This is specifically addressed in the Meeting Together Manual, which you can get at right. I'll just quote/paraphrase it:
You know your sheep are growing when- -they're concerned about the spiritual lives of others -they can share their faith confidently and effectively -they're meeting with God regularly within the pages of the Bible -they habitually dialogue with God in the regular goings-on of their day, inviting God into every area of life
Some questions you want to be answered within a year or two of meeting with somebody: - Do they know how you meet with God? - Do they know stories of your struggles? Both victories and defeats? - Are you duplicating a love of the Bible? - Is your sheep making service a regular part of their life?
This, as you already must know, is just a common ground for those of us who're giving this shepherding/mentoring thing a crack. You can ask questions, start discussions, reach out for some help, or just peruse. Steve Manuel will be monitoring everything to make sure everybody's cared for that needs/wants it. And that's the deal.
"The things you've heard me teach, repeat to reliable men who'll also be equipped to train others."
This is specifically addressed in the Meeting Together Manual, which you can get at right. I'll just quote/paraphrase it:
ReplyDeleteYou know your sheep are growing when-
-they're concerned about the spiritual lives of others
-they can share their faith confidently and effectively
-they're meeting with God regularly within the pages of the Bible
-they habitually dialogue with God in the regular goings-on of their day, inviting God into every area of life
Some questions you want to be answered within a year or two of meeting with somebody:
- Do they know how you meet with God?
- Do they know stories of your struggles? Both victories and defeats?
- Are you duplicating a love of the Bible?
- Is your sheep making service a regular part of their life?
There's a start. Anybody else?