Sermon Series: Under the Hood
Sermon Title: How to Follow Imperfect People
Passage: Hebrews 13:17
Speaker: Steve Howell

Use the following questions and directions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

‌‌Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• Think of the best leader you’ve ever followed and the worst you’ve ever had to follow. What character traits separated the two?
  

Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• What spiritual leadership do you currently exercise? (Church, parenting, group leader, etc). How effective do you think your leadership is? How effective do you think others would say you are?
  

• Read Malachi 2:7–8. What leadership failures were pointed out regarding these priests? Why does a leader bear such a high responsibility for his or her followers’ actions?
  

• Read 1 Timothy 3:2–7. List the spiritual qualities that leaders of the church should possess. Do you think this list is comprehensive? Why or why not?
  

• What does it mean when Scripture says we are “fragile jars of clay?” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
  

• How do you reconcile your leaders’ brokenness with the statement of Hebrews 13:17?
  

• In what ways have you seen strong leadership at TCC? How could you encourage more of it?
  

• Why does improving your personal relationship with a leader help you be a better follower?
  

• Why should we be careful before making accusations against church leaders? (1 Timothy 5:19)
  

• What is your biggest obstacle to trusting church leaders? How can you overcome that obstacle Scripturally?
  

Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray for the leaders of TCC (elders, deacons, staff, teachers). Pray for protection from Satan’s attacks and for empowerment by the Holy Spirit!