Goal and Vision of the Leader's Role

6. Showing Care to People

To care for people means to give them attention, to be concerned or interested, to help if possible.

A good shepherd takes good care of the sheep. Sheep are not very smart animals. A shepherd has to know their needs and lead them to eat and drink in time. Sometimes sheep will be found dehydrated on the banks of a river - they even need help to start drinking!

People are not always aware of their spiritual needs. Let people get a taste of the good things of the Lord as you facilitate the Bible discussion. Gently lead them to start drinking the "pure milk of the Word" (1 Pet.2:2). When you start seeing the spiritual needs of your small flock, you can be tempted to "unload" all your knowledge of God on them as fast as possible. Be patient. Give them only as much as they can take without being overwhelmed and turned away. Jesus leads His sheep to "still waters", that are not frightening to them.

Allow the Holy Spirit to make you a gentle and humble leader. People will start trusting you. Little by little they will become more open. Show your genuine concern for them and your loving care by:

Spending time together individually and in the group.
Listening to them talk. Remember the names of their family members. Become aware of their spiritual and physical needs (somebody is sick, another one is looking for job etc.).
Discerning where they are spiritually. Don't put too much expectation on them too quickly.
Learning to be absolutely non-pushy, relaxed with people when presenting spiritual truth. Plant seeds and water them. Don't try to reap a harvest when it's not ready.
Maintaining a good order at the meetings. Start and dismiss meetings on time. Deal with those who disrupt or dominate discussion. People feel more secure when they are in predictable environment.
Praying for people and with people.
Making phone calls to those who were absent at the meeting. Tell them you missed them, if they have a problem pray with them over the phone.
Discovering spiritual and natural gifts in people and encouraging them to use them.
Encouraging all members of the group to care for one another.

People don't care how much you know
until they know how much you care.

1. How does Jesus show His care for His sheep? (Ps. 23)

2. What do you need to do with your own cares and worries? (1 Pet. 5:7)

3. What if you start feeling weary of your work? (Gal. 6:9-10)

Chapters:
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