Expand Your Church's Ministry to Families

 Here are some tools that are available to you to use in ministering to your families and the best part – they can minister to them when no one else can!  These magazines can provide help, ministry, and inspiration at times when no one else is around regardless of time or day of the week.

You can augment your family ministry by pointing out the value of these upcoming articles in these magazines through sermons, announcements, websites, and church papers.

HomeLife

• Labor Union: Where your day job and kingdom work meet
• Stuck in Neutral: You can shift your marriage into high gear
• Breast Cancer before 40
• Shadow of His Former Self: Loving ways to support your husband through difficult times
• Raising the ‘Me’ Generation: Loosen your kids’ grip on the chains of entitlement
• Creating a Couple Identity

ParentLife

• Embracing Children With Differences
• The Comparison Trap: How New Moms Can Avoid Stepping Into One
• A difference Only a Father Can Make
• Adoption: The Ins and Outs
• How Boys and Girls Learn Differently
• For Their Eyes Only: How iShine is Changing the Face of Tween Media

Parenting Teens

• Time and Schedule Management: What’s the line between growing your teen and stretching him too far?
• The good, the bad, and the ugly of technology in the home
• When a special needs child becomes a teenager
• How to create community in tough situations – testimonies from pastors wives, homeschooling parents, rural families, missionaries and empty nesters
• The need for a Sabbath when it comes to technology – what’s the value in unplugging?
• Q&A with Grace Unplugged’s AJ Michalka and James Denton on how the movie speaks to the concept of the prodigal

More Living

• The Eye-Opening Prayer of Coach Bear Bryant
• Angela Thomas Reveals the True Goal of the Christ Follower
• Gary Chapman Discusses the 5 Languages of Gratitude
• Spiritual Insights for the Holiday Season
• What You Must Know About the Boomer Brain

Mature Living

• International adoptions require adjustments and support from grandparents
• Addiction to Pain Killers: a growing problem for senior adults
• Celebrating holiday traditions even when you leave traditions behind
• Keith Getty writes hymns with strong theology and memorable melodies
• Three minutes a day leads to a solid commitment to study God’s Word
• How to start a support group for caregivers

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 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 STAFF LEADERSHIP: “The ‘What’ & ‘How’ of Baptism” by Mark Marshall (A Ministry Grid training video clip) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/mark-marshall-the-what-how-of-baptism/#.UgEQtqzAHTp

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Fast Track: Through the Bible in Eight Weeks for Kids, Students, and Adults - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Fast-Track:-Genesis-to-Revelation?emid=PD-Product-BSI-FastTrack-20130731

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: Kids Ministry Conference, October 7-10, Nashville, TN – for children’s ministry leaders, both paid and volunteer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/LifeWay-Kid%27s-Ministry-Conference?type=events&intcmp=KidsMinistryConferenceSearch-Button-KidsMinistryConference-20130426

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 STUDENT MINISTRY: Helps and Resources for Planning Your Next D’Now - http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=LifeWayStudents-MTX-Text-Dnow-20120906

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sacred Secrets by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Sacred-Secrets:-A-Living-Proof-Live-Experience?intcmp=LWMain-Hero2-SacredSecrets-20130805

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places by Angela Thomas - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/stronger-finding-hope-in-fragile-places-leader-kit-p005474740

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

 

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