Spiritual Disciplines

Leader's Guide

Objective: To encourage a biblical understanding of giving, stewardship, and the importance of using spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church and the glory of God.



Study Material: Relevant Bible passages on giving, stewardship, and spiritual gifts, including Mark 12:41-44, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Matthew 25:31-46.



Study Method: Scripture reading, discussion, self-reflection, prayer, and planning for action.




Key Verses: Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Peter 4:10-11.


Discussion Questions:

1. What is your understanding of tithing and giving as per

the Bible? Discuss the Old Testament requirement of giving

ten percent and the New Testament standard of grace-filled

generosity.


2. How does your current giving reflect your spiritual health and

commitment to the mission of the Church?


3. What do you think of when you hear the word “sacrifice” in

the context of giving? Discuss the concept of sacrificial giving as

demonstrated in Mark 12:41-44 and the Old Testament offerings.


4. How can you be involved in giving beyond just tithing?

Discuss the role of offerings and supporting ministries within

and outside the church.


5. What are spiritual gifts and why are they important for the

Church?


6. How does using our spiritual gifts benefit the Church, honor

God, and help us grow in our faith?


7. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If not, what steps

could you take to discover them?


8. How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve the Church?





Activity: Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts


Discovery: If the disciple is not aware of their spiritual gifts, guide
them to take a spiritual gifts assessment. This could be one provided
by Lifeway, an online tool, or a questionnaire provided by your church.


Planning: Once they know their gifts, discuss ways they could use
these gifts to serve the Church. Encourage them to try out different
ministries or service opportunities. Maybe they can serve alongside
you this next week.


Prayer: Pray for wisdom and courage to honor God with their
resources and for guidance and opportunities to use their gifts to
glorify God and serve others.


Closing: Conclude with a prayer of commitment, asking God to help
the disciple faithfully steward their resources and spiritual gifts for
His glory and the benefit of His Church.

Activity: Discussing Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Objective: To understand and explore the concept of spiritual gifts

and how they can be used to serve the church and others.

Materials Needed:

• Bible

• Spiritual Gifts Assessment


Instructions:

Prepare Your Heart as a Leader:


Before diving into the topic of spiritual gifts, take a moment to pray

together with the disciple. Ask God to guide your conversation

and reveal the spiritual gifts that He has bestowed upon them.

Emphasize the importance of approaching this activity with

openness and a desire to learn.


Introducing Spiritual Gifts:

Explain the concept of spiritual gifts to the disciple. Share that

spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to believers to serve

others and build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). Clarify

that every believer has at least one spiritual gift, and these gifts

are not based on merit but are given by God’s grace according to

His purpose.


Reading and Discussing Scripture:

Read together relevant passages about spiritual gifts, such as 1

Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13. Take the

time to discuss what each passage reveals about spiritual gifts,

their diversity, and their purpose in the church.


Taking the Spiritual Gifts Assessment:

Have the disciple complete a Spiritual Gifts Assessment (as

provided by Lifeway or any other suitable assessment). Allow

them to answer the questions honestly and thoughtfully. Once

completed, review the results together.


Understanding the Results:

Go through the results of the assessment with the disciple. Discuss

the spiritual gifts identified and their potential implications for

their service in the church and community. Encourage them to

ask any questions they may have about their gifts or how to use

them effectively.


Exploring Ministry Opportunities:

Based on the identified spiritual gifts, explore various ministry

opportunities within the church where the disciple’s gifts could

be utilized. Discuss the different areas of service and encourage

them to consider where they feel most passionate and equipped

to serve.


Praying for Guidance:

Take a moment to pray together, asking God for guidance and

wisdom as the disciple seeks to use their spiritual gifts for His

glory. Pray for opportunities to serve and for the Holy Spirit’s

empowerment in their ministry.


Closing the Activity:

Remind the disciple that discovering their spiritual gifts is an

ongoing journey. Encourage them to continue seeking God’s

guidance, being open to new opportunities, and growing in their

understanding and use of their gifts. Reiterate that serving with

their spiritual gifts brings fulfillment and joy as they play a vital

role in the body of Christ.

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