Relational Discipleship Resurfaces while Church Programs Lose Fans
When you ask Daniel Edmonds about where the Church is headed with discipleship these days, he likes to quote Pastor Ken Adams — “Jesus started the Church the way He wanted it, and now He wants the Church the way He started it.” It’s to that end, Edmonds said, that churches today are circling back […]
How to Have A Great Vacation Bible School
Prayer: Emphasize that Vacation Bible School is a Spiritual Event and encourage prayer. Observe National Day of Prayer for VBS on May 15, 2016 and pray that people are saved. Plan Thoroughly: Start early by setting the date for VBS involving the pastor and staff. Publicize the date and time and purchases curriculum and supplies. […]
Why They Stay
Why They Stay Dr. Steve R. Parr and Dr. Tom Crites Why They Stay has a strong message for church strengthening and revitalization: invest in the future of the church through parents, teens and children. Deuteronomy 6 places a strong emphasis on a parent’s responsibility in disciple-making. The church should partner with parents in responding […]
Getting Started
Today’s post by Tim Smith is the eighth installment in our Coach’s Guide to Sunday School resource provided by the office of Sunday School and Discipleship. To see the full guide, visit ALSBOM.org/coachsguidetosundayschool. Don’t let anyone fool you! Being a Sunday School director is a lot of work. Just like any coach, there many expectations with tons […]
Discovering and Enlisting Workers
Today’s post by Wayne Etheridge is the seventh installment in our Coach’s Guide to Sunday School resource provided by the office of Sunday School and Discipleship. To see the full guide, visit ALSBOM.org/coachsguidetosundayschool. “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” According to this proverb, we typically view what other people have […]
Planning to Win
Today’s post by Darryl Wilson is the sixth installment in our Coach’s Guide to Sunday School resource provided by the office of Sunday School and Discipleship. To see the full guide, visit ALSBOM.org/coachsguidetosundayschool. Imagine a coach who meets with his team on opening day of practice. He says, “Guys, we recruited you because you are the best. […]
New Groups
Today’s post by Bob Mayfield is the fifth installment in our Coach’s Guide to Sunday School resource provided by the office of Sunday School and Discipleship. To see the full guide, visit ALSBOM.org/coachsguidetosundayschool. The book Transformational Groups, by Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger of LifeWay Christian Resources, shows the incredibly positive effect a small group has on […]
Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change
John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life.” There are many pastors who wish they could break or circumvent that law, but it would be better to embrace it as reality and adjust sails to navigate successfully the winds of change. Change has happened, is happening and will happen. It can be situational, […]
VBS In Full Swing
Every summer, it’s my privilege to travel the state and visit as many Vacation Bible Schools as I can. It’s always inspiring to see the wonderful ministry taking place and to be reminded that every church, large and small, can be involved in VBS. Already this summer, several churches have shared the results of God’s […]
A Model For Ministry That Never Changes
“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” We live in a rapidly changing society where the effectiveness and relevance of virtually everything is being questioned. What about Sunday School, home groups, life groups, cell groups? Are any of these the “silver bullet” that may be counted on for the future? Indeed, […]