Being Led by the Spirit

Bayless Conley

Being Led by the Spirit

Be led by the Holy Spirit in family, ministry, and self-care.

5 Video Lessons

Watch, listen, and learn as Bayless Conley shows you how to prioritize God, family, ministry, and self-care.

Course Guide

A FREE workbook that guides you through the course.

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Course Preview

Being Led by the Spirit

Brad Andrews sits down with Dr. Berin Gilfillan to discuss how God guides us. 

Course Overview

Being Led by the Holy Spirit provides a comprehensive exploration of spiritual guidance and leadership within the context of Christian ministry. From understanding the role of divine direction to practical insights on decision-making and avoiding pitfalls, the sessions offer a holistic approach to being led by the Holy Spirit. Participants will delve into the spiritual dimension of their existence, discover ways God communicates through their spirits, and gain wisdom on receiving guidance during challenging times. The course emphasizes the prioritization of life aspects and provides practical wisdom for navigating potential dangers while seeking divine direction.

Course Description:

Embark on a transformative journey in this course as it unravels the profound connection between spirituality and effective leadership within the body of Christ. Sessions delve into the significance of being Spirit-directed and empowered, exploring the three-part nature of humanity and the transformative impact of redemption. Participants will learn practical strategies for decision-making, including seeking divine guidance during difficulties and avoiding pitfalls. The course underlines the crucial priorities in life and imparts wisdom on recognizing the inward witness of the spirit while navigating the complexities of seeking divine guidance.

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand the crucial role of divine guidance in Christian leadership.
  • Emphasize the need to be led by the Holy Spirit in decision-making.
  • Explore the spiritual dimension of human existence and the impact of redemption.
  • Recognize ways God communicates through the spirit, discerning His guidance.
  • Gain practical insights for seeking divine direction during challenging times.
  • Prioritize aspects of life effectively, fostering a balanced and impactful ministry.
  • Avoid common pitfalls and dangers associated with seeking spiritual guidance.
  • Cultivate a close relationship with God, relying on the Word and the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Who Should Take This Course:

This course is tailored for individuals aspiring to enhance their leadership skills within the Christian ministry. Pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual guidance will find this course invaluable. It is designed for those who desire to align their decisions with God’s Word, navigate challenges with spiritual discernment, and establish balanced priorities in both personal and ministerial aspects of life. Participants should have a foundational knowledge of Christian principles and a genuine eagerness to be led by the Holy Spirit in their leadership journey.

Sessions

1. Spirit Directed and Spirit Power

Session 1, “Spirit Directed and Spirit Power,” underscores the crucial role of divine guidance in leadership within the body of Christ. Emphasizing the need to be led by the Holy Spirit, the session highlights the importance of aligning decisions with God’s Word, seeking wisdom, and maintaining integrity. Leaders are urged to base their choices on the principles outlined in the Bible, ensuring that they do not compromise truth for personal gain. The teaching extends to the significance of personal integrity, reliance on God’s peace for decision-making, and the value of seeking counsel from others within the Body of Christ. Ultimately, the session emphasizes the holistic approach of being spiritually directed and empowered in ministry decisions.

2. How God Leads Us Through Our Spirits
In Session 2, “How God Leads Us Through Our Spirits,” the focus shifts to the spiritual dimension of human existence. Exploring the concept that man is a three-part being—spirit, soul, and body—the session delves into the impact of spiritual death in the Garden of Eden and the subsequent transformation through God’s plan of redemption. Emphasizing the necessity of being born again to receive a new spirit through Christ, the lesson underscores the pivotal role of our spirits in connecting with God and discerning His guidance. Through biblical examples, it highlights ways God communicates with our spirits, such as through agitation, grief, restlessness, provocation, and compelling, providing practical insights for individuals to recognize and respond to God’s leading within. 

3. How to Receive Direction in Difficult Times
In Session 3, “How to Receive Direction in Difficult Times,” the focus is on seeking divine guidance during challenges. Drawing insights from Elijah’s post-victory trials, the lesson emphasizes key principles for navigating tough situations. Perseverance is highlighted, urging individuals not to quit and to eliminate unnecessary distractions. Resting spiritually in God is encouraged, both as a defense against worry and as a natural necessity. The importance of spending time in the Word of God and prayer is underlined, stressing the dual significance of the Word and the Spirit. Additionally, the session underscores recognizing God’s guidance through the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, prompting spiritual development for discernment.

4. The Priorities of Life
Session 4 emphasizes the crucial role of proper prioritization in guiding decisions for personal and ministerial aspects. With four main priorities—ministry, family, relationship with God, and recreation—the session outlines the recommended order. Stressing the repercussions of skewed priorities, the teaching refers to biblical patterns and principles for avoiding potential pitfalls. Priority #1 underscores fostering a personal relationship with God through prayer and the Word, highlighting its foundational role for effective ministry. Priority #2 centers on family, emphasizing the spouse and children. Priority #3 addresses various aspects of ministry, including prayer, study, and leadership. Priority #4 encourages a balanced approach to rest and recreation, recognizing the need for physical well-being alongside ministerial commitments. 

 

 

5. Pitfalls and Dangers When Seeking Guidance
In Session 5, “Pitfalls and Dangers When Seeking for Guidance,” practical wisdom is shared for wise decision-making. The lesson warns against relying on outward appearances or popular opinions, stressing the importance of the inward witness of the spirit. Using Paul’s experience in Acts 27 as an example, it highlights the contrast between outward circumstances and spiritual perception. Addressing pitfalls in seeking outward signs, the teaching clarifies distinctions from Gideon’s context. It cautions against relying solely on personal prophecy, emphasizing the need to test against the written Word and the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. The lesson encourages cultivating a close relationship with the Lord, relying on the Word and the Holy Spirit for guidance. 

Trimester 3
Details

Level

Beginner

No. of Sessions

5 Sessions

Running Time

2 hrs 16 min

Recorded

March 8-9, 1996

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About the Instructor

Bayless Conley

Bayless Conley is a pastor, author, and Bible teacher known for his clear presentation of the gospel and the way he applies the life-changing truth of God’s Word to everyday life. Each week his broadcast, Answers with Bayless Conley, is impacting lives around the world in many languages on TV and online.

Having overcome a tumultuous past as a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, Bayless discovered transformative hope through a chance encounter with a 12-year-old Christian boy. After chasing everything imaginable, he discovered true, lasting hope exists only in a relationship with Jesus.

Bayless and his wife, Janet, founded Cottonwood Church in Southern California over forty years ago. Today, their son, Harrison, and daughter-in-law, Bethany, lead the thriving Cottonwood Church with a weekly attendance surpassing 9,500.

A young Bayless Conley

Bayless & Janet Conley

Founding Pastors of Cotonwood Church

Harrison & Bethany Conley

Lead Pastors of Cotonwood Church

Cottonwood Church

Behind-the-Scenes of Answers with Bayless Conley

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