REFINING THE STUDENT LEADER THE SUSTAINABLE LIFE jun/jul/aug 2011
IS YOUR CHURCH ACCESSIBLE?
volume 12 issue 7
Included: Radiant Life Summer 2011 Order Form V I S I T: w w w. d i s c i p l e s h i p i d e a s . c o m
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
1
I Don’t Heart Sunday School
4
Five ways to reboot your programming and help your congregation fall in love with Sunday school all over again.
The Sustainable Life
11
Author and speaker Alicia Britt Chole’s exercise toward healthier living will help you evaluate and prioritize your soul purpose.
FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 19TH.
Refining the Student Leader
12
Ordinary students with the right support and training can do something huge for God.
Ministering to Their Needs
14 EVERY ISSUE
7 10
To meet the spiritual needs of people with special needs we first have to show them we care by meeting their physical needs.
Radiant Life Highlights Find out what students of all ages will be learning this quarter.
Vida Nueva Highlights Indague qué aprenderán sus alumnos este semestre.
Gifts For Your Graduates p15
by amy melton
Reviving the Sunday School Dream The clock could not tick fast enough. In the third Sunday of the month with a different teacher every week, Sunday school became more of an obligation than a pleasure. Up until this point as a fifth grader, I enjoyed coming to learn more about God’s love. Now, it seemed as though adults in the church volunteered because of the available position rather than the desire to instill life-long values in the children of God’s Kingdom. I never sensed that each of our teachers truly cared about walking with us through the good and bad, pretty and ugly. Needless to say, Sunday school disappointed me. Five years later, I teach third and fourth graders every Sunday as a sixteenyear-old. I journey with eight and nine-year-olds with one simple mission: to transform Sunday school into an enjoyable experience that each child will never forget. With change comes vision. As a teacher, I aim to give the children
an undying love for their Creator. To accomplish this goal, my love for God and passion for the students must carry me through every trial that comes my way. After all, these kids have the perfect opportunity to learn God’s view of life. It is vitally important that my classroom invites them in such a way that they enjoy reading God’s Word and knowing Him deeper.
At this stage of life, children are most impressionable to the influences around them. What they learn now makes the difference for how they behave later. I keep this in mind as I shape my lessons to their individual needs and ultimately plan for revolutionary occurrences every Sunday. The classroom certainly appears different to me as a teenager than it does to an experienced adult. Because of
I Love Sunday School These fun products are great for welcoming visitors and new members, awarding students, and celebrating volunteers. Check out the entire I Love Sunday School line at www.gospelpublishing.com.
that, I often introduce unconventional ideas. While many teachers see Sunday school as a place for quiet and motionless students, I see an opportunity to include them as much as possible. Throughout several interactive activities, I have found that I end up learning just as much from the children as they learn from me. –AMY MELTON is the teen blogger for ONCOURSE magazine <oncourse.ag.org>. She teaches Sunday school at her home church Trinity Fellowship in Sharpsburg, Georgia. For the complete article, visit www.discipleshipideas.com.
Tips for Teachers One-on-One God Time: Don’t place the ministry above the Savior. Mental Preparedness: Know your role, responsibilities, and the demographics of the students. Trial-and-Error: When using resources such as Radiant Life curriculum, test the effectiveness of different activities. Rewards: Reward positive behavior with prizes and words of encouragement. Teachable Spirit: The students have much to offer with their child-like faith. Allow yourself to learn from them as God speaks through their lives.
Pencil. 16LK7122. 12 for $3.99 Mug. 17LK7576. 1-5 $3.99 ea 6+ $3.49 ea
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†Some products may reflect doctrinal statements and practices not completely in harmony with the stated position of the Assemblies of God. *Due to the large volume of orders, we are unable to notify you of orders received. If you need order confirmation, please place your order by phone. Prices are subject to change without notice. All prices listed in U.S. dollars. All orders subject to credit approval. Discipleship Ideas is published quarterly. Subscriptions: $4.95 per year; 5 or more to the same address, $3.95 each. ©2011 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
3
by heather van allen
After a busy week of work, family time and social activities, Angie and her husband Jake roll wearily out of bed on a Sunday morning. Coaxing their 3-year-old daughter out of her toddler bed, the family of three begins rushing through the next hour, scarfing breakfast, getting dressed and doing everything else necessary to get the family ready and out the door on the way to church. The young family pulls into the parking lot and casually slips into their seats in the sanctuary just as the opening song begins.. They sing some worship songs, put offering in the plate, listen to the pastor’s inspired sermon and head straight for the door with the closing song’s exodus. Following the service is Sunday school, but Angie and her family won’t be attending any classes today. Instead they’re on their way to the rest of their Sunday activities – their weekly dinner with Mom and Dad coupled with an afternoon of football. In fact, Sunday school hasn’t been on this family’s agenda for years, and they figure, at this point, why start now? While this scenario is fictional, it is a snapshot of a growing trend—a growing number of people who have decided that attending Sunday morning worship service is sufficient for them. However, Dan Stanley, Discipleship Ministries training coordinator for the Assemblies of God, believes this decline to be an unhealthy one as
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
it directly impacts the discipleship process. The possible reasons or “excuses” are varied, but churches can effectively find ways to respond— attracting more people to come back to Sunday school. Here are five strategies to combat these common excuses:
1
I doubt I can get anything from Sunday school that I don’t already get from worship service. Actually, an effective Sunday school program will need to stand out as offering something more. Sunday school must provide an experience much different from a worship service experience. “[Services] are great for unity, community and worship,” says Stanley, “but Sunday morning services don’t quite fill the bill for in-depth disciple-making.” Jennifer Gale, associate pastor at Evangel Temple (Springfield, Missouri) agrees, saying that Sunday school has been an integral part of their church. “Spiritual growth happens in the context of relationship, and Sunday school provides the opportunity for the kinds of relationships where people can speak into each other’s lives,” Gale says. “God works through people and relationships, and for us [Sunday school] is the heart of where that happens.”
2
I’m a busy person. I only have time to go to Sunday morning service. It should be the other way around. If time is a factor in how much a person can commit to church, attending Sunday school is the better choice. “We have one class that’s interesting,” Gale says. “Probably the majority don’t attend the service. The only thing we can figure out is that maybe [the class does such a good job] of meeting the felt needs for spiritual growth, friendship, worship and fellowship.” Gale suggests that, whatever the reason–time or otherwise–these churchgoers have chosen one over the other, they have made the right choice. “I know of pastors who have stood in front of their congregation and said, ‘If you can only dedicate one hour of your week to church, don’t go to Sunday morning service, go to Sunday school,” Stanley says. “They know [Sunday school] is where discipleship is going to take place.”
3
I have committed my time to an outreach ministry; that’s more important than Sunday school. “I’m concerned that the church is becoming so focused on ‘outreach’
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… and drawing new people in, we’re neglecting those already within the church,” says Scott, a local church attendee. Stanley agrees, reminding us that the Great Commission is not about making converts but about making disciples. “If our focus is so outward that all we’re thinking about is how to get more people into the pews or to an altar, then we’re still not following the Great Commission,” he says. Stanley also states that statistically only about 5 percent of the 5 million people who accept Christ in Assemblies of God churches over a 10-year period actually remain in the church. However, he says about 85 percent of those who get saved in a church and plug into a smaller group discipleship ministry are still in the church after five years.
4
I can’t find a Sunday school class that fits my age group, needs or interests. Not only must a successful Sunday school program run the age gamut from infants to senior adults, it should meet the different “felt needs” of the people in the congregation. A church should offer a variety of classes. Some churches might even consider offering classes that provide a biblical basis for practical or artistic interests. “I used to go to a church that offered Bible classes as well as practical classes,” local church attendee Taryn says. “For example, you could choose to do a book study of Psalms or learn songwriting, painting, self-defense, cooking, acting, photography or any area in which you chose to use a discipline to represent Christ in the para-church world.”
5
I don’t see why Sunday school is important.
Promotion is important in letting a congregation know about a Sunday school program—what is offered and how it can meet the diverse needs
V I S I T: w w w. d i s c i p l e s h i p i d e a s . c o m
of individuals represented in your congregation. Gale says, though her Sunday school program is successful, she would like to increase numbers by revisiting how the church promotes the program. “This may happen by doing a video or asking the pastor to highlight [the classes] one Sunday.” Gale also noted the potential for using email and online social networking to get people excited about Sunday school. Other options for churches to consider include redesigning the look of promotional materials and changing the name of the program (it doesn’t have to be called Sunday school) to put a fresh spin on the program. “Pastors are the main cheerleaders of the church,” Stanley says. “What the pastor is passionate about is what the congregation is going to be passionate about.” Pastors should cast their vision for Sunday school before their congregation and find ways to show them its potential to change lives. –HEATHER VAN ALLEN is a wife, mother of a 4-year-old as well as freelance writer and editor from Springfield, Missouri. For the complete article visit www. discipleshipideas.com.
I
Teacher Appreciation Day is Sunday September 25th
Teachers in Training Training teachers helps to develop them into strong disciple-makers. Our Christian Education Teacher Certification (CETC) is available in English and Spanish and is designed to equip teachers to be the best teachers they can be. The Christian Education Teacher Certification process includes: • attending the CETC clinic • receiving the Christian Education Teachers Reference Manual • taking the open-book/open-notes exam at the end of the manual. The certification process and the Teacher Enrichment Clinics are intended for all teachers involved in any Christian education or discipleship ministry, teaching any age group. For more info on Teacher Certification and Enrichment opportunities follow the “Training” link at www.discipleship.ag.org.
Sunday School Teachers
“Teaching” Lapel Pin and Bookmark Bookmark features Colossians 3:16 (NIV) and gives an inspiring definition of teaching. Silver apple-shaped lapel pin has a gold-toned cross accent. Bookmark is 1-1/2 x 5-7/8”. 38LK2373. $1.99
The National Division of Church Ministries and Discipleship recognizes one outstanding teacher each year. Nominate your amazing teacher by downloading the Teacher of the Year nomination form and sending it in along with a letter stating why this teacher deserves recognition. Great prizes will be awarded. Download form: discipleship.ag.org/ community/teacher_appreciation. Mail or fax: National Discipleship Ministries office at 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65802. 417-862-3299
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
5
Remember , Father's Day is June 19, 2011!
AUTHOR J. LEE GRADY
EXCERPT FROM 10 LIES MEN BELIEVE Grady exposes 10 wrong mind-sets men have and offers practical, godly answers for every man who struggles to find his true purpose and identity. Use as a men’s small group study, or give a copy to every man in your church.
38LK2424. $14.99
Game Plan for Life This New York Times best seller from three-time Super Bowl and NASCAR champion Joe Gibbs gives you an “average Joe’s” guide to what the Bible has to say about the 11 most-important topics for men. Hard. 336 pages. 38LK2274. $24.99
Strong in the Lord Pen and Bookmark Gift Set Bookmark features Psalm 27:1 (KJV). Comes with ballpoint pen in a clear case wrapped with silvertoned ribbon. 38LK2417. $2.99
KNOWING GOD AS YOUR FATHER The Apostle John spoke more about our relationship with the Father than any other biblical writer. There are 112 references to God as “Father” in John’s gospel (compared to 44 in Matthew, 5 in Mark and 14 in Luke) and another 17 references to the Father in John’s epistles. I have often pondered why John talked so much about the fatherhood of God, and why he seemed to understand better than any other disciple that Jesus Christ was the embodiment of the Father on earth. John quoted Jesus saying, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me” (John 14:11). John not only understood that Jesus was God, but He also had a deep revelation of how much God, who was in Christ, is a perfect father. John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). This is why John is sometimes referred to as Jesus’ best friend. It does not mean Jesus loved John more than His other disciples, but it does imply that John perhaps understood the love of the Savior at a deeper level. Why is that? The Bible does not tell us. We certainly don’t know much about John’s home life. It is possible that John did not have a good relationship with his own father—and that Jesus actually came to fulfill that role in his life as a true spiritual father. Perhaps it was John’s deep need for a loving father that caused him to follow Christ so passionately. Perhaps it is why he was even willing to stand at the cross of Calvary when Jesus was dying—while all the other male disciples had fled from the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders. And it might even offer the reason why John was privileged to have the “last word” by writing the last book of the Bible—the book of Revelation. One thing is for certain: If you know God’s love in a deeply personal way, that perfect love will change you. The apostle John’s theme is best summarized in 1 John 3:1a: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we would be called children of God.” –J. LEE GRADY, 10 Lies Men Believe (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2011), Used by permission.
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
CALL: (800) 641-4310
SUMMER
RADIANT LIFE OVERVIEW
two-year cycle
PRESCHOOL & BEGINNING EXPLORERS
two-year cycle
TODDLERS & TWOS
one-year cycle
NURSERY
UNIT1
UNIT2
UNIT3
Noah and the Ark
Baby Moses
Samuel is a Helper
Because God kept Noah safe, kids will discover that God can keep them safe too.
“God helps me” reminds kids that God will watch over them just like He did Moses.
Kids will learn they can help at home just like Samuel helped Eli at church.
2011 UNIT4
Find out more about Sunlight Kids at www.gph.org/sunlightkids
God Made the World
God Made Food
God Made Animals
God Made People
Kids love to explore nature, so they’ll enjoy stories about how God made the world and all the things they see in nature.
Food is a fun topic for kids, and Bible stories in this unit will remind them that God made bread, fruit, and other things they enjoy eating.
Kids will learn about all the wonderful animals God made, including zoo animals, farm animals, pets, and others.
Because God made everyone, He loves everyone too – a great reminder for kids in your class.
Care for God’s World
Help Others
Care and Listen
Kids will discover that God made the world, and that it’s important to help take care of it.
Through stories about Rahab, Deborah, Gideon, Peter, and Lydia, kids will find out how pleased God is when we help others.
Kids will practice caring and listening through stories about a good Samaritan, Mary, Zacchaeus, and others.
Choose both Preschool and Beginning Explorers to partner your preschool Sunday school and Children’s Church!
Faith Case®: Fruit of the Spirit Here’s a fresh new way to teach your kids about the fruit of the Spirit! Your kids will join the wacky Fruit Inspector Adam Apple and the capable, no-nonsense Commissioner in a suspenseful search for each fruit—and Adam Apple’s evil nemesis, the Spoiler. Along the journey, kids will learn to let the Holy Spirit shape Christlike character in their lives. Don’t miss this fruit-astic adventure!
Kit includes • Lead Investigator Guide • 3 DVDs and a CD-ROM • Fruit of the Spirit Cards • Fruit of the Spirit Theme Verse Poster • 5 Case Folders • The Fruit of the Spirit by Donald Gee
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
You’ll love how simple it is to use Faith Case: Fruit of the Spirit. With almost no prep needed, these ten DVD-based sessions come complete with unforgettable videos, games, object lessons, and Bible stories that make learning fun! 33LK5010. $139.99
Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
7
SUMMER
RADIANT LIFE OVERVIEW
PRETEEN
two-year cycle
two-year cycle
MIDDLER
PRIMARY
three-year cycle
two-year cycle
KINDERGARTEN
UNIT1
UNIT2
UNIT3
The First Church
The Church Grows
Stories about Paul
Jesus’ promise to return, the lame man being healed, and the first deacons are some of the people kids will “meet” from the early church.
Kids will learn about forgiveness from Stephen, healing from Aeneas and Dorcas, protection from Peter’s prison escape, and more.
Five stories highlight Paul’s ministry, from his conversion through his shipwreck and survival after a snake bite.
Peter Follows Jesus
Peter Needs Forgiveness
Peter Leads the First Church
Lessons from Peter’s failure and eventual restoration will teach your children that God offers forgiveness if they turn to Him.
Discover how the Holy Spirit gave Peter power to heal, to stand up to persecution, to proclaim the gospel to Cornelius, and with an angel’s help, escape from prison.
Growing Spiritually
I Am a Witness
Kids will discover how they can show spiritual fruit as they learn the purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and look at the lives of Bible people.
Kids will discover how forgiving others, being truthful, and developing their talents can all lead to opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
God Helps with Our Problems
God the Holy Spirit
The Armor of God
Kids will discover answers to who, what, and why questions about the Holy Spirit, and be encouraged to seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Because God provides spiritual armor for believers through Jesus Christ, students will be encouraged to do their part to get and keep this protection.
Explore how Peter’s life changed when he left his boat to follow Jesus and become a fisher of men. Obedience and servanthood are the key lessons in this unit.
Through Bible stories about people who faced and overcame big problems, kids will identify the Source who will help them with problems they face.
The Books of Major Prophets and Daniel
2011 UNIT4 CHILDREN’S CHURCH
HighPoint mixes large group, children’s church sessions with small group discussion and hands-on activities. Visit www.gph.org/highpoint for more information.
Supernatural In Supernatural, kids discover that God has not changed. He still does the supernatural to get their attention and help them. Bible Focus: Various supernatural events in Scripture. Destination: Outer Space. 33LK1680. $59.99
Through examples from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, kids will discover that God is patient and always keeps His promises.
MEGA Sports Camp®: Go the Distance MEGA Sports Camp curriculum teams sports skills with Bible truth in a winning combination for community outreach that can’t be beat! In the newest theme, kids are encouraged to run the race of life God’s way, all the way. Use this award-winning resource for VBS, midweek, day camps, spring break, even missions trips! Kit includes: • Director Guide • Director DVD & CD-ROM • Art CD-ROM • Poster Pack (8) • Playbooks for soccer, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading • Theme Music DVD & CD, and much, much more! 33LK0500. $129.99
8
Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
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PRETEEN
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PreTeen Teacher Guide ❉
• Sunlight Kids Music CD • Sunlight Kids Bible Visuals ❉
19LS0240 19.99
Welcome to Holsom Set 7 (Issues 22–24)▲
• Sunlight Kids Lesson Guides (Summer) ❉ Sunlight Kids Student Activity Book ▲
TODDLERS & TWOS Toddlers & Twos Coloring Book ▲
400 424 425
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Toddlers & Twos Bible Treasures ▲
402
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Preschool Handwork Packet ▲
404 405 406 407
6.99 12.99 13.99 3.99
Preschool Bibletime Stories ▲
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Toddlers & Twos Guided Play Kit ❉
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Preschool/Beginning Explorers Visuals ❉ Preschool Resource Packet ❉
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(Age 5 & 6, not in 1st Grade)
Kindergarten Teacher Guide ❉ Kindergarten Bible Visuals ❉ Kindergarten Resource Packet ❉ Kindergarten Handwork Packet ▲ Kindergarten Lesson Pages ▲ Kidz Adventures ▲
PRIMARY
Primary Resource Packet ❉ Primary Handwork Packet ▲ Primary Lesson Pages ▲ Kidz World (Grades 1 & 2) ▲
Middler Teacher Guide ❉ Middler Resource Packet ❉ Middler Student Guide ▲ Action Tracks ▲
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436 433 438 435
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SMALL GROUPS Please see page C (or Discipleship Ideas page 9) for resources.
ADULT Adult Complete Curriculum Kit (includes • items) • Adult Teacher Guide ❉ • Adult Resource Packet ❉ • Adult Student Guide ▲
Primary Bible Visuals ❉
MIDDLER
409 410
(Age 6 & 7, Grades 1 & 2)
Primary Teacher Guide ❉
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Preschool Teacher Guide ❉
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474 6.99 439 13.99 473 3.99 427 3.99 02LS0148 3.99
PreTeen Resource Packet ❉
YOUNG TEEN
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Toddlers & Twos Teacher Guide ❉
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08LS1996 124.99 02LS0391 5.97 02LS0268 8.99 28LS0542 16.95
Sunlight Kids Kit
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414 456 415 416 417 455
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• Adult Lesson Folder (abbreviated 4-page version of Student Guide for guests)
• God’s Word for Today ▲ 25-99, 3.75 ea.; 100 or more, 3.40 ea.
• Live ▲
498 445 446 447 448
29.99 6.99 13.99 4.49 4.99
449
3.99
444
3.99
443
3.99
02LS1528 18.95
Adult Teacher Vol. 5 Fall ‘10—Summer ‘11
9.95
Adult Teacher Vol. 5 CD F ‘10—S ‘11
28LS1613
Adult Teacher Vol. 5 Set F ‘10—S ‘11
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Evangelical Commentary F ‘10—S ‘11
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SUMMER 2011 DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS FEATURED RESOURCES
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REVIVING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL DREAM
HighPoint® Supernatural
(Discipleship Ideas p. 3)
I Love Sunday School Pencil I Love Sunday School Mug
6+ 3.49ea
16LS7122
12 for 3.99
17LS7576
3.99
In Supernatural, kids discover that God has not changed. He still does the supernatural to get their attention and help them. Bible Focus: Various supernatural events in Scripture. Destination: Outer Space.
I DON'T HEART SUNDAY SCHOOL (Discipleship Ideas p. 4)
38LS2373
"Teaching" Lapel Pin and Bookmark
1.99
BOOK EXCERPT: 10 LIES MEN BELIEVE (Discipleship Ideas p. 6)
33LS1680. $59.99
10 Lies Men Believe
38LS2424 14.99
Game Plan for Life
38LS2274 24.99
Strong in the Lord Pen and Bookmark Gift Set
38LS2417
2.99 Description
DEVOTIONAL
(Discipleship Ideas p. 9)
Fire Starters One Year New Testament Devotional Guide
02LS0450 14.99
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CHILDREN'S CHURCH CONT. HIGHPOINT® curriculum
New HighPoint Pricing: 5-9 kits, 49.99 ea; 10-19 kits, 44.99 ea.; 20-25 kits, 39.99 ea.; 26 or more, 34.99 ea. Split-level billing also available. Contact Customer Service for more information. (Spanish HighPoint available! For
ESPAÑOL / SPANISH
more information visit www.gph.org/highpoint)
(Discipleship Ideas p. 10)
Fuerte en el Señor, juego de lapicera y marcador
38LS2418
2.99
Juego de materiales La Vida en el Espíritu
08LS8462 109.99
FEATURED KIT:
(See Discipleship Ideas p. 8)
Supernatural Kit
33LS1680
59.99
Attitude Check Kit
33LS1380
59.99
Changed Inside Out Kit
33LS1180
59.99
Compassion Kit
33LS1360
59.99
Confidence Kit
33LS1540
59.99
08LS2069 39.99
Courage Kit
33LS1460
59.99
08LS2070 39.99
Courtesy Kit
33LS1260
59.99
02LS0431 14.99
Devotion Kit
33LS1480
59.99
Responsibility and Evangelism Leaders Manual
02LS0432 14.99
Everyday Choices Kit
33LS1220
59.99
Foundation Student Manual
5-9, 8.99 ea.; 10+, 7.99 ea.
02LS0433
9.99
Faithfulness Kit
33LS1520
59.99
Inspiration Student Manual
5-9, 8.99 ea.; 10+, 7.99 ea.
02LS0434
9.99
Generosity Kit
33LS1500
59.99
Responsibility Student Manual
5-9, 8.99 ea.; 10+, 7.99 ea.
02LS0435
9.99
Good Anger, Bad Anger Kit
33LS1100
59.99
Evangelism Student Manual
5-9, 8.99 ea.; 10+, 7.99 ea.
02LS0436
9.99
Good vs. Evil Kit
33LS1320
59.99
Gratefulness Kit
33LS1600
59.99
Hope Kit
33LS1660
59.99
Joy Kit
33LS1440
59.99
Leadership Kit
33LS1620
59.99
Ministry Now Kit
33LS1200
59.99
Obedience Kit
33LS1300
59.99
Overcoming Disappointment Kit
33LS1140
59.99
Patience Kit
33LS1580
59.99
Peer Pressure Kit
33LS1560
59.99
Perseverance Kit
33LS1420
59.99
Purity Kit
33LS1640
59.99
Respect Kit
33LS1120
59.99
Responsibility Kit
33LS1240
59.99
Self-Esteem Kit
33LS1280
59.99
Truth and Consequences Kit
33LS1400
59.99
True Love Kit
33LS1160
59.99
Worship Kit
33LS1340
59.99
La Vida en el Espíritu
5+, 6.99 ea.
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SUMMER
RADIANT LIFE OVERVIEW
ADULT
seven-year cycle
four-year cycle
HIGH SCHOOL
three-year cycle
YOUNG TEEN
UNIT1
UNIT2
UNIT3
Women of Destiny
Peer Pressure
Final Destinations
Christians owe gratitude to faithful women whose service and sacrifice set an example for all believers. This unit reveals to students how ordinary girls—and guys—can follow that example.
Peer pressure is inevitable for students. Young teens will learn how to resist negative peer pressure and utilize positive peer pressure.
Young teens will take a closer look at what the Bible says about heaven, hell, and living right now with an eye on eternity.
Encountering Global Religions
Follow Your Leader
Relationship Tips
Teens will look at historic accounts from the books of 1 and 2 Kings and get an understanding of how to respond to God through obedience and trust.
Through studying proper interaction with family, friends, and members of the opposite sex, teens will learn to cultivate godly, healthy relationships that will last.
By contrasting Christianity with other religions, high school students will gain a healthy understanding of how to minister to those of other faiths.
Maturing in Christ (Philippians)
Wholeness in Christ (Colossians)
One of the themes found in the Book of Philippians is spiritual maturity – growing up in Christ. God is working in us and with us to pursue a lifestyle that reflects our faith in Christ.
These studies from the Book of Colossians will help you understand how to live in the wholeness that is available through faith in Christ.
Friends of Jesus In this unit, we are going to be looking at some of the friendships Jesus had during His earthly ministry to discover qualities about friendship that can help us become better friends with Him and others.
2011 U N I T 4 GROUPS SMALL
The Apprentice Series— The Good and Beautiful God BY JAMES BRYAN SMITH
We all have ideas we tell ourselves about God and how He works in our lives. Some are true, but many are false. Turning to the Gospels, Smith invites you to put your ideas to the test to see if they match with what Jesus himself reveals about God. This deep, loving, and transformative book will help you discover the narratives that Jesus lived by— to know the Lord He knew and the kingdom He proclaimed. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find an opportunity for soul training, engaging in spiritual practices that reinforce the biblical messages. Includes small group discussion questions. Nine sessions. Hard. 232 pages. 03LK0708. $23.00
Fire Starters One Year New Testament Devotional Guide Kindle godly passion in teens. Fire Starters is designed to help young people read and study through the New Testament in one year, regardless of when and where they start. Even if they don’t follow the one-year track, they can still select the devotional that corresponds to whatever they are reading in the Bible on any given day. Fire Starters provides 10 to 20 minutes of daily study, including Bible reading. These devotionals are highly adaptable for small group leadership and study and directly linked to the notes and commentary in the FIRE Bible: Student Edition (see page 15). Padded. 376 pages. 02LK0450. $14.99
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
9
MARZO A AGOSTO
V I D A N U E VA
2011
Currículo y recursos en español JUNIO A AGOSTO 2011
Jesús cuenta historias
Cuido del mundo de Dios
Jesús, mi Salvador
Ayudo a otros
Jesús, mi Sanador
Ayudo y escucho
Reyes de la Biblia
La primera iglesia
J esús triunfa sobre la muerte
Crecimiento de la iglesia
Héroes de la Biblia
Historias de Pablo
Historias de la Pascua
Pedro necesita perdón
Historias de Eliseo
Pedro, líder de la primera iglesia
Dios el Espíritu Santo
Ilustraciones de Jesús
La armadura de Dios
La vida que agrada a Dios
Los profetas mayores
La adoración a Dios
Campeones espirituales
Estudio de Filipenses
Avivamiento
Sabiduría de Proverbios
En el principio
La ciencia y la Biblia
Jeremías: Palabra de Dios en tiempos la difíciles
EL MAESTRO*
EL COMPAÑERO*
Pedro sigue a Jesús
EL EXPLORADOR
Historias de Elías
Los libros poéticos
10
PARA SEMANA SANTA
Fuerte en el Señor, juego de lapicera y marcador El marcador tiene las palabras del Salmo 27:1. La lapicera y el marcador vienen en una caja transparente de regalo, con una hermosa cinta plateada. 38LK2418. $2.99
EL EMBAJADOR
MIS AMIGOS*
TESOROS DEL REY*
PRIMEROS PASOS*
MARZO A MAYO 2011
Difundir las buenas nuevas La cosmovisión cristiana
Los postreros tiempos
Juego de materiales La Vida en el Espíritu Nuevo producto: Juego de materiales La Vida en el Espíritu. Basado en La Vida en el Espíritu, por George O. Wood, este interesante conjunto de recursos ofrece sólida enseñanza acerca del Espíritu Santo, dirigida a tres niveles de edad en la iglesia: niños, jóvenes, y adultos. Usted contará con ocho lecciones para cada edad que incluye un CD-ROM con ayudas para la enseñanza, un DVD con material de apoyo, hojas para la conversación del tema en familia, y el libro La Vida en el Espíritu. Este poderoso nuevo material acerca del Espíritu Santo educará y llenará de energía a personas de toda edad. 08LK8462. $109.99 Libro. 02LK1055. $9.99 5 o más, $6.99 c/u
Lucas: la vida y las enseñanzas de Jesús
Colosenses: nuestra plenitud en Cristo
Rut y Ester
Amigos de Jesús
Filipenses: la madurez en Cristo
*Ahora paralelo con el currículo en inglés de Radiant Life!
Se permite copiar sólo para el uso en el salón de clase.
by alicia britt chole
Discipleship Set to Music with
Chris Sligh · “Taking It Back” “Lately I’ve been stuck on autopilot breathing just to breathe...”
The Sustainable life L i n e a r. Though the hands of a clock steadily announce each new second circle upon circle, we often view time as a straight line. Time is a train and though it moves forward at a consistent speed, time appears to pass faster or slower depending upon the scenery. Our challenge then, becomes a matter of prioritizing our activities on this train of life based upon their order of importance. What/who is first? Then place that at the top of today’s priority list. What is second? Then attend to it after first is finished. However, life is not so easily managed and time is not so easily tamed. I would like to invite you into a brief exercise that could bring clarity (and perhaps even sanity) to your days. On a personal prayer retreat several years ago, God led me to consider my life not as a straight line punctuated by priorities, but as concentric circles of essential purpose. With a fresh piece of paper and favored pencil in hand, draw three to five concentric circles (think of the classic image of a drop of water falling into a still pond). Label the center circle not with what is first on your “to-do” list today, but with what your primary purpose is for life. Who are you? With or without a title, before and after any accomplishments, what is your primary purpose? Wrestling with this question on my retreat, I realized that at the center and always, before I am a teacher, writer, wife, mother…I am a soul. As a soul, my primary purpose is to live in vibrant relationship with my Creator. Next, I am a redeemed soul and as such have
V I S I T: w w w. d i s c i p l e s h i p i d e a s . c o m
the joy and responsibility of reflecting relationship with my Redeemer to the planet. Third, I am a soul called to be a wife and mother….Fourth, I am a soul called to be a truth-teller through mentoring, teaching, and writing… Take a few minutes to sketch your life in terms of concentric circles of purpose. Remember that your core circles of purpose endure even when outer circles are added, deleted or edited. Now, picture yourself standing in the middle of your circles with a garden hose. Here is how we often live: we point the hose away from us and water our outer circles of purpose first. So the outer edges of our calling and relationships are green and flourishing, but our core is dry and barren. The outer edges receive the best of our energy, time, and talents, but the inner circles—our primary purpose and relationships—are deserts. Such living can be surrounded by applause because what people see (before they get to who we truly are) is green. The model, however, is simply not sustainable. What would happen if we pointed the garden hose straight down? What if our core relationships—with God and those closest to us—received the best of our energy, time and talents? What if the Center—our relationship with our Creator—became so wonderfully and deeply saturated that we began giving from a rich overflow within? What if… –ALICIA BRITT CHOLE ( www.truthportraits.com ) speaks to leaders, professionals, women’s groups, ministers, and university students concerning spiritual life, self-deception, conflict, disillusionment, commitment, choices, mission and mentoring. She has authored six books and Bible study series.
This song on Chris Sligh’s new album The Anatomy of Broken plays like a simple response to those times when we feel we’ve drifted from God—just going through the motions of accomplishing God-business when in reality our relationship with Him is suffering. Chris’ desire to reconnect with the ultimate source of renewal is echoed in the chorus:· “ I’m taking it back, I’m taking control of the time I’ve wasted I’m not going back ‘cause this weary soul is tired of chasing myself.” · Has there been a time in your leadership journey that you’ve felt spiritually weary? · What circumstances surrounded your dry spell? · What were some of the things that helped you hit the refresh button in your relationship with Christ? · How are you working daily to keep your relationship with Christ focused on who you are in Him instead of on what you do for Him? –For more information on Chris Sligh visit
www.chrissligh.com. Lyrics © 2010 Word Records/ Warner Music Group. Adapted from ONCOURSE Fall 2010 edition by HEATHER VAN ALLEN.
GROW
The Cause Within You
BY MATTHEW BARNETT
If you’re hungry for a life full of passion and you’re ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world, The Cause Within You can change everything. Matthew Barnett, son of well-known megachurch pastor Tommy Barnett, discovered his great cause when he relinquished his dream of building a big, successful church and began listening for God’s dream for his life—to serve the poor and powerless of Los Angeles. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime. Hard. 220 pages. 03LK0900. $24.99
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
11
by eric braswell
Refining the Student Leader “ Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” 1 Timothy 4:12, (NIV). Jeff Swaim, a former youth discipleship director, tells the story of a high school freshman who wanted to start a Youth Alive club on her high school campus. She approached her youth pastor, and he connected her with another student. The two teamed up, and within eight weeks over 300 kids were attending the club. These were student leaders: ordinary students who, with the right support and training, did something huge for God.
While the first test for student leadership is the walk with God, not everyone who loves Jesus is a leader.
2
ind students who have aptitude for F influence.
Defining Essentials:
It is not true that all leaders are extroverted, and it is not true that every leader is popular on campus. Aptitude for influence includes both those who will be up front, gathering followers through natural charisma, as well as students who have talents, skills, and passions that are outside of the limelight. Leadership can also come in the form of administrative talents or technical skills. This aptitude for influence encompasses leadership by example. Do you have a servant in your group whose work ethic or attitude inspires others?
1
3
So, what are the steps to raise up successful student leaders? According to Scotty Gibbons, director of Realife Student Ministries in Ozark, Missouri, the first step must be the ability to recognize essential traits of a spiritual leader.
ind students who have “genuine, F authentic, solid walks with God.”
Someone with the right kind of walk will have certain characteristics: • Faithfulness. Find students who are around the ministry; who regularly attend services and are involved in small groups or other activities your group offers. • Evidence of love for God. Find students who come into worship services eagerly, and who worship passionately. • Evidence of a committed prayer life. Find students who
12
attend prayer meetings. • Evidence of a heart for evangelism. Find students who bring their unsaved friends.
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
Find students with teachable spirits.
Many teenagers love Jesus and have the skills to become influencers, but many also have a problem with authority. A student leader has to follow the heart of the ministry and respect the authority over and within that ministry. Look for team players. A young person might be in your youth group who loves Jesus and exhibits an aptitude for leadership, but you should not place him or her in a position of leadership until he or she exhibits a willingness to work under the authority and guidance of a mentor.
CALL: (800) 641-4310
Now you’ve spotted some leaders, what are the steps to tap their potential?
1
e the model of what it B means to follow Christ.
The first step to growing student leaders is discipleship. “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11: 1, NIV) is, as Gibbons says, “the ultimate discipleship.” This model is also the ultimate definition of Christian mentorship. While this statement goes beyond classes and books, tools such as FIRE Institute are available to help hone student leaders as they grow closer to Christ and His call for their lives. Programs such as FIRE include Bible memorization, accountability for prayer and Biblereading, and the reading of faithbuilding books. Gibbons says, “[This model] helps [students] remember that the most important thing is who we are and not what we do. So we’re going to try to
develop their gifts and their skills, but we’re more committed to developing their walks with God.”
2
I nvest time and resources to help sharpen skill sets.
After discipleship has been established, plan regularly scheduled training opportunities that will sharpen your students’ leadership skill sets. Gibbons uses leadership retreats and vision days, as well as providing for scheduled oneon-one interaction between student and adult leaders.
3
rovide reliable support P and accountability.
Establishing a healthy mentor/mentee relationship is crucial for the leadership building process. Swaim offers some things to consider when pairing students with adult leaders. •Attitude is an important factor for both the mentor and student. Mentors should not feel threatened by students. • Mentors should try to catch students doing things right. Something every
While the first test for student leadership is the walk with God, not everyone who loves Jesus is a leader.
leader has to have is confidence, and encouragement builds that confidence, and in some cases even creates that confidence. • Mentors must spend time with the student. Parents should also be closely in the loop. They should know who you are, why you are spending time with their child and the progress you’re seeing in their son or daughter’s life. • Adult mentors must be able to stick with students—through junior high, high school and even college. That kind of commitment should never be taken on or considered lightly. Make sure that your mentors know that they should not “shift out” and pass the student on to another coach, teacher or supervisor if his or her schedule gets hectic. Aside from parents, a mentor should be the one adult committed to investing in a student’s life for the long haul. –ERIC BRASWELL is a graduate of Evangel University and contributor to ONCOURSE magazine.
GROW
FIRE Institute® This intense student leadership development resource helps students reach a greater degree of commitment in their walk with Christ. It is divided into four 8-week studies— Foundation, Inspiration, Responsibility, and Evangelism. Includes in-depth Bible study, a class project, Scripture memorization, and more. For more information, visit www.fireinstitute.com. LEADER’S KITS. $39.99 Foundation & Inspiration. 08LK2069 Responsibility & Evangelism. 08LK2070 LEADER’S MANUALS. $14.99 Foundation & Inspiration. 02LK0431 Responsibility & Evangelism. 02LK0432 STUDENT MANUALS. Foundation. 02LK0433. Inspiration. 02LK0434. Responsibility. 02LK0435. Evangelism. 02LK0436. 1–4 $9.99ea 5-9 $8.99ea 10+ $7.99ea
V I S I T: w w w. d i s c i p l e s h i p i d e a s . c o m
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
13
by leann campbell
MINISTERING TO THEIR NEEDS In preparation for this article, I asked several people if the church they attend has a ministry for people with mental disabilities. Nearly every one said, “No.” A few years ago, statistics from the Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped (CCFH) in Knoxville, Tennessee, showed 65 percent of churches without disability ministry do not have people with disabilities in the congregation, and less than 14 percent of all disabled people claim to be Christians. This forgotten population lives in our communities, but most are not in church. Is your congregation ready to include them? Have you recognized their need for spiritual growth? Is your pastoral staff ready? (Bible college probably didn’t include courses to prepare them.) Are teachers ready? Consider these ways to educate the congregation: add resources to the church library, hold an annual Disability Awareness Sunday, and have periodic awareness training. To meet the spiritual needs of people with special needs, we first have to show them we care by meeting their physical needs. They need a way to get to church and an accessible building to get into. Do you have wheelchair ramps,
accessible doors and restrooms as well as directional signs inside the building? Do ushers know what to do if a person has a speech impediment? Some individuals may need help to choose appropriate clothing or assistance with collars, buttons or ties.
capable of becoming Christians?”
Many people with mental disabilities, especially those who have no church background, tend to speak out in church. Jewell Gardner, former Sunday school teacher to people with special needs, said she would explain in a firm, but kind and clear ways that individuals should share their situations in class, where she could pray with them one-on-one, instead of in the congregational setting. Adults with mental disabilities like social activities, and most churches that have programs include special events. Whether it’s a all-church meal, Friday night Jesus party, or bowling, they need times allocated for fun. “Everyone needs to know about Jesus, and that’s what I think,” said Jerry, an adult with developmental disabilities. Jerry learned about Jesus because his mentors realized all his needs— physical, social, and spiritual. Some ask, “With their limited mental ability, can these people really learn enough to know about Jesus? Are they
“Eighty-five percent of persons with mental retardation reach a mental age of at least 12,” states Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped (ccfh.org). “This is the age at which many people become Christians. They are fully capable of grasping spiritual truths.” People with special needs must have curriculum to fit their mental abilities. An Internet search for church curriculum for adults with developmental disabilities yields several resources.“They need some activity and will only listen so long, “ Gardner said. “They enjoy coloring, but books that say for children on the front are not appropriate for an adult class. The teacher may have to copy pictures.” People with special needs don’t have to be forgotten by the Church. With educated congregations, dedicated teachers and efforts to reach out to people in our communities with mental disabilities, we can help them know Jesus. Like Jerry said, “Everyone needs to know Jesus, and that’s what I think.” –LEANN CAMPBELL retired in 1995 from teaching special education in a secondary vocationaltechnical school, and has also taught severely handicapped children. She is also an author with over 1,300 publishing credits.
CONNECT
Compel Them to Come In Here is both a disability ministry conference between two covers and a journey into the world of disability as seen through those who live there. At the heart of the book is the premise that every person deserves to learn the gospel at their level of understanding. Paper. 256 pages. 38LK2422. $29.95.
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
Same Lake Different Boat BY STEPHANIE HUBACH
Including both scholarly discussion and heartwarming stories, Hubach presents a biblical view of disability and teaches churches how to become an inclusive community for all. Paper. 234 pages. 03LK0863. $14.99.
CALL: (800) 641-4310
For the Graduate Celebrate your graduates with these meaningful gifts they’re sure to use and enjoy.
99 Thoughts For College Age People
FIRE Bible: Student Edition, NIV
BY CHUCK BOMAR
Give this first true Pentecostal Bible for students to your graduates as they prepare to face the challenges of life beyond high school. Features include:
The transition from high school to college is usually the most dramatic in young people’s lives. In this humorous and thought-provoking resource, Chuck Bomar offers up pearls of wisdom gained over years of personal and professional experience. It’s great both as a graduation gift and as a college freshman small group discussion starter. However you put it to work, you’ll be sure to save young adults some money, pain, and foot fungus. 03LK8212. $5.99
Order online at www.GospelPublishing.com or call 800-641-4310.
V I S I T: w w w. d i s c i p l e s h i p i d e a s . c o m
• NIV Translation • 20 major themes tracked through Scripture • A simple, detailed and cross-reference system • Background & overview of every Bible book (80+ key issue articles) • Commentary from a Pentecostal perspective • Nearly 50 easy-to-read charts, illustrations and maps • Practical training on Christian living and outreach • The most thorough study notes of any student Bible. Imitation leather. 2306 pages. 01LK0845. 1-19, $34.95 ea. 20-99, $29.95 ea. 100+, $27.95 ea,
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
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Gospel Publishing House 1445 N Boonville Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65802-1894
FOLLOW THIS MAP TO YOUR SPIRITUALLY EMPOWERED LEADERSHIP DESTINATION Coast to coast, George O. Wood visits churches and encourages leaders. In his newest book, Road Trip Leadership, he shows you how to be a dynamically spiritual leader whose feet are planted firmly on practical principles. Drawing from over four decades of Christian service as a pastor, professor, campus minister, and denominational leader, Wood explains how to combine clear-headed thinking, common sense, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for ministry success. Plus, two superb tools, “Ministry Milestones” and “Check Your Gauges,” let you map your own journey.
$14.99
Available ! on Kindle
50LN0107 Dr. George O. Wood is author of Living in the Spirit,
A Psalm in Your Heart, Living Fully, and The Successful Life.
Order your copy today! www.GospelPublishing.com 3/11
1.800.641.4310