Summer 2016 Ministry Guide by The Church of The Apostles

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

WELCOME Back in 1985 when the Lord began to burden my heart for the birthing of a new congregation in this area, three things from the Word of God were clearly revealed to me in regard to worship:

Unhurried praise and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, Lord, and the Head of this church. This includes a regular time for breaking of bread at the Lord’s Table.

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Prayer and intercession as an expression of our utter dependence on our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ in all things.

Bold proclamation that is relevant and instructive. Because we believe that the Bible is God’s self-revelation and therefore contains all the answers to all of man’s problems and needs, we preach it with all of its authority.

Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Founding Rector The Church of The Apostles

TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTRIES AND BIBLE STUDIES 6 8 9 9 11 12 15 16 18

Children’s Ministry Student to Student College-Age Ministry 20s & 30s Small Groups Women’s Ministry Men’s Ministry Adult Bible Classes Congregational Care

FEATURES 4

Joy Comes In The Morning Leading The Way Field Update: Iraq

Genuine Wisdom & Man Up 20s and 30s at Apostles

Single Hearts A Fellowship for Single, Divorced, and Widowed Women Forty and Beyond

Summer Outreach Reaching the Lost

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apostles.org • Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry.

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

WHO WE ARE The Church of The Apostles has never been just another church. God has guided and sustained this church through a vision that was made clear to the Rector even before the church began. We conclude from this that God has something unique in mind for this church body and we operate our ministry according to a God-given core ideology. So as you attend Apostles, what can you expect to experience in the life and ministry of this church?

OUR VISION Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. CORE VALUES • We are here to lift up Jesus at all times in everything we do. The Bible says that Jesus came to the earth that He might have preeminence in all things and that includes The Church of The Apostles. This ministry is not about us. • We are constantly searching for opportunities and ways to make God’s awesome message of salvation clear to as many people as possible. We want to ensure that people have the chance to hear the message and see the heart of Jesus in a true light that is compelling and clear. • We also strive to present every person complete in Christ. The highest purpose of life on earth is to make joyful progress in our spiritual formation, which is becoming like Jesus. Therefore, all of our ministry activity here at The Church of The Apostles converges on this focal point. • Apostles is a church that is busy with Holy Spirit directed ministry activity that is executed with excellence. We firmly believe that excellence is Heaven’s first law and if we cannot do ministry with excellence to the glory of God, we simply don’t do it. • Finally, we speak the truth in love without compromise. Through the Bible, God reveals Himself as the fountain of truth and love. We declare His truth in love without compromise or apology.

SUNDAYS At Apostles, we have Bible Classes (Sunday School) from 9:00-10:15 on Sunday mornings. This is a time when our children, youth, and adults meet for grounding, learning, connecting, and training in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. These classes gather together around Jesus, the living Word of God, and the Scripture, the written Word of God. There is also an early worship service in the chapel during this hour. At 10:30, we have our worship service in our main sanctuary from 10:30-12:00 on Sunday mornings. This is a time for celebration and communion, praise and prayer, evangelism and proclamation. Our heart’s desire is to lift up the resurrected Jesus in all of His saving power and glory. The sacrament of Baptism is practiced on the second Sunday of the month and the sacrament of Communion is practiced on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS On Wednesday evenings at 6:15 we offer programs for everyone in your family. The Hour of Power is our midweek service that includes a time of worship and an extended time of prayer. Come early at 5:00 for a family dinner (no reservations are needed) and then stay for the Hour of Power and for our great programs for children and students!

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

LEADING THE WAY FIELD UPDATE: IRAQ ow does a mother maintain dignity for herself and her family when she flees persecution with whatever she can carry? Would you feel broken and isolated? These women did, but God does not forsake His children. “The invitation seemed as if it was an invitation from the Lord Himself.” How precious was the news when this woman heard about the retreat coordinated by Leading The Way’s Help The Persecuted ministry. Earlier this year, through the support of ministry partners and on-theground teams, Leading The Way hosted a retreat in Iraq for women who fled ISIS and are now displaced in refugee camps. It was an honor to be able to provide these persecuted women with spiritual and physical nourishment, a time to debrief from their trauma, and a safe space to heal, fellowship, and worship the Lord. Leading The Way worked with a local church to organize the retreat with the goal of bringing inner healing and showing hospitality to these women who have endured so much. As a pastoral counselor walked them through the healing process, mothers spoke of their fears and worries, wives spoke of their struggles and losses, and daughters spoke of their harrowing journeys and doubts. But they also shared of the Lord’s mercy as He protected families while they fled their persecutors. One woman, Noor*, shared, “I felt that this conference was like a blessing to every woman who attended it. . . . There are some people that the Lord sends from afar in order for them to hear you, and hear your agony, and look at your pain, and then heal whatever you carry inside of you.” In this way, the women at the retreat, as well as all those partners who supported and prayed for this event, carried one another’s burdens to the throne of grace. During the final worship time at the retreat, each woman was draped with a shawl as a reminder of God’s protection and care over her. Noor marveled, “I would like for everyone to know this thing . . . a joy from within, to know that your soul is important to the Lord.” She continued, “I wish for this conference to happen one more time—actually a lot of times—because there are a lot of women like us who need it, maybe even more than us.”

JOY COMES H IN THE MOURNING Healing and Hope in the Wake of ISIS Persecution

*Names changed for their security.

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apostles.org • Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry.

FROM BEHIND THE LENS Photographer Mike Pearson Shares the Story As I moved about the room at the women’s retreat, immersed in the women’s songs of praise, the words of Psalm 30 came to life: Even though there had been crying in the night, their mornings were now filled with joy. Sorrow had turned to dancing, and they were truly clothed with gladness. Their enemy had intended to gloat over their suffering, but here in this room, an hour’s drive from real danger, the joy of the Lord was their strength. Their hearts really sang God’s praises, and, as they worshiped, it wasn’t enough to stand on the floor and sing—many were compelled to elevate themselves upon chairs and tables, literally giving God the highest praise they could muster.

The Church of The Apostles plays a vital role in this outreach effort. If you would like to deepen your personal partnership with Leading The Way, please contact us to receive more information or give a gift:

Leading The Way PO Box 20100 Atlanta, GA 30325 LTW.org (404) 841-0100 giving@ltw.org

THE BIGGER PICTURE The healing work accomplished through Leading The Way’s women’s retreat is just one way God is ministering in the region through our outreach. Through 24/7 broadcasts, on-the-ground follow-up, and our Help The Persecuted ministry, God is drawing the lost to Himself and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ daily.

THE KINGDOM SAT

NAVIGATORS

Even in refugee camps, where families have lost everything, the biblical programs of our 24/7 satellite TV channel THE KINGDOM SAT remain an effective means of ministry. Here, satellites dot the roofs of caravans in the camps (right).

Loaded with the audio Bible and Dr. Youssef’s teachings in Arabic, Leading The Way’s solar-powered Navigator devices (below) are the perfect tool for sharing the Good News with the displaced. For each device distributed, roughly 10 people will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

PERSONAL MINISTRY Our team makes pastoral visits to assess the physical and spiritual needs of families in the camps, praying for families and providing practical assistance to those in need. The boys pictured here, who live with their families in a refugee camp, rejoiced when they received the soccer balls and Bible stories your gifts helped us provide.

SAFE HOUSING Leading The Way provides safe housing for Christians who need temporary shelter to avoid further persecution. Here, a woman reads her Bible on the roof of a building where Leading The Way accommodates refugees in safe housing.

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Our vision for the Children’s Ministry at Apostles is to reach children for Christ and to equip them to do the work of the ministry at a young age.

Children have been recently promoted in their school grade, but we will not promote into fall classes at church until Sunday, September 11.

apostles.org 404-564-3141

SUMMER PRESCHOOL 9:00 and 10:15 a.m. Infant “Young Toddlers” 3rd Floor Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Loving Nursery Care and Bible Stories

Age 2 & 3 Rising 3 and Rising Pre-K 3rd Floor Visitor Check-in at Kiosk GOD IS BIG! GOD IS STRONG! GOD IS GOOD!

These are but a few of the biblical truths that our 2-3 year olds will be learning over twelve weeks of summer Sunday school. Our little ones will learn about GOD’S plan and power as they hear the stories from the Bible. Bring your little ones to hear and experience the love of GOD through His Word! First and second hour will be the same.

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Age 4 & K Rising Kindergarten and Rising First Grade 3rd Floor Visitor Check-in at Kiosk God used people in the Old Testament to display the Fruit of the Spirit! Daniel was faithful! Abraham was patient. Ruth was kind. This summer, our preschoolers will learn the Fruit of the Spirit by looking at examples and stories from the Old Testament. Then, they’ll learn what it means to be strong in the Lord by putting on the full armor of God! It’s going to be a summer of getting to KNOW, LOVE, and ENJOY our Awesome God!

Special Stones Special Needs Children Room 309 Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Students in Special Stones use The Compassion Curriculum, an interactive Bible study series designed for those with intellectual disabilities. Students are engaged in real Bible study, and this class is loving and FUN with the true gospel presented for every level.

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

Kid’s Connection Rising 1st – 5th grade “Children’s Church” that meets at 10:15 during September through May

Kid’s Connection will resume on September 11.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS “Running Church” 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. Both preschoolers and elementary children enjoy this midweek time of Bible teaching and fun activities on the playground and in the gym. Come for family night supper, which begins at 5:00 p.m. Preschool drop-off on the 3rd floor. Elementary drop-off in the gym beginning June 1.

SUMMER ELEMENTARY Sunday 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

In the summer, elementary students meet during the 9:00 hour only.

Rising 2nd Grade – Rising 5th Grade

9:00 a.m. Room 420-423 Visitor Check-in at Kiosk Rising 2nd –Rising 5th graders will focus on a study called The Young Peacemaker, which explores principles of conflict resolution that are taught in the Bible. Through this study, our children will learn that repentance, confession, and forgiveness are the heartbeat of conflict resolution. Children will also discover biblical answers to questions like: • What is at the heart of conflict?

• How is it possible to honor God by my response to conflict?

• How can I take responsibility for my contribution to a conflict? • How can I go and talk to someone if we are in a fight?

• How can we become friends again if there’s a wall between us?

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

STUDENT MINISTRY contact us stsatlanta.org 404-591-2470 Please visit our website or contact us for information on weekly Bible studies, special events, and trips.

STS or Student to Student is the ministry for 5th-12th grade students at Apostles. We are passionate about middle and high school students loving God with their whole heart, reaching others with their whole life, and making disciples with the whole Gospel. Through each of our Bible studies, worship services, teaching times, service projects, and special events, our desire is that students would fall madly in love with the Father and understand the huge plan He has for their lives.

SUNDAY 8:45 – 10:20 A.M. Every Sunday morning, breakfast is served for all 5th-12th grade students.

After worship in The Loft, 5th & 6th grade students will go to The Den for teaching and discussion.

After worship in The Loft, there will be engaging and interactive teaching and discussion for 7th-12th grade students.

MID-WEEK WORSHIP This summer, for our mid-week worship, we want to go deep into Scripture and foundational issues of our faith. Each week, all ages will discuss the same topics but in ageappropriate settings.

Wednesday Evenings 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. The Loft We will have a high-energy time of worship and teaching for 5th-8th grade students.

Family Dinner 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Commons from $6.00/person

Thursday evenings 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. The Loft We will have a more relaxed, “coffee-shop style” worship and time of deep teaching and discussion for 9th-12th grade students.

SPECIAL EVENTS & TRIPS For more detailed information and registration for STS events and trips, please visit our website at stsatlanta.org.

$10 Tuesdays Tuesdays this summer, we want to have lunch together! We’ll meet at the Cumberland Mall Food Court, Tuesdays at noon.

Awaken | 16 May 1-22 21 days of prayer and fasting for our ministry, church, city, families, schools, communities, and nation.

Awaken Celebration May 22 Celebration of all God has done! (Sunday evening in the STS Gym, Grades 5 – 12)

High School Mission Trip to Guatemala June 26 – July 3

Together July 15 – 17 11th-12th grade trip to Washington, D.C. for a day of worship and prayer on the National Mall

5th & 6th Grade Atlanta Mission Project July 25 – 28

7th-12th Grade Summer Retreat July 25 – 30

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

APOSTLES COLLEGE FELLOWSHIP ACF is a gathering for college students and those who are college-age in the Atlanta area.

Sunday Evenings 7:00 p.m. The Loft At ACF, our mission is to provide an atmosphere where college-age students can authentically live out their faith. Our Sunday evening gatherings provide opportunities to grow in love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to find strength and encouragement, rest and healing, true community, and opportunities for discipleship. Our ultimate goal is to become more like the future citizens of heaven that we’ll one day be. We want to see the earth look more like heaven each and every day, and we want God to use us however He chooses to see this come to be.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Paul Reeves at preeves@apostles.org or Kristin Waites at kwaites@apostles.org.

20s 30s contact us apostles.org 404-591-1980

20s & 30s AT APOSTLES Singles & Young Marrieds

A gathering place for post-college young professionals in their 20s & 30s

Thursday Nights 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. 6th Floor Living and working in greater Atlanta as a young professional can be fun, but it can also be hectic and nerve-racking. It’s all too easy in today’s crazy-busy culture to feel disconnected and alone. Our gatherings exist to help post-college young adults purposely connect each week to explore the things in life that really matter. Within our 20s & 30s ministry, there are opportunities to spend time with your peers while developing meaningful relationships and growing spiritually. We meet weekly on Thursday nights* throughout the year at The Church of The Apostles. From 7:30-8:30 p.m., we have a relaxed time of fellowship, refreshments, worship, and a devotional. Just follow the signs from the church’s main entrance to join us in our space on the 6th floor. *The third Thursday of each month, we offer a more mentoring-specific format in place of our regular gathering. Read more details about Man Up and Genuine Wisdom on page 12. Contact Dave Hubbard at dhubbard@apostles.org or Rachel Felker at rfelker@apostles.org for more information. Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE 20s & 30s Continued

A Monthly Gathering of Ladies in their 20s & 30s

A Monthly Gathering of Men in their 20s & 30s

Every third Thursday of the month [June 16, July 21, August 18]

Every 3rd Thursday of the month [June 16, July 21, August 18]

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

6th Floor

The Loft

our 20s and 30s can be such a transitional and challenging season of life. Have you been longing to find older women to walk alongside you, but don’t know where to find that support?

en face many challenges in our culture today, and it’s especially hard to navigate in our 20s & 30s season of life. Men also need other men to encourage them in their pursuit of Christ. In this gathering, men are challenged to come alongside other men and walk with one another towards Christlikeness. Every third Thursday of the month, join us for a great evening of community as we share a meal together and learn from “been-there-done-that” godly men who will present what they have learned and experienced in life, toward becoming a man after God’s own heart. There will be two learning components to every gathering: first, useful and practical things that every man should know; and second, biblical life lessons designed to help men become what God created them to be. This event is designed for single or married men in their 20s and 30s. We will meet every third Thursday of the month throughout the entire year, except in December.

Come enjoy a special evening of connecting with each other through refreshments, community, and presentations from godly mentor-aged women living a lifestyle of genuine wisdom. Using God’s Word as our basis, we will explore relevant topics such as our identity, beauty, suffering, thankfulness, careers, relationships, and more. This event is designed for single or married women, ages 20s and 30s. We will meet every third Thursday of the month throughout the entire year, except in December.

There is no charge. Registration is not required. No childcare will be provided. INFORMATION: Contact Amber Wilson at awilson@apostles.org.

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This event includes dinner. There is no charge. Registration is not required. No childcare will be provided. INFORMATION: Contact Dave Hubbard at dhubbard@apostles.org.

apostles.org • Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry.

2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

SMALL GROUPS Come find a place where you can connect with God and others in deeper ways. Our Small Groups are a great environment to develop authentic, caring relationships while discussing how God’s truth intersects life. They help us in our journey of becoming more like Christ… together. Small Groups usually meet in homes every week or every other week, featuring lively, interactive discussions on God’s Word and how we live it out. Small Group members share life with all of its joys and challenges. You’ll pray for one another and receive encouragement. Together, your Small Group will help you live out your faith while impacting others.

404-564-3152

For more information about joining a Small Group, visit apostles.org or contact T.J. Diamond at tjdiamond@apostles.org with any questions.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

GROUPS

Atlanta

East Cobb

Roswell

Buckhead

Gwinnett County

Smyrna

Brookhaven Cartersville

College Park Cumming

Douglas County

Grant Park

Henry County Kennesaw Mableton Marietta

Powder Springs

Sandy Springs Tucker

Vinings

Mixed Groups Men’s Women’s Young Families

West Cobb

Woodstock

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

WOMEN’S MINISTRY Equipping women to know, love, and serve the Lord

The heart of Women’s Ministry at Apostles is for women to understand God’s high calling, to continually grow in His grace in community with other women, and to be equipped to reach others for Christ through knowing and obeying God’s Word.

apostleswomen.com 404-842-9915

BIBLE STUDIES Classes begin the week of June 14.

We would love to have you join us for a summer Bible study! To register for classes, visit our website at apostleswomen.com. For more information, please contact Amber Wilson at awilson@apostles.org.

TUESDAY MORNINGS The Path of Discipleship: Living the Sermon on the Mount June 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. “Only Jesus Christ, who bids us follow him, knows the journey’s end. But we do know that it will be a road of boundless mercy. Discipleship means joy.” So wrote German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Join us as we study the path of discipleship laid out by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. This class will include readings from Bonhoeffer’s classic book The Cost of Discipleship. Leader: Susan Hooker Room: 237 Cost: $15 Childcare available, $50 per family Children must be pre-registered for childcare by May 30.

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

SINGLE HEARTS

THURSDAY MORNINGS

Women need encouragement and opportunities to develop healthy friendships, go deeper into God's word, grow spiritually, and find places and ways to serve in the church and the wider community.

Developing Character and Integrity in the Midst of a Society Which Has Lost Respect for God

Single Hearts for Christ is purposefully designed to provide this encouragement and these opportunities for single women over forty at Apostles. We reach out through events; we teach and equip through our Sunday morning Adult Bible Community, Bible studies, retreats, and encouraging each other in our walk with Christ; and, we send women out to serve in a variety of ways in the church and the community.

This summer, we invite you to join us for our women’s Bible Study as we are drawn closer to Christ and to each other:

Visit apostleswomen.com/single-hearts

For more information, contact Jan Blakeslee at (404) 591-1988 or jblakeslee@apostles.org.

Titus

June 16, June 23, June 30, and July 14 (no meeting July 7) 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. How do you live with integrity in a nation without morals? Can the church effectively engage and change this destructive condition in our society? How does your life reflect your faith? You can change the culture into which God has called you. Leader: Anne Hayes Room: 201 Cost: $10 Childcare available, $50 per family Children must be pre-registered for childcare by May 30.

OUTREACH AND MINISTRIES Operation Christmas Child Crafting Joan Friedman, Lay Leader Would you like to be involved in outreach for needy children around the world? Join us twice a month as we make dolls, backpacks, and other items to pack in shoeboxes to send to children through Operation Christmas Child! No special skills are required. For meeting schedule and more information, contact Joan Friedman at friedman1500@gmail.com.

TUESDAY EVENINGS

SPONSORED BY SINGLE HEARTS

8 Weeks in Romans 8: The Verdict Is In June 14, 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug. 2, 9 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news! Prepare to know you are loved and created for great purpose as we journey verse-by-verse through this important chapter in Romans. In Christ, our verdict is in: No condemnation! And we cannot be separated from the very love that saved us. These points of security bookend the wonderful truths in Romans 8 that speak of our adoption, inheritance, the power of the Holy spirit, our life circumstances working for good, and so much more. Gazing at one life-changing wonder after the next, we will see that the good news of Jesus and His plans for us just keep getting better. Glory to God. He has done great things! Leader: Trish Bruce Room: 237 Cost: $20 No childcare available.

The Widows’ Network Marion Sharp, Lay Leader The Widow’s Network has helped many find solace in times of grief, as well as brought a sense of connection to other women. On six Sundays a year and at Christmas, special luncheons are held to honor the widows. The group plans other activities and service projects as well. Please contact Marion Sharp at memum@bellsouth.net.

Single Hearts for Christ A fellowship for single, divorced, and widowed women forty and beyond that brings Christian women together to enjoy, enrich and support one another. What better place to be than with a group where people know you, pray for you, and encourage you in your faith. As we see it, every single, divorced, and widowed woman has different needs, worries, hopes and dreams. But it is certain that each one offers a plethora of experiences, perspectives, challenges and gifts. In Christ, we have all that we need for life and ministry. apostles.org

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

SUMMER D OUTREACH

o you have lost neighbors, friends,

and relatives who are far from God

and need Him in their broken lives? If so, please consider being a part of our summer outreach at Apos-

tles. Here is what the Lord has put on our hearts to do.

This past January, Apostles successfully

implemented a new outreach strategy. The

centerpiece of the strategy was an evening

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry

dinner at a well-known dining venue in

Northwest Atlanta. Our church members

were asked to bring lost guests to the din-

ner to hear a speaker share his spiritual jour-

ney. At the end of the event, the guests were invited to participate in a four-week follow up course called Christianity Examined.

Those who attended Christianity Examined were then invited to a longer follow-up

course at the church. We had 156 guests

who attended the dinner, and, out of those guests, about a dozen are involved in the

long-term follow up course. God blessed our efforts in an encouraging way.

We have scheduled a second dinner at

the Georgian Club on Thursday, August 25. For training and orientation purposes, we have organized a team approach that will

gather on Sunday mornings during the Sun-

day School hour over the summer. These

meetings will begin on June 5 from 9:00 -

10:15 a.m. in room 620-623. Participating in the summer class will equip you to prayerfully identify the people the Lord would have you bring and to winsomely invite guests to come and hear the gospel.

If you have been praying for the lost peo-

ple in your life and would like to be a part of

this strategy in hopes of potentially reaching them, we would love to have you join us. If

you are unable, please pray for the blessing of God on this summer outreach initiative. INFORMATION: Contact James Saxon at 404-591-1981 or jsaxon@apostles.org.

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

MEN’S MINISTRY We have several opportunities for men to connect for growing spiritually, becoming accountable, and building friendships. These include Men’s Fraternity, small groups, and mentoring opportunities.

MEN’S FRATERNITY

THE PATH: MEN’S MENTORING

Men’s Fraternity is a program designed to equip men to live and to lead as God intended, training men to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Path is a lay ministry at The Church of The Apostles that seeks to facilitate mentoring partnerships between men who desire to have accountability for their lives. The Bible is our primary source of guidance. We strive hard not to create our own “program” but instead to let the Holy Spirit guide in this effort. As a reference for our mentors, we use a book called The Heart of Mentoring by David A. Stoddard. Dave has worked closely with our core team, helping us fully grasp the Ten Powerful Principles of Effective Mentoring laid out in his book. The overriding theme is that mentoring is a process facilitated by a relationship. Each partnership is unique and tailored to the needs of the younger partner. Mentors are willing to open their lives, letting the partner see how the mentor succeeded or failed, and above all, learned from his experiences. Mentors are good listeners. They don’t have an agenda or want to change their mentoring partners. They want to help their mentoring partners navigate the narrow path of a Christian life.

The church, the nation, and the world are suffering mightily from a lack of godly, masculine leadership. As traditional masculine virtues are assaulted and undermined in our modern culture, too many men either capitulate or seek satisfaction from counterfeits that are often selfish, juvenile, and destructive. We men are called to something higher, nobler, and truer. We know this, and we crave this, but too often flounder because we lack training and the fellowship of like-minded brothers. Men are in a battle against a ruthless and relentless enemy – personal, cultural, and societal forces that seek to alienate and confuse men at every age and in every walk of life. AUTHENTIC MEN understand the genesis of their manhood and are grounded in timeless principles and bedrock values. They are resolute and decisive, qualities that modern western culture discourages, not because they have no value, but because such men are a threat to the prevailing norms and standards. AUTHENTIC MEN understand the need to learn, continually evaluate themselves, and train in the company of like-minded men.

We invite all men of Apostles and our larger community to answer this call by joining us in the STS Gym on Friday mornings at 5:55 a.m. We meet for coffee and a light breakfast, followed by a presentation and small group discussion. We will endeavor to conclude no later than 7:40 a.m., but you are welcome to leave earlier if you need to.

M contact us apostles.org 404-591-1988

Information: Mike Slaughter at mslaughter@apostles.org.

MEN’S SMALL GROUPS Weekday Mornings Marriage, children, work, home, faith—the challenges abound. In today’s world it’s tough to be who God has called us to be. How do we follow Him and lead others? How do we balance the demands at work with the responsibilities at home? How do we love our wives like Christ loved the Church?

God did not intend for you to discover the answer to these and all the other important life questions by yourself. You were created to live in community with other men who are wrestling with the same issues, and who desire to live godly lives that count for God, but have not yet “put it all together.”

Come join other men who meet here at the church on a weekday morning to study Scripture and apply it to real life. Share your life with other men who will help you see God’s truth more clearly and who will help you sharpen your focus on Christ. Information: Rhonda Saduddin at rsaduddin@apostles.org or 404-564-3152.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10

NEXT GENERATION MENTORING Tuesday mornings • 6:45 a.m. • The Loft

What we all have in common is that we are men who want to make a difference at home, at work, and in all areas of life. We believe the abundant life Jesus promises has a whole lot to do with meaningful friendships which help bring about Christ’s promise of an abundant life!

Tuesday mornings are about our walking closely together with one thing in view…knowing Christ and making Him known! When He is at the Center, we can expect God to use this season to steadily mold us into men of God! Men 25-40 are invited for our current study of the book of Colossians. Information: Mike Slaughter at mslaughter@apostles.org.

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

ADULT BIBLE CLASSES At Apostles, Adult Bible Classes meet from 9:00-10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings for grounding, learning, connecting, and training in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. These classes gather together around Jesus, the living Word of God, and the Scripture, the written Word of God.

All classes begin June 5 • 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

JUNE 5-26

404-564-3152

“All In” The Christian Life Brian Maxwell and Mike Slaughter Room 237 ABCD If all you want is a “Gentleman’s C” on your life’s report card, then you’re probably well on your way. But if you want to excel, to hear our Father’s “Well done,” then you’ll want to be “All in”—sold out to the will of God, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. So, how do you pull up your average? Over four weeks we will examine four pillars of Christian experience—Humility, Fellowship, Confession, and Witness—in search of the inspiration you need to think higher, want more, and one day become the Teacher’s pet.

Week 1: The way I’m meant to be – Humility

Week 2: The way we’re meant to be – Fellowship Week 3: When I’ve done wrong – Confession Week 4: When I do right – Witness

Our Great Salvation Mike Sessoms Room 236 Eugene Peterson wrote that discipleship is a long obedience in the same direction. How can one accomplish this incredible task? In his two letters Peter describes the complete and wonderful salvation, which is provided for us in Christ. He writes that the outcome of this salvation is that we would be obedient followers. But, we are not in this on our own. Peter proclaims that God has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Christ. Join us as we study this great salvation and how we can live as obedient followers because of everything our great Savior has provided for us. The class will meet in June, skip July, and resume in August.

Young Families Fellowship Jim and Melissa Harper Room 607-610 The Young Families Fellowship class will study 1 John. Along with in-depth study, we will also have time for discussion and prayer. Jim Harper, who currently leads Men’s Fraternity, and his wife, Melissa, will be the presenters. Breakfast for the whole family is served at 8:45 a.m., and the teaching starts at 9:15 a.m. This class meets year round and offers social events throughout the year.

Outreach Made Easy James Saxon Room 620-623 This course is designed to serve as the core training and orientation meeting for the Summer Outreach Strategy that culminates with an Outreach Dinner at the Georgian Club on August 25. The class will meet in June, skip July, and resume in August, leading up to the Dinner, and will cover various types of follow-up approaches. Class participants will be divided into teams of ten, so the format will couple large group training with small group interaction, support, and implementation. Being committed to bring a lost guest to the dinner on August 25 is a prerequisite for class participation. For more information, contact James Saxon at 404-591-1981 or jsaxon@apostles.org.

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

RADICAL LOVE JULY 10-31

AUGUST 7-28

When we hear the word “radical” today, we often think of radical Islam and terrorism. Jesus’ love is radical—comprehensive, far-reaching, relentless, profound. For four weeks in July, Leading The Way will host a special series, Radical Love, educating and equipping us on how to radically love Muslims—and effectively reach them for Christ.

Our Great Salvation

JULY 10 WINNING THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF MUSLIMS Muslims are converting to Christianity all over the world through Christian media, dreams, and one-to-one evangelization. Hear more about global evangelization and learn practical tips on how to reach Muslims in your own backyard. Guest Speaker: Georges Houssney, Horizons International

JULY 17 CAN YOU FIND JESUS IN THE QURAN? Jesus in the Quran. The Insider Movement. As followers of Christ, we must bear faithful witness to Him. There are many missions movements that need to be better understood by the church today, as we are culpable if we support and encourage them in ignorance. Hear what Scripture and Muslim converts have to say about such movements. Guest Speaker: Georges Houssney, Horizons International

JULY 24 THE ISIS CRISIS: Discipling New Believers on this Spiritual Battlefield ISIS has left more than just devastation in its wake—it has also stirred many minds and hearts to question Islam, creating an openness to the Gospel. Leading The Way is on the frontlines of this spiritual battlefield with our air strikes (broadcast ministry) and on-the-ground troops (personal follow-up ministry). Come hear more about how God is radically transforming lives with His love and truth in the midst of unrest and war.

Mike Sessoms Room 236 Eugene Peterson wrote that discipleship is a long obedience in the same direction. How can one accomplish this incredible task? In his two letters Peter describes the complete and wonderful salvation, which is provided for us in Christ. He writes that the outcome of this salvation is that we would be obedient followers. But, we are not in this on our own. Peter proclaims that God has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Christ. Join us as we study this great salvation and how we can live as obedient followers because of everything our great Savior has provided for us.

Young Families Fellowship Jim and Melissa Harper Room 607-610 The Young Families Fellowship class will study 1 John. Along with indepth study, we will also have time for discussion and prayer. Jim Harper, who currently leads Men’s Fraternity, and his wife, Melissa, will be the presenters. Breakfast for the whole family is served at 8:45 a.m., and the teaching starts at 9:15 a.m. This class meets year round and offers social events throughout the year.

Outreach Made Easy James Saxon Room 620-623 This course is designed to serve as the core training and orientation meeting for the Summer Outreach Strategy that culminates with an Outreach Dinner at the Georgian Club on August 25. The class will meet in June, skip July, and resume in August, leading up to the Dinner, and will cover various types of follow-up approaches. Class participants will be divided up into teams of ten so the format will couple large group training with small group interaction, support, and implementation. Being committed to bring a lost guest to the dinner on August 25 is a prerequisite for class participation. For more information, contact James Saxon at 404-591-1981 or jsaxon@apostles.org.

Guest Speaker: Salam*

JULY 31 THE ISIS CRISIS: Helping the Persecuted on this Spiritual Battlefield As with any war, there are many casualties. ISIS has ushered in the largest refugee crisis our world has ever seen, and Leading The Way is providing practical help to those affected. Learn about the realities of persecution in the Middle East, the work of our Help The Persecuted team, and testimonies of those coming to faith as their practical needs are met. Guest Speaker: Mary*

* Names changed to protect Leading The Way Middle East staff members

apostles.org

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

CONGREGATIONAL CARE Congregational Care is continually seeking to provide opportunities that will enable every member to live their lives more effectively. Therefore, we are privileged to offer the following ministries for this fall.

Please visit the church’s website, apostles.org, to register and pay for classes. Detailed information is also available online, or you may contact the Congregational Care office at 404-564-3159 or email gwiley@apostles.org.

Loving Myself as God Does [ Women ] Tuesdays, April 26 – June 28 (10 weeks) 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teachers: Micky Land, LPC, and Ashley Wille Take an inner journey with the Lord to discover how much God loves you. Explore how your spiritual growth is impacted, either positively or negatively, by what you think and say about yourself. The group will be led in a small group format. Micky's book Loving Yourself as God Does will be available in class. Space is limited. Registration: Visit www.apostles.org/care or email Gwen Wiley at gwiley@apostles.org.

CrossCurrent [ Men and Women ] Tuesdays, August 16 – September 27 (7 weeks) 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Course book is available in class for $10. CrossCurrent is a Christ-centered support group for those seeking truth and grace in areas of sexual and relational brokenness. No matter how broken or hopeless we may perceive ourselves, God upholds us in hope. In this safe and confidential community, God is healing broken hearts, broken pasts, broken relationships, broken sexuality, and broken identities. Each of the 7 weeks include: worship, teaching, testimony, and same-gender small groups. Chapters include: Unfailing Love, Getting Real, The Cross and the False Self, Getting Clean, Getting Healed, Becoming Secure in the Father’s Love, Loving Others, and Beyond Brokenness. Come and experience the hope of overcoming strongholds, healed relationships, and intimacy with God. Registration: Visit www.apostles.org/care or email Gwen Wiley at gwiley@apostles.org.

Living Waters [ Men and Women ] Tuesdays, October 2016 - March 2017 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $500 Applications are accepted beginning August 1. Pray about applying to Living Waters in August (Men and Women): Living Waters is an in-depth ministry for any Christian seeking integrity in areas of relational and/or sexual brokenness. Living Waters is about discovering and healing root issues that cause present day struggles. Each meeting of this six month journey, we gather for worship, teaching, testimony, ministry time at the cross, and small groups focused on confession and listening prayer. Living Waters helps Christians resume the call to becoming whole gifts to each other through the body of Christ. For more information and to check out the video testimonies: apostles.org/livingwaters.

DivorceCare Tuesdays, August 16 - November 8 (13 weeks) 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Room 614 Cost: $15 Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. DivorceCare is a 13-week video and small group discussion course designed to assist, comfort, and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time.

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2O16 SUMMER MINISTRY GUIDE

GriefShare Tuesdays, August 16 - November 8 (13 weeks) 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Room 613 Cost: $15 Grieving the loss of a loved one, whether recently or in the past, is one of the most emotionally wrenching experiences one can go through. If one tries to deal with the varying waves of emotion on their own, the grief experience becomes even more distressing. GriefShare is a 13-week video and small group discussion course designed to assist, comfort, and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time.

Financial Peace University Tuesdays, August 16 - October 11 (9 weeks) 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $95.00 per couple or individual Do you really know where your hard-earned money goes each month or are you left wondering where it went? Do you run out of money before you run out of month? Tired of being stressed out over money? Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is for you. This practical 9-week course covers all you need to know to achieve financial security in our uncertain world. Topics include savings, budgeting, debt elimination, investing, etc. We use Dave’s entertaining DVD’s, case studies, group discussions, and other timely materials in a friendly group session atmosphere. All are welcome to this adult study.

Individual Counseling [ Men and Women, Couples ] Jeanine Dungan: Contact Gwen Wiley at 404-564-3159 or gwiley@apostles.org. Brian Maxwell: Contact Brian at 404-591-1966 or bmaxwell@apostles.org. Ron Ervin: Contact Gwen Wiley at 404-564-3159 or gwiley@apostles.org.

VOLUNTEER MINISTRY GraceTouch Meals shares the grace and love of our Lord by providing a meal and a personal contact to those in our midst in need of refreshment, care, and encouragement. You may:

Cook meals to be taken to families who have a need. Cook meals to bring to church to freeze for emergency help. Deliver meals to the families.

Prayer Ministry involves the expansion of God’s Kingdom through intercession for others. Intercessors may come to the church during the week and pray for the requests that have been received, or they may receive requests via email at home.

PrimeTimers is a service-oriented fellowship for those over 50 serving the Body of Christ in a variety of ways, including visiting the homebound. They also sponsor luncheons focused on vital issues for seniors. If interested, please contact the Congregational Care office.

Stephen Ministers are lay persons in our congregation who are trained to provide confidential care for those who are facing a difficult situation. Information:

Ushers serve once a month during the 9:00 or 10:30 services. This includes passing out the bulletin, helping people get seated, taking up the offering, etc.

Rebecca Wise Referral Coordinator (770) 435-4867

John Wise Referral Coordinator (678) 358-5701

Reaching the lost and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. • apostles.org

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HOW TO CONTACT US 404.842.0200 apostles.org

WORSHIP Sunday 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Hour of Power 6:15 p.m.

ADULT BIBLE CLASSES Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

LEADING THE WAY with Dr. Michael Youssef PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323 Web: www.leadingtheway.org