Things You Need to Know

It’s time to order your fall Bible study materials. Here’s some things you need to know:

1.      You need to order by July 11(for GA churches) to get a 5% discount on your order.

2.      The ‘Bible Studies for Life’ curriculum series will have a new look this fall, including:

a.       Different names for each age grouping

b.      Promotional helps (videos, banners, web aids,etc.)

c.       Uniform 6 week long studies that addresses life issues (2 per quarter plus a bonus study)

d.      Each study is aligned throughout all age groups

e.       Helps for parents to have substantive spiritual conversations with their children around each week’s Bible study

f.       A plan that develops disciples with intent and wisdom

g.       Studies can be used in a variety of settings

h.      Details about the changes listed above can be found at http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/Bible-Studies-for-Life

3.      You will have your choice of Bible translations in your Bible study curriculum-KJV, NIV, HCSB, ESV (digital only) http://www.lifeway.com/n/bible-studies-for-life/options

4.      A new ordering system is being introduced. This video will explain its features: http://www.lifeway.com/Article/LifeWay-Church-Ordering-Step-by-Step

 

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH-WIDE EVENT: Follow Me Simulcast with Dr. David Platt, August 16, 6:00pm/EDST, broadcasting from an undisclosed place where it’s dangerous to follow Christ, David Platt will challenge you to live your faith at a deeper level - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/adult-event-follow-me-simulcast

FOR CHURCH-WIDE EVENT: Experiencing God documentary – DVD multi-pack kit includes 10 DVDs to share, lifetime site license, movie posters, immediate availability of download of movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-documentary-dvd-multi-pack-P005586193

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADER TRAINING: 2013 Georgia Baptist Sunday School Training Workshops, August 3, 10, 17, 24; click on the link to find which of the 23 workshops is closest to you –

https://www.cvent.com/Pub/WebEmails/WebEmail.aspx?te=B55DC013-F8BD-4548-8658-9F5255DBCDA6&ti=C70CC61D-9122-4CAA-8A09-A39B0D8E28EF&tc=2F700517-631A-4069-A7F3-C7FC105D4CC0

FOR NEW MEMBER TRAINING: I Am a Church Member by Dr. Thom Rainer, a great gift for new members or class material for a new member’s class - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/i+am+a+church+member?emid=Product-PastorsToday-IAmaChurchMember-20130701

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 10 Ideas for a Great First Small Group by Mark Howell - http://biblestudyinsider.com/2013/01/15/10-ideas-for-a-great-first-small-group/#.UdLVq6zhfTp

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Glorious Ruin; How Suffering Sets You Free by Tullian Tchividjian – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Glorious-Ruin:-How-Suffering-Sets-You-Free?emid=PD-Product-BSI-GloriousRuin-20130625

FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Salvation Conversations with Kids by Klista Storts (on Ministry Grid) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/klista-storts-salvation-conversations-with-kids/#.UdLXiazhfTo

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  The Main Event men’s conference, July 26-27, Nashville, TN featuring 18 speakers including Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Coach Bobby Bowden, Dr. Tony Evans: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Real Win by Colt McCoy & Matt Carter ,  a study on the steps toward biblical manhood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-real-win-leader-kit-P005558785

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Manhood Restored by Eric Mason,  a study on the importance of men leading in spiritual renewal - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Manhood-Restored:-How-the-Gospel-Makes-Men-Whole

FOR SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY: Video helps for small group leaders from the study writers: Chip Henderson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYORxc1plCI and Ron Edmondson:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNjTYnmotH0 

You can purchase for entire quarter or in separate 6 session studies :

"Pressure Points" ($19.95 w/Video): http://www.lifeway.com/Product/P005600946 or

"When Relationships Collide" ($19.95 w/Video): http://www.lifeway.com/Product/P005601367

Ten Keys to Leading Your Church Through Summer

by Craig Webb (Pastor at The Glade Church, Mt. Joliet, TN)

In our church, average Sunday morning worship attendance drops by 23 percent in June and 34 percent in July, compared with August and December, our months of highest attendance. Similar drops in attendance occur in our preschool, kids, and student ministry departments as well. It's easy to allow such numbers to lead to discouragement.

But you don't have to let numbers like this get you down. The "summer slump" is a well-known phenomenon in the church year as families head out for vacation, mission trips, and other events. Instead of fighting against this trend, consider making changes to your church schedule and overall ministry approach that capitalize on lower attendance.

Here are ten keys to leading your church during the summer months

1. Use good data to gauge progress  

To get a better picture of your growth or decline in attendance, compare your current week's figures to one week prior and to the same week one year ago.

2. Modify the Sunday schedule in June and July

You may choose to offer one worship service instead of two during part of the summer. We keep our usual schedule on Sunday mornings, but cancel all activities on Wednesday nights during the month of July. We also give the choir a break on Sunday mornings in July.

3. Consider rearranging or removing seating

We remove the back two rows of chairs in June and July, and then bring them back in the first Sunday in August. This makes our room feel fuller during leaner summer months.

4. Support Vacation Bible School and other summer programming

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a great way to reach young families in your community and share the good news of Jesus Christ with many children. Get behind your VBS team by promoting, resourcing, and attending it. Work with your team for effective follow-up activities that will connect new families with your church.

5. Spend time planning for a strong August kick-off

Our "Back-to-School" bash and small-groups launch event take place during the first two weeks of August. We use some of our down time in the summer to prepare for these events.

6. Preach a "summer" sermon series

Consider a message series focused on your "home folks." This may be a series on the purposes of the church, a restating of your vision and mission, a doctrinal series, or a focus on the family.

7. Choose and host guest speakers well

A great guest speaker will encourage and inspire your congregation. A poorly chosen speaker may cause conflict and headaches. Choose speakers strategically for your church's size, culture, and situation. Assign a responsible person to host the guest speaker while they are on your campus, cover all expenses, and provide an appropriate honorarium.

8. Plan family vacations strategically

It is critical for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health that you regularly take significant time off with your family. Schedule this time when no major church events are planned. Leave clear instructions on who will handle pastoral care, regular administration, and even crises while you are away.

9. Spend additional time reading, praying, and studying

Set aside one day a week during the summer to spend time in the Scriptures, in prayer, and reading various types of books (devotional, fiction, non-fiction, preaching, leadership, etc.).

10. Repair and renovate your facilities

Late June (after Father's Day and VBS) and July are good months to have the floors and windows cleaned. This is also a great time to spruce up your public areas with updated paint, signage, and furnishings.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH-WIDE EVENT: Experiencing God documentary – DVD multi-pack kit includes 10 DVDs to share, lifetime site license, movie posters, immediate availability of download of movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-documentary-dvd-multi-pack-P005586193

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADER TRAINING: 2013 Georgia Baptist Sunday School Training Workshops, August 3, 10, 17, 24; click on the link to find which of the 23 workshops is closest to you –

https://www.cvent.com/Pub/WebEmails/WebEmail.aspx?te=B55DC013-F8BD-4548-8658-9F5255DBCDA6&ti=C70CC61D-9122-4CAA-8A09-A39B0D8E28EF&tc=2F700517-631A-4069-A7F3-C7FC105D4CC0

FOR BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE DETAILS: Look into all the enhancements that are being built into this ongoing Bible study curriculum resource - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Bible-Studies-for-Life

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Courageous Dads simulcast, June 14 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Courageous-Dads-Simulcast?type=events&intcmp=LWMain-Event1-CourageousDadsSimuclast-20130429

  

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  The Main Event men’s conference, July 26-27, Nashville, TN featuring 18 speakers including Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Coach Bobby Bowden, Dr. Tony Evans: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Real Win by Colt McCoy & Matt Carter ,  a study on the steps toward biblical manhood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-real-win-leader-kit-P005558785

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Manhood Restored by Eric Mason,  a study on the importance of men leading in spiritual renewal - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Manhood-Restored:-How-the-Gospel-Makes-Men-Whole

For Family Ministry: Experiencing God at Home; a Bible Study for Parents - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-at-home-a-bible-study-for-parents-P005558726

FOR SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY: Video helps for small group leaders from the study writers: Chip Henderson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYORxc1plCI and Ron Edmondson:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNjTYnmotH0 

You can purchase for entire quarter or in separate 6 session studies :

"Pressure Points" ($19.95 w/Video): http://www.lifeway.com/Product/P005600946 or

"When Relationships Collide" ($19.95 w/Video): http://www.lifeway.com/Product/P005601367

JANUARY BIBLE STUDY 2014: Colossians: Christ is All You Need - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/January-Bible-Study

What I Like About Bible Studies for Life

Since the beginning of the year I have visited in many churches throughout northern Georgia with one conversation in mind. I have tried to tell as many ministers as possible about the many great enhancements and added facets to the ongoing Bible study curriculum called ‘Bible Studies for Life’.  Next month will be the first opportunity to order this refined tool that has been designed to:

1.                  Help you connect the unconnected to a Bible study group

2.                  Help you strengthen families

3.                  Help you disciple your people

Let me remind you of some of the things that I’m so excited about the new Bible Studies for Life:

• An aligned scope and sequence of study from Preschool through Adults which can provide churches that ‘one voice’ message on Sunday morning.
• Name changes to curriculum pieces that clarifies and simplifies the target group.
• Sermon ideas that can be used to deepen and enrich that ‘one point’ emphasis of study that was discussed in Bible study.
• The Church Campaign units that not only provide the above points but also provide ideas for worship and promotional banners.
• The ‘One Conversation’ page  which provides a parent the opportunity to deepen their spiritual conversations at home and throughout the week with their children.
• Videos that are provided to promote each six week study.
• Videos that are provided to help the teacher prepare the study.
• Videos that are provided in each age group that augment the study session.
• Updated printed material with eye-popping artwork, clean white paper, and perfect binding.
• Personal Study Guides that are interactive and prepare the person for the upcoming study.
• Study materials that are provided in print or by digital download …  and by app.
• Six week small group study materials that can be used in small group ministries or discipleship groups.
• A well thought out discipleship plan that permeates the curriculum.
• A curriculum that builds a disciple who will:

- passionately seek Christ through spiritual disciplines

- gladly submit to Christ through continual repentance

-  actively participate in the community of faith

- generously serve others with their spiritual gifts and resources

-  unashamedly represents Christ to those around him

-  lovingly engage the culture with the Truth

 

I invite you to go to the website to see these things for yourself:

 http://www.lifeway.com/n/Bible-Studies-for-Life

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADER TRAINING: The Ministry Grid; an online leadership development platform for pastors, staff, and volunteer leadership - http://www.ministrygrid.com/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: MasterWork Supplement for MasterWork curriculum users - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/masterwork-leader-supplement-P005601369-2013-SUM

JANUARY BIBLE STUDY 2014: Colossians: Christ is All You Need - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/January-Bible-Study

FOR NEIGHBORHOOD VBS: Colossal Coaster World Backyard Kids Club – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2013-colossal-coaster-world-backyard-kids-club-P005532691?intcmp=VBSCCW-MTX-Text-BackYardKidsClub-20121030

FOR CHURCH-WIDE EVENT: Experiencing God documentary – DVD multi-pack kit includes 10 DVDs to share, lifetime site license, movie posters, immediate availability of download of movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-documentary-dvd-multi-pack-P005586193

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Gideon: Your Weakness, God’s Strength by Priscilla Shirer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Gideon?intcmp=LWMain-Hero2-Gideon-20130429

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Courageous Dads simulcast, June 14 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Courageous-Dads-Simulcast?type=events&intcmp=LWMain-Event1-CourageousDadsSimuclast-20130429

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  The Main Event men’s conference, July 26-27, Nashville, TN featuring 18 speakers including Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Coach Bobby Bowden, Dr. Tony Evans: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events

For Family Ministry: Experiencing God at Home; a Bible Study for Parents - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-at-home-a-bible-study-for-parents-P005558726