Ending Hunger in America, 2014 Hunger Report Study Guide | Page 13

CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE – 2014 HUNGER REPORT

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SESSION 6: LEADERSHIP FOR HUNGER FREE COMMUNITIES
The Word
Read Exodus 4:28-5:1 and Nehemiah 2:1-8
One of the many ways people exercise leadership in the scriptures is by using their voices.
Moses and Nehemiah each speak with a political leader on behalf of their people. Moses
seeks freedom for the Israelites who have been enslaved in Egypt, while Nehemiah seeks
permission and support from the king he serves to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the
city wall. Although the situations are different, in both cases a leader who is in touch with
people’s needs on the ground seeks support from a national leader.
1. What are some examples you’ve seen of Christian leaders using their voices to bring
attention to a concern facing their community?
2. Do any of the leaders in your church, whether lay or ordained, advocate with government for people in need?
3. What power do you have to influence leaders in your church or community?

The Issue
Ending hunger and poverty requires leadership and collaboration. Chapter 4 of the
Hunger Report highlights the importance of leadership in efforts to make communities
hunger free—whether those efforts are local, regional, or national, and public or private.
It stresses that leadership requires effective communication, particularly in sharing local
and regional information with national leaders and systems.
1. What are some examples you’ve seen of effective collaboration between leaders?
2. Do you have a sense that national leaders understand the issues facing your state and
region?

The Application
1. Divide your group in three. Have one group read The Importance of Public-Private Partnerships in Combating Domestic Hunger by Rep. Frank Wolf on page 32, another Why

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