Brad Evans

Grace Bible Church

“Passing the Baton”

Matthew 28:18-20

God is calling us to prioritize our lives around being intentional to love and worship Him (the Great Commandment) and to share His love with others (the Great Commission).

What are we to pass on?

How will we be remembered?

The Great Commandment — Matt. 22:34-40

And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

—Matthew 22:37-39

The Great Commission — Matt. 28:18-20

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

—Matthew 28:18-20

We’re all running in a race!

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

—1 Cor. 9:24

Who has invested (passed the baton) in your life?

What did they do?

What is the cost of NOT developing leaders?

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

—Judges 21:25

Also see Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1

What is the cost of NOT developing leaders?

Ÿ In our homes?

Ÿ In our church?

[College Ministry]

Ÿ In our country?

Forge Biblical Convictions for Developing Leaders

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

—2 Timothy 2:2

Biblical Examples of Developing Leaders

• Moses » Joshua (Ex. 17:8-9; 24:12-13; 33:11; Deut. 31:7-8; 34:9)

• Elijah » Elisha (1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2:1-15; 4:29-37; 13:20-21)

• David » Solomon

• Jesus » 12 Disciples (Gospels)

• Barnabas » Paul (Acts 4:36-37; 9:27)

• Paul » Timothy (2 Tim. 1:7-8; 2:2)

• YOU » ??

What is the essence of leadership development in the local church?

Answer…

It is a very simple, organic process of people developing people through intentional discipleship.

How do we view those in our sphere of influence?

Ÿ Do we see people as they presently are, or do we see them as they can be (potential)?

Ÿ What did Christ see in His disciples?

Most saw smelly fishermen, but Christ saw “fishers of men” who would change the world!!

What can knock us out of the race?

Ÿ Wrong priorities

Ÿ Busyness & Distractions

Ÿ “Stuff”

Ÿ Doing the good but not the best

Ÿ Marrying wrong person

Ÿ Temptations/Addictions/Sin

Who is investing in your life?

Who will you pass the baton of on to?