Flying with All Engines

-copied

On a overnight transatlantic flight to London all was going well until we felt a slight shudder. A moment later the pilot came over the speaker and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the shudder you felt a few minutes ago was our number one engine going out. Please don’t worry. This airplane is quite capable of flying with the remaining three engines. Unfortunately, we will experience an hour’s delay in our arrival time.”
About an hour later, there was another shudder followed by a somewhat embarrassed pilot’s announcement stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry to announce that our number four engine has just ‘left the building’. Not to worry, however, we can make it with two engines. We will be delayed by another hour. Please enjoy your flight.” That last sentence elicited some laughter and groans.
Yet another hour later, there was a third shudder followed by a clearly exasperated announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, you’re not going to believe this but we’ve lost a third engine. Please don’t worry, we can make it safely with just one engine. I do apologize that we will be yet another hour late.”
With that last announcement made, I heard a lady tell her husband in the row behind me, “If we lose another engine, we’re going to be up here all night!”

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bible study program that you are called to lead in your church is kind of like that airplane. In order for your Bible study ministry to be most efficient it must have all four “engines” of:

1. Outreach and Ministry
2. Quality Bible Study
3. Fellowship
4. Worship and Prayer

Each of these engines are of equal importance if we are to "reach our destination" for the Kingdom. As each “engine” is ignored and “shuts down”, your overall Bible Study ministry will be hindered less effective. Please pay attention to your engines!

P.S. The above four “engines” also apply to your personal life. Keep them “humming” in your life so your Bible study ministry can “purr like a kitten” as well.

THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT .....

New Release in Jan 2009: Compelled by Love: A Journey to Missional Living (7 Sessions with DVD) by Ed Stetzer and Phillip Nation
Description here: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_nrel_F08_AD-Compelled-By-Love.pdf

LifeWay will release a NEW resource at the same time Fireproof will release on DVD in February 2009. The Fireproof Bible Study: Live the Love Dare Member book and Kit will create a marriage-centered Bible study experience for individuals and couples and can be used in a classroom setting, home setting, or weekend retreat. The new resource will include: The Fireproof Bible Study: Live the Love Dare Member book, The Love Dare bookThe Fireproof Movie on DVD, Fireproof Teaching Clips DVD, CD-ROM containing sermon outlines and helps for church planning and promotion.

Winter 2008-09 Curriculum FREE Samples (All Age Groups): http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D168193%252526M%25253D201163%2C00.html