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5 W AY S T O R E A C H B E Y O N D Y O U R C H U R C H W A L L S
SADDLEBACK’S STEVE GLADEN
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ecrets S To Small Group Success
WHAT ARE YOU LOADING UP ON? PAGE 4
Michael Jr: The Parts We Play PAGE 12
sep/oct/nov 2010 volume 12 issue 5
Included: Radiant Life Fall 2010 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’ll Have it My Way
4
Are your congregants filling up on a burger and ice cream buffet? Tips to avoid the pitfalls of consumer-driven Christianity.
Secrets to Small Group Success
11
Saddleback's Steve Gladen shares insight on how to optimize the health of your small groups.
2010 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
PAGE 11
The Parts We Play
12
Strengthen your church by helping people connect with and fulfill their God-appointed roles.
Does Your Formula Work?
14 EVERY ISSUE
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Is your outreach model in need of a retool? Refocus to reach your community with Gotee recording artist Troma.
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.
by kerry clarensau
REHYDRATE We all understand physical thirst—it is a natural part of our everyday life. If we simply go too long without getting enough fluids, we can become completely parched. But what about after we work in the yard on an August afternoon or spend 30 minutes running on the treadmill? We can become dehydrated!
King David knew what it was for his soul to be thirsty—“My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:2, NIV). (Also see Psalms 63, 107, and 143.) Ruth Haley Barton in her book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, defines our soul as the part of us that meets with God. If we neglect our time alone with God, our souls become thirsty. I have discovered that I have to start my day drinking in His presence. If I don’t begin the day well-hydrated, then I can expect to be “spiritually dried out” by evening. This daily discipline helps to keep my soul hydrated. But I also have to recognize
those times when ministry is even more dehydrating than other times—like spiritually doing yard work in 90 degree weather—leaving me utterly dehydrated. Those are the times when I need to rest and take an extra drink. Jesus speaks directly to the heart of the one worn out from ministry in Mark 6. “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:30-31, NIV).
My husband and I recognize the need to respond to this invitation weekly. Every Monday, after a full weekend of ministry, we spend the day in quietness and rest. We may also experience intense seasons of ministry when more than a day is needed to sufficiently rehydrate. Here are some practical tips to help you saturate your soul: Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to meet alone with His Father. It is so important to recognize the warning signs of our thirsty souls and take time daily, weekly, and seasonally to rest and drink deeply of His presence. –KERRY CLARENSAU is an author and speaker.
Need To Hit The Refresh? Check out discipleshipideas.com for your 21 day ministry mini-break and more resources.
· T ake an extended quiet time—reading, meditating, and just basking in His presence. ·G et away from all electronics. ·H ave a cell phone-free day. ·V isit your favorite spot in nature or take a long walk in a quiet park or nature center. ·E njoy a leisurely meal at a quiet restaurant. · T ake a nap. (This may not feel very spiritual, but sometimes it is the best thing we can do.) ·S pend quality time with the people you love the most.
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by shannon zabroski
I’ll Have It MY Way
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Consumer Driven Christianity There is a particular word in the English language that makes my heart flutter, my mouth begin to salivate, and my arteries begin to harden at its mere mention: Buffet. I can see the flashing neon sign in my mind right now. The allure is amazing too. And why wouldn’t it be? For one price, I can eat until both lasagna and chocolate pudding are coming out of my ears. I’m told—although I can’t verify because I’m usually in the dessert section—there are vegetables, fruit, and even salad at most buffets. But that isn’t why I eat at one. Eating healthy and reasonable portions is NOT why a buffet is so appealing. In fact, observe how my true human nature shines through here: Buffets are so appealing because I can have whatever I want (and as much as possible) and avoid what I don’t want—plain and simple. This behavior perfectly reflects something called ‘consumerism.’ Restaurants design their buffets knowing what people want and then they give them plenty of it. The eventual result: people begin to expect this type of charmed lifestyle. If I can’t get what I want, I’ll go somewhere else. There’s one problem here: God is not at the center of this lifestyle—I am. In the church world, our commodity isn’t macaroni and cheese, but people. Knowing this, it can be very tempting to build a church that functions like a buffet—simply do and say what people want (versus what they need) and then give them plenty of it in order to draw them through the doors en masse. A great café? Check. A snazzy logo and a pastor in jeans? Check. A message that always makes people feel great about themselves? Double check. These things aren’t inherently bad mind you—but if they are the ‘meat and potatoes’ of what a church offers—this model can lead to some serious problems with our spiritual formation process. A fundamental
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
question emerges: Does this create the kind of biblically-literate, well-rounded disciple God expects us to make? It is ironic that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time (outselling other books each year by a significant margin), yet fewer and fewer Christians recognize it as the infallible and authoritative Word of God. A study done by Barna finds the younger the person, the less likely they are to read the Bible. Despite flying off the shelves, how can God’s Word transform lives if it is never learned or lived?
churches attempt to push new believers into classes before they build effective relationships that help them become part of a family. It is necessary to think through this process developmentally. “A baby crawls, then walks, then runs” he says. Trying to rush this process or doing it out of order can be disastrous. Further, a church must know how to communicate that development plan clearly. For example: If someone walked up to me when I was 11 years old and laid out every step of my last 25 years in life,
" Scripture is always relevant to the human condition—yet we often use culture to be relevant instead of God’s Word." Many church leaders struggle with the same dilemma: How can we still attract non-believers while being effective at growing mature disciples? Steve Gladen, Small Group Pastor at Saddleback Church, says “This is really a two-part process. Attracting people is about assimilation, and spiritual growth is about discipleship.” A church that attracts nonbelievers effectively must also know exactly what they want them to eventually become—and have a plan how to get them there. Steve believes “a baby needs a family before an education.” He says too many
I would have run away screaming. Just look at how Jesus recruited His disciples in Matthew 4 by saying “follow me.” A couple years later, He was saying “die for me.” If Christ had started recruiting with “die for me,” odds are the disciples would have run away screaming, too. Bottom line, too much too soon can also be disastrous. On the other hand, simply increasing someone’s cognitive knowledge of Scripture doesn’t always create a wellrounded disciple either. Some of the most cantankerous people in our churches can quote Scripture verbatim but aren’t good at loving people. Hebrews 4:12 tells
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us “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (NIV). The Bible is clearly not a self-help book—it is a tool for total transformation. Scripture is always relevant to the human condition—yet we often use culture to be relevant instead of God’s Word. If it isn’t central to all a church teaches and does, then we can’t act surprised when very little fruit is grown. Steve states Saddleback’s end goal is a person who “in their heart balances the great commission with the greatest commandment— to love your neighbor as yourself.” People will play video games for hours to master every level; they will train for months to run a marathon; what makes us think we can’t challenge them to experience God’s amazing Truth? I guess a buffet and a church aren’t that dissimilar in one respect: Both want to grow their customer base. Unfortunately one grows my waistline with a plethora of fattening food, and the other seeks to grow me spiritually in a healthy and relevant way. Let’s remember no buffet on Earth can offer the Bread of Life and the Living Water Christ freely gives us. In business terms—the Church has the market cornered—and people won’t feel guilty going back for seconds. -SHANNON ZABROSKI is director of Family Life Ministries at Christian Life Center in Dayton, Ohio.
WORSHIP Praying for a Christ Awakening Get your church praying for revival. This practical guide includes excerpts from major national leaders such as Henry and Richard Blackaby, Beth Moore, Jack Hayford and others from various denominations. It introduces 20 indicators that will signal a Great Awakening in America, including 10 in the Church and 10 in culture. Paper. 144 pages. 03LK8208. $14.00 36 or more, $7.00 ea.
Mega Sports Camp® The Great Comeback By combining sports—soccer, baseball, basketball, and cheerleading—with Bible truth, MEGA Sports Camp curriculum lets you reach your community for Jesus while offering kids an exceptional and unique VBS experience. In fact, small ministries are likely to enjoy a 51% guest rate and 20% salvation response! Learn about the newest theme, The Great Comeback at www.megasportscamp.com. Starter Kit. 33LK0450. $124.99
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
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Spiritual Health Planner with Spiritual Health Assessment Leader Kit RECOMMENDED BY STEVE GLADEN
THREE STEPS FOR DIAGNOSING SPIRITUAL HEALTH Get your church growing in 2010. This effective ministry tool assesses individuals’ current spiritual walk and guides them to set goals in five key areas: worship, connect, grow, serve, and go. Believers come away with a desire to grow spiritually. Pastors and church leaders come away with churchwide assessment results that help you formulate discipleship strategies. For maximum benefit, this tool is recommended for your entire church. However, some leaders may use it in small groups. Includes ten 2-ply tests, 1 workbook, and a CD-ROM. Leader Kit. 08LK8460. $24.99 5-9, $22.49 ea. 10 or more, $20.99 ea.
When was the last time you made an appointment with your doctor for a physical examination? Have you avoided it because you thought he might tell you something you wouldn't want to hear, something like, "You could stand to lose a few pounds," or maybe, "A little exercise would do you some good," or "Your cholesterol is looking a bit high; time to cut out the bowl of ice cream before bedtime"? Like our physical health, our spiritual health needs to be assessed and managed so it can continuously grow and mature into all that God desires it to be.
· Getting a picture of spiritual health So, what does spiritual health look like? At Saddleback Church, we believe health is based on living a life that balances the five biblical purposes of God: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. Too many times we tend to major in one aspect of health while ignoring the others. For some, spiritual health is measured by having the right answers to theological questions. For others, spiritual health is demonstrated by acts of service. While these are good things, our spiritual life suffers if we do not balance all five of God's purposes in our lives.
· Assessing our spiritual health In order to help people get a better sense of how well they're doing this, we put together a tool called The Purpose Driven Spiritual Health Assessment. This self-assessment tool is designed to help a person take a snapshot of his life and see how well he is balancing the five purposes. Our goal is not to measure and score spiritual health. Rather, we want to provide a starting point from which people can begin to pursue a healthier spiritual life. The process of balancing the five purposes in our lives takes time and reflection. First, we need to evaluate where we are. Once we have a picture of where we are, we then need to determine where we need to grow by focusing on one or more of the purpose areas. Once we've targeted a specific growth area, we need a plan. By answering the questions under each purpose, the user will see where their strengths are and identify where they need to focus more of their attention for growth. Another aspect of the tool is the ability to get valuable feedback from a few people that know us best, such as a spouse, a small group member, or a mentor, by having them complete the same assessment on us (called a Friend Feedback Assessment). We don't always see ourselves as others do. The valuable, godly relationships in our lives can pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses that we may not identify in ourselves. Get three easy steps to start your Spiritual Health journey and more at discipleshipideas.com.
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
CALL: (800) 641-4310
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PRESCHOOL & BEGINNING EXPLORERS
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TODDLERS & TWOS
one-year cycle
NURSERY
UNIT1
God Gives Elijah Food Just like God provided food for Elijah, kids will learn that God provides for them too.
Church is God’s House
UNIT2
Daniel and the Lions Kids will discover the importance of prayer through the story of Daniel facing the lions.
UNIT3
UNIT4
Jonah and the Big Fish As kids learn about Jonah, they will find out how to obey God.
Find out more about Sunlight Kids at www.gph.org/sunlightkids
People At Church
Being At Church
Kids will learn about people at church as well as how to be like Solomon and God’s people, who enjoyed going to church.
From the examples of Hannah and Samuel, kids will find out how they can pray and listen to God at church.
Samuel and Solomon
Daniel and Esther
Peter and Paul
Through stories about the tabernacle and temple, kids will understand how the church is a special place to worship and listen to God.
Kids will discover how to obey like Daniel and be brave like Esther.
Kids will be challenged to believe for God’s miracles today as they hear stories about how God protected Peter and Paul and used them in ministry.
Through stories about Solomon and the temple, kids will discover that church is God’s house, that they can help at church, and that people at church help them.
Are You A Spanish Teacher Needing English Student Materials? It’s easy to use the Vida Nueva Leader Guides to prepare your lessons and teach. Then let your students use the coordinating Radiant Life English student books and handwork packets. You can also mix and match, using both English and Spanish student materials as needed. Since Vida Nueva and Radiant Life are parallel (from Toddlers & Twos to Preteen), it’s a breeze to customize the resources to meet your classroom's language needs! Planning a missions trip to a Spanish-speaking country? Take along Vida Nueva materials!
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
2010
Bible Stories At Church Stories about Noah’s ark and the flood will show kids the importance of obeying God, their parents, and their teachers.
Choose both Preschool and Beginning Explorers to partner your preschool Sunday School and Children’s Church!
¡Qué hago! ¡Mis alumnos entienden cuando hablo español pero prefieren leer inglés! ¡Vida Nueva y Radiant Life tienen la solución! Prepare su clase de escuela dominical con la Guía del Maestro en español y deje que sus alumnos usen los libros y las hojas de trabajo en inglés que publica Radiant Life. ¡Sí, el material es paralelo, de Primeros Pasos hasta El Compañero, los mismos temas en inglés y en español! Ahora usted tiene la posibilidad de fomentar el aprendizaje bilingüe, de acuerdo a sus propias necesidades y las de sus alumnos. ¡Lleve el material Vida Nueva en su próximo viaje misionero a algún país de habla hispana!
Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
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PRETEEN
two-year cycle
two-year cycle
MIDDLER
PRIMARY
three-year cycle
two-year cycle
KINDERGARTEN
UNIT1
UNIT2
UNIT3
Joseph and Joshua Love God
People Who Loved Jesus
Kids will enjoy amazing stories about how Joseph saved his family, Rahab risked her life, and Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land.
Peter fishing, Matthew collecting taxes, the Samaritan woman drawing water, and Zacchaeus climbing a tree show how Jesus reached out to people around Him.
Israel’s First Two Kings
Six Good Kings
2010 UNIT4 CHILDREN’S CHURCH
David Loves God Through the faith of his great-grandmother Ruth and stories about being a shepherd, getting anointed by Samuel, and defeating Goliath, David shows kids how to love God like he did.
Through learning about King Saul’s disobedience and King David’s godly character, kids will discover ways to develop godly character in their own lives.
Kids will explore the character traits and actions of King Solomon, Hezekiah, and others who chose to put God first, and they will identify ways they can imitate these good kings.
Jesus Heals
God is Our Source
Gratitude
Because Jesus healed others, kids will discover He still has the power to heal today.
Through Esther, Jeremiah, and others, kids will discover that God can be their source for guidance, courage, faith, wisdom, and love.
Kids will be reminded that gifts aren’t deserved, but instead show God’s love for us through stories about Jehoshaphat, the grateful leper, and the prodigal son.
God the Father
Being a Witness
Through lessons about God’s nature, kids will see how He is true to His Word, keeps His promises, and provides a way for us to be in His family forever.
Because what believers say and do can be a witness for or against Christ, kids will explore how they can help others gain eternal life.
Our Bible and Books of the Law This unit focuses on the Bible’s inspiration and writers, why we need it, and what it tells us. Also covers Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
HighPoint mixes large group, children’s church sessions with small group discussion and handson activities. Visit gph. org/highpoint for more information.
Supernatural In Supernatural, kids discover that God has not changed. He still does the miraculous to get their attention and help them. Bible focus: various supernatural events in Scripture. Travel destination: outer space. 33LK1680 SALE! $49.99* * Regularly $59.99. Offer good through September 15, 2010.
Faith Case: Investigating the Truth Turn your kids (ages 5-12) into investigators as they join the bumbling, likable Mr. Trench and the no-nonsense Commissioner in search of 16 foundational truths—biblical doctrines that are vital to kids’ faith. This video-based children’s church curriculum, developed by children’s pastors, lets your kids discover what they believe and why. Twelve fast-paced, easy-to-lead sessions come complete with unforgettable videos, games, object lessons, Bible stories, and kid-friendly statements that make each truth a cinch to remember! See what's in the kit at www.faithcase.com. 33LK5000
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Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
$119.99
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Christian Education Teachers Reference Manual
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Build life-changing, biblical character traits in your kids with exciting HighPoint sessions. In Purity, kids discover how to follow God’s plan for sexual purity by guarding their hearts, minds, and actions. They’ll explore Bible stories about Adam and Eve, Joseph, and more.
I’LL HAVE IT MY WAY (Discipleship Ideas p. 4) 03LS8208
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MEGA Sports Camp® The Great Comeback Catalog
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Supernatural Kit
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Bringing Up Girls
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Adult Teacher Volume 5 Set A year’s worth of curriculum for Spiritfilled living that gives you 52 adult lessons for September 2010 - August 2011. Lessons offer commentary on the Scriptures for each week, along with suggestions for how students can apply them. Includes teaching tips and discussion questions. The easy-to-use lesson format lets you confidently prepare and teach. Includes book and CD-ROM. 02LS1527. $24.95
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Esta efectiva herramienta para el ministerio evalúa el presente andar espiritual del creyente y lo ayuda a establecer metas en cinco funciones clave: adorar, conectar, crecer, servir, e ir. Incluye un libro de trabajo del Plan de la salud espiritual. En el CD-ROM encontrará documentos electrónicos para imprimir el Plan de la salud espiritual y la Evaluación de mi salud espiritual. 08LS8459. $15.99
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Unlimited! Women’s Bible Studies The empowering Unlimited! studies, written by Pentecostal women, will help you understand who the Holy Spirit is and what He can do in you and in the world. Study questions are provided at the close of each chapter, with journaling space. Eight sessions each. Books one and two available in Spanish. A Woman’s Unlimited Potential, Book 1
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F.I.R.E Institute® Fire Starters One Year New Testament Devotional Guide
Kindle godly passion in teens. Fire Starters guides young people through the New Testament in one year, providing 10-20 minutes of daily study. Great for small groups. Or give away for graduation and other promotions.
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Grow personally and in ministry. It’s easy when you attend these inexpensive, conference-style, online training sessions in the comfort of your home or office. You’ll enjoy practical insight from well-known leaders around the country. Visit www.shop.cmleadership.com.
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FALL
R A D I A N T L I F E OV E RV I E W
ADULT
seven-year cycle
four-year cycle
HIGH SCHOOL
three-year cycle
YOUNG TEEN
UNIT1
UNIT2
On that Day: What Matters in the End
Pursued by a Promise
Studies on the compassion, grief, amazement, and delight of God’s heart will show students how God’s passion for them influences everything He does.
Lessons on what matters in life will challenge students to examine their relationships, priorities, actions, and motives in light of eternity.
Through God’s promises, young teens will see God’s concern for a fallen world, His promise of restoration through Christ, and His pursuit of each of them.
Paul and Barnabas: Men on a Mission
Dealing with Feelings
Disarming the Devil: Spiritual Warfare
By focusing on the lives of Paul and Barnabas, students will examine the topics of salvation, the call of God, and life in God’s family.
Counsel for Christlike Living (1 and 2 Peter)
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
By studying 1 and 2 Peter, you can receive counsel that will help you live for Christ and become more like Him.
It is important for us to understand who the Holy Spirit is and what He does if we are to live a Spiritfilled life and have the joy and peace of being led by the Spirit.
U N I T 4 GROUPS SMALL
UNIT3
Getting to the Heart of God
Teens will learn how to turn negative feelings such as jealousy and hate into positive emotions like love, hope, and contentment.
2010
By studying the scriptural foundations for spiritual warfare, teens will learn to identify spiritual enemies and allies, and get ready to do battle.
NEW! Sunlight Kids, a complete kit for nursery. See pages 12-13.
Living in the Spirit
Educate and invigorate all ages in your church! This fantastic, new churchwide resource disciples children, teens, and adults simultaneously, as they experience the Holy Spirit's power for their lives. Based on Living in the Spirit by George O. Wood, this exciting kit includes
Choose both to • Living in the Spirit book partner yourDVD preschool • Teaching & CD-ROM School •Sunday Discussion DVDand & CD-ROM • Children’s Kids DVD &Church! CD-ROM
• Eight sessions for each age level
Kit. 08LK8461. $109.99 Living in the Spirit book. 03LK7955. $6.95 5 or more, $3.75 ea.
Adult Teacher, Volume 5 A year’s worth of curriculum for Spirit-filled living that gives you 52 adult lessons for September 2010 - August 2011. Lessons offer commentary on the Scriptures for each week, along with suggestions for how students can apply them. Includes teaching tips and discussion questions. The easy-to-use lesson format lets you confidently prepare and teach. Set includes book and CD-ROM. Adult Teacher Volume 5 Set. 02LK1527. $24.95 Adult Teacher Volume 5. Hard. 400 pages. 02LK1528. $18.95 Adult Teacher Volume 5 CD-ROM. 28LK1613. $9.95
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
Download the complete Theme Chart at www.radiantlife.org
9
SEPTIEMBE A FEBRERO
V I D A N U E VA
Currículo y recursos en español DICIEMBRE 2010 A FEBRERO 2011
Samuel y Salomón
Dios dio a Jesús
Daniel y Ester
Dios da la familia
Pedro y Pablo
Dios todo lo puede
José y Josué amaban a Dios
La Navidad es especial
Personas que amaban a Jesús
El amor de Jesús
David amaba a Dios
Los milagros de Jesús
Los dos primeros reyes de Israel
El nacimiento de Jesús
Seis buenos reyes
Jesús me enseña Jesús enseña con historias
Dios el Hijo
Cómo ser testigos
Mi iglesia y yo
La Biblia y los libros de la Ley
Los libros históricos
Tu personalidad y la escuela
Sigue al líder
Transformadores del mundo
Dios, el amigo eterno
Momento decisivo
El joven y el sexo
Los Diez Mandamientos
El evangelio según Lucas
Principios bíblicos (la ética en la sociedad)
Compañerismo cristiano
Consejos para la vida cristiana – las epístolas de Pedro
La escuela de los grandes líderes espirituales
La Persona y la obra del Espíritu Santo
La ética cristiana
EL MAESTRO
EL EXPLORADOR
Dios el Padre
EL EMBAJADOR
EL COMPAÑERO
MIS AMIGOS
TESOROS DEL REY
PRIMEROS PASOS
SEPTIEMBE A NOVIEMBRE 2010
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*Ahora paralelo con el currículo en inglés de Radiant Life!
Buen manejo del dinero
2010-2011 PARA SEMANA SANTA
Plan de la salud espiritual con Evaluación de mi salud espiritual Esta efectiva herramienta para el ministerio evalúa el presente andar espiritual del creyente y lo ayuda a establecer metas en cinco funciones clave: adorar, conectar, crecer, servir, e ir. En los creyentes despertará un anhelo de crecer espiritualmente. Los pastores y los líderes de la iglesia tendrán resultados claros de la condición de su iglesia que los ayudará a formular estrategias para el discipulado. Incluye un libro de trabajo del Plan de la salud espiritual. En el CD-ROM encontrará documentos electrónicos para imprimir el Plan de la salud espiritual y la Evaluación de mi salud espiritual. 08LK8459 $15.99
La Vida en el Espíritu por George O. Wood Hoy mismo usted puede andar en la plenitud de Dios. El superintendente general, George O. Wood, reafirma las verdades, los valores, y el compromiso con que nos inspiran nuestros antepasados pentecostales y nos presenta prácticas enseñanzas para vivir en el Espíritu hoy. Esta obra ofrece un refrescante panorama de los desafíos y oportunidades únicos para cada persona llena del Espíritu y para la iglesia como cuerpo. 02LK1055. $6.95 5 o más, $3.75 c/u.
Permission to duplicate for classroom use.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S 2 0 1 0 T E AC H E R O F T H E Y E A R !
PEGGY SOUTHERLAND ILLINOIS DISTRICT · INDUSTRY ASSEMBLY OF GOD · INDUSTRY, IL · PASTOR JON KECK
by STEVE GLADEN
SECRETS TO SMALL GROUP SUCCESS Today, all around the world, people will join with other people in homes or restaurants or workplaces to study God’s Word and grow in Christ together in a small group. In many cases, however, the results may be less than what Jesus desires. Jesus said, “Go into all of the world and make disciples.” But as Dallas Willard’s book, The Great Omission, points out, the Church doesn’t always have a plan for doing that. It’s as if the Great Commission had read, “Go into all of the world and make church members.” That’s certainly a worthy goal, but it stops far short of what our Savior commanded. Community is belonging together, joining as part of the Body of Christ for the biblical purposes that Jesus charged us with keeping. And since small groups are also charged with keeping the purposes, how do we turn them into small groups centered around God’s purposes? And as a part of that, how do we ensure they’re growing in discipleship? Here are a few evaluation check points:
A Group is for Belonging The literature on church growth and development now stresses the importance of small groups. The group factor dominates Barna’s characteristics of user-friendly churches2 and Chandler’s descriptions of innovative ways to handle the future’s challenges.3 Cells, affinity, sharing, participation, specific target groups, empowering, belonging, teams, support, cooperation are the driving words and concepts,
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
#
1
Don’t let groups become fellowship-only groups. Even though fellowship may be the single greatest benefit cited by many people for why they get in a small group. “I want to have friends.” “I want to make close friends.” “I’d like to be able to count on people, just like family.” Almost everyone wants those things. But left at just fellowship, people will just hang out together. While fellowship is critical for true discipleship to happen, when we just eat and fellowship together, the only growth we get is in our waist.
#
2
Help your groups get regular spiritual checkups. Unlike physical checkups that are done by medical professionals, each member of your group can check his or her own spiritual vital signs with a quick assessment. In fact, you can get tools for your group members to use to see how they are doing in trying to live a purpose driven life.
#
3
Make sure your groups have something to chew on. If your ministry doesn’t have a suggested small group curriculum pathway, your groups could wander away from the discipleship purpose. Help them know what to study next, based on where they are now spiritually. A great help for groups is for you to review the different curriculumstudy resources that are available for small
urging the use of group processes to maintain church vitality in changing postmodern times. This recent popular interest in small group discipling causes many church leaders to perceive a paradigm shift related to 21st-century needs. Actually, people’s basic needs and natures have not changed. What experts are saying is that small groups may be more important than ever because more people are torn apart-from one another and from stable meanings in life. People are uncertain
groups and simply make a list. Put studies in the order you think will work best. For the complete article and more discipleship resources go to discipleshipideas.com. STEVE GLADEN has been leading the Small Group Team at Saddleback Church since 1998 and currently oversees 3,500 adult small groups at Saddleback Church. Steve also founded the Purpose Driven Small Group Network (http://pdsgn. wordpress.com), a free network of small group point people to make sure no one stands alone.
GROW Unlimited! Women’s Bible Studies These empowering studies will help you understand who the Holy Spirit is and what He can do in you and the world. Includes study questions. Eight sessions each. A Woman’s Unlimited Potential, Book 1 02LK0275. $9.99 Spanish. 02LK0274. $9.99 A Woman’s Inner Life, Book 2 02LK0276. $9.99 Spanish. 02LK0271. $9.99 A Woman’s Influential Relationships, Book 3 02LK0277. $9.99 A Woman’s Impact on Her World, Book 4 02LK0278. $9.99
what to believe as customs, institutions, and values change. Our best hope for making converts and guiding Christians into positions of maturity and service is to understand people’s need to belong. —BILLIE DAVIS is an educator, writer and missionary. Excerpted with permission from “Christians Grow in Groups,” Enrichment Journal (enrichment.ag.org). Read more at discipleshipideas.com. 2. George Barna, User-Friendly Churches (Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, 1991). 3. Russell Chandler, Racing Toward 2001 (Grand Rapids,: Zondervan, 1992).
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
11
by MICHAEL JR .
the parts we play
Ephesians 4:16: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (NIV). It’s that simple. That’s the secret ingredient I want kids to hold onto, but it’s not something that we should just leave to the little people. It all starts with a car whose parts begin leading a revolt. They all decide to try and swap places with each other, thinking that maybe they can do another part’s job better. Soon everything starts falling apart, and they recognize they are not able to move at all. The story, originally born of my comedy, took on a greater purpose when God spoke through my pastor’s message on Ephesians 4:16. That message showed me what the book project was really about. The Church, as the body of Christ, is only at its strongest—its greatest effectiveness—when all of the parts are in the right place, fulfilling their Godappointed roles. Some things might work to some degree even when all the parts aren’t in place, but they won’t work well and eventually will fall apart. Maybe, when you look at your church, you see a scenario similar to that of The Parts We Play—a congregation of skilled and gifted people who haven’t indentified what their specific gifts are, aren’t sure how to best focus and use those gifts, and/or don’t even know or feel that they have a place in or anything to offer to the Church body. Your desire is to grow and build up your church and encourage each part to do its work. You want them to live it out in their everyday lives and show the saving love of Jesus to those who
12
DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
need Him. But, maybe you are wondering just how to get things started. How do you draw the passions of your congregants to the surface? How do you grow their desire to fulfill the parts they play—their roles in the body of Christ? In TPWP, the radiator is the voice of reason that keeps everyone on track doing what they were designed to do to get the car started and running the way it should. In your church, be that voice of reason that not only impresses on your people the valuable part they play in the body, but also encourages them in doing the things they are good at. Then try some of these ideas to get your church accepting their parts in the body of Christ:
Elementary-aged through adults • Present the following questions for everyone to think about. If you had the time, what would you want to practice, research or become an expert in? What activities do you engage in that make you lose track of time? What skills or abilities do you have for which people have complimented you? If money were no object, what work would you be willing to do for free? • Present the different programs and activities your church offers—greeting, choir, drama, teaching Sunday school, nursery work, prayer team, etc.—and encourage people to step out and try something, first praying and asking God what He wants them to do. Chances are, God will lead each person to an area for which He has gifted and equipped him or her.
Preschoolers/Elementary • In the body of Christ, young children are like the ears. They listen to and absorb everything. Read The Parts We Play, and other books with a similar theme, aloud in your children’s Sunday school groups. Help them see the connection between the story and the importance of their roles on a level they can understand. Have a discussion about what would happen if the different parts of the car didn’t understand, accept or commit to playing the specific part each one had been given. • Encourage preschoolers in the art of pretending as they play
CALL: (800) 641-4310
Illustrations by Yalisa T. Carter
It’s a crazy cover, but to dig into the message of my book, The Parts We Play, kids just got to flip it to its back and read the license plate: “EPH 416”
with each other, to begin developing their creativity in figuring out who they are and what special gifts God has given them. • Have two children volunteer to look at the TPWP book together, each with one hand held behind their back. Explain that they can only use one hand to hold up the book, helping them to see that working together is the only way they can keep it up.
Middle school/High school/College • Have each student write down one thing they plan to do or did that day. It could be a simple as eating a hamburger. Then, have everyone list each person who may have played a role in allowing him or her to eat that hamburger. They will be amazed at how many people play a part in even the seemingly smallest tasks or results –and how either the omission or addition of even one person can make a difference in the outcome.
Parents With Children • Get into your car with your children, and pretend the car won’t start. Choose a character in the TPWP book, and talk about how that one part’s unwillingness to do his job means that you may not be able to make it to where you wanted to go. Engage your children in a discussion to emphasize how extensively one part abandoning his job can affect an overall plan.
The Church, as the body of Christ, is only at its strongest - its greatest effectiveness - when all of the parts are in the right place, fulfilling their God-appointed roles.
Adults/Senior Adults •
Play a pre-recorded testimony, and have each person try to imagine how many different people probably played a part—even a small part—in bringing that person to know Christ. Ask everyone to try to imagine playing a specific role in the testimony they have just heard, thinking about what effect their choices and actions can have on another person’s life—both positive and negative. Have each person apply this exercise to his or her own testimony. How many people played their part and used their God-given gifts to help lead each person to their relationship with Jesus?
COMEDIAN MICHAEL JR. gives people “an opportunity to laugh” by taking comedy across the nation to talk shows, clubs, churches and into places where most comics scarcely tread. The journey, presented in his documentary, "Comedy: The Road Less Traveled" is releasing in churches in September and then movie theaters across the country. To view the “CTRLT” trailer and sign up your church for a screening, go to comedytheroadlesstraveled.com. Michael Jr. lives in Los Angeles with his wife and five children. For more on Michael Jr, visit michaeljr.com.
What Motivates You? In an interview with Veggie Tales guru Phil Vischer, he told me, “To find your gifting is about finding the true intersection of your gifting and God’s heart, and God has wired you for something.” If you simply allow Him to reveal that to you— opening your eyes to the resource He has placed around you—He will ignite a passion to use whatever you like to do to serve a greater purpose. Here are some simple ways and effective ways you can determine what your role is: • Ask yourself questions like, “What do I really love doing?,” “What are the things that I hear about that make me want to respond in some way?” and answer the “Whys?” Put those things down in a journal or in a notes folder on your phone or laptop. • Take the Spiritual Gifts assessment at churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php. This will help you see how your Spiritual gifts and the things you like to do might work together. • Take Tamara Lowe’s Motivational DNA assessment at motivationaldna.com. • Find ways to connect with these passions on at least a once a month basis to keep the fire burning. —AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY is a writer, speaker and editor for ONCOURSE national youth ministries magazine. Take the Spiritual Gifts assessment at discipleshipideas.com.
Discipleship Set to Music with
{Music City Unites for Haiti} “Come Together Now” “Be the light in the darkness/Be the peace in the storm/Be a shelter for someone/When the rain starts to pour/Be the hands that bring healing/ And the hands that provide." This song, spurred by the devastating Haiti earthquake, needs to continue to be heart cry of the Church body keeping eyes wide open to the incredible need around us—with hands and feet poised for response. Sometimes we find it easier to unite for catastrophe, but how could a "come together" mission be put into practice before tragedy strikes? How can this concept translate into your Sunday school classes, small groups or greater church community? Watch the “Come Together Now” video at discipleshipideas.com. Proceeds from song sales on amazon.com go to the continued Haiti relief efforts. Lyrics reprinted with permission Deer Valley Music. Song written by Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan, David Mullen.
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
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by TROMA
How do we reach people today? If your church is full, feel free to skip this article. If your style works ... don't change it. Don't change a thing.
DOES YOUR FORMULA
WORK?
However I see a new generation rising. Way back when Martin Luther broke from the Catholic church, a new movement began. He saw that the formula for connecting with the society of his day was leaving the masses behind. Today many of his observations stand true for our world as well. You don't have to look hard to see that people of all ages, demographics and backgrounds are hurting and in dire need of hope. Something real. Something tangible. Something they can believe in and stand on. Every day we have the opportunity to look beyond ourselves and examine the world around us. What are the FIVE ways that we can act out in love and compassion to make a difference? Here are some possible places of inspiration: LOOK TO JESUS By seeking after the hurting and suffering, He greatly impacted all of those around Him. Where are you looking?
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MODEL MOTHER TERESA She touched the world with compassion and met peoples’ human needs (she fed them, clothed them and gave them a place to die with dignity). Do more with love... initiate action.
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LOOSEN THE HALO Often our self-made halos could use a little loosening. It can be repulsive to others if our approach is singularly focused on pointing out the sin of others. Leave room for God to change their heart. Love them where they are. Remember to love the sinner, not the sin. But speak truth surrounded in love. Love wins people... not casting stones.
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LIVE OUT PARABLES Jesus spoke in the language of his day. He taught about fig trees, seeds and real people. Learn to speak the language of those you are called to reach out to. Ask them questions. Let them see a real hope in your example and find the answer within your story. There is no need to force a sales pitch. Try to refrain from using Christianese. Make it simple. Just ask them to share their story. Then share yours.
SERVE The Compassion Revolution
GO
by Dave Donaldson with Terry Glaspey
NOTE! For each book sold, $1 goes to Convoy of Hope.
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DISCIPLESHIP IDEAS
Donaldson, cofounder of Convoy of Hope, urges you and your church to join him in responding to the call of Jesus to visibly demonstrate the radical values of the kingdom of God. These stories will inspire you to align your priorities with God’s plan for living an extraordinary life. It’s a valuable guide for anyone ready to live a purposeful, fulfilled, and enriched life that comes only by giving it away to others. It may seem impossible that you can make a real difference. But the truth is you can, and so can your church! Paper. 224 pages. 03LK7967. $9.99
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REACH WITH LOTVLOVE The time is now for us to reach out deeply into our communities. LOTVLOVE.com is an online hub of help. We support organizations that help people professionally. Everyone hurts for a reason. Let's help them find the root, not just focus on the fruit. If you or anyone you know has a hurt or a secret, let them know they can share their secret and get help. ursecret@LOTVLOVE.com.
It’s time to focus on building unity in our communities. Set aside differences to meet the needs of hurting people. Schools, music, local businesses and teachers can meet kids' needs. If we can unify and meet the needs of people around us, then they will see the love and ask you what makes you different. Same message; DIFFERENT formula. TROMA is a Gotee Recording artist, founder of LOTVLOVE.COM and contributor to ONCOURSE magazine. For other resources in your area that offer help check out www. LOTVLOVE.com or call 211 from your phone. For unconventional ways to reach your community, check out discipleshipideas.com.
CALL: (800) 641-4310
Troma Photo by Elizabeth Priddy.
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For Your Summer Reading Pleasure Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson What's in the Bible? Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and a boatload of new friends on a journey through the world’s most amazing book—the Bible! This series introduces children to Bible basics, engaging them with Scripture in a way they can easily grasp and enjoy, through high-quality music, animation, puppets, and more. DVD 1: In the Beginning includes two 25-minute episodes, "What is the Bible?" and "Who wrote the Bible?" DVD 1 also introduces Genesis. DVD 2: Let My People Go! contains two 25-minute episodes, "Who chose the books in the Bible?" and "What is salvation?" The DVD also explores the rest of Genesis and Exodus. DVD 1: In the Beginning
26LK0998 $14.99
DVD 2: Let My People Go!
26LK0999 $14.99
Steering Through Chaos by Scott Wilson Blending perceptive, visionary principles with a passion to please God, Wilson examines how to effectively lead a church through change. He encourages leaders to follow their call to lead with confidence, courage, and an unwavering commitment to push through the challenges. Transitions addressed include building of new facilities, changing of staff structure, addition of new services, and transitioning to become a multi-site ministry, among others. Chapters includes discussion questions, great for church staff and leadership teams. Paper. 224 pages. 03LK0770
$18.99
Parenting expert and best-selling author Dr. James Dobson presents his highly anticipated companion book to his classic Bringing Up Boys. Based on years of extensive research, and handled with Dobson’s trademark down-to-earth approach, Bringing Up Girls will equip parents to face the contemporary cultural challenges of raising their daughters to be healthy, happy, successful women who excel in life. Great for parents, small groups, and Sunday school classes. Hard. 304 pages. 03LK0750 SALE! $20.00 Regularly $25.99
Primal by Mark Batterson Become great at the Great Commandment: to love God with all your heart. Batterson’s latest work, Primal, will challenge and encourage you to rediscover the root of your faith, a foundation so solid that ancient martyrs laid down their lives in service to it. An inspiring resource for pastors, teachers, leaders, and every individual who wants to reach this world for Christ. Hard. 192 pages. 03LK0741
$17.99
Rachel's Secret by B.J. Hoff When wounded Irish American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant, bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, he brings chaos and conflict to the community—especially for young widow, Rachel Brenneman. Best-selling author Hoff delights readers with this first book in her series The Riverhaven Years. You'll enjoy unforgettable characters, tender love stories, faith journeys of people you'll grow to love, and page-turning suspense. Paper. 272 pages. 38LK2380 SALE! $7.00 Regularly $13.99
www.GospelPublishing.com · 1.800.641.4310
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Gospel Publishing House 1445 N Boonville Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65802-1894
Invite The Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit to Spill Through Every Age Level
• Engaging lessons for adults • Discussion DVD that is especially appealing to youth • Fun and informative materials for children
Learn more at www.LivingInTheSpirit.ag.org
Easy-to-use churchwide resource features: • DVD-based sessions • Discussion questions • One copy of the Living in the Spirit book by George O. Wood • Teaching helps on CD-ROMs • Eight sessions for each age level These powerful new materials on the Holy Spirit will educate and invigorate all ages! Living in the Spirit Kit 08LK8461 109.99
Includes a Discussion DVD & CD-ROM, Teaching DVD & CD-ROM, Kids’ Sessions CD-ROM, and one book.
Living in the Spirit book
03LK7955
$6.95
5 or more, $3.75ea
5/10
Imagine if every age level—children, teens, and adults—together experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. What would a church look like? Transformed? Empowered to evangelize? Faith-filled? Absolutely. Introducing the Living in the Spirit Kit. This new churchwide resource offers: