. . . tools for today’s teaching
Change is Beautiful Maintain Balance Sabbathing Listen Up, Moms!
Spring 2016
Contents Easter Ideas .......................................................................... 3 Preschool
Change Is Beautiful
Michelle Pullins .............................................................. 5
Effective Event Planning .................................................... 6 Children
I Know This One!
Lynn M. Miller ................................................................ 7
Student Ministries
What I’ve Learned in 15 Years of Ministry
John Davison ..................................................................9
Adult
Can We Teach Christian Virtues?
Dan Black .................................................................... 10
Senior Adult Ministry
Maintain Balance ............................................................... 11 Family
Sabbathing
Amanda White ............................................................. 13
Listen Up, Moms! ............................................................... 14 Technically Speaking
Four Steps to Thrive When There Is No Vision
John Upchurch ............................................................. 15
. . . tools for today’s teaching
Volume 4, No. 3 Editor: Shelia Stewart Editorial Assistant: Tammy Hatfield Copy Editor: Esther Metaxas
Graphic Design: Michael McDonald Managing Editor: Lance Colkmire Director of Publications: Terry Hart
Published quarterly by Pathway Press, 1080 Montgomery Ave., Cleveland TN 37311 Send comments/submissions to
[email protected] Download additional copies at discipletoday.org
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SPEAK OUT!
Do you have any ministry ideas, questions, or comments? Share them here.
Easter Ideas Out-of-the-Box
• Host mini events in your community.
Travel may be an obstacle for some people, so go to them. Ask a few big apartment complexes if you can use their courtyards or picnic areas to host a hunt. Consider including inflatables, games, food, door prizes, and music to grab attention. It will be hard for residents to resist the fun. Before distributing final prizes, use puppets, drama, a gospel illusion, or audience participation to tell the Easter story.
• Share egg-vites. The Sunday before Easter, have children fill plastic eggs with candy and an invitation for their friends and families to attend your church Easter events and service. It’s a great way to get kids involved.
• Sponsor an outdoor film festival. If you live in a warmer climate, invite the community to bring lawn chairs and blankets to an outdoor film festival. Provide hotdogs, chips, and drinks. Show a movie that tells the Easter story or explicitly expresses the love of Christ. Be aware of and adhere
to any copyright or licensing restrictions regarding the movie.
• Invite people to Easter dinner. Invite non-Christians to share your Easter dinner or Passover seder meal—whatever your traditions are. Consider international students. Many have never stepped foot inside an American home. Ask God to give you the opportunity to discuss the true meaning of Easter during your time together.
• Volunteer to read Benjamin’s Box (or another book) during story time at a local library, school, or after-care center. This children’s picture book follows a fictional boy named Benjamin who collected items during the life of Christ that offer an explanation of our need for Him. Build your own box, stocked with small symbolic items like Benjamin’s, so the kids can hold them. This can also be used in Sunday school or with your own children during family devotions. u
Invitation or Advertising?
Bring Them In:
Christmas and Easter are the two biggest seasons for unchurched people to attend a service or event. But how do you get them to come? Flyers, newspaper ads, door-to-door canvassing, or personal invitation? Lifeway Research shows that 56 to 63 percent of unchurched people are willing to receive information from friends, family, or neighbors, while only 10 percent are likely to respond to advertising. Out of 13 approaches tested, personal invitations from family members or friends is the only method that a majority of Americans say would effectively draw them to church. Visiting door-to-door received the least favorable reception.—Lifeway Research, March 23, 2009.
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Girls Ministries
THANK HEAVEN FOR LIT TLE GIRLS
Girls Clubs Ministries is an outreach of the Department of Youth and Discipleship to assist the local church in mentoring girls on their journey as Christ followers. Since our inception in 1969, Girls Ministries endeavors to provide club-based curricula (and more) that employs relevant, life-applicable lessons according to God’s Word. The result is thousands of young lives flourishing into spiritually pure, strong and dedicated women.
The Little Sweethearts curriculum is a three-year achievement series for preschool girls, ages 3-5.
The Bluebelles curriculum is a three-year achievement series for girls in the first, second, and third grades.
The Joybelles curriculum is a three-year achievement series for girls in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.
Young Ladies Ministries is a way for girls in grades 7-12 to grow and develop into women of maturity. Using the Bible, books, online resources, and mentoring, this program disciples young ladies to become the best God has called them to be.
800.553.8506
www.pathwaybookstore.com
Preschool
Change Is Beautiful! Michelle Pullins
Step 2: Ask
C
hange can be a beautiful thing! I love change probably more than most people, especially in ministry. I am not talking about a complete overhaul (although sometimes it is necessary), but tweaks here and there that will bring life to an area that has been overlooked or is challenging. There are two important steps to help determine which areas need some attention.
Step 1: Watch
Watch what is happening on a weekly basis in your ministry. Pretend you are a visitor and know nothing about your kids programs. • Is it clear how and where to check in? • Do you need additional signage directing people which way to go? • Take note of the facial expressions and body language of the parents as they check their kids in and out of class. Do they look and act happy, or do they appear to be stressed out? What about your teachers and workers? • Do you have enough team members in place? • Do they know what their role is? • How about the physical appearance of your ministry space? Do any areas need maintenance? Are things broken that need to be repaired or removed? Do walls need repainting?
Get some feedback from teachers and workers, as well as parents. • What is your favorite thing about this ministry? • Can you think of any area that needs attention? • Have you noticed any procedure that is not flowing smoothly? • Is there any part of your ministry experience you don’t enjoy? • What can be done to make your experience better? After you have thoroughly watched and asked relevant questions, use the answers as a gauge to improve your ministry. Be sure to communicate any changes to your team and provide additional training if necessary. Your ministry team and the families your church serves will appreciate that you took the time to make something they really care about even better. The greatest part of it all is your ministry will be operating more efficiently, enabling your church to share God’s love with lots more people. Now that’s beautiful! u Michelle Pullins, a 22-year children’s ministry veteran, is the founder of Tell the Story (michellepullins.com), a ministry that equips and empowers kids and families to tell others about Jesus!
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EFFECTIVE EVENT Talking something out with others sparks creativity and ensures all the bases are covered. Think out loud. Go through the entire event—step-by-step.
1. When? Determine date and time for the event— as far in advance as possible to minimize scheduling conflicts. 2. Where? Choose a location and make sure it is available. Will special arrangements need to be made, such as maps, transportation, or babysitting? Once you have determined the cost, you will also need to decide how the event will be funded. 3. Who? This step not only assigns specific duties to the workers, but also considers your target audience. How will you get the word out and divide the responsibilities?
Don’t assume everyone knows or understands. Send a recap text or email after every meeting or discussion. Make sure every potential event attendee is informed—through mailings, website, announcements, or phone calls. Be clear and concise. Rarely do things go completely as planned. There is always something that requires a tweak or creative fix. If you don’t make time to prepare, you will never find time to prepare. Early planning can reduce frustration, ensure smoother operation, and help the event make its intended impact. —Bill Helmstetter
Children
I Know This One! Lynn M. Miller
“Oh, I know this story!” Gabe announced. “Peter falls in the water.” “Me too! Yeah, I’ve heard this one. Peter was scared of the big waves,” Will and Claire chimed in. At first I was disheartened that most of my class already knew the Bible story well enough to recite details back to me. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that I shouldn’t be upset; after all, this meant their parents and previous leaders were doing a great job of teaching them God’s Word! He prompted that it was my job to take this group of young disciples to the next level in trusting their Savior. Quickly shifting from disappointment to creativity, I replied, “Then you know that Peter didn’t actually fall into the water.” I let the word hang as they all stared at me. I lowered my voice like I was telling a secret. When they moved closer, I knew we were back in the game! The students knew “Peter was scared.” So, when I got to the part about him walking on the water with Jesus, I made a big deal about him doing something he never dreamed possible and how scary it must have been trying something new! We discussed their impossible dreams, and that’s when it happened. “I want Jesus with me all the time!” Gabe declared, and the class agreed. With Jesus’ help, we can accomplish impossible dreams. The next step of trust was taken and, before moving on to the rest of the story, we stopped to pray. Leading this generation closer to God requires a willingness to immerse them in His Word. Veering away from Bible stories because they have already been heard is not the way to raise bold disciples. Rather, we must work toward going deeper into how the truths of those stories impact their lives. Every story in God’s Word has a divine principle that can be applied to today’s world. The same stories 4-yearolds hear can be retold to fourth graders with a new level of understanding. When teaching on Noah, we explain how he was surrounded by so much evil that God wanted to wipe mankind out, yet Noah was
able to stay pure in a godless society—seems very “2016ish.” Etching detailed Biblical truth into a child’s heart requires forethought, discernment, and diligence. Listening to the students also clarifies what they do and don’t know about a particular story, allowing you to fill in the details and lead them to the next level of walking out God’s divine principles. Ask the Lord for insight and creativity. Then pray against the temptation of using non-Biblical stories as a main focus. If your group is somewhat knowledgeable of God’s Word, count it a blessing that the Lord has entrusted their next level of faith to your care. And may I say if that is the case, “Well done”! u Lynn M. Miller is the family and children’s pastor of The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville, Georgia.
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Student Ministries John Davison
middleschoolministry.com
“Without question, the teaching of the New Testament is that the very God himself inhabits the nature of His true children.”—Tozer Not that I understand it or can explain it . . . but what I do know is that God does not dwell passively in His people. He wills and works for His good pleasure (see Phil. 2:13). “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10 NKJV). The most satisfying place for a minister to hang out is “in Christ.” This has been one of the greatest areas of growth in my 15 years of working with middle school students. If I would have just focused on finding comfort in being “in Christ” early on in my ministry, things could have gone much smoother for me. Our identity can be found in many things. As middle school pastors/leaders, there is an expectation of the unexpected—different hair, unique clothes, unusual hobbies, and a strange love for lock-ins. But, how different would your ministry look if you just had a strange love for Christ? Three key things have evolved in my ministry as I focused on just being “in Christ.” They have been a catalyst in reaching more students.
1. In Christ, I can be real.
He loves me . . . He loves you . . . and there is nothing greater. The God who knows me, the real me, has chosen me. I don’t have to be fake to win His affection. The same goes for your students.
2. In Christ, I can be bold.
It is satisfying to know God is for me. He is working and willing in me for His good pleasure. Because of that we can stand boldly before students, knowing that God is doing the same thing in them.
3. In Christ, I can really love students.
The only way we will reach lost and wandering students is if they trust the relationship. Our regular “churched” students will not invite their friends to a ministry that is led by someone they do not trust. All of us have a limited amount of time to spend with students. But remember, it is not about the quantity. If we are going to commit time in our schedule to minister to students, why not really, boldly, love them. Do your students, regulars and visitors, know that you, in Christ, love them? Or, are you just a “one-day-a-week” babysitter? u John Davison has been doing youth ministry for 15 years and currently serves the students and families at Fusion Bible Church in Sherman, Texas.
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Adult
Dan Black Christian virtues are the qualities and traits of moral excellence and strength that were seen in Jesus Christ and heard in His teaching. In the New Testament, these virtues are identified as “the fruit of the Spirit” in the life of the believer in Christ, manifested “in all goodness, righteousness and truth” (Eph. 5:9). These virtues are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). First, we teach that Christian virtues in an individual are the result of a life-transforming trust in Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord. From this relationship with Christ, a moral likeness to Christ is formed in us by the Holy Spirit. Still, people need to be taught from Holy Scripture what is morally excellent, and what is sinful. This, too, we teach, so
ADULT LESSONS
SYNOPSIS
T
he spring quarter of lessons 2016 includes two special lessons: for Easter on March 27, and for Pentecost on May 15. The two units of study will be, first, on the apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Christians we call “First Corinthians”; and then on the books “Jeremiah” and “Lamentations.”
Internal evidence in 1 and 2 Corinthians indicates that Paul wrote four letters to the Corinthians, and the two letters we have in the New Testament are actually the second and fourth letters (see 1 Cor. 5:9; 2 Cor. 2:4, 9; 7:8). Because, in 1 Corinthians, Paul addressed so many prob10
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believers in Christ will be able to “approve things that are excellent; . . . being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:10-11 KJV). Teaching Christian virtues must be more than talking about them, and more than exhorting people to pursue these virtues. To teach Christian virtues, we must also teach by example. These virtues must be seen in the teacher. This is what Paul meant when he wrote to the Corinthians, “Be . . . followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1 KJV). u
lems current among the Christians at Corinth, that letter has been of special interest to succeeding generations of Christians. Jeremiah the prophet, the author of Jeremiah and Lamentations, was one of the greatest Old Testament prophets. He conducted his ministry in Judah and Jerusalem in the declining years of his nation, and witnessed the destruction of Judah, Jerusalem, and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Over a span of 40 years, leading up to the end of the kingdom of Judah, Jeremiah called his fellow Jews to repent, return to God, and avoid the judgment that would surely come from God against them if they refused to repent. Sadly, Jeremiah did not succeed in persuading his fellow Jews to repent, and the judgment he foretold came to pass. But to all who love and serve God, Jeremiah’s faithfulness to God is an example to follow. And to all people and nations who forget God and pursue their own sinful ways, the Book of Jeremiah is a warning, and a call to repentance. u Dan Black is editor of New Life adult Sunday school literature at Pathway Press.
Maintain Balance Senior Adult Ministry:
A successful Senior Adult Ministry will provide: spiritual and social connectedness, personal growth, and ministry opportunities to give back. Never allow your program to overemphasize certain aspects while minimizing other equally important facets of senior-adult life. Consider the following four areas of ministry and seek to maintain an appropriate balance between them. 1. Spiritual Enrichment Age does not limit an individual’s capacity or need to grow spiritually. The body may break down, but the spirit is still capable of growth, renewal, or even new birth. Plan Bible studies, prayer groups, and special worship opportunities. Consider holding some of the meetings in the home of a senior who is convalescing or has difficulty traveling.
2. Learning Opportunities It is a myth that senior adults are not interested in learning. Survey your members to see what topics are relevant, then provide information and classes related to their needs and concerns. Opportunities to learn about the latest technology can be especially appealing to many seniors. 3. Socialization The need for interaction with others continues throughout life. Laughter, fun, and humor are all vital ingredients for the well-being of older people. Game nights, exercise classes, golf tournaments, and travel events can help energize them. Consider a storytelling night to allow senior adults to share amusing family or church incidents, a senior talent show, or plan a themed meal, such as a luau or cowboy cookout.
4. Service Opportunities Seniors, just like everyone else, need an ongoing sense of purpose. Many churches have not begun to tap the potential in their older members. Having experienced life’s mountains as well as its valleys, seniors can provide deep insight and enrich the lives of others. They can mentor youth and young adults, tutor children, be caregivers for Mother’s Day Out, become a foster grandparent, prepare
meals, provide transportation, make minor home repairs, sing in the choir, visit people who are homebound or in prison, or participate in shortterm mission projects and trips. You are never too old to make a difference! “And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing” (Ps. 71:9 NLT). Seniors want and need opportunities to minister as well as be ministered to, and to serve as well as be served. We certainly need youth and children’s ministries, but we also need equally passionate plans to integrate older people into the life of the church and to reach out to those who are too frail to attend. We must never allow them to be “out of sight, out of mind.” —Adapted from Senior Adult Ministry: Maintain Balance, found at ag.com (Assemblies of God).
All “senior” adults do not consider themselves as such. Even now, research suggests that only 15 percent of church members who qualify are actually involved in senior-adult programs. As more and more baby boomers grow older, a new generational grouping has emerged called “middle adults” that includes those between 50 and 65 years of age. Begin an adult ministry, not a senior-adult group . . . the distinction is important. If you have a senior-adult group, you limit the potential involvement to those individuals who see themselves as seniors. Many age-qualified adults will not identify with “those old people.” In contrast, if your paradigm is an adult ministry, several groups can develop to appeal to the diversity of interests, needs, and activities of all your “mature” church members.
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We’ve asked this simple question to spiritual leaders and mentors all over the world. Their answers will inspire and intrigue you. Log on to www.TrustPathway.com to see the rest of our must-read books recommended directly from the personal libraries of leaders and readers you trust. Find something new. Discover something old. Be changed forever. 12
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Family
SABBATHING
Amanda White hen my husband and I were children’s pastors, the things you could do on a Sunday afternoon and we did a series on the Ten Commandments. hearing a still, small voice tell you to just stop—and The fourth commandment is “Remember to keep then taking a God-ordained nap.” the Sabbath day holy.” After a little research, we “Sabbath-keeping is nothing less than grabbing discovered that Sabbath means “to stop.” So we played onto the robe of the Maker of the universe.” Sleeth’s a game where we told the kids to act something out whole point was to encourage us to devote a whole (playing basketball, doing the dishes, jumping up and day to quality time with God. Not in a super-spiritual, down) and, when we yelled “Sabbath,” everyone had on-your-knees, or too-holy kind of way. It’s more of, to freeze. It was a quick activity that helped everyone Hey, God. I really do think You’re number one. This understand the meaning of a seemingly ancient word. day is set aside especially for You. Let’s hang out. During this time, a Seventh-Day Adventist church “Young people are leaving the church in droves— in our community asked us to do a kids’ service. We something like 70 percent during the college years. had a great day, but what I remembered (and enjoyed) . . . One reason is most children do exactly what they most was that everyone greeted each other with are taught and they see their parents worshiping “Happy Sabbath!” Their simple greeting showed honor many lesser gods.” Worshiping many lesser gods . . and reminded them about the specialness of the day. . this was totally about my iPhone. My kids see me When I was a girl, Sundays felt kind of like holidays. take my phone from room to room, checking it about Stores were closed, we stayed at home after church, everything from the weather to a question. They see and we went back to church on Sunday nights. There me unable to live without it. So, what are they going was nothing to interrupt your resting—no computers, to do when they reach iPhone age? What other lesser Internet, cell phones, iPads, or even shopping. Today, gods have I unknowingly set up? the idea of stopping on Sunday is rare. “The trick is to allow God to have the room, space, A few years ago, I read Matthew Sleeth’s book and quiet needed to make an impression on you.” 24/6. He was an ER doctor who married into a Jewish Sabbath doesn’t have to be only about worship, study, family, and then he and his wife became Christians. and prayer. You can spend time in creation—playing They have an interesting story. Anyway, with this games with your family, or reading books. It’s about whole quietness thing I’ve been pursuing, I really resting and reveling in the beauty of God’s gifts. enjoyed some of the insights from his book. I want to up my Sabbathing. I want my kids to see “Rest shows us who God is. He has restraint. and experience me showing restraint, tearing down Restraint is refraining from doing everything that one lesser gods, reveling in God’s gifts, and resting in has the power to do.” Just because I have a couple of Him. I’m still not sure exactly what it will look like free hours on Sunday doesn’t mean I have to fill them but, for now, my heart is ready for the weekly stop. It’s with work . . . or even with productivity. Rest is OK. ready to grab the robe of God. u Actually, it’s a command. “Rest is thinking about all
W
Amanda White is a stay-at-home mom who traded full-time vocational ministry for full-time motherhood ministry. Check out her parenting blog at ohamanda.com.
Cheri Fuller ust yesterday when I was sitting in a local restaurant, I saw a mother, a younger child, and two teenagers in a booth nearby. The mom texted the whole time they waited for their food. Right after the hamburgers and fries were delivered, she answered a call and talked, then returned to texting. Throughout the 20 minutes they were sipping their sodas and having lunch, there was great opportunity for conversation. Yet, very little face-to-face interaction or communication actually took place between the mother and her children. One of the most important roles of a mother is to be a mentor and guide. But it all starts with listening. Here are some simple ways to be a better listener to your kids. When your child is talking, put away your Smartphone, give eye contact, and pay attention to his [or her] words, facial expression, and body language. Start small. Instead of setting a goal of listening to your [child] for an hour each day, spend just five minutes a day giving him [or her] your undivided attention.
swer. Instead of “How was school today?” you could ask, “What was your favorite/least favorite part of the day?” When your [child] is describing a problem or conflict, silently pray for wisdom and patience so you will know a good way to respond when that moment comes. As educator and author, Chick Moorman wrote, “There is an undeniable link between the words you speak and your child’s behavior and attitudes. The way you talk affects their perceptions, interpretations, beliefs, values, and approach to life; it influences their actions as well as the consequences of those actions.” In those situations when you cannot stop what you are doing, you could say, “Hold on. I can’t listen right now because I’ve got to do this. Could you wait a few minutes?” Then find a window within a reasonable time to get back with him or her. It is the overall pattern of being willing to listen and care that matters.
Be available to listen at random times, day and night. And be willing to hear about sensitive subjects without major overreaction. When you freak out, your child tends to clam up and not share anything significant. Ask open-ended questions. Closed questions that require only a yes or no answer do not stimulate conversation. Open-ended questions do not have a right or wrong an14
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Cheri Fuller is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author, and former Oklahoma Mother of the Year. This article is excerpted from her recent book What a Son Needs From His Mother, Bethany House Publishers.
Technically Speaking
FOUR STEPS TO
THRIVE WHEN THERE IS NO VISION Talk to me: Twitter.com/John Upchurch
The verse is pretty old, but it’s certainly no worse for the wear: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV). Maybe that describes your company or nonprofit. It has a vision statement that sounds nice on the website (maybe even thrown in a video or graphics to drive it home). But, in the daily push and shove, that vision rarely shows up. Rather than “changing lives for the better,” you feel like the real purpose of all your frantic, deadline-defying acts is simply to get through the day. A lack of real vision, however, does not mean you have to languish away or feel deflated when you get home. You can take steps to make a vision-less job into something greater.
1. Write Your “Yes” First, none of this will work if you don’t have at least some buy-in to the work you’re doing. If the lack of vision has zapped your passion completely, then get out. You are better off starting fresh. But if you can still see some small spark of what attracted you to the position, then take some time to type up an Evernote document with the things you do that make you want to keep trying. Take your time to get them all. This is the list you will need to write your own vision statement.
2. Fix Your Perspective Can’t find much to put on your “pros” list? Not to worry. Think outside your own ministry to the work of the church in general. Remember, this is not about your role, but about the Great Commission.
Your ministry may not be inspiring you right now, but the church itself can. Look beyond the fabric walls of your cube to the bigger picture. You are part of a movement . . . a mission. Start there and add to your note what it is you are helping people do.
3. Match Your Work Once you have your list, start diagramming. Beside each thing you enjoy or each “bigger picture” point you have found, type out the tasks you do on a daily or weekly basis that most closely fit that point. Match up what you do with the impact it can make. You may think paperwork has little to do with helping kids find their calling. But this isn’t about immediate benefit; it is about the bigger perspective. Little things add up.
4. Work Your Passion Now you have your list, and you have seen how your work ties into it. Keep that handy on your phone so you can always see it. You may not be hearing clear vision, but you have given yourself vision. But don’t stop there. Add a few “I want to dos” on your list. Dream big here. Write out the places you would like to make an impact on. Perhaps you will never have a chance to make an impact on those areas, but keeping them with your “vision list” will still motivate you. u John Upchurch is a vision-caster, story-crafter, and faith-builder. He currently serves as content manager for Pinelake Church in Mississippi.
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