Steps In Selecting a Bible Study Apprentice

If you are interested in growing your church (and who isn’t), you know the importance of creating new groups. In fact there is a website whose entire purpose is to stress the importance of starting new groups and how to keep them healthy.  If you haven’t been to the website, here’s a link to it – www.groupsmatter.com.

One of the steps in starting new groups is training new leaders. Below is a great article by Rick Howerton about how to enlist Bible study leader apprentices who will become the leaders of new groups you create.

Apprentices are the key to a Bible study small group ministry that grows numerically while also making disciples that make disciples. An apprentice is a future small group leader who is mentored by the current leader of the group the apprentice is currently attending. In almost every instance, it is best if the small group leader determines who the apprentice for his or her group will be. But very few group leaders know what to look for when determining who will fill this vital role.

Ask these questions to determine who will be an effective apprentice:

·         Are they fully on board with the vision of the church and the small group strategy your church utilizes?

·         Are they in agreement with the theology and doctrinal perspective of your church?

·         Is the Bible their guide for life?

·         Do they have the heart of a shepherd? That is, will they nurture and protect a flock/small group?

·         Are they engaged in daily spiritual disciplines?

·         Is the possible apprentice a person of integrity? That is, do they live by the ideals they verbalize?

·         Do they know and understand the gospel? Are they able to explain it? If not, are they willing to allow you to aid them in learning this essential aspect of Christian leadership?

·         Are they teachable?

·         Do the other group members listen attentively when they speak? If so, this is a good sign that they are already perceived as having leadership qualities.

·         Are they willing to fall under the authority of the church leadership, be directed by them, held accountable by them, and attend training and events that are made available to them?

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 15 Books Church Leaders Should Read in 2015 - http://www.briandoddonleadership.com/2014/11/23/the-top-15-books-christian-leaders-should-read-in-2015/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BrianDoddOnLeadership+%28Brian+Dodd+On+Leadership%29

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2015 BACE Conference, Johnson Ferry Baptist/Marietta, April 9-10, 2015 - http://www.baptisteducators.org/conference/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Ordinary by Tony Merida - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/ordinary-bible-study-kit-P005644105

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS 2015: Journey Off the Map Preview Events and Resources – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Vacation-Bible-School?intcmp=VBSSite-Shop

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources -http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  -http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Love is by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/what-love-is-the-letters-of-1-2-3-john-leader-kit-P005635537

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event 2015 will be in THREE locations! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&emid=BL-BSI-MainEvent-20141230

Are You a Grinch or a Scrooge?

Remember how the Grinch hated Christmas so much that he didn't want anyone else to enjoy it? Remember when Ebenezer Scrooge only begrudgingly gave his employees half of Christmas day off? Does your own family or friends think you’re a Grinch or a Scrooge?

To avoid being labeled as one of those maligned characters, try to emulate the qualities that made them change by the end of their respective tales (and take note of the biblical principles demonstrated).

1.       Learn from your past mistakes. Scrooge traveled to different stages of his life to figure out what had made him the way he was. But in the end, he didn't allow those experiences to control him, and he changed. “When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

2.       Treat others better than you’d want to be treated. Pretty much everyone in Whoville shunned the Grinch because he didn't want anything to do with them. But even the most bitter person doesn't really want to be a recluse. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

3.       Realize that having fun is easier than being a grump. Think of the energy both Scrooge and the Grinch wasted making everyone else’s life (and their own) miserable. Learn to enjoy life. Laugh a little! “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

4.       Watch how children enjoy life, and follow their lead. Cindy Lou Who single-handedly helped the Grinch’s heart grow. And Scrooge had Tiny Tim to warm up his stone-cold heart. “Let the little children come to me...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

5.       Throw a great party. One of Scrooge’s dreams took him back to observe his old boss, Mr. Fezziwig. This was a man who enjoyed life and knew how to throw a great party. Scrooge learns from this and buys the fattest goose in town to take to the Cratchitt home for Christmas dinner. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” (Philippians 4:4, The Message). _{- Copied}  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

 FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, Lizella Baptist/Lizella, January 22, 2015 - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: 2015 BACE Conference, Johnson Ferry Baptist/Marietta, April 9-10, 2015 - http://www.baptisteducators.org/conference/

FOR CHURCH DEVOTIONALS: DevoHub is Coming! Church devotionals delivered directly to personal devices - http://www.devohub.com/?emid=BL-BSI-DevoHub-20141118

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning -http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Gospel-Centered Teaching Conferencewith Trevin Wax, January 24, 2015 (for those using The Gospel Project Bible study resource) - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/gospel-centered-teaching-conference-january-24-2015/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! -http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR LEADERS USING EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible

FOR LEADERS USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/biblestudiesforlife

FOR LEADERS USING THE GOSPEL PROJECT: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/praying-with-paul-leader-kit-P005644096?intcmp=Praying-MTX-Text-LeaderKit-20141031

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke (student edition available also) – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-religion-leader-kit-P005615715

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Building a Family Legacy by Dr. James Dobson - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/building-a-family-legacy

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources -http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  -http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: What Love Is by Kelly Minter - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/what-love-is-the-letters-of-1-2-3-john-leader-kit-P005635537

Some Books that Have Impacted My Life

I don’t want to burst anyone’s high perception of me, but I’m not an intellectual giant. I was a stellar student in grade school, but when I hit junior high and the courses became more advanced, my grades drifted toward average and my attention became more focused on the fields of athletics.  Then I quickly hit the ceiling in my athletic career as well.  Oh, well ….

I divulged all that to prepare you for what I’m about to share with you so your expectations won’t be so high.  Below is a list of books (besides the Bible - that's a given) that have had a deep impact on my life in regards to my spiritual walk, my professional career, and in helping me wrestle with the greatest challenge in my life - the lifelong, life threatening condition that my son, Jacob, dealt with and which ultimately resulted in his death at the tender age of 21.

Let me assure you that I have read more than these books but I wouldn't describe myself as a voracious reader.  In fact, reading is way down on my list of things I like to do.  You will readily recognize that when you look at my list.  There are no literary giants or no ageless classics on my list.  I have tried to read some of those from time to time and on rare occasions I have actually succeeded in completing one but I was usually thankful that I didn't face a quiz on the content because my head was still wading through the fog of words.  But before you brand me a Neanderthal, I am happy to admit that when I do succumb to reading, either as a pastime or to seek some knowledge or wisdom, I have been greatly rewarded and I say to myself, ‘I need to do more of this!’

So there have been many books that have inspired me, informed me, challenged me, angered me, forced me to think (I can hear your comments) and have brought me closer to God. But these particular books always seem to rise to the top when I’m asked to create my favorites list.  So here goes, in no certain order (except the last one), this is my list:

A.      Books that helped me develop my spiritual walk with God

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-revised-P005123828 )

This classic helped me to understand that there was a difference between knowing information about God and truly seeking to walk with Him and seeing Him at work around me and then joining Him there.

The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-mind-of-christ-P001069699 )

This book took me deep into a favorite passage of mine, Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  His chapters on Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer and his death on the cross shook me to the core.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-purpose-driven-life-P005611842 )

This book helped me to synthesize a plan for seeing my purpose in life and keeping that purpose in focus.

B.      Books that helped develop my professional effectiveness

The Growth Spiral by Andy Anderson (http://www.amazon.com/Growth-Spiral-Step---Step-Calculating/dp/080543013X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415336943&sr=8-2&keywords=the+growth+spiral )

This book, more than any seminary class, helped me, as I started out in my education ministry, to understand what the ingredients were that it took to grow a Sunday School and a church. And Andy did say that little can be accomplished unless it is done under God’s leadership.

You Can Double Your Class in Two Years or Less by Josh Hunt (http://www.amazon.com/Double-Your-Class-Years-Less/dp/0764420194/ref=pd_sim_b_2  )

I loved Josh’s fresh, sometimes ‘did he really say that?’ approach to how to organically grow a Bible study group.

Getting Naked by Patrick Lencioni

The title alone scored points with me … but this narrative has solidified how I am to do my work in my current avenue of ministry.

C.      Books that helped me grapple with the tough issues in life

Both of these books came in a period of time when my wife, Karen, and I were facing life and death issues with the health of our son, Jacob.  Philip Yancey quickly became a favorite author of mine and I have devoured every book he has written. In addition to the two significant ones below, these have also left an imprint on me: Prayer, Does it make Any Difference?   - Soul Survivor   - Church? Why Bother?      - What’s so Amazing about Grace?   - The Bible Jesus Read    - What Good is God?  

Where is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/where-is-god-when-it-hurts-P001063931 )

This book helped me to see the value in pain.

Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/disappointment-with-god-P001064030 )

This book addressed the questions I often shouted out: Why is God unfair? Why is He silent? Why is He hidden?  And sometimes I still shout them.

But my all time favorite book that has helped me understand my relationship with God and his call on my life is ….

Lessons from a Sheep Dog by Phillip Keller (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/lessons-from-a-sheep-dog-P001072354 )

Maybe it’s because I am a huge dog lover, but this little book that contains the true story in Keller’s life helped to illustrate to me what I was created to do and what my relationship to God is all about.   The chapter where he illustrates the importance of obeying the command to stay while the shepherd leaves for another task has slapped me upside the head on numerous occasions.

In closing, I remind you that I never presumed to be a world class reader.  I often joke (and it’s a sad commentary) that most of my reading is in the sports section.  I readily recognize that I have denied myself an entire universe of mentors that could help me in my need for growth, wisdom, and understanding. 

But I do value what I have learned from these books and how they have shaped me in my spiritual and professional life (along with the host of other books that I’ve read).  You may have already read all of these, but if not, I encourage you to try them out.  Hopefully, you’ll be blessed and changed in a way like I have.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, January 22, 2015 - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR NEW BELIEVERS: The Beginning - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Gospel-Centered Teaching Conference with Trevin Wax, January 24, 2015 (for those using The Gospel Project Bible study resource) - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/gospel-centered-teaching-conference-january-24-2015/

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: 2015-18 Plans for The Gospel Project unveiled – A Chronological Journey for all ages! - http://www.gospelproject.com/2015-2018/

FOR LEADERS USING EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries - http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible

FOR LEADERS USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries -http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/biblestudiesforlife

FOR LEADERS USING THE GOSPEL PROJECT: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age group ministries - http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Building a Family Legacy by Dr. James Dobson - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/building-a-family-legacy

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 3 Childcare Options for Small Groups by Rick Howerton - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2014/10/20/3-childcare-options-for-small-groups/

FOR BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES: Download the new LifeWay catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/n/publisher/lifeway-christian-resources

FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: 3 Tips for Speaking to an Audience of Kids - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/06/26/3-tips-for-speaking-to-an-audience-of-kids/?emid=lcurtis-LWKnewsletter-20140716

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=DnowSearch-MTX-Button-ViewAll-20130227

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin  - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-sermon-on-the-mount-leader-kit-p005644877

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Breathe by Priscilla Shirer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Breathe?emid=BL-Product-BSI-Breathe-20141014

Ten Dangerous Distractions for Pastors

Ron Edmondson, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, recently posted an excellent article on his blog (www.ronedmondson.com) alerting any minister who serves the Bride of Christ about dangers that can trip us or ensnare us if we do not remain grounded in who we are in Christ and not who we desire to be in the eyes of men. Please read this slowly and allow the warning to take root.

I encounter so many struggling pastors. And unfortunately, I know so many who used to be pastors but no longer hold the position.

It may be through a blatant sin or a casual drifting from doing what they knew to be right, but it landed them in disaster. A pastor friend of mine said recently, “We need healthy churches and we need healthy pastors.”

Amen. Agreed. We must stand guard.

What are we guarding against?

No single post would be perfect. Obviously sin, but I can’t address everything that gets in the way of a healthy pastor. I can only list some that are more common in my experience.

Here are 10 dangerous distractions for a pastor:

Neglecting your soul. One of my mentors reminded me recently. “Ron, don’t forget to feed your own soul.” It was subtle. Almost given as a sidebar to our discussion. But it was gold. One of the biggest dangers for a pastor is when we begin to operate out of stored up knowledge of and experience with God. We need fresh encounters with truth and His glory.

Sacrificing family. Families learn to resent the ministry when it always trumps the family. Ministry families get accustomed to interruptions. They are part of the job as they are part of many vocations. But the family will hopefully be there when no one else is around. Ministry locations change but the family does not — so we must not neglect them. I’ve sat with men who lost the respect of their family. I know countless pastors whose adult children no longer want anything to do with the church. Apparently, there’s not much that hurts anymore than that.

Playing the numbers game. Whenever we put the emphasis on numbers we are always disappointed. They will never be high enough. God is in charge of the numbers. We are in charge of what He has put us in charge of — but it’s not the numbers. We must be careful to concentrate on making disciples and the numbers will take care of themselves.

Comparing ministries. There will always be a “bigger” ministry. Someone will always write a better tweet — or a better book — or a better blog post — preach a better sermon. When we begin to compare it distracts us from the ministry we’ve been God-appointed to lead.

Finding affirmation among the rebels. This is the one that gets me in trouble among the rebels when I point it out to pastors. But we must be careful not to get distracted by people who would complain regardless of the decision we make. Yes, it stings the way some people talk to a pastor. And, it’s certainly not always godly how some people express themselves in the church. But, what if Joshua had listened to the naysayers? What if Nehemiah had? What if Moses had given up every time the complainers were louder than the people who are willing to follow? Okay, he probably was willing to give up a couple of times but he held the course. If you are leading there will always be someone that is not happy with the decisions you made. People bent on pleasing others — more even than pleasing God — have a very hard time finding peace and joy in ministry.

Sacrificing truth for popularity. It’s easy to preach the easy stuff. Grace messages are pleasant to share and popular to receive. And, we need them. Where sin increases — grace should increase all the more. But, we need truth. Even when it is unpopular. Making disciples becomes impossible when we sacrifice either one — truth or grace.

Stealing glory. My mama used to say “that boy got too big for his britches”. Sadly that can happen in ministry also. Many pastors struggle with ego problems. God is never honored in that. Pastors are in a God glorifying position. Actually, everyone yes, but it is written into our job description.

Poor boundaries. In an effort to “minister” to people, I know too many pastors who fell into a trap because they didn’t have proper boundaries in place. The enemy enjoys a door of opportunity.

Neglecting friendships. Most pastors struggle knowing who to trust, but because of that they have few people really get to know them. Therefore they often have no one who can speak into the dark places of their life. And, pastors have them too. So, they put on a good front — but inside, they struggle alone. It’s dangerous.

Abusing power. The pastor holds a certain amount of power just because of position. It has been said, “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it.” One of the more dangerous things I see churches doing these days are giving a pastor too much power, without enough built in personal accountability. (That’s coming from a church planter’s heart — and one who is prone to lead strong.) BTW, I’m not for controlling the pastor or forced relational accountability — and I haven’t discovered the perfect system here — but there needs to be one that balances truth and grace equally. Again, I don’t know how to systematize that, but it is a dangerous distraction. My challenge would be to the pastor or ministry leader to build this system into his or her own life absent a system within the ministry.

Those are some that I have seen. These distractions are displayed in a number of ways — and all of them are not fatal thankfully — but all of them are real. And all of them are dangerous.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTORS: National Sunday School Director Seminar, October 25, FBC/Vidalia - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-National-Sunday-School-Director-Seminar-2014-Vidalia

FOR MINISTERS OF EDUCATION: Minister of Education Roundtable at FBC/Woodstock, October 22 & 23 – Allan Taylor is calling Ministers of Education to come together to discuss how to disciple people with intentionality; call Angela at 678-494-2861, for details and registration

FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, January 22, 2015 - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Gospel-Centered Teaching Conference with Trevin Wax, January 24, 2015 (for those using The Gospel Project Bible study resource) - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/gospel-centered-teaching-conference-january-24-2015/

FOR LEADERS USING EXPLORE THE BIBLE:  Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age ministries: http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/explorethebible

FOR LEADERS USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age ministries: http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/biblestudiesforlife

FOR LEADERS USING THE GOSPEL PROJECT: Free helps for lesson preparation and teaching tips for leaders in adult, student, and kids age ministries: http://www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Worship for Life: Kids, a large group, media-driven, interactive worship experience for kids. - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/worship+for+life

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Levels of Biblical Learning: Learning as they Grow by Landry Holmes - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/08/19/levels-of-biblical-learning-learning-as-they-grow/?emid=lcurtis-LWK-newsletter-20141001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: I’m a Christian Now (for new believers) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/im-a-christian-now-leader-resources-P005191564

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2015 VBS Jumpstarts in Georgia - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/training-conferences/2015-vbs-jumpstarts/

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, Nashville, TN, February 20-21, 2015 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Student-Event-LifeWay-Girls-Conference-Nashville-TN

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Becoming a Young Man of God by Ken Rawsom - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/becoming-a-young-man-of-god-an-8-week-curriculum-for-middle-school-guys-P005148051

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Beginning: First Steps for New Disciples - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path?emid=BL-Product-BSI-DiscPath-20140925

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Building a Family Legacy Library (Dobson) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/building-a-family-legacy-library-p005693781

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/breathe-making-room-for-sabbath-leader-kit-P005656144?intcmp=Breathe-MTX-Text-Kit-20140821

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: A Beautiful Mess by Sherry Surratt & Tracey Eyster - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/A-Beautiful-Mess?emid=BL-BeautifulMess-20140724