A Thanksgiving Thought

As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black spot in the center of it with a marking pen.  Then he held the paper up before the group and asked them what they saw.  One person quickly replied, “I see a black mark.”

“Right,” the preacher replied.  “What else do you see?”  Complete silence prevailed.  “Don’t you see anything other than the black spot?” he asked.  A chorus of “no” came from the audience.  “I’m surprised,” the speaker commented.  “You have overlooked the most important thing of all – the sheet of paper.”

Then he made the application.  In life we are often distracted by small disappointments, and we forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord.  But, like the sheet of paper, the good things in life are overwhelmed by the adversities that monopolize our attention.

Rather than concentrating on the trials of life during this Thanksgiving season, and every day of the year, let's fix our attention on its blessings.  Let us say with the psalmist, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). 

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR STAFF LEADERSHIP: GBACE Annual Conference, January 24, 2013 at Mabel White Baptist Church, Macon - http://www.gbace.org/

FOR EDUCATION LEADER TRAINING: Go Forward Conference, March 14-15, 2013, FBC/Woodstock - http://sundayschoolinhd.org/

FOR VBS: Colossal Coaster World Sampler (to be available in December) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2013-colossal-coaster-world-sampler-p005487573

FOR VBS: Colossal Coaster World Super Sampler (to be available in December) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2013-colossal-coaster-world-super-sampler-P005487652?intcmp=LWMain-Best3-VBSSuperSampler-20121105

FOR COMMUNITY BACKYARD KIDS CLUB: Colossal Coaster Backyard Kids Club Kit - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2013-colossal-coaster-world-backyard-kids-club-p005532691

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship assessment tool to chart where you are in your spiritual walk and suggestions of ‘next steps’ toward growth - http://tda.lifeway.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Faith Limps by Michael Kelley, trusting God in a broken world – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/faith-limps-trusting-a-good-god-in-a-broken-world-dvd-leader-kit-P005471379

FOR CUSTOMIZED CURRICULUM: Discipleship in Context can provide a short term or ongoing Bible studies that are customized to your church’s culture and focus - http://discipleshipincontext.com/

FOR MEN'S MINISTRY: All Pro Dad simulcast, January 26, 2013 with Tony Dungy, Clark Kellogg, Tommy Bowden - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-All-Pro-Dad-Simulcast

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Missing Pieces by Jennifer Rothschild, for those asking the hard questions of life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/missing-pieces-real-hope-when-life-doesnt-make-sense-leader-kit-P005371622

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: The Law of Love (study of Deuteronomy) by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-law-of-love-dvd-kit-p005537128

Five Simple Ways to Grow in Your Leadership

by Brad Lomenick (from his blog)

1. Read- Leaders are readers,pure and simple. I recommend business books, Christian living, historical biographies/autobiographies, and magazines. And, of course, I recommend the Bible as your #1 source.

2. Serve- Jump in and help wherever you're needed. Ultimately, just keep leading- more and more and more. The more you lead, the better leader you will be. The more you serve, the better servant you will be. And believe me, if you keep asking to take on leadership in your organization, you will continue to have more responsibility piled on you.

3. Watch- Find those who are great at what they do, and stalk them. I'm kidding of course, but be intentional about watching closely how they lead. And learn from those around you... everyone. You can learn from those who are more experienced, wiser, and have something to offer. Find a few leaders who you want to learn from, and seek them out. Ask them for advice.

4. Pray - The prayers of a righteous man accomplishes much. Pray for wisdom, pray for favor, pray that your influence will be expanded. And pray for humility.

5. Connect- Hang around other leaders. Go where other leaders are. Go to conferences such as Catalyst, Leadership Summit, Leadercast, Hillsong Conference, etc. Attend local gatherings, small roundtable discussions, state and denominational conferences, lunches, receptions... whatever. Osmosis really does work when it comes to growing as a leader. And getting outside of your “norm” is essential to growth- many times just hearing how another leader is handling a situation will bring great clarity and perspective.

 THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR STAFF LEADERSHIP:  “Creature of the Word: becoming a Jesus-Centered Church” simulcast, October 23^rd 9:00am-noon - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Creature-Of-The-Word?type=events&intcmp=LWMain-Hero2-CreatureOfTheWord-20121001

FOR EVANGELISM TRAINING: Why Do You Believe That? by Mary Jo Sharp; a former atheist shares how to convey your beliefs to others that believe differently, 7 sessions - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/why+do+you+believe+that

FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: A Biblical Marriage in a Broken World by Danny Akin; 6 session study suitable for marriage retreats, workshops, or small groups - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/biblical-marriage-in-a-broken-world-leader-kit-P005535021

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship assessment tool to chart where you are in your spiritual walk and suggestions of ‘next steps’ toward growth - http://tda.lifeway.com/

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Unconditional: The Bible study based on the current movie, 4 sessions - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/unconditional-the-bible-study-leader-kit-P005490147

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Faith Limps by Michael Kelley, trusting God in a broken world – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/faith-limps-trusting-a-good-god-in-a-broken-world-dvd-leader-kit-P005471379

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Mentor: How ‘along the way’ discipleship will change your life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mentor-how-along-the-way-discipleship-will-change-your-life-leader-kit-P005378214

FOR CUSTOMIZED CURRICULUM: Discipleship in Context can provide a short term or ongoing Bible studies that are customized to your church’s culture and focus - http://discipleshipincontext.com/

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 the series; The Man and His Design, based on Men’s Fraternity with new material added for men pursuing authenticity - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-a-man-and-his-design-dvd-leader-kit-P005505779

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Missing Pieces by Jennifer Rothschild, for those asking the hard questions of life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/missing-pieces-real-hope-when-life-doesnt-make-sense-leader-kit-P005371622

What Brings People Back to Bible Study?

by Richard Dodge 

 If you’ve taught a Bible study class for very long, you’ve had this unsettling experience: An individual or a couple visits your class one time and you never see them again. You may call to follow-up with them or ask if you can come by for a visit, and they politely tell you, "Thanks, but no thanks."
You wonder, What did I do wrong? What did I say? What was the problem? Once someone visits your class, what will help that person decide to return? Here are five ways to create an environment that draws newcomers back. 

1.  Build Relationships - The most frequent comment voiced by newcomers who do not return is that no one spoke to them or was friendly toward them. Class leaders must be intentional about drawing newcomers into the life of the class as soon as they enter the room. Someone should be enlisted specifically to welcome newcomers and to help them meet other class members. Find a "host" in your class who can sit with the newcomers in class and "adopt" them for the rest of the morning. It’s also helpful if this "host" can continue to build a personal relationship beyond the Sunday School hour by making a telephone call or a personal visit. 
2. Make Your Classroom Warm - A good first impression is also important - both with people and the classroom appearance. The appearance of the class creates an atmosphere that is felt as you enter a room. Chair arrangement, items on walls and other decorations create an impression. Make sure your room is silent message is positive and warm. 
3. Make Them Feel Important - Making newcomers feel important is vital. Here is a checklist to see if your class is accomplishing that task: 
·   Are they accepted? 
·  Do you call them by name once they have introduced themselves? 
·  Does your class use name tags to make sure newcomers learn members’ names more quickly? 
·  Are they given the resources they need to fit in, such as member books, newsletters and so forth? 
·  Are they invited to participate in any activities that might be discussed during the class they attend? 
·  Are they invited to enroll during their first visit? 
4.  Avoid Embarrassing Situations - Making newcomers feel welcome also includes avoiding embarrassing them. Never ask newcomers to read or pray aloud unless they volunteer to do so. Be careful what kind of questions you ask them to answer. Watch their expressions to see if something that is said causes an emotional response.   
5.  Be Prepared - This should be a given, but making sure your lesson is well-prepared makes newcomers more comfortable in class. If a teacher can help a class flow well, use a variety of teaching approaches and generally make the class interesting and meaningful, then newcomers will want to return. A discovery-oriented approach to learning is good because it affirms that each person has something of value to contribute to the discussion and encourages each person present to participate.

  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CUSTOMIZED CURRICULUM: Discipleship in Context can provide a short term or ongoing Bible studies that are customized to your church’s culture and focus - http://discipleshipincontext.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship assessment tool to chart where you are in your spiritual walk and suggestions of ‘next steps’ toward growth - http://tda.lifeway.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Faith Limps by Michael Kelley, trusting God in a broken world – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/faith-limps-trusting-a-good-god-in-a-broken-world-dvd-leader-kit-P005471379

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Mentor: How ‘along the way’ discipleship will change your life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mentor-how-along-the-way-discipleship-will-change-your-life-leader-kit-P005378214

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Transform: Changing Lives Through Teaching Conference, September 22, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula -  http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Transform-2012-Dacula-GA

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Teach the Bible for Life Conference, September 28 & 29, Nashville, TN - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/teach-the-bible-for-life?type=events

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 the series; The Man and His Design, based on Men’s Fraternity with new material added for men pursuing authenticity - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-a-man-and-his-design-dvd-leader-kit-P005505779

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Missing Pieces by Jennifer Rothschild, for those asking the hard questions of life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/missing-pieces-real-hope-when-life-doesnt-make-sense-leader-kit-P005371622

FOR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Creation Unraveled by Matt Carter, seeing the gospel in Genesis 1-11 - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/creation-unraveled-the-gospel-according-to-genesis-leader-kit-p005378212

FOR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Creation Restored by Matt Carter, seeing the gospel in Genesis 12 – 50 - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/creation-restored-the-gospel-according-to-genesis-dvd-leader-kit-p005430352

The 10 Warning Signs of an Inwardly Obsessed Church

from Thom Rainer's blog

Any healthy church must have some level of inward focus. Those in the church should be discipled. Hurting members need genuine concern and ministry. Healthy fellowship among the members is a good sign for a congregation.

But churches can lose their outward focus and become preoccupied with the perceived needs and desires of the members. The dollars spent and the time expended can quickly become focused on the demands of those inside the congregation. When that takes place the church has become inwardly obsessed. It is no longer a Great Commission congregation.

In my research of churches and consultation with churches, I have kept a checklist of potential signs that a church might be moving toward inward obsession. No church is perfect; indeed most churches will demonstrate one or two of these signs for a season. But the real danger takes place when a church begins to manifest three or more of these warning signs for an extended period of months and even years.

1. Worship wars. One or more factions in the church want the music just the way they like it. Any deviation is met with anger and demands for change. The order of service must remain constant. Certain instrumentation is required while others are prohibited.

2. Prolonged minutia meetings. The church spends an inordinate amount of time in different meetings. Most of the meetings deal with the most inconsequential items, while the Great Commission and Great Commandment are rarely the topics of discussion.

3. Facility focus. The church facilities develop iconic status. One of the highest priorities in the church is the protection and preservation of rooms, furniture, and other visible parts of the church's buildings and grounds.

4. Program-driven. Every church has programs even if they don't admit it. When we start doing a ministry a certain way, it takes on programmatic status. The problem is not with programs. The problem develops when the program becomes an end instead of a means to greater ministry.

5. Inwardly focused budget. A disproportionate share of the budget is used to meet the needs and comforts of the members instead of reaching beyond the walls of the church.

6. Inordinate demands for pastoral care. All church members deserve care and concern, especially in times of need and crisis. Problems develop, however, when church members have unreasonable expectations for even minor matters. Some members expect the pastoral staff to visit them regularly merely because they have membership status.

7. Attitudes of entitlement. This issue could be a catch-all for many of the points named here. The overarching attitude is one of demanding and having a sense of deserving special treatment.

8. Greater concern about change than the gospel. Almost any noticeable changes in the church evoke the ire of many; but those same passions are not evident about participating in the work of the gospel to change lives.

9. Anger and hostility. Members are consistently angry. They regularly express hostility toward the church staff and other members.

10. Evangelistic apathy. Very few members share their faith on a regular basis. More are concerned about their own needs rather than the greatest eternal needs of the world and community in which they live.

My list is not exhaustive. You may have some items you could add. Have you ever been a part of an inwardly obsessed church? What signs were evident that led you to know the church was inwardly obsessed? Do you affirm some of the items on my list?

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship, how people really grow; book and DVD - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/transformational-discipleship

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship assessment tool to chart where you are and suggestion of ‘next steps’ toward growth - http://tda.lifeway.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Mentor: How ‘along the way’ discipleship will change your life - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mentor-how-along-the-way-discipleship-will-change-your-life-leader-kit-P005378214

FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: 2013 January Bible Study; ‘The Greatest Week in History’ Luke’s Account of Passion Week - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-greatest-week-in-history-lukes-account-of-the-passion-week-leader-guide-with-cd-rom-P005371578

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Regional Sunday School Workshops; look for a GA Baptist sponsored conference near you - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=9520&theparentnavigationid=4896&viewcontentpageguid=8b0dda97-1270-4907-a821-59c8df31a24b

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Transform: Changing Lives Through Teaching Conference, September 22, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula -  http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Transform-2012-Dacula-GA

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Teach the Bible for Life Conference, September 28 & 29, Nashville, TN - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/teach-the-bible-for-life?type=events

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Family: leading the family by Kenny Luck - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/family-leading-a-family-dvd-leader-kit-P005469698

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: The Law of Love by Beth Moore, lessons from the pages of Deuteronomy - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-law-of-love-dvd-kit-p005537128

FOR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Birds & Bees: a conversation about God, Sex, and Sexuality, a Threads study - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/birds-and-bees-a-conversation-about-god-sex-and-sexuality-leader-kit-P005474746

When Do You Drop Someone From the Roll?

Many churches are approaching the dawn of their new Bible Study year. They are forming new classes, rearranging others, and the inevitable questions always comes up, “What should we do about those people that never come anymore, should we drop them?”

 Here are some excellent steps that David ‘Mr. Sunday School’ Francis recently provided about ‘When Do We Drop Someone From the Roll?”

 1. Change the name from "Roll" to "Ministry List." That is subtle, but the idea is that it changes the primary responsibility. "Roll" connotes that the people, once enrolled, are committing themselves to attendance. "Ministry List" connotes that we, the leaders, are committing ourselves to the members, once they've agreed to enroll.

 2. Now, what does it take to get on the Ministry List? Just saying yes! Here's my stock phrase when I'm enrolling someone: "Enrolling in our class - agreeing to become a member of our Ministry List - does not make you a member of the church nor obligate you to become one." The obligation is on us, not them.

 3. Before removing someone from the Ministry List, ask this question: What's the worst thing that could happen to this person? If the answer is: "They might join another church, or maybe not ever go to church again, but we're pretty sure that when they die they'll go to heaven." However, if the answer is, "We don't know if anyone would ever pray for them again, ever contact them again, ever be available to minister to them again, and when they die, we're not at all sure they would go to heaven," then how about leaving them on the Ministry List?

 4. So, when would you drop someone from the Ministry List? (a) When they have moved too far away from the church for us to minister to them. If they were calling this a roll, my answer to this question would be, "If they moved too far away to attend." But, remember, it's a ministry list! (b) If they demand to be removed, and we've been unsuccessful at talking them out of it! Principle: Don't take people off the roll unless they want off - really bad!

 5. What do you say to someone who asks to be taken off the Ministry List? Try to communicate that you care for them and would like to be able to remain in touch with them, whether they attend or not. You'd like to be able to pray for them, and be available to respond to them in the event of a crisis in their family. Most people are only "testing the water" when they ask you to take them off the list. They may just want to know if you really care.

 What's the bottom line of all this? It is remembering that when we ask someone to enroll in Sunday School we are making a commitment to them more than asking them to make a commitment to us. In reality, it's a joint commitment.

 Who on your ministry list needs to be the recipient of your prayer or care this week? 

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

COMING NEW BIBLE STUDY CURRICULUM: The Gospel Project, for age 3 through adult, to order - http://gospelproject.com/

 FOR WORSHIP PLANNING: You can align your worship services with The Gospel Project curriculum by using these worship ideas: http://www.lifewayworship.com/n/gospelprojectworship

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship, how people really grow; book and DVD - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/transformational-discipleship

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Transformational Discipleship assessment tool to chart where you are and suggestion of ‘next steps’ toward growth - http://tda.lifeway.com/

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Radical small group study; combines messages from David Platt concerning Radical and Radical Together - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/radical-small-group-study-dvd-kit-P005471377

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: It’s Not Too Late by Tony Evans, how God uses broken people to accomplish His purposes - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/its-not-too-late-how-god-uses-less-than-perfect-people-leader-kit-P005475107

 FOR ‘BOOMERS’ MINISTRY: A new magazine just for boomers, More Living; read through a preview issue - http://www.lifeway.com/article/more-living-new-lifeway-magazine-urges-boomers-do-what-matters?cid=rdr-moreliving

 FOR LEADER TRAINING: Missionary Sunday School webcast, July 2, 4:00pm, FREE - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Event-Missionary-Sunday-School-Webcast-2012

 FOR LEADER TRAINING: Transform: Changing Lives Through Teaching Conference, September 22, Hebron Baptist Church, Dacula -  http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Transform-2012-Dacula-GA

 FOR LEADER TRAINING: Teach the Bible for Life Conference, September 28 & 29, Nashville, TN - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/teach-the-bible-for-life?type=events

 FOR EDUCATION MINISTERS: Excel 2012 Conference, September 24-26, Nashville, TN - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Excel-2012-Nashville-TN

 FOR MEN: Sleeping Giant by Kenny Luck, an intentional discipleship process for me, moving them from ‘affiliated’ to ‘activated’ - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/sleeping-giant-dvd-leader-kit-P005469852

 FOR MEN: All Pro Dad simulcast, August 25^th; a unique event for dads with elementary aged kids - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-All-Pro-Dad-Simulcast

 FOR MEN: Kingdom Man by Tony Evans; helping to empower men to exercise their leadership responsibilities at home, at church, and in the world –  http://www.lifeway.com/Product/kingdom-man-dvd-leader-kit-P005469702