MEN WITH A MISSION 3

A Men’s Discipleship Class

TEACHER COPY

Dr. H. Wallace Webster

Senior Pastor

Mount Airy Bible Church

MEN WITH A MISSION 3—A Men’s Discipleship Class

Copyright ©2009 Men with a Mission, published by Mount Airy Bible Church,
16700 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy, Maryland 21771.

This material is provided for students and instructors in the Men with a Mission program. Use of this material is encouraged for personal study and for use in preparation of lessons, sermons, or other oral communication. This material may be quoted so long as the material is unaltered and credit is given to the Men with a Mission program. The purchasers of this product are allowed to make unlimited copies so long as all copies are used only within the organization for which it was purchased.

Certified instructors in the Men with a Mission program are allowed to add to the material so long as approval is granted by the Men with a Mission program developers.

Pastors and teachers are encouraged to use the material in their teaching, but it must remain unaltered.

Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from the KINGS JAMES VERSION, public domain.

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Call to be a Man With a Mission

Third Year Schedule

Getting Started

Session One – Introduction

Session Two – The Role of the Pastor

Session Three – Excellence

Session Four – Elders, Leaders, and 1 Timothy 3

Session Five – Fasting

Session Six – Separation

Session Seven – Servanthood

Session Eight – Evangelism and the World

Session Nine – Hermeneutics

Session Ten – Absolutes, Convictions, and Preferences

Session Eleven – Reading Good Books

Session Twelve – Marriage and Family

Session Thirteen – Dealing with Affliction

Session Fourteen – Teaching and Dealing with Others

Session Fifteen – Holiness and Moral Purity

Session Sixteen – Be a Man

Session Seventeen – Where Do We Go from Here?

Appendix A

Bibliography

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

YEAR THREE

  1. Philippians 2:12-14
  2. Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-4
  3. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 23
  4. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
  5. Matthew 9:14-15
  6. 1 John 2:15-17
  7. John 13:13-17
  8. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
  9. Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25
  10. John 17:20-23
  11. 1 Timothy 4:12
  12. Ephesians 5:25-28
  13. 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13
  14. Philippians 2:19-22
  15. 1 Peter 1:13-16
  16. 2 Timothy 2:3-6
  17. Hebrews 12:1-3

All Scripture must be memorized before the class. Sometimes we will quote them orally. Every member will have to quote at least two times in the year.

You may use any of the following translations for memorization purposes: KJV, NASB, NKJV, NIV.

Introduction

THEME VERSE:

“And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

For the next several months, we will make every effort possible to encourage you to be one of the faithful men mentioned in this verse. It will require a serious dedication on your part to be such a man. Yet, the time invested will be beneficial for both now and eternity.

Be diligent in your attendance as well as in the completion of the assignments.

PURPOSES:

1. help fulfill 2 Timothy 2:2

2. help build godly men

3. help the church raise up godly leaders

4. help the home

5. challenge the men about the cost of leadership

6. raise up leaders in the church

7. assist in the eldership training of the church

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Commit to every meeting. If you must miss, it is your responsibility to meet with your prayer partner and make up the meeting. You are not to attend the next class until you have done so.

2. Do all the work carefully and completely to His honor and glory.

3. Develop a prayer and accountability partner.

4. Have an approved ministry in MABC.

5. If you miss more than two meetings, you will have to take the entire year over.

6. Commit to church beyond the worship service, such as Sunday school, flocks, Wednesday evening prayer meeting, etc.

1

A Call to Be a Man with a Mission

G.W. Target, in his essay “The Window,” tells the story of two men confined to hospital beds in the same room. Both men were seriously ill and though they were not allowed much diversion—no television, radio, or books—their friendship developed over months of conversation. They discussed every possible subject in which they both had interest or experience, from family to jobs to vacation, as well as much of their own personal histories.

Neither man left his bed, but one was fortunate enough to be next to the window. As part of his treatment he could sit up in bed for just an hour a day. At this time he would describe the world outside to his roommate. In very descriptive terms he would bring the outside world inside to this friend, describing to him the beautiful park he could see, with its lake, and the many interesting people he saw spending their time there. His friend began to live for those descriptions.

After a particularly fascinating report, the one man began to think it was not fair that his friend got to see everything while he could see nothing. He was ashamed of his thought, but he had quite a bit of time to think, and he couldn’t get this out of his mind. Eventually his thoughts began to take their effect on his health, and he became even more ill, with a disposition to match.

One evening his friend, who sometimes had difficulty with congestion and breathing, awoke with a fit of coughing and choking and was unable to push the button for the nurse to come to his aid. The frustrated, sour man lay there looking at the ceiling, listening to this struggle for life next to him, and doing nothing.

The next morning the day nurse came in to find the man by the window dead.

After a proper interval, the man who was so eager to see out that window asked if he could be moved, and it was quickly done. As soon as the room was empty, the man struggled up on his elbow to look out the window and fill the spirit with the sights of the outside world.

It was then he discovered the window faced a blank wall.[1]

Most of us are like these two men. We either see a blank wall—not letting it take from us what might be—and others never can see beyond the wall. What kind of man for the Kingdom will you be. Remember that some look at life and ask, “Why?” May we look at life and ask, “Why not?”

1

Third Year Schedule

1. Introduction –My appeal is simple: finish well! And may God make you into a disciple-maker for the Kingdom.

2. The Role of the Pastor – Just what is the call, and what does God expect of the man who is to lead the church?

3. Excellence – We as the church are to do all things as unto the Lord.

4. Elders, Leadership, and 1 Timothy 3 – Do we understand the call of being an elder in the church? Would this be a call for you?

5. Fasting – Does it have a place in the church today?

6. Separation – How are we to be in the world and not of the world?

7. Serving – We want to take a closer look at John 13.

8. Evangelism and the World – Are we responsible?

9. Hermeneutics – How much of God’s Word are we personally responsible for?

10. Absolutes, Convictions, and Preferences – Do we know the difference? Where do most believers get in disagreements?

11. Reading Good Books – A lost part of growth.

12. Marriage – Can we really lead without a good marriage?

13. Dealing with Suffering – A real part of the believer’s life.

14. Teaching Others and Dealing with Others – Nitty-gritty Christianity.

15. Purity – Every class must deal with this issue.

16. Be a Man – Where are all the real men today?

17. Honest Evaluation – Let’s go forth for the King of Kings.

1

Getting Started

Many hymnals have the following song.

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?

Thomas Shepherd and George N. Allen

Must Jesus bear the cross alone And all the world go free?

No, there’s a cross for everyone, And there’s a cross for me.

The consecrated cross I’ll bear Till death shall set me free,

And then go home my crown to wear, For there’s a crown for me.

Upon the crystal pavement, down At Jesus’ pierced feet,

Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown And His dear name repeat.

O precious cross! O glorious crown! O resurrection day!

Ye angels, from the stars come down And bear my soul away.[2]

I believe this song calls out the challenge to all of us quite well. Are we going to be a soldier of the cross, or a disgrace? He Himself made the clear claim that many are called, but few are chosen. May we go forward today with the desire to be one of His choice men. May we ask Him to use us as fully as possible. May we move toward the leadership call until He directs us otherwise. May we desire the office of an elder, because He has put the fire in our hearts.

1

Session One—Introduction

SESSION ONE

INTRODUCTION

Wow! Can you believe it?
We are already at year three.
We have covered many miles together.
My appeal is simple: finish well!
And may God make you into a disciple-maker
for the Kingdom.

  1. REVIEW OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS
  1. Personal Evaluation
  1. You are two –thirds of the way through the three-year program.
  1. Can you see any differences in your life?
  1. How can you intensify this year to ensure more obvious results for the upcoming year?
  1. Do you want more obvious results?
  1. A Review of Year Two
  1. Time-management and priorities
  1. Once again, let’s review our priorities.
  1. How will you keep Him first in all you do?
  1. Decision-making and the will of God
  1. Do you honestly desire all your decisions to be in His will?
  1. How much do you see Him in your decision-making?

Discuss

  1. Thetongue and judging
  1. James says the tongue cannot be tamed.
  1. How are you making an effort in this direction?
  1. Leaving your first love
  1. Drifting from Jesus is a concern we all share.
  1. Did you drift this summer?
  1. Do you need to repent to begin the new year?
  1. Finances and giving
  1. Most Christians do not give much to the cause of Christ.
  1. How would you rate your giving?
  1. Are your finances under control?
  1. Healthy Evaluation
  1. How seriously do you take personal evaluation?
  1. Are you committed to being what God wants you to be?
  1. Deception and discernment
  1. The last person to recognize that he is deceived is the one being deceived.
  1. How do you protect yourself in this area?
  1. Learning to stand alone
  1. How willing are you to stand alone, even if you are truly alone?

Discuss

  1. Are you willing to speak up for the truth?
  1. How to avoid adultery
  1. Many men are failing in this area.
  1. You will be tempted, but you cannot fall in this sin.
  1. The consequences are monumental.
  1. Values
  1. What do you value?
  1. Are you convinced that you understand what values you must and ought to have?
  1. What is the difference betweenabsolutes, preferences, and convictions?
  1. Depression
  1. Depression is a real issue today.
  1. What is one practical way to avoid depression, burnout, and stress?
  1. Slothfulness
  1. Another word for slothfulness is laziness.
  1. Are you lazy?
  1. Do you care?Discuss
  1. What are you willing to do about it?
  1. Discipleship
  1. Discipleship is Jesus’ last command.
  1. What God has invested in you must not fall on uncommitted hearts and end up not being passed on to others.
  1. Who are you discipling?
  1. Nehemiah
  1. Nehemiah, a great leader
  1. Read through the book of Nehemiah periodically to gather insights on being an effective leader for Christ.
  1. You are going to lead—why not lead well?
  1. 1 and 2 Timothy
  1. Here are two New Testament books about being a man of God.
  1. Does anyone believe you are a man of God?
  1. Integrity
  1. We are living in a world where integrity means nothing.
  1. Do you really care?
  1. What limit would you be willing to go to be a man of integrity?
  1. LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FINAL YEAR
  1. Encouragement
  1. Congratulations for being faithful for two years to this men’s discipleship class.
  1. You have memorized over 100 verses and have attended 34 evenings of classes designed to make you a disciple of the Lord.
  1. This is quite an accomplishment, and we want to praise the Lord for getting you through these classes.
  1. Challenge
  1. Allow me to give a few words to challenge you.
  1. Two years of accomplishment is certainly worth noting, but it is not the finish line.
  1. There is still a year ahead, and we want you to ask yourself how do you plan tofinish.
  1. Second Timothy 4 discusses Paul and finishing well.
  1. What commitments are you willing to make for your final year to finish well.
  1. What are you willing to do after graduation?
  1. We offer Men with a Mission 4
  1. We want you to train others
  1. The purpose of this class is two-fold:

(1)Your maturity

(2)Your willingness to practice 2 Timothy 2:2

  1. Will you?

Session Two—The Role of the Pastor

SESSION TWO

THE ROLE OF
THE PASTOR

There is rarely a week that goes by in
which I am not asked,
“What does a pastor do, anyway?”
Great question. In this section, maybe we can
help answer this puzzling and
thought-provoking question.

1

Session Two—The Role of the Pastor

I. LET’S HAVE SOME FUN FIRST

A. What does a pastor do?

1. Using a 40-hour work week, evaluate the pastor’s time.

2. What do you think he does, and how many hours are used with each item?

3. Do not include Sundays.

Discuss

B. Answer these questions:

1. Does a pastor have to face the cares of life like the average person?

Yes

2. Does God help pastors more than He helps the average person?

No

3. Does a pastor’s marriage and family come easier?

No, it’s actually harder because they are on the front lines.

4. Is a pastor closer to God than an average person can get?

Shouldn’t be!

5. Does a pastor struggle with sin like we do?

Yes

6. Are a pastor and his family invited out all the time?

No

7. Are people always at a pastor’s house and calling on them?

No

8. Is a pastor’s salary commensurate with others in professional fields?

No

9. Should a pastor stay at a church for a long time?

Discuss

10. Is it easy being a pastor’s wife?

No

II. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A. Find the following passages:

1. List the passages in the New Testament that most clearly describe the role of a pastor.

Acts 15Decide doctrinal issues

Acts 20:28-31Oversee

Ephesians 4:11-16Equip

1 Timothy 3:1-7Teach

1 Timothy 4:14Ordain elders

Titus 1:9Exhort

James 5:14-15Pray (Acts 6:4)

1 Peter 5:2Rule (Heb 13:7, 17)

1 Peter 5:3Serve

2. List ten priorities of a pastor, in their order.

  1. Preach the Word
  2. Equip others
  3. Exhort
  4. Be an example
  5. Pray
  6. Protect
  7. Serve
  8. Rule
  9. Oversee
  10. Administer/Vision
  11. Counsel

B. An Interesting Thought

If the pastor is young, they say he lacks experience. If his hair is gray, he’s getting too old for the young people. If he has five children, hea has too many. If he has no children, he’s setting a bad example. If he preaches from his notes, he has canned sermons and he’s dry. And if his messages are extemporaneous, he isn’t deep. If he’s attentive to the poor people of the church, they claim he’s playing to the grandstand. If he pays attention to the wealthy, he’s trying to be an aristocrat. If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the text. If he doesn’t use enough stories, he isn’t clear. If he condemns wrong, he’ cranky. If he doesn’t preach against sin, he’s a compromiser. If he preaches the truth, he’s offensive. If he doesn’t preach the truth, he’s a hypocrite. If he fails to please everybody, he’s hurting the church and ought to leave. If he does please everybody, he has no convictions. If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation. If he drives a new car, he’s setting his affection on earthly things. If he preaches all the time, then the people get tired of hearing one man. If he invites guest preachers, he’s shirking his responsibility. If he receives a large salary, he’s a mercenary. If he receives a small salary, well, they say he isn’t worth much anyway.[3]

Get the point?

C. Found in Dear Abby

Dear Abby:

One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good minister. A member of an official board undergoing this painful process finally lost patience. He’d just witnessed the pastoral relations committee reject applicant after applicant for some minor fault. It was time for a bit of soul searching on the part of the committee. So he stood up and read this letter purported to be from an applicant.

Gentlemen: Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications. I’ve been a preacher with much success and also have had some success as a writer. Some say I’m a good organizer. I’ve been a leader most places I’ve been.

I am over 50 years of age and have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places, I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrongdoing.

My health is not too good, though I still accomplish a great deal. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities.

I’ve not gotten along well with religious leaders in the towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me, and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptized.

However, if you can use me, I promise to do my best for you.”

The board member turned to the committee and said, “Well, what do you think? Shall we call him?”

The good church folks were appalled!Consider a sickly, troublemaking, absent-minded ex-jailbird? Was the board member crazy? Who signed the application? Who had such colossal nerve?