Start From the Foundation

(copied from Michael Kelley)

I can’t lift my arms today.

    That’s because my wife and I, along with some hard-working and very meagerly compensated volunteer friends, spent the vast majority of the last three days building a patio in our backyard. So far, some measure of our building party has visited Home Depot 5 different times, we’ve unloaded over a hundred bags of various kinds of sand and gravel, and dug up more shovelfuls of dirt than I’d care to remember.
   Without getting too much into the technical details of the build (which frankly I still don’t completely understand, but one of our friends is an engineer, so you trust and go), we had to build a retaining wall around the area where the patio would be in order to account for the changing elevation of the yard. In regular terms, we had to dig an enormous hole so we could refill that hole.
   If you add up the time we spent on this project, you’d get roughly 27 hours. But here’s the crazy thing:  24 of those 27 hours were spent on the foundation. Only the last 3 hours were spent on the visible portion of the patio. Fascinating, right? To spend so much time on what’s beneath the surface compared to so little on what’s actually visible? Given that ratio of time, I’ve got a couple of reflections this morning that relate to our lives and the lives of those we are leading:

1. Strength and stability lie in the foundation.

   You can have the most beautiful paving stone or the most eye-catching paint color, but in the end, they don’t really mean anything if you don’t put the right amount of time into the foundation. In our project, for example, we had to dig down approximately 18 inches in order to build the retaining wall so that not only the wall but the surface of the patio would have the right shape, definition, and strength when we were all done. I’d like to think I didn’t need this experience to know that Jesus’ words were true:

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!” (Matthew 7:24-27).

   Still, seeing this principle lived out in front of me in a physical way made me think a lot about the amount of time we are tempted to allocate to what, in actuality, are the most inconsequential things. Like people who focus on the paint color while neglecting a crack in the foundation, we become those who choose to close our eyes to the greater issues inside of us. The battle and the work of the Christian is to be done at the heart level. And though it might not be as immediately gratifying as focusing on the surface, this deep soul work where the Holy Spirit molds and shapes you is where strength for the journey is made.
   As Jesus’ words tell us, this foundation work might not be visible until the rains and storms truly come, but when they do, the private and quiet work of the soul will show forth. The structure will stand and endure.
   Today, Christian, no one might know what internal fear, insecurity, or idolatry the Holy Spirit is convicting you of and walking you through. And because it’s internal, you might be tempted to put it to the side in favor of something seemingly more flashy and exciting. But don’t neglect His work. Embrace it. Because the storm is coming.

2. Most surface issues are really foundation issues if we are courageous enough to find the source.

   We spent a lot of time on the foundation of this patio. A LOT. And hopefully, we got it right. But someday, there is going to be a crack. There will be some shifting. Sometimes when that happens, you can correct the issue by a surface level tweak. But if we really care about the stability of the structure we would do well to investigate the source, and that’s going to mean some hard work. It might even mean messing up the carefully crafted exterior and then putting it back together. But such is the way of building.
   Similarly, think about this passage from the Book of James:

No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).

   Do you see the progression? Long before sin has become fully grown, it has been conceived and birthed in our own evil desires. When we see sin manifesting itself, then, and we truly want to root it out, then we should be willing to retrace that progression back to the root. That will no doubt mean messing some of our own carefully crafted exterior. It will be hard. And it will be messy. But in the end, that’s the only way to truly move forward. Otherwise, we are deluding ourselves about the supposed victory we claim to live inside of.

   You are building today, whether you know it or not. So are the people under your care. In that building, don’t neglect the foundation. And don’t be afraid to re-examine it from time to time.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Register for a webinar by Dr. Thom Rainer on “Three Secrets for Reaching and Retaining Church Guests” - http://revitalizedchurches.com/church-guests-signup/

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: After Easter: How the Resurrection of Christ Changes Your Life Forever by Jeremy Royal Howard & Doug Powell – a great Easter guest gift to give and use as a ‘hook’ Bible study - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/after-easter-P005773744?emid=KP-AfterEaster-20160301

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: Connections: Taking Sunday School to the Next Level, April 15-16, 2016, FBC/Sevierville with speakers, Johnny Hunt, Allan Taylor, Eric Geiger, and age group specialists - http://www.fbcsev.org/community/connections

FOR TRAINING LEADERSHIP: Ministry Pathways by Ministry Grid; Simplified plans for training ministry leaders throughout your church. http://buff.ly/1jZJIW5

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: National Sunday School Director Seminar, April 16, 2016, Toccoa, GA - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-National-Sunday-School-Director-Seminar-2016-Toccoa-GA

FOR SMALL GROUPS: New Studies posted in smallgroup.com - http://home.smallgroup.com/  

-  Life on Mission by Dustin Willis

-  Kingdom Man by Tony Evans

-  Faith Works: a 9 week study on James by David Platt

-  The Household of God: a 10 week study on 1Timothy by David Platt

-  I Am: a 7 week study of Jesus’ ‘I Am’ statements by Daniel Fusco

-  Assured: a 5 week study of the assurance of salvation by J.D. Greear

-  First Love: a 6 week study on marriage by J.D. Greear

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Re-Finance by Michael Catt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/re-finance-ancient-wisdom-for-modern-money-management-bible-study-kit-P005784573

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Unanswered: How to address those unanswerable questions - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Unanswered

FOR DISCIPLESHIP:  DevoHub, a new way of delivering a daily devotional to your church and community - http://devohub.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Disciples Path, a plan for developing disciples - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: The 7 Rings of Marriage by Jackie Bledsoe - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-7-rings-of-marriage-leader-kit-P005644102

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live Simulcast, April 23, 2016 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&emid=women-pslsimulcasteblast1-pslsimulcastfamilypage-20151118

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 The Series, A Man and His Fatherhood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-volume-6-a-man-and-his-fatherhood-leader-kit-P005717351

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Essential Skills for a Student Pastor webcast -  buff.ly/1ONUXbD 

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Disciples Path for students – a new series for developing your student’s discipleship - http://www.lifeway.com/Disciples-Path/Youth/c/N-1z0znzeZ1z141ym?intcmp=DisciplesPath-MTX-Text-Students-20150625

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 4 Reasons why VBS is important to a church - buff.ly/1oW6tNl

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Ways We Should Minister to Kids and their Divorced Parents -  http://buff.ly/1YsWyev

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: I’m a Christian Now resources, newly revised! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/I'm-a-Christian-Now

HELP YOUR MEMBERS THINK EVANGELISTICALLY

USE THE 3151 CHALLENGE 

THIS FALL

WHAT IS THE 3151 CHALLENGE?

The 3151 Challenge is a comprehensive 9 week evangelism campaign (September 4-November 6, 2016) with a goal of connecting people that participate in Sunday School/small groups with a plan for personal evangelism in order to share the Gospel with friends, family, and neighbors.

Oklahoma and a growing number of other state conventions have partnered with LifeWay to provide a six week unit of Bible study beginning in September 2016 that is solely focused on the Gospel. The study, called Unvarnished Truth: Life’s Greatest Story, will be available in LifeWay’s Bible Studies for Life curriculum and it is written by Blake Gideon, pastor of FBC Edmond, OK.

For too long, evangelism has been viewed by our church members as something for the pastor or specially trained people. In actuality, the Great Commission is intended for every follower of Christ. There is a Gospel explosion in our groups and classes that is ready to be tapped. 3151 Challenge is a plan to unleash the Gospel potential already present in our groups.

The 3151 Challenge is simple and can be accomplished by almost any church member. During the month of October, every group member is challenged and encouraged to do the following four activities:

3 – Pray evangelistically for three lost people

1 – Learn one Gospel presentation

5 – Invite five people to your group

1 – Share the Gospel one time

The 3151 Challenge Time Table 

The 3151 Challenge is scheduled for September 4 through November 6, 2016. Here are the activities/events:

September - Begin the 6 week series “Unvarnished Truth” from LifeWay (six week Bible study series that focuses on the Gospel) 

·         Pastor preaches messages that support each week’s group Bible study

·         Introduce the 3151 evangelism strategy

October - Soul winning Commitment Day on October 2.

·         Ask church members to commit to the 3151 Challenge strategy for the month of October

·         Group members report testimonies and opportunities to share the Gospel each week in their Bible study groups

·         A “snapshot” (report) of the group’s 3151 experiences are recorded and sent to the church office each week.

·         Group members begin inviting 5 friends to their group.

November 6 - Celebration Day!

·         Members invite friends and neighbors to their group.

·         Baptism for people that have accepted Christ as Lord.

·         Church-wide celebration in worship and groups.

·         Follow-up: Enroll new people in groups, and start new groups to accommodate new growth.

Why Use the 3151 Challenge?

·         Uses the church’s largest organization to accomplish the church’s greatest mission

·         Will work with any Go

spel presentation

·         Involves all Sunday School members, 1^st grade through adults

·         Utilizes a simple strategy that will work in any size church, in any location

·         Many churches can use their same literature

·         Literature is Southern Baptist

·         Group members learn the biblical teaching of the Gospel in group Bible study

·         Engages  members to make a commitment to do simple evangelistic activities

·         Measureable and attainable goals

·         Emphasis is on participation by individuals and groups

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH STAFF: The link to receive free newsletters and updates for every ministry:  www.lifeway.com/newsletters

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: Ordering Bible study Material made easy - http://buff.ly/1PnBu36

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERSHIP: Connections: Taking Sunday School to the Next Level, April 15-16, 2016, FBC/Sevierville with speakers, Johnny Hunt, Allan Taylor, Eric Geiger, and age group specialists - http://www.fbcsev.org/community/connections

FOR TRAINING LEADERSHIP: Ministry Pathways by Ministry Grid; Simplified plans for training ministry leaders throughout your church. http://buff.ly/1jZJIW5

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: National Sunday School Director Seminar, April 16, 2016, Toccoa, GA - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-National-Sunday-School-Director-Seminar-2016-Toccoa-GA

FOR HELP IN WRITING YOUR OWN BIBLE STUDIES: Smallgroup.com offers Bible studies for every book in the Bible and over 200 topics.  Now video supported studies are available! - http://home.smallgroup.com/

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 7 Keys to Successful Group Launches - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2016/01/19/seven-keys-to-a-successful-groups-launch/

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 3 Steps in Selecting Your Next Bible Study - http://biblestudyinsider.com/2015/11/17/3-steps-to-selecting-your-next-bible-study/#.VrdIY-bEKN0

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Bible Study Insider Box ($150 of New Short-Term Study Guides for $50 Which Includes Shipping & a $50 Voucher) http://biblestudyinsider.com/bsi-order-form/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Unanswered: How to address those unanswerable questions - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Unanswered

FOR DISCIPLESHIP:  DevoHub, a new way of delivering a daily devotional to your church and community - http://devohub.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Disciples Path, a plan for developing disciples - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: The 7 Rings of Marriage by Jackie Bledsoe - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-7-rings-of-marriage-leader-kit-P005644102

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live Simulcast, April 23, 2016 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&emid=women-pslsimulcasteblast1-pslsimulcastfamilypage-20151118

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33 The Series, A Man and His Fatherhood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/33-the-series-volume-6-a-man-and-his-fatherhood-leader-kit-P005717351

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: What Parents Really Need from You - http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/2016/02/01/what-parents-really-need-from-you/

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: I’m Trying Everything and Nothing Works! - http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/?type=learn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Disciples Path for students – a new series for developing your student’s discipleship - http://www.lifeway.com/Disciples-Path/Youth/c/N-1z0znzeZ1z141ym?intcmp=DisciplesPath-MTX-Text-Students-20150625

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Safety and Security: A Must - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2016/02/02/safety-and-security-a-must/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Should You Make Your Kids Go to Church? - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2016/02/01/should-you-make-your-kids-go-to-church/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: I’m a Christian Now resources, newly revised! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/I'm-a-Christian-Now

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Ways to Get Your Kids Involved in Bible Study - http://buff.ly/1WM2Cxu 

 FOR VBS: 7 Reasons for Nurturing a VBS/Adult Ministry Partnership - https://vbs.lifeway.com/2015/12/10/7-reasons-for-nurturing-a-vbsadult-ministry-partnership/?EMID=CW-vbs-newsletter-20160101

16 Trends to Watch for in American Churches in 2016

adapted from Dr. Thom Rainer’s blog, thomrainer.com

  Dr. Rainer has been writing on trends in churches for two decades. He realizes that he certainly doesn’t have a perfect record with his predictions, but his overall record is pretty good.

  He explains that his methodology is simple: He observes emerging issues in some churches and extrapolates them into major trends.

  This year he approaches his predictions with a higher level of confidence than previous years. He has watched most of the following issues grow month by month in 2015, so he feels assured to project them as major trends in 2016.

1. Church security as the fastest growing ministry. Shootings in churches and sex abuse of children mandate this unfortunate trend. No church can afford to be without serious security measures, policies, and equipment. It will evolve into a major church ministry.

2. Decrease in worship center size and capacity. The large worship gathering is not as popular as it has been. Through multiple services and multiple sites, churches will follow this preference with smaller capacity worship centers.

3. Increase in successfully revitalized churches. More church leaders sense a call to lead revitalized churches. Because of this desire and intentionality, we will see more success stories of churches that have experienced significant revitalization. 
4. Rapid growth of coaching ministries for pastors and church staff. The current trend is anecdotal, but it will soon be verified and obvious. Pastors and staff who have the humility to be led, and the willingness to invest resources in coaching are becoming the most effective church leaders.
5. Increase in the numbers of churches in gentrified communities. Thousands of older urban communities are becoming revitalized. Churches are following the increased numbers of residents to these communities.
6. Increased emphasis on practical ministry training. Church leaders in America have seen a much needed two-decade renewal of training in classical disciplines and doctrine. That need remains, but more leaders are crying for training in leadership, relational skills, and other practical ministries. 
7. Increasing emphasis on groups in churches. Church leaders are getting it. When church members are a part of some type of group, such as a small group or Sunday school class, they attend more faithfully, evangelize more frequently, and give more abundantly. 
8. Fewer segregated churches. For most of American history, 11:00 am on Sunday was the most segregated hour of the week. That is changing. A church that is not racially and ethnically diverse will soon become the exception instead of the norm. 
9. The rise of the mini-denomination church. This trend is an acceleration of the increased number of multi-site churches. As churches grow with four or more sites, they will take on some of the characteristics of a denomination.
10. Increased pastoral tenure. For a number of reasons, the tenure of a pastor at a given church will increase. More pastors will make it to the five-year mark where the most fruitful years of ministry typically begin. 
11. Rise of alternative ministry placement organizations. Old and existing systems of how churches find prospective pastors and staff are falling apart. They are being replaced with effective and independent ministry search organizations. 
12. Increase in the number of Millennials who are Christians. I am projecting the number to increase from 15 percent of the generation to 18 percent of the generation. That is an increase of 2.3 million Millennials who will become believers in 2016. 
13. Accelerated decline of 100,000 American congregations. Historically, American congregations have been tenacious and survived beyond most expectations. That reality is no longer true. Ineffective churches will decline rapidly as churchgoers are unwilling to be a part of congregations that are not making a difference. 
14. Churches no longer viewed favorably by many governmental units. As a consequence, it will become increasingly difficult for churches to expand their physical facilities or to be able to hold functions in the community.
15. More bi-vocational pastors and staff. This trend is increasingly becoming the result of choices by pastors and staff, rather than financial limitations of congregations. 
16. Dramatic changes in senior adult ministries. The baby boomers will not participate in the way most churches do senior adult ministry. They will force change, particularly from the entertainment model to an activist model.
  
  Let’s watch and see. 
  I hope your 2016 is the best yet.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH STAFF: The link to receive free newsletters and updates for every ministry:  www.lifeway.com/newsletters

FOR EDUCATION LEADERS: GBACE Annual Conference, SHIFT, with keynote speaker, Dr. Thom Rainer - http://www.gbace.org/annual-conference.html

FOR TRAINING LEADERSHIP: Ministry Pathways by Ministry Grid; Simplified plans for training ministry leaders throughout your church. http://buff.ly/1jZJIW5

FOR HELP IN WRITING YOUR OWN BIBLE STUDIES: Smallgroup.com offers Bible studies for every book in the Bible and over 200 topics.  Now video supported studies are available! - http://home.smallgroup.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP LEADERS: Four Voices That Need to be Heard in Small Groups by David Francis, http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2015/10/26/four-voices-in-every-group-conversation/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Top 5 Bible Studies to Begin the New Year with Matt Chandler, Jeremy Johnston, Randy Alcorn & More: http://buff.ly/1YYdVUS

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Bible Study Insider Box ($150 of New Short-Term Study Guides for $50 Which Includes Shipping & a $50 Voucher) http://biblestudyinsider.com/bsi-order-form/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP:  DevoHub, a new way of delivering a daily devotional to your church and community - http://devohub.com/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Disciples Path, a plan for developing disciples - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Disciples-Path

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Johnny Hunt’s Men’s Conference simulcast, February 5-6, 2016 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/johnny-hunt-men's-conference?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-JHuntSimulcast-20150903

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Live Simulcast, April 23, 2016 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&emid=women-pslsimulcasteblast1-pslsimulcastfamilypage-20151118

FOR YOUTH MINISTRY: CONCLAVE Conference, Chattanooga, TN, January 28-30, 2016 - http://ymconclave.org/

FOR YOUTH MINISTRY: Disciples Path for students – a new series for developing your student’s discipleship - http://www.lifeway.com/Disciples-Path/Youth/c/N-1z0znzeZ1z141ym?intcmp=DisciplesPath-MTX-Text-Students-20150625

FOR YOUTH MINISTRY: LifeWay Girls Conference, February 19 & 20, 2016 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/LifeWay-Girls-Conference?type=events&EMID=jk-newslettergcon-092415

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry Summit, Jekyll Island, GA, February 4-5 - http://gabaptistgroups.org/training-conferences/2016-kids-ministry-summit/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS Jumpstarts, helping to get your VBS off on the right foot - http://gabaptistgroups.org/training-conferences/2016-vbs-jumpstarts/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: I’m a Christian Now resources, newly revised! - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/I'm-a-Christian-Now