“Christ-like maturity” is a term that screams at us. It demands that spiritual maturity is recognized as being marked by Christ-likeness. It’s that simple. But what does that look like? My read on the gospels would lead me to believe that a Christ-like small group leader modeling Christ-likeness for their group members would be one who displays the following characteristics:
- Guided by the Holy Spirit (even into uncomfortable places) Matthew 4:1
- A disciple finder and maker. Matthew 4:18
- A teacher and defender of truth. Matthew 5 – 7 and throughout the gospels
- A modeler of the spiritual disciplines. Luke 11: 1 – 4
- A need meeter. Matthew 14: 13 – 20
- A protector of group members from false teachers. Matthew 15: 1 – 9
- A faith builder. Matthew 8:23 – 27
- Partnering with God to see healing take place in the lives of group members (emotional and physical) Matthew 8:14 – 16
- An empowerer. Matthew 10: 1 – 42
- A model of good citizenship. Matthew 22: 15 – 21
- A transcendent hope builder. John 14: 2 – 4
- A sustainer of and leader in communal expectations. Matthew 26: 26 – 30
- A defender of the principles and practices of church. Luke 19: 45
- Willing to die for God’s Kingdom. Matthew 27: 32 – 50
- Sending others out to make disciples. Matthew 28: 18 – 20
What about you? What are some characteristics you would include in this list and why?