My First Sunday at Your Church

By Jennifer Smith-Morris

Today I visited your church.  I found out about your church and the service times on your website, and got myself and my three children ready on time.

We’re new in town, and this is the fourth church we’ve visited.  We stepped inside, hopeful.  Perhaps here I’ll find help teaching the Word to our children.  Perhaps here we’ll grow spiritually.  Or maybe we’ll receive the same welcome we got at the other churches.

“Good morning!  And isn’t it a fantastic day!”  says the greeter, handing us programs.

“Yes.  I’m so glad it’s cooling off.”

“Are you visiting?” he asks.

“Yes.  We just moved here.”

“Isn’t that grand!”  He says, stepping back and looking over our shoulders.  “Mr. Charlie!  And how are you today?”

Evidently everyone has taken the same greeter class.  At the ‘welcome center’ someone offers a limp hand and say, “I’m so glad you came,” with a bland smile, handing me some material and quickly moving on, job finished.  I am itching to ask about the women’s Bible study, choir practice, and Sunday school.  But then they’re gone, chatting with a good friend nearby.

After wandering around the church, trying to find a door to the sanctuary that doesn’t open into the choir loft, we’re late.  The sanctuary is nearly full, but there’s one empty row – at the very front.  So we walk past hundreds of eyes, “new people” on parade.

As we settle the kids, a lady on the end whispers to someone behind her, “I just don’t know where John and Steve are going to sit now.”  I chose the deacon’s row.  I cringe and turn, searching for another pew to move my family to, but the place is packed and the music is starting.

After the service, I buckle my children into the car, pile the take-home papers and Bible on the dash, and I start to cry.

This is a true story.  I have been an active church member, serving in a number of capacities before we had to move to a new state.  I have visited four churches over the last three months, and I am frustrated and disheartened enough to quit church altogether.  Why has it been so difficult to find a new church home?

 After our experience, I’ve come up with four things pastors, Sunday School teachers, and folks in the pews can do to help visitors feel at home.

1. Develop a greeting ministry with the visitor, not the greeter, in mind.  This goes beyond shaking hands and handing out programs.  This extends to escorting me to my children’s classes, answering questions about the different ministries of the church, and seeing to any obvious needs I may have.

2.  Choose hospitality over visitation.  I’d rather have someone from the church invite me to their house, so I can get to know them a little better and so I don’t feel I am and my house (which wasn’t unpacked yet) is on inspection.

3.   Recognize Sunday School as an initial contact point.  Often a visitor’s first experience with a new church is dropping a child off at Sunday School.  Greeting new students and their parents warmly, with interest, is encouraging.  Adult Sunday School teachers also serve as important first contacts.  We attended one Sunday School class for a few weeks.  In those weeks, only one couple learned our names.  The rest smiled that little smile that told us, “I’m so glad you came, but I’m not really interested in you.”

4.  Become visitors for a day.  Those who have belonged to the same church for several years may not remember what being a visitor is like.  A simple exercise can resensitize you; visit a church where no one knows you.  Go outside your community, outside your denomination.  Go without knowing what to wear or what ministries are available.  Pay attention to how you’re received.

ADDENDUM:  

Dr. Thom Rainer has authored two books that deal with this important issue.  One book, titled Becoming a Welcoming Church, is intended to be studied by the church.  There are teaching plans and sermon outlines available that allow this to be a church wide emphasis.  The other book, We Want You Here, is designed to be a gift to be given to church guests.  Use the link below for more details.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR CHURCH CULTURE: The Gospel at the Center webcast, May 21 - http://live.gospelproject.com/

FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY: WorshipLife Conference 2018 in Gatlinburg, TN, June 25-29 - https://buff.ly/2GUGMXL

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Go Georgia, August 17 & 18, Mabel White Baptist Church/Macon - https://gabaptist.org/event/gogeorgia/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Foundations, a one year journey through the Bible - https://www.gospelproject.com/gospel-foundations/

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and to Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINI STRY:  God of Creation by Jen Wilkin - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/god-of-creation

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  No Other Gods by Kelly Minter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?emid=BSI-NOG-01302018&ecid=167601647&bid=1331683113

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://buff.ly/2EmRkwK

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

Lessons From a Sheep Dog

I can count on one hand the books, outside of the Bible, that have dramatically changed my view of my relationship with God. That is probably an indictment on my lack of reading as much as anything but, nonetheless, these books have helped shaped my practical theology. Here they are:

1.                  Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

2.                  The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

3.                  Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey

4.                  Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

I would go on to say that anything by Philip Yancey would be near the top of my list. I love his transparency in writing. But just as impactful on my life is a book written by another Philip.

The fifth book that has helped shaped me is written by Phillip Keller who was a prolific devotional writer back in the 1970’s and 80’s. The one book of his that I refer to is Lessons from a Sheepdog.

For years I understood Jesus being the Good Shepherd and we being his sheep. I assumed I was to enjoy grazing and enjoying life while keeping one ear attuned to the calls of the shepherd. But through this book, I came to realize that I am much more to God than a person that spent his day frolicking in his pasture without a care in the world unless I decided to wander off for ‘greener pastures’ and ended up in some thicket. Whenever that would happen, I would quickly call for help and await a quick rescue. Such was the life of a Christian, I thought.

But through Keller’s book I came to discover that I am called to be an under-shepherd for God; a co-worker in his pasture in caring for his sheep. And just like the beautiful symbiotic relationship between a sheepdog and his master shepherd, it should be my desire to serve Him and my acts of devotion for him.  It is this relationship between a creature that has had its spirit freed to be all he had been created to be and thus blesses the spirit of the other - our Creator, Master and, now, our Friend.

Here are seven lessons we can learn from dogs:

Lesson #1 - We were created for a purpose

There are different species of dogs that have been bred to carry out specific duties - retrievers, trackers, terriers, sheep dogs, etc. All of them are bred to assist their master in carrying out important tasks.

Likewise we have been created by God for a purpose.  Ephesians 2:10 says,

 

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

Many of us have used some type of discovery tool that takes into account the many facets God has designed into us. Whether you used SHAPE or SERVE or some other acrostic, we can see how God are created for a purpose through:

Spiritual gifts  Heart passions  Abilities & skills  Personality type  Experiences in life

or

Spiritual gifts  Enthusiastic sources Relational style  Vocational Skills  Experiences in life

All of these things have been mixed into the core our being in order to serve God in a special way. Just like a terrier is designed to dive into holes in the ground or how a Labrador is best equipped to retrieve ducks in the water, each of us have been created in a unique way to serve God.

Lesson #2 - We experience the abundant life when we serve God

I feel we can experience our greatest pleasure in life when we carry out our master’s wishes in His kingdom’s work. Then we will enjoy the blessings of His words of love and approval as we carry these tasks out in His name.

Sadly, there are many people who don’t experience this abundant life because, like a talented dog that is not trained, we are only out to please ourselves and often become unhappy or burdensome to others around us. We have all seen beautiful specimens of dogs that are a nuisance to be around because they have had no training. The purpose for which they were bred to do is not being utilized and they won’t experience that fulfillment until they receive the proper training.

We have watched dog agility contests and can see a dog’s delight in his craft as carries out his commands successfully. That is the delight we can experience and the joy we can bring to God when we are willing to carry out His commands.

Lesson #3 - We receive our instructions from God’s Word and through the Spirit in prayer

Work dogs are taught to respond to hand signals, whistles, and verbal commands in order to carry out their important tasks. We, as Christians, must remain attuned to God’s voice and his instructions that He gives through the Bible and what we receive from the Spirit through times of prayer and meditation. If we ignore those times of instructions, we will miss out on those times of delight in service and worship to our Master.

Lesson #4 – God desires an intimate relationship with us

The relationship between a working dog is a multi-faceted one.  It is part owner/servant; part equal working partner; and part close friend.  After all, we say that ‘dogs are a man’s best friend.’

In our relationship with God we have elements of a master/slave relationship. Paul often addressed himself as a servant of Jesus in his letters.  But Jesus, in his relationship with his disciples, added a new dimension to his relationship with them when he said to his disciples,

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:14-17)

Jesus now considers us “friend” and a partner in serving God since we know what He wants us to do.

Lesson #5 - Times of silence can test our resolve

One of the hardest commands a dog has difficulty in obeying is the ‘stay’ command. He is told to stay put to watch the herd or in a place of safety while his master goes out of sight, sometimes for an extended amount of time.

Those times when we don’t hear our Master’s voice or see His hand at work, we get very antsy in carrying out the “stay” command. There are times in our life when we don’t understand what’s going on, why nothing’s happening, or why we don’t see God at work and hear his voice. We want to be doing something; we want to be in the spotlight, we want to be where ‘it’s happening’. 

But we need to remember that to God, a “stay” command that is obeyed is as important as a “go” command that is given. The important thing is the obedience of the command. There will be times when we won’t understand why things are happening or not happening and we are tempted to ‘break faith’ with God.  It is important that we stay faithful to the task he gives, regardless of the seemingly insignificance it may seem to us. If we can stay faithful, then we will hear his voice say,

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'  - Matthew 25:21

Lesson #6 - God always initiates reconciliation after times of disobedience

Whenever a working dog ‘breaks faith’ and doesn’t carry out a command, it results in some type of discipline being enforced.

A dog knows when he has done wrong because he will bow his head and slink to the floor. He senses he has disappointed his master and is expecting some discipline and a sense of withdrawal from his master.

Often the severest form of discipline is the discipline of silence and distance. There are times in our lives when our sin separates us from God. Like Adam and Eve in the garden we try to hide in our sense of shame. And God must separate himself from us because of His holiness.

However, there is always the time when God sees our remorse and hears our confession of sin and He always initiates the reconciliation process.

It is so endearing when after a period of discipline when a dog will slowly approach his master and lay nearby waiting for that sign that the discipline is concluded.  When the master demonstrates forgiveness is given by the call of his voice and the soft stroking of his hand, the dog can no longer restrain his love and demonstrates the room clearing wag of his the tail.

It is a sweet moment of reconciliation and renewed love when the master offers his forgiveness.

Lesson #7 - God will meet every need of ours for now and for eternity

Every master of a dog has some expectations for his dog. But, in kind, every dog depends on the expectation that his master will meet his every need - he feeds him, houses him, exercises him, trains him for service, meets every medical need that arises, shows affection toward him, and has committed to continue to care for him throughout his life.

 God has done the same for us:

·                     He has promised to never leave or forsake us

·                     He has promised to meet our physical needs

·                     He has promised to help us overcome temptations

·                     He has promised to guide us and protect us

·                     He has promised to love us eternally

·                     And, through Jesus, he has promised an eternal home in his presence.

  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY: WorshipLife Conference 2018 in Gatlinburg, TN, June 25-29 - https://buff.ly/2GUGMXL

FOR CHURCH SECURITY MINISTRY: FREE Church Security training - https://buff.ly/2piO6EV

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Seven Myths About Small Groups - https://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2018/01/29/seven-myths-about-small-groups/?ecid=PDM95662&bid=1380214038

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-leader-kit-p005801715

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  God of Creation by Jen Wilkin - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/god-of-creation

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  No Other Gods by Kelly Minter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?emid=BSI-NOG-01302018&ecid=167601647&bid=1331683113

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://buff.ly/2EmRkwK

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/just-open-the-door-leader-kit-P005799558

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS Jump Start Kit - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2018-jump-start-kit-P005793042

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

I CAN'T DO WHAT I'VE BEEN CALLED TO DO!

- copied

There are many reasons why God shouldn’t have called you to your position.  But don’t worry; you’re in good company.

Moses stuttered

David’s armor didn’t fit

John Mark was rejected by Paul

Timothy had ulcers

Hosea’s wife was a prostitute

Jacob was a liar

David had an affair

Naomi was a widow

Solomon was too rich

Jesus was too poor

Abraham was too old

David was too young

Peter was afraid to die

Lazarus was dead

John was self-righteous

Miriam was a gossip

Paul was a murderer

So was Moses

Jonah ran away from God

Elijah was burned out

Gideon doubted

Thomas did too

Martha was a worrywart

Mary was lazy

Samson had long hair

Noah got drunk

Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?

So did Peter, Paul – well, lots of folks did.

Satan says, “You’re not worthy”

Jesus says, “So what, I AM.”

Satan points us to our past mistakes

God points us to the cross.

Sure, there are lots of reasons why God shouldn’t have called us.  But if we are truly in love with Him; if we hunger for Him more than our next breath – He’ll use us in spite of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we look like.

Step out of your limitations into the illimitable nature of who God is.  Then your passion for God and your passion to communicate who He is and His plans for us will make mincemeat of your limitations.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Become a Welcoming Church by using Dr. Rainer’s newest books - http://thomrainer.com/welcomingchurch/

Check out the new smallgroup.com - https://www.smallgroup.com/app/index.html#/home

Check out the new Ministry Grid - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/ministry-grid

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: 5 Ways to Make Sure People Show Up Your Next Bible Study - https://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2018/01/23/5-ways-to-make-sure-people-show-up-to-your-bible-study/?ecid=PDM95662&bid=1380214038

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Seven Myths About Small Groups - https://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2018/01/29/seven-myths-about-small-groups/?ecid=PDM95662&bid=1380214038

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-leader-kit-p005801715

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Pray Like This by Steve Gaines & Michael Kelley (and get 10 free study guides when you buy the leader kit) - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/pray-like-this-group-starter-pack-P005804791

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  God of Creation by Jen Wilkin - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/god-of-creation

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  No Other Gods by Kelly Minter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/living-room-series/no-other-gods?emid=BSI-NOG-01302018&ecid=167601647&bid=1331683113

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer - https://buff.ly/2EmRkwK

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: She Reads Truth Bible - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/she+reads+truth

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Act Like Men by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2sUeHwr

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Identity by Matt Brown - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-identity-leader-kit-P005790813

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: How to Develop a Guys Ministry - https://buff.ly/2orI3h0

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/D'Now

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: ETCH Conference - https://buff.ly/2EpxcKw

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: CentriKid Camps - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Centrikid?type=events&intcmp=CentriKidSearch-MTX-Button-CentriKid-20140610

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS Jump Start Kit - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2018-jump-start-kit-P005793042

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE GOSPEL PROJECT IN 2018 AND BEYOND

IF YOU HAVEN’T USED THE GOSPEL PROJECT:

This September would be an ideal time to begin a three year chronological Biblical journey, tracing the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation.  It offers:

• Ongoing curriculum for adults, students, and kids, aligned so all age groups are experiencing the same study
• Small group Bible studies for students and adults available in print or digitally
• App appropriate for family devotional times
• Bibles such as The Big Picture Interactive Bible for Kids and the Essential Teen Study Bible
• Helpful books like Gospel-Centered Teaching, Gospel-Center Kids Ministry, and the upcoming Devotional Doctrine
• The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series edited by Daniel L. Akins, Tony Merida, and David Platt
• Informative Podcasts
• Weekly Training videos
• Family resources like The Big Picture Interactive Bible Storybook

If you ARE using The Gospel Project:

This September we will begin a new three year study plan that is fully aligned across every age group level.  If you have enjoyed the journey this time, stay on it and discover even more insights. Fifty-two sessions will have focal passages that are new to The Gospel Project.  The remaining sessions (104 of them) will be rewritten by new authors, providing a fresh perspective and insight. 

The essence of The Gospel Project remains the same – sharing the story God has been telling throughout all history and found in every book of the Bible.

What will be new for Adults:

• The Personal Study Guide will be re-imagined as a daily discipleship guide, offering an indispensible aid to spiritual growth.
• The Leader Guide will be redesigned to assist leaders as the facilitate and lead each session, including a new easy-to-follow teaching template, summaries of the daily readings, and action points to encourage the group throughout the week

What will be new for Students:

• The Personal Study Guide will become an essential tool for daily, deeper dives into the weeks study.
• Apologetics material to equip students to answer challenges to the Christian faith will be added.
• The Leader Guide will feature a new, easy-to-follow teaching template to assist leaders as they show student how all Scripture points to Jesus.
• A new Middle School Edition will be available digitally.

 What will be new for Kids:

• Deeper engagement questions and emphasis on Bible skills for younger and older kids will be available.
• All new story videos, incorporating a new style, will engage children and will connect to the study material.
• A brand new poster will be created to outline the genealogy of Jesus for kids and will connect them to the Bible’s big story.
• The giant timeline, small group timelines, and map sets will be updated to reflect the new study plan.

  

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Create a bookmark on your device for the online LifeWay Church Resources 2017-18 catalog - http://www.lifeway.com/LifeWay-Christian-Resources/Y/c/N-1z141jlZ1z10gjr

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Free “How to Lead a Small Group” workbook - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2017/07/31/how-to-lead-a-small-group-free-workbook/?ecid=PDM57450&bid=1004181173

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-leader-kit-p005801715

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Thrive by Tony Merida - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-thrive-leader-kit-P006103915

FOR DISCIPLESHIP:  Four Ways to Get Your Pastor Excited about Small Groups by Chris Surratt - http://www.lifeway.com/groupministry/2017/11/15/four-ways-to-help-your-pastor-get-excited-about-group/?ecid=150802334&bid=1273100038

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - http://ministry-group.s3.amazonaws.com/groupministry/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/05/74038_At_A_Glance_FINAL.pdf

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: To Have and To Hold: Preparing for a Godly Marriage by Byron & Carla Weathersbee - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/to-have-and-to-hold-leader-guide-P005791140

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Making Peace with Your Past by Tim Sledge - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/making-peace-with-your-past-facilitator-guide-P001117296

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Mom Set Free by Jeannie Cunnion - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/mom-set-free-bible-study-book-P005720367

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: She Reads Truth Bible - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/she+reads+truth

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Audio CD Devotions for Men on the move - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Identity by Matt Brown - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-identity-leader-kit-P005790813

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: The Main Event, Nashville, TN, August 10-11, 2018 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/mens-event-the-main-event-2018-hendersonville-tn

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Seven Arrows: A 52 Week Devotional for Teens by Matt & Sarah Rogers - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/seven-arrows-P005799056

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/jesus-among-secular-gods-teen-bible-study-leader-kit-P005802017

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/D'Now

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Summer Camp options - http://www.lifeway.com/n/students/camps?type=events&intcmp=LifewayStudents-MTX-ButtonHero-Camps-20140613

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: CentriKid Camps - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Centrikid?type=events&intcmp=CentriKidSearch-MTX-Button-CentriKid-20140610

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: VBS Jump Start Kit - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/vbs-2018-jump-start-kit-P005793042

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Christ-Centered Parenting by Russell Moore and Phillip Bethancourt - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/christ-centered-parenting-leader-kit-P005790852

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKID for Kids in Discipleship, a year’s curriculum for discipling kids - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=LifewayKids-MTX-Image-TeamKid-20151001

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 Podcasts -  http://buff.ly/2kPNDFV