Welcome back! We're kicking off this season with a series called Lead! Leadership is crucial to every family, sports team, company, institution and organization! Everything sinks or swims because of leadership or the lack thereof. In this episode we will look at three steps we can all take to elevate leadership in our daily lives: studying the blueprint Jesus laid out for us, learning to take responsibility to carry heavy things, and walking a path for others to follow.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Get to know you questions:

• Name three things about yourself.

• Share why you jumped into a Locker Room Group.

"We have a man problem." God has put a high calling on us as men to lead and when we don't, it has a dramatic impact on everything around us.

What are some ways that you see this "man problem" in our world, or for you personally?

Scott said, "Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose." How can you be more intentional and deliberate about leading yourself so you can better lead those around you to better follow in the example of Christ?

Follow the Leader. Hatfield gave us three practical ways that we can do that:

#1 Study the Blueprint. If we're going to follow our leader, we have to see how Jesus led.

• How does getting in God's Word and studying the gospels help us become better men?

• What steps can you take to better engage with the living Word of God?

#2 Carry heavy things. God has entrusted men with responsibility.

Scott mentioned things like stewarding his creation, using our gifts to build up the church, spiritual leadership in our families, the gospel and its commission, and walking out the calling that God's given us.

• What are some of the responsibilities God has entrusted us as men with?

• Scott said, "Men are like trucks, they run better with a heavy load." Why are we better men when we embrace Godly responsibility?

• What are some responsibilities you have put down that you need to pick up?

#3 Walk a Path for Others to Follow.

• Who are some Godly people who have invested in your life and whose examples you have learned from?

• Who are the people you are trying to be an example to? What are you doing to invest in those relationships? How are you feeling challenged?

Three key passages that challenge men about the importance of the path:

• Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

• 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

• 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) Be watchful; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.

Application:

• Which of those passages challenge you the most and why?

• What's your take-away from this first episode?

• What step is the Holy Spirit challenging you to take?

Next Steps:

• Sign up for Locker Room Groups at southland.church/groups
• If you or someone you know is getting married soon or has been married for 5 years or less, sign up for our 2-Day Marriage Workshop (Fall 2025) on September 19/20 at this link: Fall Marriage Workshop SIgnup
• For any other questions or comments email [email protected]