Small Groups on Mission
July 29, 2008
Well, there is nothing like being in the cool of the mountains of New Mexico. Add to that an added bonus of a good conference and that is much like chocolate and peanut butter coming together!
Last week I attended a Sunday School Conference at Glorieta led by LifeWay staff. Ed Stetzer challenged us to wrap our minds around growth (or the lack thereof) in evangelical churches today, all the while encouraging us to press in to what we know is true, the need develop small groups that equip, encourage, and send believers into a world that desperately needs Jesus Christ. Ed reminded us of the simple, but powerful work of small groups, accountability with one another to love and good deeds!
To further equip, the leaders pointed us to a ministry of balance in our small groups using the Connect, Grow, Serve, Go model. Check out the the handouts and the informative webcourse.
Have you been refreshed in mind, body, and spirit lately? Find a great conference at a great location and go!
Mirror, Mirror, am I a Manager or Leader? Both?
July 14, 2008
Have you ever wrestled with the thought of how you are wired up to serve? Have you ever thought about the basics of managing versus leading and how you might lean one way or the other?
These are the kinds of issues that Marcus Buckingham raises in his book The One Thing You Need to Know…
This clear read quickly defines some important distinctions in leading and managing, and he gives advice that is easy to digest and implement.
As I read the book there were some aha moments, some confirmations, and definitely areas to address and stretch.
What are you reading to help you lead?
Summer’s up, the interns are going…
July 9, 2008
Summer brings a flurry of activity, particularly in the preschool through youth ministry of a church. Camps, VBS, daycamps, sport-camps, white-water rafting…whew! Thank goodness for young interns who are ready to learn and engage in energetic ministry. This summer we have been blessed with a number of interns from around our area, and also around the world.
So what will they take with them?
Yes, interns are here to learn. Thank the Lord for the ministers who took me under their wing to literally watch them work. I have been shaped greatly by those early encounters in ministry. So some things come by watching, some by doing, and some by a combo, literally trial and error at times.
Yet, make sure that you have some way of closing the loop. In other words, without being too heavy, how about an exit interview. Instead of hoping they “caught” some things, actually say them. Instead of wondering about how things went or what could have helped or been better, ask.
Try prompters like:
1. What has God taught you this summer about your call and gifting?
2. What stretched you the most?
3. What do you wish you could have experienced and did not get to?
4. If you were planning an intern experience/track for the future, what would you make a part of the training?
5. Because of this experience, you know you need to learn more about…
6. What could I do as a Minister/Leader to better equip interns?
Do you preach clearly?
July 9, 2008
One resource that I am reading through is Andy Stanley’s Communicating for a Change. This quick narrative read clearly gives insight to simple steps to help in sermon/lesson preparation and delivery.
A critical issue here is, do you really think about your message? I know that sounds simple, but do you think about your message/lesson and how it is coming across? Is it understandable? Applicable? While not the only book on speaking, and not the only way of speaking/preaching, a read like this at least helps me pull out of some deep groves I may be stuck in.