November 1, 2009 - A Shepherd's Gift: Lays Down His Life for the Sheep

Key Focus:

• A shepherd's gift is that he lays down his life for his sheep.
  • We see this emphasized in the work of God for His sheep (Ezekiel 34) -- which stands in sharp contrast to the shepherds of Israel.
  • We see this emphatically in the life and death of Jesus (John 10)
    • This will be the key emphasis as we focus on John's story of Jesus
      • Preparation in the Upper Room
      • Protection in the Garden
      • Restoration after the Resurrection
      • Renewal from the Holy Spirit
  • We see this quality emphasized by Paul (Acts 20:17-38) and Peter (1 Peter 5:1-4) as crucial shepherding traits

Idea Bin:

• Dramatic Piece or Video:

• Key Songs:

• Important Scriptures:

• Communion Focus

• Elder Selection Process
• Harvest Missions

• Ezekiel 34
• John 10
• Acts 20:17-38
• 1 Peter 5:1-4

Time in the Word Focus:

• Key focus of the Time in the Word: God as our Shepherd in the O.T., and Jesus as our Shepherd in the N.T. show us what the goal of a Shepherd is -- healthy, whole, protected sheep. Since shepherding is a style of leadership as well as a title for a leader, it is crucial that we look for shepherds who share God's goal for us!

Daybreak Focus: (See emphasis above! Team Working on Planning Order - Names)

Refresh Focus: (See emphasis above! Team Working on Planning Order - Names)