Foundations of Church Doctrine, History & Leadership

Developing Leaders · Discipleship Class

Church History

Twenty Centuries in Six Major Movements

1. The church begins and spreads — 1st Century
2. The church faces opposition — 2nd & 3rd Centuries
3. The church clarifies its beliefs — 4th & 5th Centuries
4. The medieval church grows and divides — 6th through 15th Centuries
5. The Reformation reshapes Western Christianity — 16th & 17th Centuries
6. Revivals and missions expand Christianity — 18th through 20th Centuries

Doctrine & Theology

Understanding core beliefs and teaching them

Titus 2:1: But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Ecumenical Creeds

Ecumenical means of worldwide scope or applicability; universal. The historic creeds summarize core Christian beliefs and were developed to defend doctrine, define the faith, and unite believers.

The Apostles’ Creed

Developed as an early baptismal confession (approximately 2nd–4th centuries); reflects apostolic teaching.

The Nicene Creed

AD 325, revised 381; affirms the full divinity of Christ and the Trinity.

The Athanasian Creed

Approximately 5th–6th centuries; a detailed statement about the Trinity and the nature of Christ. The excerpt below is from the existing DL-102 reading version.

You cannot lead people where you have not gone in TRUTH.

8 Core Beliefs of Evangelical Faith

1. The Authority of the Bible

The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Bible Translation Philosophies

Major Genres of the Bible

Narrative, Law, Poetry & Wisdom, Prophecy, Gospels, Epistles, and Apocalyptic literature each guide how we interpret Scripture and learn about leadership.

2. The Trinity

One God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Key Scripture: Matthew 28:19

3. The Deity & Humanity of Jesus Christ

Jesus is fully God and fully man; He died and rose bodily from the dead. Key Scripture: John 1:1,14

4. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

People are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Key Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9

5. The Necessity of Personal Conversion / The New Birth

Each person must personally respond to the gospel with repentance and faith. Key Scripture: John 3:3

Calvinism vs. Arminianism — Key Verse Comparison

6. The Indwelling & Empowerment of Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells, convicts, empowers, and guides believers. Key Scripture: Acts 1:8

What Is Cessationism?

The handout discusses objections to cessationism: biblical support, instructions about gifts, church history, mission, experience, inference, and possible abuses.

7. The Great Commission (Evangelism & Missions)

Every believer and church is called to share the gospel with the world. Key Scripture: Mark 16:15

8. The Return of Jesus & Eternal Judgment

Jesus will return bodily to judge the living and the dead. Key Scripture: Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:11–15

Leadership in the Church

Examining leadership in Acts, the Epistles, and our church.

1. Overseer (Elder / Pastor) — 1 Timothy 3:1–7
2. Deacon — 1 Timothy 3:8–13

Women in Leadership

Egalitarianism: Men and women are equal in worth and function; leadership is based on gifting and calling.

Complementarianism: Men and women are equal in worth, with distinct roles in the home and church.

Southview Mission

EQUIPPING the FAMILY to operate from the PRESENCE of God.

Southview’s 12 Leadership Core Values

1. Family — Ephesians 5–6
2. Hard Work — Colossians 3:23
3. Proactive — Ephesians 4:31–32
4. Healthy Hearts — Proverbs 4:23
5. Worship — Romans 12:1
6. Student Mentality — 2 Timothy 2:15
7. Joy in the Journey — John 15:11
8. Prefer One Another — Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3–5
9. Supernatural Lifestyle — Mark 16:17–18
10. Givers — 2 Corinthians 9:11
11. Servant Leadership
12. Righteous Living

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Personal Development (Staying the Course)

Developing Leaders · Discipleship Class

Personal Development (Staying The Course)

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Staying the Course: Avoiding Burnout

How would you live if you knew you were on a Divine Time Table?

session one

Integrity In Leadership: The Importance of Honesty and Transparency

“God cares more about who you’re becoming than what you’re producing.” Discussion question: Which is harder for you: standing for what is right, or admitting that you need rest and help? Titus 1:7-9 - For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach… Proverbs 10:9 - “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Turn & Talk:

Why is integrity more important than talent in leadership? How does transparency build trust in teams or relationships?

Managing Emotions and Conflict as a Leader

You don’t get the option to be emotionally driven — but emotions are essential to healthy, transparent leadership. Titus 1:7-9 - For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain . . . James 1:19-20 - “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Matthew 18:15–17 - If your brother sins against you, (1) go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, (2) take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, (3) tell it to the church…

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Turn & Talk:

How do you typically handle conflict—avoid it or confront it? What would change if we followed Jesus’ pattern for conflict resolution?

Humility and Teachability in Leadership

Titus 1:7-9 - For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Phillipians 2:3-4 - “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”

Turn & Talk:

Share an experience where God used someone to “sharpen” you? What are ways you have reacted to correction or feedback in the past?

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session two

Staying the Course: Avoiding Burnout

Statistics:

42% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry, primarily due to stress, isolation, and burnout. Over 70% of pastors say they work 55–75 hours a week. 91% have experienced some form of burnout in their careers.

Opening Activity:

Think of a time when you experienced rest/refreshing that left you feeling alive/inspired.

1. Prioritize Health (Spiritual, Emotional, Physical)

Pastors who take a weekly Sabbath and exercise regularly report 50% lower burnout risk -Fuller Seminary Study, 2021 Mark 6:30-34 - “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” 1 Kings 19:1-8 When your output exceeds your intake, your downfall is inevitable. The 3 Phase Connection Piece: 1.- Those you’re pouring into (Sons / Daughters) 2.- Those you’re walking with (Brothers / Sisters) 3.- Those that are pouring into you (Fathers / Mothers)

2. Lead at Home First

80% of pastors say ministry has negatively impacted their families - Lifeway Research, 2018 Ephesians 5 1 Timothy 3:4-5 - He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

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3. Sabbath Rest / Work-Life Boundaries

Pastors who regularly observe Sabbath are 2x more likely to report satisfaction in ministry longevity - Fuller Study Exodus 20:8-11 - “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Hebrews 4:9-11 - “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Matthew 11:28-29 - “Come to Me…and I will give you rest.” Only 1 in 3 pastors take a full day off weekly, yet 90% report “overwork” as a key stressor - Barna, 2022

4. Spiritual Disciplines

Leaders who consistently practice spiritual disciplines have a 60% higher resilience rate in long-term ministry - Barna Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the man . . . His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night . . . Luke 5:16 - But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

John Wesley’s Daily Examen (Methodist Adaptation)

Wesley’s version focused on: 1.Consciousness of God’s Presence — Recognizing where God was active throughout the day. 2.Gratitude and Praise — Giving thanks for evidences of grace. 3.Confession and Repentance — Naming moments where love failed or the Spirit was resisted. 4.Resolution and Renewal — Setting intention to grow in holiness tomorrow. He encouraged daily reflection with questions such as: • Did I seek God in all things today? • Have I been honest, pure, and loving in thought and deed? • Was my heart at peace, or disturbed by fear, pride, or anger? • How did I serve Christ and my neighbor today? • Where did I experience God’s presence or prompting?

Benedictine Rhythms (Rule of St. Benedict, 6th century)

1.Fixed-Hour Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) 2.Stability — Remaining rooted in place and people; learning to find God in the ordinary. 3.Obedience & Listening — “Listen with the ear of your heart” (Prologue). 4.Community Life — Meals, work, and worship shared; accountability in love. 5.Balance — No one area of life (work, prayer, rest) dominates.

Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)

1.Lectio – Read the text. 2.Meditatio – Reflect on its meaning. 3.Oratio – Pray it back to God. 4.Contemplatio – Rest in God’s presence.

Turn & Talk:

1. Psalm 23:1–6 — Receiving the Shepherd’s care

Lectio — Read: Read the whole psalm slowly, twice. Notice a phrase that draws your attention. Meditatio — Reflect: What does this passage reveal about God’s care? Where do you need his guidance, restoration, or courage? Oratio — Pray: “Lord, you are my Shepherd. Help me trust your care in ______.” Contemplatio — Rest: Sit quietly, allowing the truth of God’s presence to settle in. You don’t need to manufacture a feeling or an answer.

2. John 15:1–9 — Abiding in Jesus

Lectio — Read: Read slowly, noticing the repeated invitation to remain or abide. Meditatio — Reflect: What does Jesus teach about dependence on him? Where are you trying to produce fruit through your own strength? Oratio — Pray: “Jesus, teach me to remain in your love. I offer you ______.” Contemplatio — Rest: Spend a few quiet minutes attending to Jesus’ love, without rushing to another task.

Silence and Solitude (Desert Fathers & Mothers)

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5. Prayer + Fasting

Only 15% of church leaders report fasting regularly—yet those who do often attribute deeper clarity, joy, and spiritual vitality to it - ChurchLeaders.com survey, 2021 Matthew 6:5-18 - “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you.” And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our father in heaven (Identity) Hallowed be your name (Praise, Respect & Honor) Your kingdom come (Assigning Dominion) Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven (Giving authority and releasing control) Give us this day our daily bread (He’s the provider of all my needs, each day) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Interaction with Him and others) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Desire to live pure / acknowledgement of His help) For if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Q: Rank your “Pillars" in order of Best (1) to Concerned (5). What are some ways to get better in Each one?

Additional Notes

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Notes are saved in this browser on this device. They are not synced to other devices. The original PDF is available above.