Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up.  The following notes are for your interest and consideration.

Personal comment:

Here is another text from scripture which advises Christian leaders to surround themselves with people who are godly, truthful and prepared to speak out when things go wrong.  God’s people can be severely affected when not led properly, or when they feel that their leader is not on top of the job, and undercurrents of dissatisfaction will quickly surface.  As disciples of our Lord, what do we feel our responsibilities are towards our leaders?  This applies to all levels of leadership in the church, of course, not just the appointed minister, priest or elders.

Ideas for discipleship programme

• If you feel strongly about an issue, would you feel able to bring this to the leadership of your church and do you feel they would listen?  Pray about this, because the empowerment of God’s people in the life of the church is an important issue.
• Are there anyone within your church who you believe to lack a voice and who is not heard by the leadership?  Talk with them to check whether your feelings are correct, and pray about what you should do to be a help to those involved.

Give me, Lord God, a heart that is open to Your guidance and Your will.  May I be prepared to go wherever you may call, and have the courage to stand against all evil, according to Your grace; and help me to serve others under all circumstances, so that You may be glorified in everything I do.  Thank You, Lord God. AMEN

Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. Discuss whether it is possible that in verses 19 and 20, the woman from Tekoa is mocking David for his frailties rather than praising him.
2. Much of this story is about who will rule Israel after David.  How important is it for God’s people to know who will lead them next?
3. Why do some leaders appear to refuse to listen to others, and discuss good and bad examples of this.