Steps In Selecting a Bible Study Apprentice

If you are interested in growing your church (and who isn’t), you know the importance of creating new groups. In fact there is a website whose entire purpose is to stress the importance of starting new groups and how to keep them healthy.  If you haven’t been to the website, here’s a link to it – www.groupsmatter.com.

One of the steps in starting new groups is training new leaders. Below is a great article by Rick Howerton about how to enlist Bible study leader apprentices who will become the leaders of new groups you create.

Apprentices are the key to a Bible study small group ministry that grows numerically while also making disciples that make disciples. An apprentice is a future small group leader who is mentored by the current leader of the group the apprentice is currently attending. In almost every instance, it is best if the small group leader determines who the apprentice for his or her group will be. But very few group leaders know what to look for when determining who will fill this vital role.

Ask these questions to determine who will be an effective apprentice:

·         Are they fully on board with the vision of the church and the small group strategy your church utilizes?

·         Are they in agreement with the theology and doctrinal perspective of your church?

·         Is the Bible their guide for life?

·         Do they have the heart of a shepherd? That is, will they nurture and protect a flock/small group?

·         Are they engaged in daily spiritual disciplines?

·         Is the possible apprentice a person of integrity? That is, do they live by the ideals they verbalize?

·         Do they know and understand the gospel? Are they able to explain it? If not, are they willing to allow you to aid them in learning this essential aspect of Christian leadership?

·         Are they teachable?

·         Do the other group members listen attentively when they speak? If so, this is a good sign that they are already perceived as having leadership qualities.

·         Are they willing to fall under the authority of the church leadership, be directed by them, held accountable by them, and attend training and events that are made available to them?

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 15 Books Church Leaders Should Read in 2015 - http://www.briandoddonleadership.com/2014/11/23/the-top-15-books-christian-leaders-should-read-in-2015/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BrianDoddOnLeadership+%28Brian+Dodd+On+Leadership%29

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2015 BACE Conference, Johnson Ferry Baptist/Marietta, April 9-10, 2015 - http://www.baptisteducators.org/conference/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Ordinary by Tony Merida - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/ordinary-bible-study-kit-P005644105

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS 2015: Journey Off the Map Preview Events and Resources – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Vacation-Bible-School?intcmp=VBSSite-Shop

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources -http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  -http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Love is by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/what-love-is-the-letters-of-1-2-3-john-leader-kit-P005635537

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event 2015 will be in THREE locations! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-MainEvent-20141230

Are You a Grinch or a Scrooge?

Remember how the Grinch hated Christmas so much that he didn't want anyone else to enjoy it? Remember when Ebenezer Scrooge only begrudgingly gave his employees half of Christmas day off? Does your own family or friends think you’re a Grinch or a Scrooge?

To avoid being labeled as one of those maligned characters, try to emulate the qualities that made them change by the end of their respective tales (and take note of the biblical principles demonstrated).

1.       Learn from your past mistakes. Scrooge traveled to different stages of his life to figure out what had made him the way he was. But in the end, he didn't allow those experiences to control him, and he changed. “When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

2.       Treat others better than you’d want to be treated. Pretty much everyone in Whoville shunned the Grinch because he didn't want anything to do with them. But even the most bitter person doesn't really want to be a recluse. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

3.       Realize that having fun is easier than being a grump. Think of the energy both Scrooge and the Grinch wasted making everyone else’s life (and their own) miserable. Learn to enjoy life. Laugh a little! “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

4.       Watch how children enjoy life, and follow their lead. Cindy Lou Who single-handedly helped the Grinch’s heart grow. And Scrooge had Tiny Tim to warm up his stone-cold heart. “Let the little children come to me...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

5.       Throw a great party. One of Scrooge’s dreams took him back to observe his old boss, Mr. Fezziwig. This was a man who enjoyed life and knew how to throw a great party. Scrooge learns from this and buys the fattest goose in town to take to the Cratchitt home for Christmas dinner. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” (Philippians 4:4, The Message). _{- Copied}  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

 FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, Lizella Baptist/Lizella, January 22, 2015 - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2015 BACE Conference, Johnson Ferry Baptist/Marietta, April 9-10, 2015 - http://www.baptisteducators.org/conference/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Gospel-Centered Teaching Conferencewith Trevin Wax, January 24, 2015 (for those using The Gospel Project Bible study resource) - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/gospel-centered-teaching-conference-january-24-2015/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR LEADERS USING EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible

FOR LEADERS USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/biblestudiesforlife

FOR LEADERS USING THE GOSPEL PROJECT: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/praying-with-paul-leader-kit-P005644096?intcmp=Praying-MTX-Text-LeaderKit-20141031

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke (student edition available also) – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-religion-leader-kit-P005615715

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Building a Family Legacy by Dr. James Dobson - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/building-a-family-legacy

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources -http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  -http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Love Is by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/what-love-is-the-letters-of-1-2-3-john-leader-kit-P005635537

Some Books that Have Impacted My Life

I don’t want to burst anyone’s high perception of me, but I’m not an intellectual giant. I was a stellar student in grade school, but when I hit junior high and the courses became more advanced, my grades drifted toward average and my attention became more focused on the fields of athletics.  Then I quickly hit the ceiling in my athletic career as well.  Oh, well ….

I divulged all that to prepare you for what I’m about to share with you so your expectations won’t be so high.  Below is a list of books (besides the Bible - that's a given) that have had a deep impact on my life in regards to my spiritual walk, my professional career, and in helping me wrestle with the greatest challenge in my life - the lifelong, life threatening condition that my son, Jacob, dealt with and which ultimately resulted in his death at the tender age of 21.

Let me assure you that I have read more than these books but I wouldn't describe myself as a voracious reader.  In fact, reading is way down on my list of things I like to do.  You will readily recognize that when you look at my list.  There are no literary giants or no ageless classics on my list.  I have tried to read some of those from time to time and on rare occasions I have actually succeeded in completing one but I was usually thankful that I didn't face a quiz on the content because my head was still wading through the fog of words.  But before you brand me a Neanderthal, I am happy to admit that when I do succumb to reading, either as a pastime or to seek some knowledge or wisdom, I have been greatly rewarded and I say to myself, ‘I need to do more of this!’

So there have been many books that have inspired me, informed me, challenged me, angered me, forced me to think (I can hear your comments) and have brought me closer to God. But these particular books always seem to rise to the top when I’m asked to create my favorites list.  So here goes, in no certain order (except the last one), this is my list:

A.      Books that helped me develop my spiritual walk with God

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-revised-P005123828 )

This classic helped me to understand that there was a difference between knowing information about God and truly seeking to walk with Him and seeing Him at work around me and then joining Him there.

The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-mind-of-christ-P001069699 )

This book took me deep into a favorite passage of mine, Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  His chapters on Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer and his death on the cross shook me to the core.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-purpose-driven-life-P005611842 )

This book helped me to synthesize a plan for seeing my purpose in life and keeping that purpose in focus.

B.      Books that helped develop my professional effectiveness

The Growth Spiral by Andy Anderson (http://www.amazon.com/Growth-Spiral-Step---Step-Calculating/dp/080543013X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415336943&sr=8-2&keywords=the+growth+spiral )

This book, more than any seminary class, helped me, as I started out in my education ministry, to understand what the ingredients were that it took to grow a Sunday School and a church. And Andy did say that little can be accomplished unless it is done under God’s leadership.

You Can Double Your Class in Two Years or Less by Josh Hunt (http://www.amazon.com/Double-Your-Class-Years-Less/dp/0764420194/ref=pd_sim_b_2  )

I loved Josh’s fresh, sometimes ‘did he really say that?’ approach to how to organically grow a Bible study group.

Getting Naked by Patrick Lencioni

The title alone scored points with me … but this narrative has solidified how I am to do my work in my current avenue of ministry.

C.      Books that helped me grapple with the tough issues in life

Both of these books came in a period of time when my wife, Karen, and I were facing life and death issues with the health of our son, Jacob.  Philip Yancey quickly became a favorite author of mine and I have devoured every book he has written. In addition to the two significant ones below, these have also left an imprint on me: Prayer, Does it make Any Difference?   - Soul Survivor   - Church? Why Bother?      - What’s so Amazing about Grace?   - The Bible Jesus Read    - What Good is God?  

Where is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/where-is-god-when-it-hurts-P001063931 )

This book helped me to see the value in pain.

Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/disappointment-with-god-P001064030 )

This book addressed the questions I often shouted out: Why is God unfair? Why is He silent? Why is He hidden?  And sometimes I still shout them.

But my all time favorite book that has helped me understand my relationship with God and his call on my life is ….

Lessons from a Sheep Dog by Phillip Keller (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/lessons-from-a-sheep-dog-P001072354 )

Maybe it’s because I am a huge dog lover, but this little book that contains the true story in Keller’s life helped to illustrate to me what I was created to do and what my relationship to God is all about.   The chapter where he illustrates the importance of obeying the command to stay while the shepherd leaves for another task has slapped me upside the head on numerous occasions.

In closing, I remind you that I never presumed to be a world class reader.  I often joke (and it’s a sad commentary) that most of my reading is in the sports section.  I readily recognize that I have denied myself an entire universe of mentors that could help me in my need for growth, wisdom, and understanding. 

But I do value what I have learned from these books and how they have shaped me in my spiritual and professional life (along with the host of other books that I’ve read).  You may have already read all of these, but if not, I encourage you to try them out.  Hopefully, you’ll be blessed and changed in a way like I have.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, January 22, 2015 - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Gospel-Centered Teaching Conference with Trevin Wax, January 24, 2015 (for those using The Gospel Project Bible study resource) - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/gospel-centered-teaching-conference-january-24-2015/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! - http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR LEADERS USING EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries - http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible

FOR LEADERS USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/biblestudiesforlife

FOR LEADERS USING THE GOSPEL PROJECT: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries - http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Building a Family Legacy by Dr. James Dobson - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/building-a-family-legacy

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 3 Childcare Options for Small Groups by Rick Howerton - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2014/10/20/3-childcare-options-for-small-groups/

FOR BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES: Download the new LifeWay catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/n/publisher/lifeway-christian-resources

FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: 3 Tips for Speaking to an Audience of Kids - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/06/26/3-tips-for-speaking-to-an-audience-of-kids/?emid=lcurtis-LWKnewsletter-20140716

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Breathe by Priscilla Shirer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Breathe?emid=BL-Product-BSI-Breathe-20141014