Log in Subscribe
The week in focus

Connecting to the world right now

 

In touch

Check-in

Intercessions
In touch begins
immediately below		 Scroll down
or click for Check-in		 Subscribers only:
see intercessions

 

In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Shepherds for today

What is Jesus like as a role model for those in leadership today? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Context

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

We are living in strange times politically. It may be appropriate to avoid comments that could be deemed as favouring particular political parties or indeed condemning the conduct of individuals, especially if there is no proof. Silvio Berlusconi’s career was riddled with scandal and he was convicted of tax fraud. Nicola Sturgeon has been questioned as part of an ongoing investigation into the finances of the SNP. Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP in the wake of accusations that he misled Parliament.

In this context we reflect on the leadership of Jesus which is the leadership to which he commissioned his followers and therefore the leadership which should be exercised today. Jesus brought good news. He was listened to, and people responded to his message because he was a person of integrity who lived his own life in the way that he encouraged others to live theirs. His primary focus is on giving rather than taking. He does not expect any reward for what he does. His actions and our actions should be motivated by recognising how much God has given us and thus desiring to show practical love to those in need.

People of power and influence affect a whole community. It is not just the result of what they do but also the impact of their ethos and approach. In reading some reports of public figures it is easy to be left with the impression that their regrets are not for what they did, but for the fact that they were caught and that their actions had what they believed to be unmerited consequences. Jesus recognises the needs of the people and responds to them with integrity and compassion. He thereby becomes a role model not just for his followers but for all people.

 

Questions for discussion

  • What are the three most important characteristics that you think a good leader should show?
  • In what ways do people today feel harassed and helpless?
  • Who are the greatest influences on the way you live your life and why?

Revd Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

This coming Tuesday, we’ve got 120 Year 10 students from our local secondary school visiting our local Methodist and Anglican Churches as part of their RE Curriculum, with seven local Christians going into the school to share their faith story with students.

As I’ve been chatting with those local Christians who are joining us in school to share their story, there’s been a number of common questions:

  • What can I share?
  • Will it go well?
  • Will students listen?
  • An hour-long lesson is a long time…
  • Will we represent Christianity, and God, well?

And yet, I’ve had to remind myself again and again that, at the core, all the school want us to do is share our own story about faith in God, and how that impacts our daily lives. The story of how God chased after us to welcome us into his kingdom…and continues to do so. The rest is up to him.

How can you share your story this week, and how will it be received? Why not share what happens with us here at ROOTS via our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram channels?

Jonathan Buckley is Youth Coordinator for Sheffield Methodist Circuit

 

Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.

The week in focus is also available via Twitter and facebook.

ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.