Tool: Servanthood ‒ 4D Grid
A sample theological learning experience design on servanthood, created for our Transformational Theology course.
Malcolm Webber
Whether you are in working with ministry leaders on the frontlines or in your church, or simply looking to build yourself in servanthood, this simple, Four-Dynamic design is an invaluable tool for growth.
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Building Servanthood |
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Meditate on and pray through these passages about Jesus’ servanthood:
In prayer:
Fast and pray for God to break through your own selfishness and self-centeredness. Read and meditate on:
Record your reflections in your journal. Memorize:
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Experiential Dynamics Reach out to and serve one individual in the local community – one who is deeply in need and who is typically looked down on by others. For example, a homeless person, beggar, prostitute, orphan, disabled person, drug addict or alcoholic. Take the place of a homeless person in the community. Dress the way they would dress and sit where they would sit, begging. Afterwards, reflect on what you learned about poverty and about servanthood. Wash each other’s feet. Include church leaders in this if possible. Serve needy people in the local church. For example, people who are experiencing sickness, divorce or abandonment, family loss, financial woes, workplace stress, depression, discouragement. Listen to them, comfort them, encourage them, pray with them, help them.
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Relational Dynamics With your mentor’s help, identify specific areas in your life in which you need to grow in servanthood. Pray together about these areas and ask him to hold you accountable for life change. Interview one or two people from the local church identified by the church leaders as strong in servanthood. Listen to their testimonies and ask them relevant questions. Ask them also to pray for you to grow in servanthood. Read about Paul’s appreciation for the people at Philippi in Macedonia (Rom. 15:25-27; 2 Cor. 8:1-7; Phil. 4:10-19), noting examples of humble service. Thank God for those who serve you, determining to affirm them and express your appreciation to them. For example, write some thank you notes. |
Instructional Dynamics Study Philippians 1:27 – 2:11. Learn the doctrines of the incarnation, humiliation and “kenosis” of Jesus Christ. Also study the historical errors related to these doctrines. Team discussion: In what ways did Jesus “empty” Himself in His incarnation and what are the practical implications for you? Read Philippians and identify specific examples of servanthood. Study John 13:1-17.
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