Resources

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INDIVIDUAL TRAINING GUIDE FOR EQUIPPING LEADERS

A Transferable, One-Year Plan

BASICS
– As you receive and share this training for ministry and for daily Christian living, be aware that these subjects are simple “basics”. The purpose of this training is to get you started. The intent is not in-depth studies, but to acquaint you with basic areas of ministry you will frequently use. Fruitful ministry will involve life-long learning. In the years ahead, you will increase in your depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in each of these “basics”.
TRANSFERABLE
– This approach is intentionally simple. These uncomplicated encounters with the basics will make “transfer” to other potential leaders a joyful ministry of multiplication for the rest of your life (and hopefully theirs also). And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)
APPLICATION
– The New Testament illustrates that ideal training is offered OTJ (on-the-job) and JIT (just in time). Application via active ministry assignments will greatly enhance leadership development. Be mindful that it is permissible to alter the order of the subjects presented in this Guide to meet felt needs as they arise. This may often be advisable.
CATEGORY

WEEK/TOPIC SCRIPTURES

(*) Key Passages

TRAINING SUGGESTIONS NOTES

1. Assurance of Salvationnt upon Christ and the reliability of His Word alone, not upon feelings.
ict over Sin32:5, 11bits through faithfulness to the promises of Scripture and obedience to Christ’s ways.

3.Daily Walk/Quiet Time

Psalm 5:3, 119:18, 97, Proverbs 8:34,

Relate the importance of a personal quiet time of prayer and Bible study daily and commit to mutual accountability.
*1 John 5::11--13, John 20:31, Rom. 8:16, Heb. 13:5, Rev. 3:20*I Cor. 10:13, 1 John 1:9, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16-23, 1 John 2:15-16, James 4:7-8*Mark 1:35, 3:14
FIRST STEPS

4. Fellowship

Talk about the necessity of fellowship with others in the body of Christ and the resulting fulfillment, support, protection, and joy it brings.

5. Bible Basics

Psalm 19:7-11,

Share the meaning of “inspiration” and discuss the authority of Scripture. Consider an overview of translations, concordances, and study Bibles.

6. Reading and Studying God’s Word

Deut. 17:19,

Point out the importance of a Bible reading plan and simple journaling of insights. Recommend a simple plan for daily use.

7.Memorizing and Meditating on God’s Word

Deut. 6:6-7, Ps. 1,

Show how important Scripture meditation is and how verse memorization is its essential foundation. Plan together to memorize some of the key verses in this Guide.
*Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:3,7*Ps. 119:105, 160, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21*Joshua. 1:8, Proverbs 2:1-5, 1 Tim. 4:13, 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 2:2, Rev. 1:3*Psalm 119:11, Jer. 15:16, Matthew 4:4, Philippians 4:8
THE BIBLE

8. God’s Word Applied

Psalm 119:56,60, Luke 6:46-49, John 2:5, 2 Tim. 3:16-17,
*James 1:22-25
Aim to communicate that consistent, daily living based upon God’s Word is fundamental to the believer’s growth.

9. Obedience/ Lordship

1 Sam. 15:22, Luke 6:46, 9:23, John 13:17; 14:23, 15:10, 14,
*Romans 12:1-2
Unsurrendered areas need to be discerned and submitted to Christ if He is to truly be Lord.

10. The Holy Spirit

*John 14:16-17, 16:7-14

Explore who the Holy Spirit is and how He helps us daily in living for Christ.

11. Prayer

Matt. 6:6-8, 7:7, Phil. 4:6-7, James 1:5-8,

Instruct simply in practical matters related to private and public prayer. Encourage the use of a list and sharing answers to prayer.

12. A Testimony

Luke 8:38-39, John 4:39, 9:17-25, Acts 4:20, 26:1-28,
, Rom. 8:5-6, 8:16-17, 26-27, 1 Cor. 12:13-14, Gal. 5:22-23, Eph. 5:18*James 5:16, 1 Thess. 5:16-18*1 Peter 3:15
Develop both a one-minute and a fiveminute testimony. Keep these concise and include Scripture.

13. Witnessing

Prov. 11:30, Matt. 28:19-20, Luke 19:10, John 4:1-42, Acts 1:8, 5:42, 8:4, 26-35,

Make a list of family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who need Christ. Pray for opportunities to share Jesus with each. Consider witnessing together.

14. Faith

2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 2:8-9, 6:16,
*Romans 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:3-4*Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, 13
Discuss what it means to “walk by faith” and how this affects decision-making for us.

15. Love

John 3:16,

Consider need-meeting, sacrificial love as a command and an act of worship. Plan ways to serve unselfishly in Christ’s love alone.

16. Forgiveness

Psalm 32:1-5, 103:10-12, Matt. 5:23-24, 18:15, Col. 2:13-14,
*John 13:34-35, 15:13, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, Phil 2:1-11, 1 John 3:17-18, 4:7-21*1 John 1:9
Explain the place of confession and restitution in true forgiveness and discuss the resulting joy.

17. Giving/Personal Finances

Proverbs 3:9-10, 27, 11:24-25, Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, 2 Cor. 8:9,

Our personal giving plan reflects our true beliefs about faith and Christ’s lordship. Share how giving becomes an act of trust and obedience and a witness to God’s provision. Discuss a budget and indebtedness.

18. The Tongue

Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 18:6-7, Proverbs 26:20-22,

Share helps you have discovered for developing tongue control. Be honest – commit to a mutual accountability plan, if this will help.

19. The Will of God

Psalm 37:4-5, 119:105, 143:10, Prov. 15:22, 20:18, 24:6, John 4:34, Romans 12:1-2,

Explain how to use Biblical principles to discover God’s Will regarding life issues – small and large.

20. Satan

Isaiah 14:12-15, John 8:44, 2 Cor. 4:3-4, 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10-18,
*2 Cor. 9:6-8, Romans 13:8*Eph. 4:29, Colossians 4:6, James 1:26, James 3:1-12*Eph. 5:17, 6:6, 1 Thess. 5:18*1 John 4:4
Talk about who Satan really is and how to prepare a defense and an offense against his attacks and how to preclude temptation.

BASIC DISCIPLESHIP

21.Christ’s Second Coming

Matthew 24:36-44, John 14:1-3, Acts 1:8-11,

Explore the undeniable truths about the Second Coming of Christ and how these truths motivate us to live vigilant, holy lives.
*1 Thess. 4:16-18, 1 Thess. 5:1-4, 2 Peter 3:8-10, 1 John. 3:2-3
CATEGORY

WEEK/TOPIC SCRIPTURES

(*) Key Passages

TRAINING SUGGESTIONS NOTES

22. Leading Bible Study

Matt. 28:20, Luke 24:27,32, Acts 28:31,

Explain the development of a prayerbased, teaching plan that is simple, interactive, need-meeting and filled with good, discovery questions. Emphasize a teaching style that is transferable, using your life.

23. Guiding Worship

Ezekiel 3:10-13, Psalm 24:3-6, 29:2, Psalm 95:6-7, 100:1-5, 103:1-4,

Planning corporate worship means facilitating an encounter with God through praise, thanksgiving, prayer, music, and His Word. The result is genuine repentance that brings cleansing and a renewed commitment to Christ and His Will.

24. Baptism

Matt. 28:19, Mark 1:9-11, Acts 2:41-42, 8:35-39, 16:30-33,

Discuss the importance of this obedient testimony. Explore both the method and the symbolic message of death, burial and resurrection.

25. Lord’s Supper

Matt. 26:17-30, Acts 2:42, 46-47,
*1 Thess. 2:8-13, 2 Timothy 2:15, 24-26, Hebrews 4:12*Isaiah 6:1-6, Matt. 18:19-20, John 4:23-24, Hebrews 10:25*Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12*1 Cor. 11:23-29
Share the meaning of this symbolic act and how it shows the fulfillment of God’s Old Testament provision for sin. Explain how to observe this memorial remembrance – frequency and methods.

26. The Church

Probe thoroughly the great privileges and responsibilities that are ours in the local, autonomous body – the church. Discuss people obediently and completely committed to Christ, His Word and each other- using all that they have and are to share the Gospel.
*Acts 2:41-47, 5:11-14, 1 Cor. 3:16, Matt. 18:15-20, Eph. 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 3:20-21, Colossians 1:18, 1 Tim. 3:1-15, 1 Peter 2:5,9
PROCLAIMING

27. Vision/Mission

Matt. 9:35-38,

Consider the three-dimensional call (local, regional, global) of the great commission. Explain every believer’s mandate to be involved in reproduction and multiplication. Discuss praying, giving, and going.

28. Leadership/ Integrity

Matt. 20:26-28, John 13:4-17, Phil. 2:14-15,

Discover God’s standards for leadership. Discuss the effects a servant heart and blameless integrity have on one’s ability to lead others.

29. Use of Time

Psalm 90:4, 10,

After prayerful deliberation about priorities, develop a schedule to help effectively accomplish God’s Will. The schedule is your servant, not your master – use it.

30. Family Life

Deut. 6:1-7, Ps. 78:1-8,

Study these passages and reflect back upon “Leadership” and how home life relationships affect the ability to serve and lead by modeling. (i.e. 1 Tim. 3:5)

31. Care/Shepherding

Ex. 18:13-26, Acts 20:28, 1 Cor. 12:25-26, 2 Cor. 1:4
*Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 10:1-18, 14:15-23, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, Rom. 10:13-17*1 Tim. 3:1-13, Titus 1:6-9, 2:1-8, 1 Peter 2:9-15, 1 Peter 5:1-10*Psalm 90:12, Eph. 5:15-17, Col. 4:5, James 4:13-14*Eph. 5:20-6:4, 1 Peter 3:1-11, John 13:4-17, *1 Peter 5:1-4
Discuss the privilege and joy of shepherding a group. List practical ways of meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

32. Follow-Up Matt. 28:19, Acts 8:26, 11:22-26, Col. 1:28-29, 1 Thess. 2:8, 2 Tim. 1:1-14,

The most effective plan for the maturing of new believers is a personal relationship with a disciple who is willing to invest his life in sharing Biblical insights and a personal example of the abundant life. Consider a new Christian with whom you could share some of the concepts found in the first three categories of this Guide.
*2 Tim 2:2,1 Peter 2:21, 3 John 3-4
LEADING

33. Training Leaders/ Multiplication

Matt 9:38, Luke 10:1-2, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23,

First Century church growth and expansion is still possible when we use First Century methods. God’s plan was never simple addition, but always multiplication – of believers, leaders, and congregations. Point out the importance of a discerning spirit that is aware of potential leaders being called out of God and a willingness to commit personally to equipping them (using this transferable approach) and sending them into new ministries. This type of 2Tim. 2:2 multiplication makes it feasible to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission using only His Word, His Spirit and YOU! No other resources are required.
*1 Thess. 2:8-9, 2 Tim. 2:2, Titus 1:5
COUNSELING

(Weeks 34-36) Every leader will be called upon almost weekly to give advice or counsel and help new believers and seekers answer questions. Consider providing each new leader with a resource that gives Biblical helps for answering the most commonly asked spiritual, moral, and ethical questions. (A list of issues and Scriptures that relate to each often exists in the helps section of most Study or Reference Bibles). Give instruction in counseling basics regarding listening skills, confidentiality,referral, moral/gender cautions, etc.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

(Weeks 37-44) There will be training necessary and unique to the specific ministry involved and/or the targeted people group and their contextual setting. The mentor alone is capable to discern what is most needed including ample times for hands-on,ministry encounters together. Allow up to eight weeks to meet for these specialized needs and skills appropriate to the new leader’s ministry setting and call.

FLEX TIME

(Weeks 45-52) This cushion of unscheduled time allows for unexpected changes in work schedules, holidays, weather-relatedcancellations, family needs, vacations, etc. This flex time also makes it feasible to spend additional time on a given subject for which one week was not sufficient.

Three weeks of Cultivation and Encounters in the Gospel of John

21 DAYS WITH JESUS

A three-week plan to guide interested people to encounter Jesus

in His Word (John) and in weekly cultivative encounters that present the

Gospel. This plan can be conducted with an individual, a couple, or a small group.

4 ENCOUNTER MEETINGS

Held at the beginning of the 21 days and once each following week.

ENCOUNTER 1

Meet and explain the chapter-a-day study of John

and the recording of helpful verses and key thoughts.

READ: John 2:1-11

Read aloud and explain the use of the six “Discovery Questions”.

Encourage interaction and participation as you work through the passage.

EMPHASIS: God knows in detail your every need and will more than

meet them in Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

ENCOUNTER 2

Encourage the sharing of the insights encountered in their reading

of the first seven chapters of John.

READ: John 3:1-18

Read aloud and ask the six “Discovery Questions”.

EMPHASIS: You can start life anew (being “born again”)

by belief in Jesus alone. (2 Cor. 5:17)

ENCOUNTER 3

Encourage the sharing of the insights encountered in their reading

of chapters 8-14 of John.

READ: John 4:1-30, 39-42

Read aloud and ask the six “Discovery Questions”.

EMPHASIS: Jesus’ forgiveness is available to all,

regardless of our past. (1 John 1:9)

ENCOUNTER 4
Encourage the sharing of the insights encountered in their reading of chapters 15-21 of John.
READ: John 6:1-13, 16-21
Read aloud and ask the six “Discovery Questions”.
EMPHASIS: Jesus can calm all your fears and

provide for all you will ever need. (John 2:5 – What is he “saying” to You?)

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS

1. What did you like about the passage you just read?

2. What did you not like about it? What bothered you?

3. What did you not understand about it?

4. What did you learn about God from it?

5. What do you personally need to do about it?

6. What phrase or sentence from the passage would you like to think about this week?

Here is the Daily Bible Reading Plan, just

Click right-click here and choose "save target as" to download a plan to read through the Bible in one year (Adobe Acrobat file).