Building into the Next Generation with Ryan Gillespie

Download Episode 7 Study Questions and then share, listen, and discuss in a one on one conversation or with a group of men.

APPLICATION

• Where are you currently serving? How has serving in the local church challenged you to depend on God more?
• In the situations and with the people you are currently responsible for, what is one way you have been challenged to show courage or take a risk?
• Ryan talked about the importance of partnering with parents in his work with students. In your area of service, who are you partnering with? Are there people who could help you be more effective in your ministry?
• If you are not currently serving, where could you get plugged in? What step could you take to be on the hook for someone else?

KEY POINTS

• Working with students or serving in any capacity in the local church is an ongoing discipleship process. Ryan’s experience pushed him to rely on God more and trust God with the results. Early on, he felt a lot of pressure to see life change and would feel discouraged when he didn’t see evidence of this happening. He quickly learned that serving was not about him, but about remaining faithful and allowing God to work.
• Being responsible for the people and situations God places in our lives often requires courage and taking risks. For Ryan, this involved taking his conversations with a student from a superficial level to a more challenging level. He recognized the risk of rejection and feared this outcome, but he determined it was more important to share truth and move towards this student in a responsible way than to gain approval.
• Partnering with parents is a key element to working with students. Ryan made an effort to build strong connections with parents so they could be on the same page and work together for the benefit of the student.
• Getting involved and serving in the local church puts you on the hook for someone else. If you have experienced Jesus in a personal way, you are responsible for moving towards other people and making disciples. This process of discipleship not only benefits others, but it is critical for our growth as believers. When we pour ourselves out for others, our lives are changed.

“As a man, it is good to do hard things. It is easy to take the path that is clear, simple, doesn’t take up too much of your time or requires too much effort.” Doing what God calls you to “is not always going to be easy, but it is going to be worth it.” —Ryan Gillespie

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

RESOURCES

Men’s Roundtable: This teaching can be found at: gracechurchsc.org/mrt

Student Ministry: Information regarding Grace Church’s Students can be found at: https://gracechurchsc.org/connect/next-generation/students

Find serving opportunities at Grace Church: https://rock.gracechurchsc.org/InterestForm

Join a Men’s Roundtable study by finding a campus near you and register for Authentic Manhood at: gracechurchsc.org/mrt

If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

Have questions or want us to discuss a topic? Email us at menatgrace@gracechurchsc.org.