Date

Reading Assignments

Class Paper Assignments (Choose one of two suggestions)

28 JAN 10

None

None

4FEB 10

Wilkes, pp. 1-58

1. Complete the statement, “God called me to ___________. (p. 20)
2. Summarize your understanding of the first principle of servant leadership. List three ways you can apply this principle to your leadership issues this week. “Principle #1: Humble your heart” (p. 25)

11FEB 10

Wilkes, pp. 59-120

1. How are you like James and John? In what ways are you not like these two position seekers?
2. Respond to, “Please remember that what Jesus teaches about greatness and leadership cannot be expected of leaders who do not embrace Jesus as their final authority.” (p. 109)

18 FEB 10

Wilkes, pp. 121-176

1. Respond to, “We need to keep in mind an important distinction: Natural giftedness for leadership is not the same as spiritual giftedness for leadership.” (p. 138)
2. Respond to, “Leaders falter in the face of challenge when they do not have or fully understand the mission.” (p. 165)

25 FEB 10

Wilkes, pp. 177-238

1. Respond to, “These expectations include the person’s spiritual condition – is he fit for the place in which you have encouraged him to serve?” (p. 191)
2. Respond to, “Too many church leaders suffer burnout because they think they are the only ones who can do the job.” (p. 135)

4 MAR 10

Getz, pp. 17-44

1. Respond to, “If we, as local church leaders, are to develop the best possible forms for implementing biblical functions, we must first of all clearly comprehend these functions and understand how they span history and culture.” (p. 30)
2. Respond to, “To be able to differentiate between ‘functions’ and ‘forms’ is to be able to distinguish between what should never change and what should change in order to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (p. 37)

11 MAR 10

Getz, pp. 45-74

1. Respond to, “James introduced us to the first major responsibility for elders that is described in Scripture – a prayer and healing ministry.” (p. 62)
2. Respond to, “Like the ‘apostles and elders’ in Jerusalem, we too need to dialogue ‘in community’ – asking God for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit so that we can understand God’s marvelous revelation in the Scriptures and learn how to apply what we learn from the Bible in our churches today.” (p. 74)

18 MAR 10

Getz, pp. 75-110

1. Respond to, “Before looking to these qualities specifically, here are two important observations. First, Paul implied that any Christian man could seek this role. There was no special, divine calling associated with this task. Second, the primary criterion for selection and approval was maturity in Jesus Christ.” (p. 96)
2. Respond to, “This generic ‘function’ must be fleshed out in various ways from place to place at different points in time and history.” (p. 103)

25 MAR 10

Getz, pp. 111-146

1. How should first-century practices determine leadership roles for women in twenty-first century churches? (p. 111)
2. Respond to, “’Being forgiven’ and ‘regaining trust’ are separate issues when it comes to moral and ethical failures.” (p. 141)

1 APR 10

No Class

None

8 APR 10

Getz, pp. 147-182

1. Respond to, “All spiritual shepherds need a shepherd, for whatever our position, we never cease to be sheep.” (p. 151)
2. Respond to, “Unfortunately, this interpretation puts divorce in the category of an unpardonable sin, whereas a man could be guilty of murder and still become a spiritual leader . . . .” (p. 165)

15 APR 10

Getz, pp. 183-208

1. Respond to, “Against this historical backdrop, it’s easy to understand why the early church used the term ‘elder’ to identify spiritual leaders.” (p. 185)
2. Answer the question, “Which approach to appointing leaders is correct? It’s clear from the biblical story that there is no specific methodology spelled out for appointing spiritual leaders, either for elders/overseers or deacons.” (p. 208) Which approach do you prefer?

22 APR 10

Getz, pp. 209-236

1. Respond to, “In this unfolding set of references to local church leaders, the overall profile demonstrates that God’s ideal plan was that every local church should be led by more than one elder/overseer.” (p. 211)
2. Respond to, “To delegate responsibilities to people who are not qualified spiritually will not ‘lighten the load’ for spiritual leaders. Rather, it will only complicate their ministry.” (p. 229)

29 APR 10

Getz, pp. 237-285

1. Respond to, “In fact, all it takes is one strong-willed and self-centered elder/overseer to destroy the unity on a church leadership team.” (p. 245)
2. Respond to, “Spiritual leaders in the church should hold each other accountable for their spiritual lives as well as the way they carry out their ministries.” (p. 273)

6 MAY 10

Getz, pp. 287-324

1. Respond to, “The question of whether church government should be led by the congregation or its elders is definitely one of ‘form,’ as the Scriptures do not answer this question definitively and absolutely.” (p. 311)
2. Respond to, “A succession process means that one person is slowly letting go and the other is slowly taking on more.” (p. 320) What do you think about this pastor selection process?

13 MAY 10

Getz, pp. 325-361

1. Describe and evaluate the pastor selection process of your church.
2. Describe and evaluate the deacon selection process of your church.