This fall I am going through the stories and letters of Paul in chronological order with some our network leaders at Gateway. We are trying to determine the characteristics that made him so catalytic so that we might grow in this as well. Here is the order we are reading through and discussing:
- Week One – Acts 7-16
- Week Two – Galatians
- Week Three – Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians
- Week Four – Acts 18, 1 Corinthians
- Week Five – 2 Corinthians
- Week Six – Romans
- Week Seven – Acts 19-20, Ephesians
- Week Eight – Acts 21-28 & Colossians, Philemon
- Week Nine – Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy
Here are some of the highlights from Acts 18, 1 & 2 Corinthians:
- Paul rebuked the immoral (1 Cor. 5) in hopes of transformation, reconciliation, & forgiveness (2 Cor. 2).
- Paul addressed conflict, immorality, and heresy since these issues slowed down their efforts.
- Paul emphasized the role of every person who follows Jesus to use their gifts and serve as ministers who are competent (2 Cor. 3:6) and who have confidence (2 Cor. 4:1).
- Paul was responding to questions, and used one letter to clarify another letter (a good guide for us – allow Scripture to interpret the Scriptures – See 1 Cor. 5:9-10).
- Paul emphasized living a transformed life knowing that a new life (living by the Spirit) helps expand the message of Jesus (2 Cor. 17-21)
Here are some questions to apply to our lives as leaders:
- Who can we pass along the story of Paul and the principles of catalytic leadership this week?
- How can we apply what we see in Paul’s life to our own life and leadership?