Reclaiming Inactive Church Members

In the summer of 2006, LifeWay Research conducted a survey of 469 formerly churched adults to better understand why people stop attending church and what it would take to bring them back. The “formerly churched” are defined as those who regularly attended a Protestant church as an adult in the past but who no longer do so.

One of the questions asked was if they would consider returning to active church involvement. The results are encouraging:

62% - are open to returning, but are not actively looking

28% - unlikely to consider returning

6% - would consider returning to their former church

4% - would consider returning to another church other than their former church

It is encouraging to see that nearly 75% would consider returning to active church involvement despite the fact that the average length of inactivity is fourteen years!

Why Would They Return

The inactive members were also asked what it would be some reasons that would fuel their return to church. They said:

46% - to get back closer to God

34% - to fill a gap felt since stopping church attendance

32% - to be around others with similar values

31% - to make friends

30% - to help others

It’s interesting to note that all of these reasons for returning indicate that they realize something is missing in their lives, either in their relationship with God or in their relationships with others.

Here’s what we can learn from this research:

1. Always remember we are in the people business. We must show compassion and love in all that we do. The Scripture admonishes us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). A strong sense of love and concern will help overcome any disenchantment with church.

2. Make sure members are quickly assimilated into the church, in particular into a caring small group of some type. The Sunday School class has the best potential for the development of relationships and the ministry.

3. Follow up on your drop-outs. Considering that three out of four church drop-outs are willing to give it another try, we must not neglect the outreach to this group. Who has not attended in the last six months? While they may not go back to the same Sunday School class, perhaps they can be reached through another class or ministry. Thirty-one percent said they would consider returning to “make friends.” Making friends could be the first step to reclaiming these formerly churched.

4. Develop a strategy to reclaim the formerly churched. The research shows there is an openness to return. Forty-six percent said they would consider returning “to bring me closer to God.” How does that happen? Through the study of God’s Word and experiencing an atmosphere of acceptance and unconditional love. Create your own plan to reclaim those dissatisfied, disengaged, and discouraged in your own church.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ....

For Education Ministers: The Summit: A FREE Online Convergence of Small Group Experts, Thurs. Feb. 18th: Bill Donahue, Steve Gladen, Eddie Mosley, Rick Howerton, Carl George, Lyman Coleman and more! http://www.lifeway.com/sgsummit
For Education Ministers: 4G Conference, Building Great Groups - Sunday School Groups, Discipleship Groups, Small Groups, Missional Groups: Ridgecrest, July 23-26 http://www.lifeway.com/event/?id=361
For Leaders: SS in HD Conference: FBC/Woodstock, March 11-12 http://sundayschoolinhd.org/
For Women: Bible Studies and Resources for Women: choose a Bible study by your favorite women's ministry author http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=160745
For Men: Dare to be Uncommon: by Tony Dungy http://www.lifeway.com/e7/shop/?id=005223822
For Student Ministry: Register Now for Fuge Camps: http://www2.lifeway.com/fuge/
For Pondering: What's Changing, What's Not: trends that will be affecting your ministry this year http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/culturewatch/whatschangingwhatsnot.html

Class Outreach Ideas for 2010

^{(adapted from Discipleship Journal #117)}

Here are some ideas gleaned from a Bible study group that desired to touch the hearts of others. They discovered that acts of charity brought them closer to each other and, even more important, humbled them before God’s throne of grace. Below is a year’s worth of ideas that you can suggest to your Sunday School classes/Bible Study groups/Small Groups.

JANUARY - Look for a family in need because of a crisis and bring them a dinner and plateful of encouragement one night.

FEBRUARY - Bake or buy valentine cookies (with and without sugar), and take them to a convalescent home.

MARCH - Throw a baby shower for the local crisis pregnancy center.

APRIL - Give the gift of spring-cleaning or house repairs to an elderly person.

MAY - Plant a vegetable garden and plan to deliver the harvest to a local nonprofit food organization during the summer.

JUNE - Volunteer to handle one area (food, recreation, crafts, etc.) for the Vacation Bible School.

JULY - Hold a backyard barbeque and invite the neighbors.

AUGUST - Adopt a missionary. Send the care packages and prayer cards.

SEPTEMBER - Deliver a snack tray and encouragement cards to the teacher’s lounge at a local school.

OCTOBER - Purchase high quality treats, label them with a personal note like “Jesus loves you and so do I” or a scripture verse, and deliver them to the neighborhood kids.

NOVEMBER - Volunteer to serve dinner at a local rescue mission at Thanksgiving.

DECEMBER - Don Santa hats, and deliver to needy families boxes of nonperishable food and gifts collected by the church.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ....

For Education Ministers: GBREA Meeting, Decatur, January 21 & 22, "Reaching the Younger Unchurched" - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=736979
For Women: Ruth: Loss, Love, & Legacy by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/e9/shop/?N=4294906166+4294867906&nru=2
For Men: "I'm the Man" Men's Ministry emphasis: lead, protect, mentor, serve - http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=169138&cid=IMTHEMAN_home
For Leaders: Simple Life Action Plan by Thom Rainer - http://www.lifeway.com/e9/shop/?id=005254025
For Student Ministry: Girls Ministry Forum, Nashville, TN, February 26 & 27 - http://www.lifeway.com/event/?id=330&cid=StudentZip-emailCRD20091224
For Small Group Ministry: Free starter kit - http://threadsmedia.com/starterkit
For Pondering: "Religion and Race: Can Megachurches Bridge the Racial Divide?" - http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1950943,00.html

Earth Walk

_{By Martin R. DeHaan II}

After the Apollo XV mission, Colonel James Irwin related some of the high points of his experience. He told of weightless bodies floating free in the space capsule, the rising crescent of the earth as seen from the moon, and the triumphal splashdown before a watching world.

Irwin also spoke of the impact the experience had on his spiritual life. He said that from the lunar surface he sensed both the glory of God and the plight of earthbound man. As he came back to earth, he realized he couldn't content himself with being merely a celebrity. He would have to be a servant, telling his fellowman of a better way to live. Irwin concluded by saying that if we think it a great event to go to the moon, how much greater is the wonder that God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ!

Because man walked on the moon, science and technology have made tremendous advances. But because God walked on earth, we know both our origin and our destiny. We can know our Creator personally, and we can live in His light. Through Jesus' sinless life and sacrificial death we have the joy of sins forgiven and an abundant life--all because God walked on earth.

Personal Note: Isn’t it amazing that because God came to earth and walked among men, we have the opportunity to go heaven and we can walk with God. Add to that the promise that He walks with us every day of our earthly lives. May those thoughts bring added dimensions to your Christmas!

YOU MIGHT INTERESTED IN ....

LifeWalk: a year long plan to read through the Bible - http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?id=005107653.2010-01

Women's Study, "Ruth: Loss, Love, & Legacy" by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?id=005189427&CID=WomenNews-emailCRD20091201-Ruth

Simple Life, developing a simple game plan for life, by Thom & Art Rainer - http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?id=1415868123

Breaking Free: The Journey by Beth Moore (updated version) - http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?id=005125846

Transformational Discipleship by Roy Edgemon & Barry Sneed, a guide for developing an intentional plan of discipleship - http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?id=005289771

Finding Ways to Encourage Your Wife (Pastors Today) http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=169827&rss=20091123

Great Prayers in the Bible, 19-Page Complimentary Download - http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D169795%252526M%25253D200825%2C00.html

The ABC's of Being on Mission with God

By Tobin Perry

Attitude: You'll face all kinds of obstacles as you work to fulfill the Great Commission. Keeping a good attitude can be the difference between having a good missions experience and a bad one.

Bible: The Bible is your essential handbook for missions. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible not only explains why we should be on mission, but you'll also find in the New Testament examples of time-tested techniques for telling the world about Jesus.

Commitment: There's nothing easy about obeying the Great Commission. It carries considerable cost, perhaps even your very life. When you're on mission, your commitment to Christ will be tested.

Dependence: From the day God tells you to follow Him on mission, you'll need to depend on Him every step of the way. Ask any missionary!

Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is contagious, even on mission. As an ambassador for Christ, your enthusiasm for your Savior will go a long way toward showing people that they need a relationship with Him.

Flashlight: A good missionary follows the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. When you're on mission telling people about the Light of the World, bring a portable light source to help you navigate in dark places.

Good health: While on mission, you might find yourself in a very strenuous physical environment. Make sure you understand all of the physical requirements for a trip before you go, and then talk with your doctor about what you need to do in order to be physically prepared for the trip.

Humor: When you're on mission with God, expect anything and everything. As a good missionary, remember to take God seriously while not taking yourself too seriously.

Intentional: Mission trips aren't vacations. As a kingdom messenger, focus on your purpose! Be intentional about sharing the gospel.

Jesus: What Would Jesus Do has become a cliche, yet that's exactly what you need to be thinking as you share God's love with hurting people in your community or around the world. You may be the only Jesus some people will ever see.

Kum-by-yah: You will find that some of the most memorable moments in your life will be with the community or should we say kommunity that you develop while on mission, particularly among those on mission with you. But a word of warning if you suggest singing Kum-by-yah 50 times in a row, you might find yourself walking back home.

Languages: When you talk about Jesus, it always helps if you can speak in the native or heart language of the people you want to reach. However, when that's not possible, keep in mind that LOVE is a universal language.

Map: Whether you're traveling across an ocean or just across town, it helps to know where you're going. Take the time to find a good map and use it.

Nations: Gods concern for the nations goes all the way back to Genesis 12. If God cares about the nations, so should you. Don't limit your missions involvement to people who look like you and talk like you. Step out of your comfort zone and into a whole new culture which might be just down the street!

On your knees: Nothing is more essential to being on mission than prayer. Spend a significant amount of time praying for the person or people you'll be trying to reach. You'll be amazed at how God answers those prayers!

Passport: Being on mission means you should be prepared to go anywhere. If God sends you overseas, you'll definitely need a passport.

Quality time with the Lord: Spend quality time with God before you join Him on mission. Let Him tell you how you can be a part of His work and then join Him where He is working.

Real: As you share your faith in Christ, be real and authentic. Nonbelievers can tell when you're insincere or phony, and you'll just end up losing credibility in their eyes.

Servants heart: As you go on mission, be willing to do anything God asks. Whether you're leading someone to Christ, making breakfast for the homeless or cleaning toilets, you can be confident that you're making a kingdom difference! The prophet Jeremiah even says its among the mundane matters of life that you will often encounter God (Jeremiah 29).

Toilet paper: We know from firsthand experience that every bathroom in the world does not necessarily come complete with well necessities. Be sure you have a roll of toilet paper stashed someplace you can easily access.

Unity: If you plan to go on mission with a group, creating a sense of unity is very important. You can't expect people to want to enter the Kingdom if there is dissension among the brethren.

Vision: In order to be an on mission Christian, you'll need to embrace Gods vision for the world. Once you see missions through Gods eyes, you'll never sit on the sidelines again. You'll want to get in the game! Ask God to help you see the world through His eyes.

Willingness: For some awesome reason God chooses to use us to complete His worldwide mission. Your willingness to surrender to Him is an essential part of being on mission.

X-treme: Going on mission with God means living life to the X-treme. And guess what, you were made for this X-treme. From the moment you were conceived, God planned for you to share His message throughout the globe. What a purpose!

Yes!: Being on mission starts by saying yes to God's global plan. Saying yes to God means saying no to a selfish status quo.

Zealousness: Your passion for Christ will make a monumental difference in how effective you are in sharing your faith. Ask God to make you zealous for Jesus and zealous for telling others about Him.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ....

Family Ministry Planning Tool: a tool a family ministry council can use for evaluating, planning, and promoting your ministry to families - http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=169745

Affordable Background Checks: http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/bgc.asp?intcmp=LCS_onesource_backgroundchecks&CID=em_CD091029

Beth Moore's Updated Breaking Free: see the video http://www.lifeway.com/e3/shop/?id=005125846&CID=WomenNews-emailCRD20091101-BreakingFree

Free threads Starter Kit: contains Context (a handbook for reaching young adults), Videos, other resources - http://threadsmedia.com/starterkit

New Small Group Life curriculum for small groups/cell groups/home groups - http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D168800%252526M%25253D200804%2C00.html?CID=RDR-SGL

2010 GBREA Meeting online registration - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=39977

Valentine's Weekend Retreat at Ridgecrest: February 12-13, 2010 - http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D196%252526M%25253D200975%2C00.html

Eight Year Study Plan for Explore the Bible: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_CG_StudyPlan_ETB2007_2015.pdf

Meet the Engel Scale

Years ago, James Engel introduced a scale that shows the different levels of receptivity a person goes through in their relationship to Christ. The Engel Scale helps us to see evangelism as a journey, moving people from no knowledge or awareness of God to becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. We have often seen the back end of this journey--discipleship--as a process, but failed to see the front end of the journey as a process as well.

More recently, Paul Hazelton has modified the scale to update it into today's society. Click on this link to see it: http://www.hazelden.org.uk/pt02/art_pt068_modified_engel_full.htm

If we lived in an area (or maybe I should say “era”) where everyone was a -4 or -3 then we could just share the gospel and see pretty positive results. However, I think we are all aware that we mingle among people who are at all different levels of the scale, beginning at -12 on up.

All of us understand that evangelism is a process that is highly individualized. We need to recognize where a seeker is on the scale and develop ways to move them to the next level. Another important thing we need to consider is that it will take some time, depending on where they are on the scale. The further down they are, the longer it may take. We must help our church members to "not faint in well doing" as they create and strengthen friendships with people who are not believers. We must also help them to understand that they may not see the fruits of their efforts but they are still an important cog in the machinery of helping transport that person to the next level.

That is why the value of Sunday School class fellowships are so important and making sure that your class members are bringing their non-believer friends to those times of fun and fellowship. It is in those times of fellowship where they experience the love of God and begin to differentiate between their life-style and the life-style of a believer (and, hopefully, it's a more pleasant one!).

Make it a goal for your Sunday School classes to provide ample opportunities for your members to develop relationships with prospects and make sure they are equipped to know what to do when God opens the door for the gospel to be received in the life of a non-believer.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN .....

How to Honor Class Members in Ministry (David Francis): http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D169527%252526M%25253D200839%2C00.html
Beth Moore study, Breaking Free: http://www.lifeway.com/e5/shop/?id=005125846&CID=WomenNews-emailCRD20091001-BreakingFree
Time to Register your Students for 2010 Fuge camps: http://www2.lifeway.com/fuge/?cid=studentfugezip092209
How to Help Your Sunday School Decline (Bruce Raley): http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D169601%252526M%25253D201096%2C00.html?cid=CENews-emailCRD20090918
7 Personality Traits of Effective Leaders (Thom Rainer): http://www.churchcentral.com/blog/Seven-personality-traits-of-effective-leaders

"...the Bible is Pretty Simple,"

A minister flying to the West Coast struck up a conversation with the passenger next to him. “What’s your occupation?” he asked. His seatmate replied, “I’m a professor of astronomy. And what about you?” “I’m a pastor,” the minister answered.
The astronomer shifted a bit in his seat and then confessed, “I used to attend church when I was young, but my wife and I don’t go very often now. But the way I look at it, the Bible is pretty simple. It all boils down to ‘Get along with your neighbors and stay out of trouble.’”
"That’s interesting,” the pastor noted. “I feel the same way about what you do. For me, astronomy all boils down to ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.’”
Even though children can understand the Bible’s basic truths, it is no simple book. Anyone who bothers to study it finds it to be as limitless as the cosmos. We can go back to the same text countless times and still find more there. No one has ever mastered the Scriptures.

Challenge your class members, preschool through adult, to continue to grow in their understanding of the Scriptures. One good way of doing that is through reading a portion of the Bible daily. LifeWalk is a good tool to use in reading through the Bible in one year. It provides a plan and also provides interesting background material to help you understand the context of what you are reading.

A good opportunity to get your church involved in a daily reading program begins in October when LifeWalk begins its trek through the New Testament. Order an adequate number of copies of LifeWalk ( http://www.lifeway.com/e1/shop/?id=005107653.2009-10) and challenge your members to read through the New Testament by the end of the year.

They (and your church) will be richer for it.

"Things You May Be Interested In ..."

LifeWay is on Facebook - From Scriptures that will encourage you to the latest product release, this page lets you know about all things LifeWay. Plus, we often ask questions to get a better understanding of who you are and how we can help. Come see us soon! www.facebook.com/lifeway

Mentoring the Next Generation - a great resource to develop a mentoring program: http://www.lifeway.com/e1/shop/?id=005153102

Worship War: relevance vs reverence - In case you missed it, an excellent debate between Ed Stetzer and Mike Harland on worship occurred on September 1. See it on: http://lifeway.com/RvR

Fresh Encounter - Have a Fresh Encounter Weekend that can lead to a spiritual awakening within your church: http://www.lifeway.com/e1/shop/?id=005226601&CID=Adlt-Ministry-Solutions-emailCRD20090818-FreshEncounter-Text

What the Unchurched Don't Like About Christians (Thom Rainer) http://www.churchcentral.com/blog/What-the-unchurched-don't-like-about-Christians

Heart Connex - an family devotional via e-mail: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D161567%252526M%25253D200810%2C00.html

How Do I Handle 'Runaway' Prayer Requests in My Group?

If your group spends more time talking about prayer than actually praying, or if the prayers sound too much like “gimme” lists, try some of the following ideas:

1. Alphabet Soup. Call out a letter of the alphabet. As people in the group think of an attribute or aspect of God’s nature beginning with that letter, have them say the word or phrase and then briefly praise God for that character quality. For example, if you say, “T,” a group member might respond with “Trustworthy: Lord, thank you that I can trust You.” Another says, “Tenderness: God, I praise you for your tender loving care.” To keep things moving, the leader mentions another letter frequently.
2. The Name Above All Names. Compile a list of the different forms of the name Jehovah and what they mean. Hand out copies to the group and ask them to spend a few minutes meditating on the names. Invite each member to share a name that is particularly meaningful to him or her and to turn it into a short prayer. The person praying might say, “Father, You are Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides. Thank You for providing me with a person to talk to this week when I was lonely but too afraid to admit it.”
3. Sign-in Prayer Requests. If your time is limited, a sign-in system can help the group spend less time explaining prayer needs and more time praying. Have a sheet of paper ready and ask people to write down their requests as they arrive or before the meeting begins. During prayer time, read each item aloud and ask someone to pray about it.
4. Prayer Shuffle. A variation on the sign-in sheet is to have members note requests on index cards. If you have many needs to pray for, divide into groups of three. Shuffle the cards and hand out a few to each group.
5. Global Perspective. Lead the group in praying for specific needs of missionaries around the country and around the world. Download daily requests from http://imb.org/compassionnet/TodaysPrayer.asp and http://www.namb.net/root/home/prayer/ .
6. Community Concerns. Clip articles from your newspaper about local issues or people who have specific needs. Use the clippings as a basis for intercession either with the group as a whole or in pairs

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN ....

Worship War: relevance vs reverence - a debate between Ed Stetzer and Mike Harland on September 1. http://lifeway.com/RvR

Women's Leadership Conference: MOMENTum - Living and Leading in Today's Culture, Nashville, TN - November12-14; Low registration cost of $125 until September 10. http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D27%252526M%25253D200980%2C00.html

Excel '09: Ministers of Education Conference http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D119%252526M%25253D201006%2C00.html

Senior Adult Fall Celebration: http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_list_mainpage/0,2234,M%253D200971,00.html?

Tool for Training Preschool Leaders: Love, Laughter, and Learning http://www.lifeway.com/e9/shop/?id=001208783

National Youth Worker's Conference: http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D185%252526M%25253D201001%2C00.html?cid=studentziplnywc072809
How To Get Your 1st Time Guests To Come Back http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A%253D162588%2526M%253D200826,00.html

A Word of Thanks

When I took this job as a LifeWay's church consultant for Georgia last year, one of the things I looked forward to was to strengthen the friendships I had with numerous ministers and to begin other relationships with many more ministers around the state. One of my goals was to be a source of support and encouragement to any ministers who found themselves in a difficult situation. Little did I know that it would be me who would receive many expressions of support and encouragement over the last three weeks from my numerous friends around Georgia.

When I made you aware of the loss of my son, Jacob, several weeks ago I was overwhelmed by the immediate response of emails and calls I received that week. Several of my friends who live close by came to the visitation or memorial service and I have continued to receive notes by mail and/or email. All of these expressions of concern and support have been a source of comfort to me and I am humbled to know that these growing friendships means that much to each of you around the state.

I am beginning my work again and in the coming weeks you should receive a contact from me endeavoring to set up a meeting or notifying you that I have some material I want to place in your hands. If you need some help on anything, please contact me and I’ll do my best to be of assistance. That is another priority I have placed on this position I hold – I want to help you be successful in the ministry God has placed you.

God bless you and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Things You May Be Interested In ….

The Parent Adventure: Preparing Your Kid for a Life with God – for a sample chapter and video, click on http://www.lifeway.com/e7/shop/?R=828497&cid=ParentAdventureeupdateMay2009

Senior Adult Fall Celebration, Ridgecrest, NC, October 12-16, featuring keynote speaker Charles Lowery, music and worship leader Ronnie McCarson, Bible study leader Keith Wiginton, pianist Mike Moose, and concert artists Shiloh. http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D59%252526M%25253D200971%2C00.html?cid=SrAdultFalleventseupdateMay2009


Festivals of Marriage: 3 Day Weekend Retreats – Panama City, FL, September 25-27; Ridgecrest, NC, October 9-11, 16-18, or 23-25. http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D166%252526M%25253D200975%2C00.html

Help Your Students Leap Toward Faith: A D’Now study or 5 session study. http://www.lifeway.com/e7/shop/?R=834386

Insights for Reaching Young Adults in the Southeastern States. This is a very revealing study done by LifeWay research and Louisiana Baptist Convention. Click on link and scroll down right column to “Young Adults in Southeastern States”. http://www.lbc.org/AdultMinistry/Default.aspx

Book: "Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched & The Churches That Reach Them" (Stetzer, Stanley & Hayes) http://www.lifeway.com/e7/shop/?R=821139

A Good Thing to Remember

While praying one day a little girl asked,"Who are you, Lord?"

He answered, "I Am"

"But, Who is I Am?" she said.

And He replied..."I Am Love, I Am Peace,

I Am Grace, I Am Joy,

I Am the Way, Truth, and the Light.

I Am the Comforter, I Am Strength,

I Am Safety, I Am Shelter,

I Am Power, I Am the Creator,

I Am the Beginning and the End.

I Am the Most High."

The girl with tears in her eyes looked toward heaven and said, "Now I understand, but Lord, Who Am I ?"

Then God tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered,

"YOU ARE MINE"

-- Author Unknown

THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN .....

How to have Beth Moore lead a conference at your church (sort of): Living Proof simulcast, August 28, 29: http://www.lifeway.com/ev/events_detail_mainpage/0%2C2232%2CE%25253D194%252526M%25253D200979%2C00.html

Fuel Ignited: a new video study for youth is coming this fall. Click on the link to see a promo and to download promotion materials: http://www.lifeway.com/fuel/new_site/

5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter: a great study for Youth Ministry to sponsor for parents: http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=834289&cid=Women-EUpdate-5Conversations-0509-Featured

Three ways to do New Member training: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D168407%252526M%25253D200828%2C00.html

New Women's Study by Priscilla Shirer, One in a Million: http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=834402&CID=WomenNews-emailCRD20090601-Million

Start a Sunday School class for Parents: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D165133%252526M%25253D201160%2C00.html

MasterLife is now on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MasterLife/110224721616

What Makes a Church 'Healthy'?

In recent months I have had the interesting privilege to help LifeWay Research conduct some research on characteristics of a healthy church. I, along with twenty other consultants, have interviewed selected churches of differing denominations some questions concerning what these churches did that promoted a sense of health and well being in their church. Dr. Rainer and Dr. Stetzer plan to take the information gleaned from these interviews and compiled the results and their insights into book form sometime next year.


Participating in these interviews has caused me to wonder, how would the ministers I meet with throughout the state of Georgia answer the question. So I invite you to respond to the question below by posting it on this blog site so I, along with the many others that see it, can begin to get a sense of what it takes to help a church maintain it's spiritual health.

"What are your top 3 - 5 characteristics of what makes a church healthy?"

I look forward to reading what you have to say.

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Sunday School vs. Small Groups: Which is better? Watch the live debate on May 19 - http://www.lifeway.com/sundayschoolvssmallgroups/

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10 Ways to Worship Without Music

Ten Ways to Worship Without Music,

Building Worship into Your Daily Life

by Tobin Perry, staff writer at Saddleback Church
This article is a reprint from the website, www.pastors.com

As you'll discover as you read through Rick Warren's, The Purpose Driven Life, worship through music is only a small portion of what true, biblical worship is all about. God designed us to worship Him with our whole lives, and there are actually spiritual habits that we can build into our lives that help us worship God more deeply. Here are ten habits than will build worship into your life on a daily basis.
1. Worship through prayer. When we affirm who God is through our prayers, we put our prayer life in proper perspective. That's exactly how Jesus taught us to pray. Prayer starts with God (example: “Our Father, which art in heaven”). Consider including in your prayers a time of focused attention on who God is.
2. Get in a regular habit of reading the Bible. The Bible says that we worship God in "spirit and in truth." How can we ever worship God without a clear understanding of who He is? The truth about God is essential to worship.
3. Obey God. Rick Warren mentions in The Purpose Driven Life that we worship God when we obey Him. We all need to build the habit of obedience into our lives. Whenever you sense God is speaking to you, make it a regular practice to respond immediately.
4. Tithe. If you want to know what in your life you worship, look at your checkbook register. The Bible teaches us this important lesson: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mathew 6:21 NIV)
5. Build deep relationships with other Christians. The Bible teaches that God designed us to live in community with other Christians. We bring God pleasure by getting to know others and being known by them. The primary way we do this is through small groups like Sunday School classes.

6. Share your faith. John Piper made many of us re-look at why we share our faith when he wrote a few years ago: "Missions exists because worship doesn't." God wants every person on the planet to worship him, not because He is an egomaniac who needs our praise, but because worship is how we are designed by God. He wants the best for us.
7. Serve others. Jesus tells us that "when you did it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did to me!" (Matt. 25:40 NLT) When we serve one another, Jesus tells us we are really serving Him.
8. Build into your life the attitude of thankfulness. When we look through the lens of thankfulness, we see our lives—and everything in it—as all gifts from God. Develop your own spiritual exercise each morning that demonstrates that you are putting on your lens of thankfulness.
9. Begin turning over to God areas of your life that you have never committed to Him. This is the heart of worship — surrender. God won't settle for 90 percent of your life; He wants all of it. You might have been a follower of Jesus for years, but you still have areas of your life that you are holding back from Him. Allow God to expose those areas and help you release to Him.
10. Live a life of purpose. God has a reason for your existence. In fact, He has five: fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism and worship. You please God when you live in step with His purposes. God doesn't want you to waste your life.
You were designed for God's pleasure. The purpose of worship is the foundation of the other four purposes. Fellowship without the spirit of worship is just "hanging out." Discipleship without worship is nothing but a fruitless mental exercise. Ministry without worship is called "spinning your wheels." Evangelism without worship is a misplaced sales pitch.
Worship isn't simply one area of your life; it is your life. Start right this moment by surrendering your life to God. Then spend the rest of your life learning to worship Him more fully.

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