Small Group Discussion Guide

Series: House plans

Week 4: Biblical Leadership

Discussion Questions

Who is the best leader you’ve ever had?  What made them a great leader?

What characteristics determine whether someone is a good leader or a bad one?

Have the tallest person in the group read 1 Timothy 3:1–7.

What differences do you notice between how the world defines leadership and how Paul defines it for the Church?

One of the things Matt said on Sunday was, “Leadership in the Church is built on character, not charisma.”

What are some dangers of valuing talent or platform over character?

Have you seen this tension in churches or organizations?

Have the shortest person in the group read Titus 1:5-9.

As we read this, we see the emphasis that Paul puts on family in both 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Why do you think Paul places such a strong emphasis on how a leader manages their home and family?

How can spiritual leadership at home influence leadership within the Church?

Matt talked about 2 different leadership models: Complaint Receptacles (leading by pleasing people) and Mission Catapults (leading by vision and trust in God).  Which type do you see more often in churches or organizations?

What are the risks of being a “complaint receptacle”?
What are the challenges of being a “mission catapult”?

Matt pointed out that these qualifications are written for leaders in the church, but also apply to all of us as we’re all called to the character of Christ.

Which character traits in 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1 challenge you the most personally?

How could growing in these traits shape how you serve, relate to others, or grow in maturity, even if you never serve as a deacon or elder?

How can this group pray for you in growing in these areas to better lead in your family, at work or in the church?