towards God's purposes requires that the leader understand adequately and accurately what God has said in his Word. The leader must not lead based on opinion, emotion, or passing trends but rather on the principles and patterns outlined in Scripture.
Celebrate Biblical Values
What we believe to be true must shape what we hold to be most valuable. For instance if we believe that God's word is true when it says God treasures people then we too must learn what it means to treasure people in our hearts and lives. If in our hearts we value money and possessions more than people then there is a disconnect in our states beliefs and our actual values. We celebrate biblical values by "making much" of people who serve others rather than people who have talent or certain types of personalities. We celebrate Biblical values by investing in emerging leaders based on their faithfulness not merely their giftedness. Ultimately we demonstrate what is most valuable to us by what we most consistently do.
Demonstrate Biblical Behavior
What we really believe and value will show up in our behavior. If we truly believe and treasure what God has said then we will live a life that is increasingly in line with the life of Christ. As Christ-centered leaders it is important that what we teach is Biblical but it is vital that we live Biblical lives. Ultimately modeling Christ-like character is what will be most impactful in the lives of the people we lead.
Leader’s Responsibilities
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
The four main responsibilities of the small group leader at River are: Mentoring, Member Care, Missions, and Meetings. This may seem complex but it really isn’t and no special gifting or expertise is necessary to be successful in these things.
Mentoring
Lead in the development of emerging leaders through life on life investment .
Member Care
Lead in loving one another.
Mission
Lead in Evangelism and Discipleship.
Meeting
Lead meetings that develop leaders and full-time followers of Christ.