Guidelines for Leaders

Examine yourself whether you should be in the position of teaching others, James states, “My brethren, be not many masters (teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1) If you question whether you should be leading another in a discipleship, seek counsel from elder brothers. "... in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) A novice can easily fall in pride or error in the faith. (1 Timothy 3:6) “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14) Finally, you should have a good report among your brethren and those that are without. By faith the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 11:2) Your goal for this discipleship should be the same as Paul’s, which was to show them Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, “...Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:27-29)

If you are recommended to teach by your elder brothers then be careful how you teach. Sow the truth in love. Do not force the truth on your brother. "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10) “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) Always function in the wisdom that is from above. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18)

Attempt to stay on the target of the study but meet the present need of your brother as the Holy Spirit leads. Remember you are not the real teacher. Structure is fine but let the Spirit define the path of learning. Look at 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 - “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart or man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual,”

When you teach, build precept upon precept and line upon line. (Isaiah 28:10) You are building upon a sure foundation, Jesus Christ, if your brother is saved. But be careful how you build thereupon. (1 Corinthians 3:1-20) Build in proper order and with proper materials; milk first, and then meat. Use His words and not your own. Let Christ bring forth from your treasure things new and old. (Matthew 13:52) Ask questions periodically. Do not just lecture. Involve your brother in the study. Get his eyes off of you and on to the truth, that his "...faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God". (1 Corinthians 2:5) If your brother is quiet, then invite another brother to join you that the study might be more effective. Always teach the scriptures in context. Do not jump from one verse to another without reading portions of scripture. A wise old saying is “A text out of context is a pretext (a false appearance with an ulterior motive)!” "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)

Some of the studies can be lengthy. Push on through the studies not letting them drag on and become boring. If a study is exceptionally long, then take a break for a week and examine something else, then come back to the original topic. At times it would be appropriate to pull out only a portion of a study to review with your brother to meet a certain need. Again, you should be flexible using each study as a guideline letting the Spirit lead.

Do not overreact to disagreement. Give space for God’s Word to work on your brother’s heart. Remember, "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10) "...walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Note problem areas and disagreements. Recommend he discuss it with other elder brothers. “...in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1) Only present the next concept when you are in agreement with the current one. The goal is to come into one mind and one heart. Notice the quantity of scriptures that emphasize this point:

Enter into a verbal agreement with your brother to be faithful in appearing for the discipleship and to study throughout the week. Read through the Brotherly Covenant together. You must do your part to show up also. Make discipleship a priority in your life. You are an example, if you cancel for insignificant reasons, then he will do likewise. If your brother loses respect for you, then it will be very difficult to teach him. Don’t force the discipleship but discern if your brother loses desire to continue. If he does then let it drop or recommend that he seek another elder brother. Commit things unto faithful men that they may teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2) You can not make him a disciple of Christ, he chooses to be one by following Christ not you. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” (John 6:60-69)

There are three basic forms in the accountability series that may be used if you desire. They are the Daily Outlook, the Weekly Assignment, and the Quarterly Analysis. These forms are not essential but can help in teaching accountability before the Lord, especially in a young believer’s life. The forms will help in establishing consistency in his daily walk and will provoke reflection on his lifestyle.

When the elder brothers determine that your brother is ready, challenge him to pray for someone that he can disciple. The Lord will lead someone his way if He feels he is prepared. The wonderful cycle is fulfilled if he teaches another brother the same concepts that you taught him. As Paul stated, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” (2 Timothy 2:1-7) Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. He said "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)