|
Click on the title
to read the full article
11
Easy Steps to A Successful Children’s Ministry
Written by Shelley Pierce
Life is full and you’re a busy person! You already know that leading
children is a 24/7 endeavor. Here are a few tips and treasures for you
to ponder as you go that will help you become more effective as you lead
children to love Jesus.
Workplace
Evangelism
Written by Gena Maselli
This article is courtesy of Christian Single.
Though most of us won’t know the joy of leading hundreds to Christ
in packed arenas, we do have the privilege of being a light in our places
of employment. Whether we realize it, we’re on a mission field.
The Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) is a reminder that, as Christians,
we’re called to share the gospel with those who don’t know
the truth wherever they may be.
18
Ways to Take Care of the Minister's Wife
Written by Becky Badry
The ministers' wives in your church are special ladies in your women's
ministry with a set of needs unique to ministers' families. Make special
efforts to take care of a minister's wife and family by trying a few practical
ministry ideas
Senior
Adult Ministry: Who Cares for Caregivers
Written by Belinda Jolley
So, how can churches develop ministries targeting caregivers—the
family, friends, and neighbors of the chronically ill or disabled who
provide practical aid?
Consider the following needs of caregivers. Notice there are ways churches
can help with each one!
Three
Signs of Optimism for the American Church
Written by Thom S. Rainer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If you have read earlier e-columns by me, you know
that I am deeply concerned about the American church. Evangelistic effectiveness
is waning. Biblical illiteracy is growing. And many of the 400,000 churches
in the United States seem to be caught up in activities with little purpose
of meaning.
The
On & Off Switch: Consistency Control
Written by David Jeremiah
Need a more consistent spiritual heartbeat in your own Christian life?
Feel up and down like a yo-yo, being controlled by a giant “on”
and “off” switch? Do you go from glow to low without your
say-so?
Where’s the power? Where’s the consistency? What’s the
solution?
When
Daddy Doesn't Believe
7 strategies for spiritually single parents.
by Nancy Sebastian Meyer
"Half my heart believes in Jesus, but the other half isn't sure he's
real." Seven-year-old Becky hugged me. "What am I gonna do,
Mom?"
Her honest words grieved my already aching heart. After four years as
a youth pastor, my husband had traded ministry for business. He allowed
me to worship God freely, but he eventually stopped going to church and
started calling himself an agnostic. I knew Becky would notice our spiritual
differences someday, but I still felt unprepared for her question.
Single
on Sundays
Written by Rebecca Ingram Powell
Every Sunday, Carrie Nicholson, a married mother of two, is single at
church. Her unbelieving husband is noticeably absent from all church-related
activities. Week after week, Carrie saves a seat for her husband. Week
after week, his seat remains unclaimed.
The
Ministry of Teaching
Written by Mike Spaulding
The Christian educator is an integral part of the formula for building
the church (see Matt. 28:18-20). Scripture teaches that members of the
body are to be built up or equipped to do the work of the ministry (see
Eph. 4:12), and it is this work to which the teacher is called and gifted.
How
Do You Know You're Effective?
Experience in teaching doesn't tend to sharpen my abilities;
rather it dulls them. Evaluated experience improves my skills.
by Howard Hendricks
Most people think experience is the name of the game—that the longer
a person teaches, the better he or she gets. Nonsense. Just as ripping
through wood dulls the teeth of a carpenter's saw, so experience tends
to wear away my edge. I have found only evaluated experience sharpens
my skills. Evaluation hones the edge.
Get
Some Sleep
Written by Vonda Skinner Skelton
Mindy Starns Clark knows about sleep deprivation. As a Christian mystery
author with a new book due about every six months, she often pulls all-nighters
to meet deadlines. "The problem is, when I skip a night of sleep,
not only am I completely wiped out the next day — even with a nap
— I'm also wiped out for the rest of the week. I find myself sluggish
and irritable and mentally cloudy for days, no matter how much sleep I
make up." Clark knows the truth about sleep loss: It's a hard debt
to repay.
Is
My Child Ready to Accept Christ?
Written by Ken & Kay Parker
“Do you love Jesus?” asked the kind pastor.
“Yes,” replied the 8-year-old boy.
“Do you want to go to heaven when you die?” asked the pastor.
“Of course,” replied the boy.
“Then you need to go to the front and then be baptized,” declared
the pastor. The pastor opened the door; the boy’s parents came in;
the pastor prayed. That night the boy “walked the aisle.”
The next week he was baptized.
Fast-forward 17 years. The boy is married, has a seminary degree, and
is an associate pastor at a thriving church in a metropolitan area 90
miles from the church in which he grew up. Everything was great until
I (Ken) asked God to show me what happened when I was 8. It was like watching
a video. The scene replayed. I did as I was told. It was all well meant,
but I ended up a 25-year-old associate pastor who was not a Christian.
8
Simple Steps for Reaching People
Written by Richard E. Dodge
Outreach is easier to start and maintain when resistance is minimal and
“natural forces” can sustain movement. By natural forces I
mean that motivation, commitment, and resources are readily available
and capable leaders help train those who will make visits or witness to
the lost.
6
Ways to Reach Singles Through Women's Ministry
Written by Julie Langmade
Although single adults are one of the fastest growing segments in our
society, most churches are not intentional about reaching the single adults
in their communities, whether those singles are never married, divorced,
or widowed.
Sunday
School Preparing People for Worship
Written by Frank S. Lewis
What we do in Sunday School impacts what we do in a worship service. While
spontaneity is a great element to have in worship, most worship leaders
know that worship planning is important. Yet even with the best planning,
the worship service must be supported by hard work and prayer throughout
the week if we expect to have a significant encounter with God.
Spiritually
Lacking
Our marriage was good, so we put God on
the back burner. Big mistake.
By Susy Yates Anderson
When I was single, I began each morning on my couch, tea in hand, my journal,
Bible, and Bible study piled onto my lap. I soaked up the peace and quiet
of time alone with God. Responsible to no one but myself, it was easy
to spend consistent time reading the Bible and praying.
My husband, Scott, also considered himself a disciplined person when it
came to his spiritual life. He'd take an early jog and pray. Feet pounding
the pavement, he unloaded to God all that was on his heart and mind.
This time alone was something we loved and respected about each other.
Then we got married.
|
Click on the title
to read the full article
Let
The Words You Speak Be Fitly Chosen
Written by JB & Shugie Collingsworth
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)
Secrets
for Using Brainstorming in Teaching Adults
Written by Richard E. Dodge
Name your favorite five hit songs from your teenage days. Name the state
capitals. Name emotional responses Peter might have felt after betraying
Jesus.
What do these have in common? They involve learners in a technique called
brainstorming. This teaching method can involve virtually all participants
in a non-threatening way in study groups.
7
Paths to Spiritual Transformation: Teach the Bible
Written by Judith Woolridge
Traveling down the roadway toward spiritual transformation can be much
like wandering physical highways without consulting a map or a compass.
We mistakenly think we can accomplish spiritual growth and maturity on
our own. Just as the compass and map provide the tools we need to find
the way to our destination, there are principles we can follow that can
lead us home spiritually.
Help
and Hope for Young Moms
By Tricia Goyer
Each year in the United States nearly one million teenage women (10 percent
of all women aged 15-19) become pregnant.1 Many Southern Baptist churches
are discovering this is a perfect time to come alongside young women to
offer help for their needs and offer hope in Jesus Christ. Here's how.
Doctrine
for Kids, Part 2 of 2
Written by Timothy Pollard
Part 2 of this article covers Salvation and Christian Responsibility
Doctrine
for Kids, Part 1 of 2
Written by Timothy Pollard
When you think of Christian doctrine, what is the first thing that comes
to mind? Doctrine, as defined by the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary,
is “Christian teaching about God, the gospel, and the comprehensive
pattern of Christian truth.”1 You may ask yourself, “As a
teacher of boys and girls, how do I effectively teach these Christian
truths?” The answer lies in knowing and understanding the age group
in which you teach and in being able to communicate on their level.
Sunday
School Members Helping Hurting Hearts
Written by Mike Priest
They were on vacation when the tragic news came: their son was dead. Fourteen
hours of driving separated them from the reality they would face at home.
How could they handle the grief? How could they possibly make it through
the dark days they were sure to face? The obvious answer was God. They
would and did survive the pain by the comforting grace of God and the
ministry of His people. If someone in your Sunday School faced a similar
crisis, any crisis, would your Sunday School be ready to minister?
Tweenagers:
Navigating the Social Maze
Written by Mary Manz Simon, Ed.D.
Peers become increasingly important during the tween years. During this
transitional period between the childhood and the teen years, 10- to 12-year-olds
become immersed in social relationships that rival the complexity of the
most complicated adult subculture. Tweens join cliques and clubs with
rules that change daily. They dive into best-friend relationships that
end in tears two days later. And too often, tweens suffer through these
years feeling friendless.
Get
a Grip on Teaching
Written by Eddie Mosley
After years of overseeing great Sunday School teachers, I now am one.
I now experience the week-in and week-out struggles. In consulting with
churches and experienced Sudnay School teachers, the following simple
object lesson using the hand developed. Using this object lesson helps
me maintain my focus on teaching, or better said, the facilitating of
learning from God's Word. It also helps me support the growth of God's
kingdom by remembering what is important and reminding me to invest in
others.
Sunday
School Is More Than Bible Study
Written by Billy Britt
Transformed lives! That is what Sunday School is all about. In one state
almost two-thirds of the Sunday Schools are declining or maintaining.
Yet each one of the churches has a Sunday School that does Bible studies.
5
Steps in Making Disciples
Written by Richard E. Dodge
No one would say that making disciples is easy. But following the Master’s
method of making disciples provides Christians with an ideal road map
for guiding people along the road to spiritual maturity
Bible
Reading and Prayer Tips for Adult Ministry Leaders
Written by Ruth Ann Hill
If regular exercise helps you stay fit physically, as we know it does,
then daily Bible reading and prayer will strengthen you spiritually. No
matter how many times you have read the Bible through or prayed, each
day brings new needs. The main reason for daily Bible reading and prayer
is to develop your relationship with Jesus.
Unchurched
adults spiritually active
A recent study by The Barna Group identified a growing
trend of unchurched people identified as "spiritual Americans"
who exercise their faith outside the church. One-third of all U.S. adults
(34%) remain unchurched, but millions participate in spiritual activities
outside the fellowship of a church.
Stirring
the Waters
Written by Ed Stetzer
Getting people to visit your church is one thing, but getting them to
stay is another. Neither is easy, but both are necessary to build God's
Kingdom.
Make
Sunday School Not Ho Hum
Written by Tim Shamburger
Guys like to hear things hum, because when things aren’t humming,
it usually needs repair. Since I like to hear things humming, I want Sunday
School to hum as well.
Unfortunately for many of our church members, Sunday School has become
HO-hum rather than humming. How can you put the hum back into Sunday School?
Let’s look at several “ho-hum” statements.
Symptoms
of a Low-Expectation Sunday School
Written by David Francis
My friend, Allan Taylor, has written an excellent book about how to have
a high-expectation Sunday School. Since 1995, when he was called to First
Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia as Minister of Education, Sunday School
attendance has doubled. After reading "The Six Core Values of Sunday
School," I am more convinced than ever that the reason many of our
Sunday Schools are not doing a better job at reaching, teaching, and ministering
to people is that our expectations are too low. What are some symptoms
of a low-expectation Sunday School?
If you have thought, said, or heard any of the following about your Sunday
School, it could be that your expectations are too low.
Tips
for Praying With Children
Written by Cheri Fuller
Recently in the “Prayer Class” I lead at our church in Oklahoma
City, I was explaining to the new children why we take one Sunday a month
from their regular lessons to focus on prayer. “We want you to know
God, not just know about Him, and hear God, not just hear about Him,”
I explained.
|