Part 6 – They Called Him “Rabbi”
38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” John 1:38 (CSBBible)
Rabbi is a Jewish term which means “Teacher.” Those that began following Jesus early in His ministry knew He was no ordinary Teacher. To be a Rabbi was a Jewish custom. It meant to train, equip and prepare His disciples to become Rabbis, themselves. The objective of a Rabbi was to make disciples who would make disciples. Sound familiar?
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (CSBBible) Jesus did more than just teach them information or “knowledge.” He taught them wisdom. Jesus spent more time with the 12 disciples than He did with anyone else. He spoke to the multitudes. He preached to the crowds. But, He “taught” the disciples. He was preparing a rag-tag group of misfits to change the world. That sounds a lot like your job description as a Sunday School Teacher or Small Group Leader!
Your role in today’s church is increasingly critical. I know you have a full-time job, are raising a family, taking care of others and involved in the community. I understand that you are busy. Even so, God has chosen you and me to make disciples. This responsibility is too great to just spend an hour or two a week in preparation. You see, we have the privilege of making disciples who will make disciples. And, just like Jesus, we are preparing them to change the world.
Whether it is in person or online, you are exactly what the members and prospects for your class/group need right now. For such a time as this, He has called you to lead.
Need more ideas?
Join us on Monday, August 10th and Tuesday August 11th, for Louisiana Baptists first ever, Digital ReGroup Conference. Not only will this be a timely message for those who lead the Sunday School and/or Small Group Ministry in their church, but ESPECIALLY for all those who lead a class or small group every week. We need to prepare the wonderful lay people who have the responsibility of making disciples through their class or small group, for the New Normal.
We are asking you to commit to one hour. Below, you will see the schedule and the people who can help us better understand the opportunities and challenges we face for the next few weeks and months. All you have to do is register and watch.
This is a free event and registration is open now at LouisianaBaptists.org/ReGroup20 (Note, you may participate in any or all of the sessions, just register individually for each one.)
Go to this event page and click on your session of interest, a registration box will pop up. Upon completion for this free event, you will receive a confirmation/invitation link via email for each session registered.
If you can’t participate in the live webcast, you can view it online. The recording will be available at our website by Friday, August 14th.
Here is the Digital ReGroup schedule:
- Pastors/Staff/Key Ministry Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 6:00-7:00 PM
With Special Guests Steve Bennett, Pastor, First, Moss Bluff; Matt Endris, Pastor, Fairview, Coushatta; Sean Keith, Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist, Louisiana Baptists; and Host, Dr. Stewart Holloway, Pastor, First, Pineville.
- Adult Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 7:30–8:30 PM
Special Guest David Apple, Adult Ministry Consultant, Nashville, TN; Jeff Ingram, Adult Ministry & Church Administration Strategist, Louisiana Baptists; and Host, Dr. Stewart Holloway, Pastor, First, Pineville.
- Next Gen/Preschool/Children’s Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM
Special Guest, Mark Jones, Children’s Pastor, Quail Springs, Oklahoma City, OK; David Anderson, Children’s Strategist, Louisiana Baptists’ and Host, Dr. Steve Horn, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptists, Alexandria.
- Next Gen/Student Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 7:30-8:30 PM
Special Guests Blake Lewis, Middle School Pastor, First, Haughton; Ray McCon, Minister to Students, Walker, Walker; Brandon Lewis, Youth Strategist, Louisiana Baptists; and Host, Dr. Steve Horn, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptists, Alexandria.
Mark these dates and times on your calendar and make every effort to join us live.
Remember, you are called to lead. Now, let’s prepare to change the world.
