Parkside Mission

One of the great needs of the world today is for leaders who will live for the good of others. Traditionally, this has been called servant leadership. But in our increasingly fragmented society leaders have to be sent, they have to go "missionally" to where the needs are and live for the benefit of others. One of my passions is to raise up missional leaders. Our work at Georgia Tech has been an ideal field for this effort. By God's grace we have seen students transformed into men and women who go and make a difference. We have seen students become transformational leaders in families, businesses, missions, churches, higher education, and media industries. We are constantly looking for how we can better reach the unreached and how we can train them to reach and train others. A big part of the process is teaching them what scripture says about being missional leaders. Here are the notes and questions from a seminar that I presented to a group of student and staff leader...

Gospel Application - Sin beneath the Sin  (This was written by Emily McEntyre, part of it was adapted from Tim Kellers early article on idolatry.) Displayed in bold on her PC monitor were all of the offices that Kelly held on campus.   She added them up quickly in her head.   Hmmm….maybe that’s enough.   If she could just have one more cultural volunteer activity she would be a shoe-in for the president’s council.   And everyone on the president’s council has a future.   She grabbed her bag on the way out of the door and nearly ran right over her roommate, Amy.   “Sorry Ames, just headed to the Girls’ Club to see if they need volunteers.” But I thought that we were grabbing lunch today,” Amy said, sounding disappointed.   “I never see you any more – you’re always in charge of something.   My friend Katherine, who’s not a Christian, wanted to meet you.   I really think she’s seeking.”   “I’m so sorry Ames. Let’s reschedule.” Kelly y...

12 Looking Over the Letter Again   Ephesians 1–6 Purpose: To review the whole letter, looking for its main themes and the main application Ephesians has for us. At the end of a journey we can look back with satisfaction at having reached our destination and at having learned much along the way. We may also have painful memories, however, of problems or obstacles we had to overcome. But whether the trip was easy or difficult, we are different for having made the trek. Likewise with Paul's letter to the Ephesians, whether our study was easy or difficult, we are different now. This last study offers an opportunity to reflect on the major themes of the book and on how we have changed (and will change) because of it. 1.   Look throughout the letter for the words “in Christ” or “in him” (referring to Christ). From these passages, what do you learn about being “in Christ“? 2.   How do you feel about being in union with Christ in so many ways? 3.   Often in thi...

11 Prayer Wars Ephesians 6:10–24 Purpose: To grasp how the ultimate battle is fought and how it can be won. In a war of bullets, careful aim and heavy armor win battles. In a war of words, eloquent speech and sharp pens overcome the opposition. But if the fight is outside the realm of sight, sound and touch, how are victories won? 1.   How do you respond to the idea that there are spiritual forces in the universe that are working against God's will? 2.   Read Ephesians 6:10–24. In 6:10–12 Paul emphasizes that our struggle is not with flesh and blood. How has he emphasized this same point elsewhere in his letter? 3.   How do you sense a battle around you with more than physical forces and foes? 4.   Four times in verses 11–14 Paul urges his readers to stand firm in the battle against the devil's stratagems. How do we fail to stand firm as Christians? 5.   When Paul wrote Ephesians, he may have been chained to a Roman soldier (see 6:20). Th...

10 Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:21–6:9 Purpose: To consider how the relationship between Christ and the church can be a model for wives and husbands. Hang onto your hats; there's a good chance this will be your most controversial study. But don't be afraid of controversy itself or of strong differences of opinion. Try to present an atmosphere of openness and willingness to hear all sides. However, don't be afraid to ask people to root their contentions in the passage. Your purpose is to see what Paul says here and not to bring in a myriad of outside resources and opinions. You may want to remind everyone before you start to stick to the passage! A lot of emotion and misunderstanding surrounds the word submit . So try to come to this text as if you had never seen it before. Try to set aside your own biases and see what Paul really has to say on the subject of submission. 1.   How do you react to the idea of being told to submit to someone? 2.   Read Ephesian...