Develop small groups that will support each other and go together into serving the world.
by John A. Studebaker
Ever watch old episodes of "The Lone Ranger"? What an idyllic figure of American heroism. He was tough, independent, and never let anyone know his true identity.
It is probably not a shock to hear that God does not want us to be "Lone Ranger Christians." No one person can exemplify the complete life of Jesus to the surrounding world. We need a circle of believers around us who go forth into the world ...
Making a lasting impact requires close relationships.
by Life Together
As you plan your role in your church's small group ministry, it's important to remember the key principle behind your role as spiritual mentor: More time spent with fewer people has a greater impact. Let's break this down:
1. The starting point of all effective mentoring is RELATIONSHIP. Mark 3:14 says, "And he chose 12, whom he named apostles. 'I have chosen you to be with me,' he told them. 'I will ...
Respond well when you are having a difficult time in your place of ministry.
by Cory Whitehead
Do you ever get a case of "ministry blah"? Never heard of this nasty sickness? I define the "blah" as "a consistent discouragement with your place of serviceoften accompanied by repetitive complaining." It can be further defined as "feeling like your ministry is useless, that you're not supported, and that no one else cares."
Unfortunately, my immune system isn't always strong enough to fight ...
A knowledge of God's love leads to an ability to be obedient to him.
by Life Together
Some years ago, Dave went looking for his first house. After several months, he finally found one that had all the appearances of being "the one." It was cute with a tiny yard, a white picket fence, and was within walking distance to the beach. His family gave him the thumbs up. He couldn't go wrong, they thought.
But when Dave had the house inspected, he learned it had a huge crack in the foundation. ...
How can we develop a passionate love for God? These Old Testament books unveil a wealth of information.
How can we develop a passionate love for God? The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles may seem like an unlikely place for the answer, but a close look at these two books unveils a wealth of information that can change our lives. This six-session course looks at how we can live up to our potential, experience God's presence, learn to listen to and talk to God, and help the children of today be the leaders of ...
This six-session course offers Biblical advice on how to pass on our faith.
Passing our faith onto our children is vital. How can we help them want to know Christ? This six-session course will discuss how to make God real to your children by teaching them how to pray, making church a positive experience, helping children make their faith their own, and using stories to make the Bible come alive.
Session 1
Make God Real to Your ChildrenUse everyday examples to teach your child ...
Use this 13-session spiritual growth course to discuss how to pursue a intimate relationship with God.
Use this 13-session spiritual growth course to discuss how to pursue a intimate relationship with God. This course looks at how to repent, manage anger, imitate Christ, let go of guilt, and forgive others. It also covers topics such as grace and sin, spirituality today, and keys to spiritual growth.
Week 1
Spirituality for TodayModern spirituality begins and ends with the self; Christian spirituality, ...
What does a relationship with Jesus look like day-to-day? The Book of James tells what it means to follow Christ.
What does a real relationship with Jesus look like day-in and day-out? The Book of James is all about what it means to follow Christ 24/7. It explores spiritual maturity, and how to grow up in the faith. Every verse is easy to understand but not at all easy to implement. This book teaches us about real faith by giving us God's Word on some of the most daily realities of following Jesus, including ...
John Ortberg helps us to understand God better in this five-session course from our new Great Bible Teachers series.
John Ortberg, pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California and author of numerous books including The Life You've Always Wanted and If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat, helps us to understand God better in this five-session course from our new Great Bible Teachers series. Ortberg challenges us to partner with God in our spiritual growth by responding to the tests ...
God is trustworthy and can be counted on to treat people right.
"This 6-session course is by Marshall Shelley, written within a year after the deaths of two of his children. During Marshall and his wife's desperate turning to Scripture, they discovered that God is trustworthy and can be counted on to treat people right. These six studies focus on six sections of the Bible that offered them fresh glimpses of how God works.