THE LOOKOUT 2011 THEME LIST Note to prospective writers: The main themes listed below are intended to give you an idea of the direction we plan to take with each issue. We also have included sub-points that list possible ideas for articles, but we don’t want to limit your creativity. If one of our themes sparks an idea about a fresh approach to the topic, please send us a query letter at least six months in advance. Of course, we are also open to your suggestions about possible themes that do not appear on this list. Due to a number of factors, sometimes we find it necessary to alter our schedule and change themes, and we are always looking for ideas to address in future years. NO.
ISSUE DATE
MAIN THEME
01
January 2
What Does the Future Hold? • A biblical perspective on planning for the future and the role of faith • Predictions from Christian leaders about what’s ahead for the church • The final judgment and the return of Christ
02
9
The Call to Discipleship • What does it mean to be a disciple? • What is the biblical process for making disciples? • How can your church become a discipling church?
03
16
The Church and Social Action (Sanctity of Human Life Sunday) • What does Scripture say about the poor? • Seeing the poor as God sees them • Social and benevolent ministries in the local church
04
23
Firm Faith • Standing up for your convictions when others don’t agree • Standing firm against temptation
05
30
Communication 101 • Basics of interpersonal communication • Keeping communication strong in the home • You can be a public speaker
06
February 6
07
13
Who’s in Charge? (Part Two) • Authority issues in the church • How to exercise authority and respond to authority • Authority issues in the home: the roles of husbands and wives, parents and children
08
20
You and Your Money • Biblical principles of stewardship • Cultivating contentment • Debt-free living
Who’s in Charge? (Part One) • The sovereignty of God • The headship of Christ • The authority of Scripture
1
09
10
27
March
6
Tell Me the (Not So) Old, Old Story • The continuing relevance of gospel preaching • Storytelling in the Bible, storytelling today Recruiting and Training Church Leaders • Identifying and challenging young people to devote their lives to ministry • Mentoring • What can we learn from Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Titus?
11
13
Passionate Lives in a ‘Who Cares’ World • Overcoming apathy • Discovering our personal passion for serving God and others • How to motivate ourselves and others to do what is right
12
20
Taking Christ to Work • Viewing your job as a service to Christ • Evangelism in the workplace
13
27
Sexuality and Scripture (Part One) • What does the Bible say about premarital sex? • What does the Bible say about homosexuality? • What does the Bible say about pornography?
14
3
Sexuality and Scripture (Part Two) • What does the Bible say about sexuality in marriage? • How can churches promote sexual purity among their members? • Current ministries devoted to biblical sexuality
15
10
Creativity • Honoring God through art, music, drama, and creative writing • Nurturing creativity in the church • Nurturing creativity in children
16
17
Solemn Traditions (Palm Sunday) • The Jewish Passover: its meaning and practice in the Old and New Testaments, and what Christians can learn from it today • Lent: what’s it about, and what can we learn from it?
17
24
Amazing Grace (Easter) • What does the Bible say about grace? How can we show God’s grace daily? • The relationship between grace and truth (John 1:14) • How the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ demonstrate God’s grace
18
April
May
1
The Heart of a Servant • Jesus’ teaching on servanthood • Biblical examples of servanthood • Servanthood in the 21st century
2
19
8
(Mothers Day)
20
15
O Worship the King! • Worship in the Old Testament • Worship in the New Testament • Worship today
21
22
Death and Dying (Part One) • What the Bible says about death and dying; what happens when you die • Cremation or burial—does it matter? • Dealing with grief
22
29
Death and Dying (Part Two) (Memorial Day) • What happens when you die? • What does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell? • How can we communicate the realities of Heaven and Hell today?
23
5
Unleashed! (North American Christian Convention Theme Issue) • How the church in the book of Acts “turned the world upside down” • How the church today can impact our culture
24
12
The Ministry of Counseling • Counseling and counselors in the Bible • Principles of biblical counseling • Establishing an effective counseling ministry in your church
25
19
Faithful Families (Father’s Day) • The role of the father in building a faithful family • Family ministry in the local church • Reaching unchurched families in your community
26
26
On the Road Again • Vacations with a purpose • Lessons for today from Paul’s missionary journeys • Overcoming the unique temptations travelers face
27
June
July
3
Civil Disobedience, Civil Obedience (Fourth of July) • A biblical perspective on government, citizenship, and politics • When is it right to disobey the laws of the land?
28
10
Leading With Character (Part One): Lessons from the Book of Joshua
29
17
Leading With Character (Part Two): Lessons from the Book of Judges
30
24
Leading With Character (Part Three): Lessons from the Books of First and Second Kings
31
31
Leading With Character (Part Four): Lessons from the Book of Nehemiah
3
32
August
7
Seeing the World Through God’s Eyes • Developing a biblical worldview • Recent initiatives in global evangelism • Praying for the harvest
33
14
Teaching Truth: The Church’s Educational Responsibility • The role of Christian education in the work of the church • Sunday school: Is it still relevant? What are some keys to a healthy Sunday school program? • How to ensure solid biblical teaching in your church’s small groups
34
21
Why Confession Is Good for the Soul • What the Bible says about confession of sin and confession of faith • Should we confess our sins to others? To God? To both? • What role does confession play in worship?
35
28
Don’t Worry, Be Happy! • Conquering worry • Living a life of trust • The role of humor in the life of a Christian
36
September 4
37
11
9/11—A Decade Later: What Has God Taught Us Since the Tragedies of September 11, 2001?
38
18
A Lifestyle of Holiness • What it means to be holy • Examples of holy living in the Old and New Testaments • The relationship between personal holiness and effectiveness in ministry
39
25
The False God of Materialism • The sin of greed • How much “stuff” is it okay to own? • When and how to downsize and simplify
40
October 2
41
9
42
16
Decision Making and the Will of God • How can we discern God’s will? • Biblical guidelines for effective decision making
43
23
Lord, Teach Us to Pray • The prayers of Jesus • Practical steps for effective praying
What’s the Rush? Slowing Down to Serve (Labor Day) • What is the Sabbath rest? • Establishing priorities in your service for the Lord • Finding rest, avoiding stress
TBA Commissioned! (National Missionary Convention Theme)
4
44
30
Satan • What does the Bible say about the devil? • What power does he have today? • How can we resist and overcome his influence?
45
November
6
Forgiven! • What the Bible says about forgiveness • Embracing God’s forgiveness • Leading others to God’s forgiveness
46
13
When You Suffer • Why does God allow suffering? • How should we handle suffering? • How can we help others who suffer?
47
20
(Thanksgiving)
48
27
Watch Your Tongue! • What does the Bible say about our speech? • Biblical principles for taming the tongue • Using our speech to build others up
49
December 4
50
11
Encourage One Another • What the Bible says about encouragement • How to become an encourager • Establishing a ministry of encouragement in your church
51
18
Hope for the Holidays • Overcoming the holiday blues • How churches can use the Christmas season as an outreach opportunity
52
25
The Greatest Gift (Christmas)
Daily Quiet Time • The devotional life of David • The devotional life of Jesus • How to develop a daily quiet time for prayer, meditation, and study
5