How People Grow .... in Groups

If you haven’t heard of this already, 2014 is the year of saying “Groups Matter”. In saying that you are stating your belief that people grow in discipleship through their involvement in small groups and a church will grow as they create more small groups. Follow this link for more information on this:  "Groups Matters"   (http://www.groupsmatter.com/)


I’m copied a recent blog by Eric Geiger that addresses the importance of growth in groups.

In Transformational Discipleship, we unpacked the important relationship between truth, posture, and leaders. God brings about transformation as godly leaders apply the truth to our hearts while we are in a teachable posture.

Truth:

The Lord transforms us, sanctifies us, through His truth—and His Word is truth (John 17:17). The truth of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word has the power to change us and mold us into the image of His Son.

Posture:

God puts us in a teachable and moldable posture to receive His truth. For example, He will use trials, spiritual disciplines, and biblical community to soften our hearts toward His truth. If you are a preacher or teacher, you have surely observed the importance of a teachable posture as you have preached or taught the same message to a group of people, and some have been impacted while some have been hardened. The message and the messenger are the same, but the posture of each person is different.

Leaders:

God uses leaders to apply grace to our hearts. Each person in the body is given the opportunity to administer grace, in a variety of forms (1 Peter 4:10). Because of this truth, pastors and teachers are wise to equip all of God’s people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13) so that more people can encounter His grace through more leaders.

As a follow-up to Transformational Discipleship, Ed Stetzer and I wrote Transformational Groups  (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/transformational-groups-P005617192) based on a large research study on small groups and how people grow in biblical community. After analyzing the research, we can confidently say “your groups matter a lot.” From a research lens, people in small groups pray and confess their sins more regularly, share the gospel more confidently, give more generously, and serve more sacrificially than those not in a small group.

We see a deep connection between groups and discipleship. Based on the learning in both research projects and based on our understanding of discipleship and how critical groups are to the health of a church, we believe in these three imperatives for church leaders (notice the connection between these imperatives and the importance of truth, posture, and leaders):

1)    Develop your leaders (leaders)

Leaders will reproduce who they are. The faith is often more caught than taught, so the leaders a church puts in their group environments will greatly determine the health of the groups. Leaders must be encouraged and developed. They must be trained and equipped.

2)    Launch new groups (posture)

Biblical community is essential for spiritual growth as it puts people in a posture to receive encouragement and to walk together with others. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation.

If a church is not launching new groups, the church is not giving new people and unconnected people a clear opportunity to live in Christian community. Launch new groups so that more people can experience the beauty and joy of a connected and interdependent posture.

3)    Feed your people (truth)

Connecting people together is not sufficient for transformation. They must be connected together in truth. God desires His people to be both unified and sanctified, and community that is formed on the foundation of God’s Word accomplishes both. 

Don’t just launch groups—launch groups that are built on a wise plan for discipleship. 

Don’t just promote community—ensure your community is grounded in Scripture.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR CHURCH WIDE MINISTRY: Movie “Son of God” and corresponding small group Bible study resources - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Son-of-God

FOR CHURCH WIDE MINISTRY: Movie “God’s Not Dead” - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/god%27s-not-dead

FOR CHURCH WIDE MINISTRY: Movie “Mom’s Night Out” - http://www.momsnightoutmovie.com/

FOR ONGOING BIBLE STUDY: Explore the Bible, spring quarter, Psalms & Song of Solomon - http://www.lifeway.com/Explore-the-Bible/Spring-2014/c/N-1z13wmcZ1z104eg?intcmp=SundaySchool-MTX-Text-ETBSprTopic-20140115

FOR ONGOING BIBLE STUDY: Bible Studies for Life, spring quarter, “Let Hope In” and “Productive” - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-adult-leader-pack-spring-2014-P005562231-2014-SPR

FOR ONGOING BIBLE STUDY: The Gospel Project, spring quarter, “The Atonement Thread” - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-project-for-adults-leader-guide-spring-2014-m00050115

FOR ONGOING BIBLE STUDY: MasterWork, spring quarter, “The Passion of Christ and the Purpose of Life” by Adrian Rogers and “Gospel” by J.D. Greear - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/MASTERWORK-ESSENTIAL-MESSAGES-FROM-GODS-SERVANTS-SPRING-2014-P005075042-2014-SPR

FOR EVANGELISM TRAINING: “Engage: A Practical Guide for Evangelism” - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/engage-a-practical-guide-to-evangelism-member-book-P005560882#product_specifications

FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT: Ministry Grid - http://www.ministrygrid.com/?emid=PD-BSI-MinistryGrid-20131008

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: “The Power of God’s Names” by Tony Evans - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Power-of-God%27s-Names?emid=PD-Product-BSI-PoGN-20140121

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: What Are You Afraid of? by Dr. David Jeremiah - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/What-Are-You-Afraid-Of?emid=PD-Product-BSI-WAYAO-20131217

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: “Connected: My Life in the Church” by Thom Rainer (a great follow up to I Am a Church Member) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-connected-my-life-in-the-church-group-leader-kit-P005672341

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: “Gray Areas: Finding Truth When Life Isn’t Black & White” by Mike Glenn - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Gray-Areas:-Finding-Truth-When-Life-Isn%27t-Black-and-White

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: “Hebrews” by Lisa Harper - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/hebrews-the-nearness-of-king-jesus-leader-kit-P005592097

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: “The Real Win: Pursuing God’s Plan for Authentic Success” by Colt McCoy - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-real-win-pursuing-gods-plan-for-authentic-success-member-book-P005558786

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: “Samson: A Life Well Wasted” by Chip Henderson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/samson-a-life-well-wasted-leader-kit-P005474751

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Main Event 2014, August 1-2, 2014 featuring former President George W. Bush, $69 registration limited time offer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-TheMainEvent-20130815

Leadership and Language

by Eric Geiger (from his blog ericgeiger.com)

Wise leaders understand the importance of words. They grasp the importance of language in describing the culture of the organization and the direction she is headed. But the role of a leader in relationship to language does not end when the doctrinal statement is finalized. It does not end when the mission and values are clarified, placed on a wall, and boldly declared. Leaders must continually remind people of the meaning behind the words, behind the language that is essential to the organization. The important words need definition and repetition.

• Words need definition

Words must constantly be defined, or the words will lose their original intent and begin to mean different things to different people. Language drift often occurs as people in an organization learn the desired or accepted organizational vocabulary and use those words as taglines in an attempt to give credence to just about anything.

For example, if “community” is the current focus for a local congregation, a leader can add “community” language to any initiative or event to give it credence. Similarly, if “customer-centric” or “narrowing the focus” are the latest buzzwords in an organization, folks can start to haphazardly use these words without understanding the intent and heartbeat behind them. Pretty soon, the words carry an array of definitions and lose their singularity and potency.

Unless there is constant definition of what the important culture-shaping words mean, there will not be alignment. In fact, if the important words are allowed to mean a plethora of things, if leaders don’t constantly define the words that are used, the language will only create confusion and a plethora of directions.

If you are a leader, it is important to define the important terms/words in the organization you are leading. If you hear words that are important in your culture being used in a way that does not match the original intent, some definition is necessary.

• Words need repetition

Some leaders run from repetition for the desire to always say something new and fresh. But wise leaders understand, as Max De Pree said, “Leadership is like third grade: it means repeating the significant things.” For example—because the gospel is the principle and essential doctrine of the Christian faith, Martin Luther stated “most necessary is it that we know this article [the gospel] well, teach it to others, and beat it into their heads continually.” Luther was clearly passionate about repeating the most important message continually.

When it comes to articulating a direction, I have learned that when the leaders are sick and tired of presenting and discussing, people are just then starting to grasp it. Both definition and repetition are necessary.

THINGS YOU MAY FIND INTERESTING ....

FOR BIBLE STUDY: GROUPS MATTER: Taking the Challenge - http://groupsmatter-crd-wpengine-com.crd.staging.wpengine.com/

FOR BIBLE STUDY: Creating a Climate for a New Group - http://groupsmatter-crd-wpengine-com.crd.staging.wpengine.com/

FOR BIBLE STUDY: January (or Annual) Bible Study: Colossians;  Christ is All You Need - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/January-Bible-Study

FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT: Ministry Grid - http://www.ministrygrid.com/?emid=PD-BSI-MinistryGrid-20131008

FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Marriage Getaway, Destin, FL, February 14-16, 2014 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-Marriage-Getaways-Destin-FL?intcmp=LWMain-Event2-MarriageGetawayDestin-20131104

FOR VBS 2014: Agency D3 Preview Events locations - http://blog.lifeway.com/vbs2014v2/events/preview/

FOR VBS 2014: Georgia Jumpstarts and Clinic sites - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/leadership/vbs-leadership/

FOR COLLEGIATE MINISTRY: 2014 Beach Reach - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/BeachReach?type=events&intcmp=BeachReachSearch-MTX-Button-Details-20130718

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: What Are You Afraid of? by Dr. David Jeremiah - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/What-Are-You-Afraid-Of?emid=PD-Product-BSI-WAYAO-20131217

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Connected: My Life in the Church by Thom Rainer (a great follow up to I Am a Church Member) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-connected-my-life-in-the-church-group-leader-kit-P005672341

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gray Areas: Finding Truth When Life Isn’t Black & White by Mike Glenn - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Gray-Areas:-Finding-Truth-When-Life-Isn%27t-Black-and-White

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Hebrews by Lisa Harper - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/hebrews-the-nearness-of-king-jesus-leader-kit-P005592097

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Main Event 2014, August 1-2, 2014 featuring former President George W. Bush, $49 registration limited time offer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-TheMainEvent-20130815

10 Benefits from a Thriving Small Group Ministry

I've copied a great article by Mark Howell from his blog (markhowelllive.com) about benefits from a thriving small group ministry. If your church is built upon Sunday morning Bible study groups, most of these benefits still apply. A growing number of churches I speak to are examining the possibility of providing dual tracks of Bible study (Sunday morning plus off campus). These benefits may help you in your decision making.

1.       Life-change happens best in small groups. You might have a killer weekend worship service with powerful teaching and inspiring worship, but you still need to know that “the optimal environment for life-change is a small group” because life-change happens best in circles, not rows.

2.       Small groups make churches personal.  Whether your church averages 150 or 1500, if I can slip into a back row and then leave without sharing life with a person…your church is too large to not incorporate a small group experience.  Yes, it’s still true that a certain kind of person or a particular stage in life makes a toe-in-the-water easier when you can be anonymous.  But the research is in.  The desire to find a few good friends is on the rise and loneliness is increasing.  

3.       Small groups provide a nearly unlimited leadership development pipeline.  What if I told you that your congregation and the crowd that joins you on special days like Easter or Christmas Eve is full of potential leaders?  In my experience, the same churches that tell me they’ve been praying for God to send workers for the harvest really just haven’t learned how to identify the  leaders God has already sent!  

4.       Off-campus small groups provide nearly unlimited space at optimum times.  Can’t afford to build?  Need to reach a much larger community than you could ever fit on campus at one time.  Homes, apartments, and coffee shops offer the space you need to have more adults in small groups than you have in your weekend services.  

5.        “Come over to my house” is a much easier invitation than “come with me to church.”   Off-campus small groups become increasingly more important as the transition to a post-Christian culture accelerates.  While there certainly was a time when an invitation to “come with me to church” was welcomed and even expected…those days are gone.  What remains?  ”Come over.”

6.       Small groups provide the best opportunity for one-anothering.  If you want to be known for the way you love one another…you need to emphasize being part of a small group.  The idea that I can receive or give the kind of personal care commanded in the one-anothers while isolating myself from others isn’t anchored in reality.  

7.        Small groups can provide a sense of family for many whose biological family lives far away.  Unlike generations past, it is increasingly more common for adults to find themselves living far away from their biological family.  Add the growing number of broken homes and dysfunctional families and you have a snapshot of the 21st century.  A small group, the right kind of small group experience can play a role in providing a sense of family.  

8.        I can ask questions in a small group.  Dialogue is one of the key ingredients of life-change.  If every spiritual experience I have is about listening, if it’s all about one-way communication…I’m going to miss one of the most important developmental aspects of a growing faith.  

9.        Small groups make it possible for more people to be cared for between Sundays.  Genuine care is demonstrated when my needs are known without a call to the church office.  A network of small groups provides the delivery system for that kind of care.  

10.    Small groups provide an ever expanding network for communication and impact.  This is a huge benefit!  There is a vast difference in the response to an announcement from the platform and a personal invitation.  When this network for communication and impact is activated, reach becomes exponential.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: 2014 GBACE Conference: Expanding Your Reach, staying connected in a changing culture - http://www.gbace.org/

FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT: Ministry Grid - http://www.ministrygrid.com/?emid=PD-BSI-MinistryGrid-20131008

FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Marriage Getaway, Destin, FL, February 14-16, 2014 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-Marriage-Getaways-Destin-FL?intcmp=LWMain-Event2-MarriageGetawayDestin-20131104

FOR VBS 2014: Agency D3 Preview Events locations - http://blog.lifeway.com/vbs2014v2/events/preview/

FOR VBS 2014: Georgia Jumpstarts and Clinic sites - http://gabaptistsundayschool.org/leadership/vbs-leadership/

FOR COLLEGIATE MINISTRY: 2014 Beach Reach - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/BeachReach?type=events&intcmp=BeachReachSearch-MTX-Button-Details-20130718

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Firsthand Faith by Ryan & Josh Shook - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/firsthand-faith-discovering-a-faith-of-your-own-leader-kit-P005559310

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: D’Now resources - http://www.lifeway.com/n/merchandised-landing-page/DiscipleNow?intcmp=LifeWayStudents-MTX-Text-Dnow-20120906

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Connected: My Life in the Church by Thom Rainer (a great follow up to I Am a Church Member) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-connected-my-life-in-the-church-group-leader-kit-P005672341

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Kingdom Agenda by Tony Evans - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/kingdom-agenda-living-life-gods-way-leader-kit-P005558791

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Honest to God by Robert Jeffress - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-honest-to-god-leader-kit-P005602631

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Let Hope In by Pete Wilson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-let-hope-in-leader-kit-P005602635

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Ever After by Vicki Courtney - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Ever-After

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Sacred Secrets by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/sacred-secrets-a-living-proof-live-experience-small-group-kit-P005474739

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Devotions for Men, audio CD - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528?emid=PD-BSI-DevotionsforMen-20131022

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Main Event 2014, August 1-2, 2014 featuring former President George W. Bush, $49 registration limited time offer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-TheMainEvent-20130815

5 Reasons Why People May Not Be Volunteering at Your Church

By Michael Lukaszewski is COO of The Rocket Company. 
 
Do you need more preschool workers to serve children? Do you need more greeters to greet? Do you need more ushers to…ush?
If so, you’re in familiar territory.
 I’ve never met a church that said, “You know…when it comes to volunteers, we’re good. We’ve got plenty. In fact, there’s a waiting list for the nursery.”
Churches everywhere need to mobilize more volunteers to get ministry done. But before you start signing people up and filling slots, it might be helpful to take a look at why people are NOT volunteering.

Here are FIVE REASONS people might not be volunteering at your church.
 
You’re not asking correctly. It takes more than blurbs in the bulletin and pleas from the pulpit to move people into volunteer positions in your church. If you want people to serve, you’ve got to learn how to ask correctly.
It’s hard to sign up. Signing up has to be simple and immediate. Hidden tables in the lobby don’t work. Remembering to email so-and-so isn’t a good strategy. 
It’s not clear. If you want people to do a job, they need to clearly understand the expectations and requirements. Pull back the veil and show people what’s it like before you ask them to get involved. 
You’re not saying thanks. People don’t want to toil away in a thankless role. Just because someone’s reward is in heaven doesn’t mean they don’t need to hear “thank you” on earth. 
It’s too hard. The super-committed will do whatever it takes, but if you want to mobilize a bunch of people, you need to make it easier. Take care of their kids, provide food, and make sure they have everything they need to succeed. A little planning on the front end goes a long way.

When it comes to involving volunteers, it’s likely you need to work on your systems, not just your sermons. A little intentionality can go a long way.

 THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: 2014 GBACE Conference: Expanding Your Reach, staying connected in a changing culture - http://www.gbace.org/

 FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT: Ministry Grid goes online 11.12.13 - http://www.ministrygrid.com/?emid=PD-BSI-MinistryGrid-20131008

 FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY: What is Worship? by Matt Papa (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/matt-papa-what-is-worship-2/#.UnPxGqynHSg

 FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT: 5 Reasons Millennials Stay Connected to Church by Barna Research - https://www.barna.org/barna-update/millennials/635-5-reasons-millennials-stay-connected-to-church#.UnPsuaynHSg

 FOR CHURCH STAFF: The Power of Social Media for the Church by Justin Wise (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/the-power-of-social-media-for-the-church/#.UnPvNaynHSg

 FOR YOUTH LEADERS: How to Communicate with Parents by Brian Mills (a Ministry Grid video) -

http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/how-to-communicate-with-parents/#.UnPwEqynHSg

 FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Marriage Getaway, Destin, FL, February 14-16, 2014 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-Marriage-Getaways-Destin-FL?intcmp=LWMain-Event2-MarriageGetawayDestin-20131104

 FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Ever After by Vicki Courtney - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Ever-After

 FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Effective Small Groups for Women by Julie Woodruff (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/effective-small-groups-for-women/#.UnPwiqynHSg

 FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 33, the series, volumes 1-3 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/33-The-Series?intcmp=Men-Tiled-33TheSeries-20130509

 FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Devotions for Men, audio CD - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/devotions-for-men-audio-cds-P005632528?emid=PD-BSI-DevotionsforMen-20131022

 FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Main Event 2014, August 1-2, 2014 featuring former President George W. Bush, $49 registration limited time offer - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events&intcmp=MensEvents-MTX-Text-TheMainEvent-20130815

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Authentic: Developing the Disciplines of a Sincere Faith by James McDonald - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Authentic:-Developing-the-Disciplines-of-a-Sincere-Faith?emid=PD-Product-BSI-Authentic-20131022

 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=eblast-102313

 FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Honest to God by Robert Jeffress - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bible-studies-for-life-honest-to-god-leader-kit-P005602631

 FOR VBS 2014: Agency D3 Preview Events locations - http://blog.lifeway.com/vbs2014v2/events/preview/

10 Ways to Spark Group Discussion

^{Adapted from Resource Magazine}

Research shows that the more group members participate in a study, the more they will remember about the study. Bible study leaders are always interested in finding ways to help their pupils participate in meaningful class discussions. Suggest these ten ways they can create some conversation:

1.   Agree-Disagree. Make a list of controversial statements on one topic. Have the students tell whether they agree or disagree with each and why.

2.   Brainstorming. Have the class come up with as many different ideas as it can on one subject (i.e. ways to increase class attendance).

3.   Case Study. Present your class with a real-life problem they can analyze and suggest solutions to the situation.

4.    Interview. The class is given a chance to ask questions of a resource person (i.e. a visiting Bible professor or a missionary).

5.    Listening Teams. Small groups listen to a presentation or a song, with a specific question or issue in mind. Discuss their responses and share major points with the entire class.

6.    Role Play. Teacher chooses the players, then describes a lively scenario to be acted out impromptu. Class analyzes the scene.

7.    Viewing Teams. Small groups watch a video or short film with specific questions in mind. Discussion follows in small groups, then with the full class.

8.   Debate. Two people (or more) discuss opposing views on a given topic (allow advance time for preparation), while observes and prepares to ask questions and share comments. To spark discussion, assign specific viewpoints for various class members to argue.

9.     Buzz Groups. Adults meet in small groups of four to six to briefly discuss a given topic or set of questions. A group leader reports back to the full class.

10.  Art or Picture Study. Display a painting or picture relating to the study topic and have class members describe the meaning, purpose, or action that the piece contains.
 

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: National Sunday School Directors Seminar (NSSDS), October 26, FBC/Lithia Springs - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-National-Sunday-School-Director-Seminar-2013-Lithia-Springs

FOR SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Beginning and Expanding your Small Group Ministry, a FREE seminar with Mark Howell, October 23, Cross Pointe Church/Duluth – http://www.markhowelllive.com/heres-where-ill-be-this-fall/?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer16e91&utm_medium=facebook

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: 2014 GBACE Conference: Expanding Your Reach, staying connected in a changing culture - http://www.gbace.org/

FOR CHURCH MINISTRY: The Sermon Starts in the Parking Lot by Danny Franks (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/the-sermon-starts-in-the-parking-lot/#.UlHax6yi_pc

FOR EVANGELISM TRAINING: Engage: A Practical Guide to Evangelism - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/engage-a-practical-guide-to-evangelism-member-book-p005560882

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Agenda by Tony Evans - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/kingdom-agenda-living-life-gods-way-leader-kit-P005558791

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: Effective Small Groups for Women by Julie Woodruff (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/effective-small-groups-for-women/#.UlHaBKyi_pc

 FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Quantity Time with Kids by Mark Merrill (a Ministry Grid video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/quantity-time-with-kids/#.UlHZpKyi_pc

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Grace Unplugged, a Bible study based on the movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/grace-unplugged-the-bible-study-leader-kit-P005558738

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Do Over by Ben Mandrell, a study from Romans - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/bible-studies-for-life-small-group-studies/do-over?intcmp=BSFLSmallGroups-MTX-Text-DoOver-LearnMore-20130717

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Honest to God by Robert Jeffress, real answers to honest questions - http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/bible-studies-for-life-small-group-studies/do-over?intcmp=BSFLSmallGroups-MTX-Text-DoOver-LearnMore-20130717

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Story, part one (the Old Testament) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-project-for-adults-gods-story-part-1-P005582520

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Story, part two (the New Testament) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-project-for-adults-gods-story-part-2-P005584681

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Center Your Student Ministry on the Gospel by Jason Gaston (a Ministry Grid training video) - http://www.ministrygrid.com/training/center-your-student-ministry-on-the-gospel/#.UiY11azAHTo