Looking Back

We are so thankful for the group of elders that we have here at Summit Woods and their desire and ability to preach on Sunday morning. Thank you Adam Nahler for drawing our hearts to another characteristic of a healthy church, Glorifying God through Biblical Church Order, from Peter's first letter, 1 Peter 5:1-5. The text was a convicting text in Peter exhorting the elders of a church to shepherding and at the same time helping the congregation identify healthy elders and to submit to church leadership in a unifying way.

Listen Again

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Thinking and Acting Ahead

Growth groups this Sunday reviewed this text and examined their own hearts individually and corporately in relation to the sermon. It was a fruitful time of conviction and encouragement coupled with sweet fellowship (and always food)!

The questions for growth group are most helpful in thinking through the passage and how to apply it in your life. I highly encourage you to review this week's questions below.

Growth Group questions

Think through how this passage is or could shape you

• as an individual
• as a church
• as a non-Christian

Some questions to consider:

• What are the kinds of issues elders are supposed to "shepherd?" Where did you come up with that list?
• Why do you need to be shepherded? In what areas of your heart and your life are you in need of being shepherded? Why?
• What are the benefits to you personally in being actively shepherded by the elders? What is the most significant impact such shepherding has on the congregation?
• Where do you find yourself most resistant in being shepherded? Why? What could change? How could this group pray with you about it?
• How could this passage inform you in how you pray for your elders? How could you come alongside them to encourage them in pursuing this kind of ministry as exhorted in 1 Peter 5:1-5?
• How could you help protect those called to shepherd the church from the kinds of temptations and sins in shepherding mentioned here?
• What is the best way to cultivate humility toward each other as exhorted in 1 Peter 5:5?