Who Is A Leader?
In a Small Group we…
Gather with a hope of deeper belonging
Welcome God’s presence
Listen to God’s Word and Voice
Discuss our response to what we hear from God and one another
Pray and Practice Ministry Time
Partner with Christ in tangible acts of service
As Small Group Leaders we share our love and faith in Jesus through modeling…
Hospitality that creates space for curiosity, conversation and belonging-In the original language of the New Testament the word for Hospitality comes from two Greek words: philos which means “friend” and xenos which means “stranger.” The truest expression of hospitality is the ability to be-friend strangers. Becoming a friend to a stranger is almost always fostered when we take interest in another’s story with curiosity to learn. These conversations are not only the place a friendship usually begins it is also the space that belonging within community becomes possible. Remember, Jesus is the best example we have of learning to be-friend strangers and creating a loving community to belong to!
Hunger for growing intimacy with God-We ask that as a leader you simply model your love and faith in Jesus. We do not expect you to be a great teacher, prayer or care-giver. We do want your love, faith and life to be an example to others of your hunger for God’s presence and instruction in your life. We desire that your love and faith as an individual and within the life of the church be a model to your Small Group. Remember to model the intimacy that comes from your “first love” in Jesus!
Leadership that listens first, serves and reconciles relationships- Leadership that models the attitude of humility of Jesus-not only looking to personal interest, but also the interest of others is our hope. We ask that our leaders model servant leadership that seeks to honor the healing process of restoring relationships. Our expectation is that leaders seek the peace, harmony and unity that the presence of Christ brings. Remember that where two or three are gathered in His name Jesus is present!
Commitment to grow with and promote harmony within the church-As a leader we ask that you not only seek to live out the mission and values of VC, but also help the members of your Small Group to participate in the life of the church. If conflict or disagreement with the mission or members of the church comes to fruition within your group we ask for a commitment to promote harmony with the church and its leadership. Remember, Jesus ministry was full of both of grace and truth.
Faith that takes risks of practicing compassion, service and love-When we look to Jesus ministry we find that his love was full of action toward others. Jesus teaches us compassion as he sees each of us worthy of love. Jesus taught and modeled sacrificial serving of one another’s needs that was radically generous. We ask that as Small Group leaders you take risks of faith to follow Jesus in loving and serving others. Jesus is always running ahead of us to love others.