40 Days - Faithful Leadership - Bible Reading Plan
Faithful Leadership Bible Reading Plan - 40 Days
The Faithful Leadership reading plan is written for small group leaders, or people who are considering stepping into leadership roles. In this reading plan, we will be asking the question “what does God expect of church leaders?”
I’m not a small group leader. Can I still read this?
Of course! Even if you are not currently holding a leadership role, and have no plans to become lead volunteer, it is always good to steep yourself in God’s Word. Understanding Godly leadership will help you to identify leaders who “have swerved from the truth” (2 Timothy 2:18). These passages would be particularly helpful for someone who is considering a new church home.
I have already started leading. Is it too late to start this reading plan?
It is never too late. God will meet you where you are. So, if you have just started a group, or have been leading your group for years, this reading plan is for you. Let Him teach you how to be a good steward of the people you are leading, because we always have room to grow. And also know that His Grace is sufficient to cover any mistakes you may have made in the past.
Before You Start Your Leadership Bible Reading Plan
Pray over your reading plan before you start. I find it helpful to write prayers like this down. If you journal, write it in your journal. Sometimes I write out the prayer, fold it up, and tape it inside of my planner or journal. Use the prayer below as a starting place to talk to God about the time you want to spend with Him.
Prayer for Leaders
Dear God,
I want to be faithful to you in my leadership. As I am reading, make your truth clear. Reveal any areas of my life that need attention. Lord, help me to lead the people you have put in my care. Help me to set aside pride and selfishness as I serve You. Let me come back to Your Word over and over. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to further Your Kingdom. Let me never lose sight of that when things are hard. God, you are good and holy.
Amen
Prayer for Church Members
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the leaders in my church. Thank you for their organization. Help them to be faithful to You. As I read in the Bible about your plan for leadership, make it clear who I should and should not follow. Show me the fruits of their work. God, pull me into continual prayer through my reading for my leaders. God, you are good and holy. You are my ultimate leader. May my eyes always be focused on You.
Amen
Tips for Success
Track Your Progress
Use the downloadable progress tracker at the top of this page. Or, keep it simple and write out check boxes on a notepad or sticky note and put it some place you will see it daily.Write It Down
If you use a paper planner, I suggest putting the verse reference in your planner. You can also use this as a way of tracking your progress by checking it off. You can also set it as a task or event in your digital calendar, with the verse for that day.Make a Plan
Think about your day and routines. What would be the best time for you to do your quiet time during this reading plan? Recognizing times that would be good to read your verse for the day in advance will help you stay on track. I recommend choosing something earlier in the day, so you can reflect on the verse through out your day.Set an Alarm
If you plan on doing your reading at a specific time, set an alarm/reminder on your phone or computerLocation Isn’t Important
I love the idea of doing a long, reflective early morning quiet time while the sun rises and I sit in a rocking chair taking in nature. This idea, while beautiful, is not realistic on a day to day basis for me. Doing any quiet time is better than doing no quiet time. Doing quiet time in a house that is loud, is better than doing no quiet time. Don’t be afraid to sneak it in while you are waiting in your car, when the oven is heating up, or right before you go to bed. Letting go of a specific idea of what quiet time should look like is part of how you make it a routine and not just a dream.
Faithful Leadership Bible Reading Plan
Week One
DAY 1 - Matthew 20:20-28
DAY 2 - 1 Timothy 1
DAY 3 - 1 Timothy 2 - 3
DAY 4 - 1 Timothy 4
DAY 5 - Proverbs 15:28
DAYS 6 & 7 - Grace Days
Journal Prompt: Reflect on 1 Timothy 3:1-13. What qualities are stand out to you and why?
Week Two
DAY 8 - Luke 12
DAY 9 - 1 Timothy 5 - 6
DAY 10 - 2 Timothy 1 - 2
DAY 11 - 2 Timothy 3
DAY 12 - Proverbs 11:14
DAYS 13 & 14 - Grace Days
Journal Prompt: Write out a prayer specifically for someone in leadership who is leading you. Use at least one verse from this week’s reading as a part of your prayer.
Week Three
DAY 15 - 2 Timothy 4
DAY 16 - Mark 4:1-34
DAY 17 - Acts 2
DAY 18 - Acts 8
DAY 19 - Acts 20:17 - 38
DAYS 20 & 21 - Grace Days
Journal Prompt: The verses in Acts describe the early church. How do these chapters describe leaders?
Week Four
DAY 22 - Matthew 25:14-30
DAY 23 - Titus 1
DAY 24 - Titus 2
DAY 25 - Titus 3
DAY 26 - Philippians 2:1-18
DAYS 27 & 28 - Grace Days
Journal Prompt: Write out a prayer specifically for someone in the group you are leading. If you are not leading a group, pray for someone in your Bible study or church.
Week Five
DAY 29 - 1 Corinthians 9:12b-27
DAY 30 - 1 Corinthians 13
DAY 31 - Hebrews 12
DAY 32 - Hebrews 13
DAY 33 - Psalm 78:1-8
DAYS 34 & 35 - Grace Days
Journal Prompt: Look back over 1 Corinthians 13. Reflect on how this view of love should show up in your leadership or membership of your church.
Week Six
DAY 36 - Psalm 101
DAY 37 - Galatians 6:1 - 10
DAY 38 - Romans 8:18-28
DAY 39 - Romans 12
DAY 40 - Psalm 37
Journal Prompt: What did God teach you during this reading plan?
What to Read Next
Congratulations on completing the Faithful Leadership Reading Plan! Look back over your reading, and identify the one that stood out to you the most. Work on committing that verse to memory.
If you are looking for another reading plan, there are more linked below.
More Reading Plans:
