2-1-10-2-Violence

2-1-10-Violence-Confession

Goals:

1.  Identify the temptation in which Jesus was tempted to use Violence as a means of establishing the Kingdom of Heaven and give examples of two other similar temptations Jesus faced during his ministry.

2.  Write out a verse from memory which tells us that God is willing to forgive the sins of those who confess to him.

3.  Give two Bible references which tell us that we are to confess sin to God and list three results of making confession of sin.

4.  Give Biblical counsel to both those who have an exaggerated sense of sin and those who have made a half-hearted confession.  You will be able to identify the circumstances under which restitution must be made and suggest ways in which this might be done.

5.  When given a passage from the Bible you will identify the "Put offs" and the "Put ons" found in the passage.

Violence

It must have been a real temptation for Jesus to get power quickly over the kingdoms of the World and to free the Jewish people.  Of course, we know that Jesus rejected the temptation and dedicated himself to doing the will of God: the way of the cross.

Underline in red the word "kingdoms" in Matthew 4:8.

Yes, Christians do sin.  We fail, and we sin.  And so, there ought to be a place in our private prayer, as well as in our public worship for the confession of sins."

Read psalm 51:1-4

Who does David say he had sinned against (verse 4)

Who is the source of all forgiveness?

(Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24)  indicate that we receive forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus.  But in order for us to experience God's forgiveness we must confess our sin to Him.  (1 John 1:9)

Read Matthew 5:23-24.  In  these verses Jesus is teaching us that we ought to make things right (reconciled) with our brother: before we come to God.

There is something else we must do too if our attitude toward sin has really changed.  If we have done harm to another person we must not only confess to him, but we must also make restitution.  To make restitution is to put back something that was lost or taken so that things are the same as they were before it happened.  (Leviticus 6:4-5; Ezekiel 33:15-16; Luke 19:8-9; 1 Samuel 12:3).

Read Luke 19:8-9.

Who approved of what Zachaeus did with the money he had stolen?

Satan is a mighty spiritual enemy who is dedicated to turning men away from God.  In the temptation of the High Mountain, what does it mean to worship Satan"?  Seek the kingdom by human methods, without God.

Read Daniel 7:14.  What does this verse say about the rule of the Son of Man?

So then, the temptation did not consist of seeking the kingdom of righteousness, but rather in the method of seeking it.

"The end never justifies the means."  In other words, just because the things we wish to do is good, does not mean the that we can use wrong methods to do it.

Read John 6:66

What happened when Jesus rejected the revolutionary expectations of the Jews?

Read Hebrews 2:14-15

If Jesus had chosen to take power as the King of the most powerful empire in human history, could He have also saved sinful men from death?  Through His own death Jesus was able to render the Devil powerless. 

Read Matthew 26:51-52; Luke 9:51-56; John 6:15, 18:36.

Read Luke 22:36-38.  In the light of the firm stand Jesus took against violence as a means to establish His kingdom, doesn't it seem strange to you that Jesus would tell His disciples to "buy a sword"?

Read Luke 22:49-52

Now, think carefully about the observation you have just made in this passage of scripture.  If the apostles wouldn't have had a sword, would we really know for sure that Jesus purposely gave Himself up to the temple guards?  Would we be able to say that He refused to defend Himself by violence?

Christ wanted to show them that He would NOT use a sword.

Read Matthew 26:52 and Matthew 27:37.

What is the symbol of the kingdom of Heaven, a sword/cross?

Jesus chose to extend His kingdom by sacrifice-cross and the love of God.

Following the temptations in the wilderness, Jesus left the desert with a well thought plan.  He did not move from that original plan the slightest little bit during the three years of His public ministry.  His plan was to establish the Kingdom of God in the heart of every man, and to place his trust in the way of sacrifice, of love, of truth, and obedience to God.

Christ taught that every-time we allow ourselves to harbor hate in our hearts we are in fact, in the way of the sword.

Read Matthew 5:21-22.

According to Jesus, one can be morally guilty of murder if he holds anger in his heart against another person.

Neither is it necessary to actually die on a cross in order to be on the way of the cross.  Every time our heart is filled with the love of Christ toward our neighbor and we show that love by serving the sacrificially for our neighbor's good, we are on the way of the cross.  In Matthew 16:24,  Jesus says: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."  According to this verse to take up his cross" means: to follow after Jesus by taking His example of love and sacrifice.  To follow after Jesus by denying myself and serving others. (1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:16, 4:32)

Read Matthew 4:10

What was Jesus' reply to the temptation of Jesus on the high mountain?

Read Zechariah 4:6

How does God accomplish His will?  "Not by might nor by power, but by my

The exile was the “crucible of Israel’s faith.” They were pushed to the edge of existence where they thought they were hanging on by the skin of their teeth, and they found that in fact they had been pushed to the center, where God was. They experienced not bare survival but abundant life. Now they saw their previous life as subsistence livingg, a marginal existence absorbed in consumption and fashion, empty ritual and insensitive exploitation. Exile pushed them from the margins of life to the vortex where all the issues of life and death, love and meaning, purpose and value formed the dynamic everyday, participation-demanding realities of God’s future with them.

It keeps on happening. Exile is the worst that reveals the best. “It’s hard believing,” says Faulkner, “but disaster seems to be good for people.” ...

All of us are given moments, days, months, years of exile. What will we do with them? Wish we were someplace else? Complain? Escape into fantasies? Drug ourselves into oblivion? Or build and plant and marry and seek the shalom of the place we inhabit and the people we are with? Exile reveals what really matters and frees us to pursue what really matters, which is to seek the Lord with all our hearts.

(From Run with the Horses by Eugene Peterson)

Do you feel as if you are in exile? Let disaster develop your character. Do not spend all your time seeking relief but reflect on what God wants to teach you. Ask him to show you what is really important.

Confession of Sin

What do you thing it means when I say that keeping unconfessed sin is a lot like running up a charge account

Repentance means to show a change of attitude toward sin.  According to Matthew 3:6, this change of attitude is to be shown by the

Read 1 John 1:8-10.

John's letter was written to Christians.  Are Christians guilty of sin?

Stop here for just a few moments.  Do you need to make restitution to anyone you may have wronged?  It could be someone in your own home, the office, your neighbor, or your best friend.  Make a note of the kind of restitution you need to make.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas where restitution is needed.  Now make definite plans to make restitution under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  After you have done it, destroy the paper.  have you done this?

Exercise: Read Proverbs 28:13 and underline it in your Biible with green.

Let's practice the technique of observation.

Read Psalm 32:3-5.  Keep your Bible open to this Psalm.

The person who does not confess his sins is taking a great risk.  Which two verses of Psalm 32 tells us that David's body ached and had become weakened because of his sin?  Versesand.  Which verses tells us that David had confessed his sin and been forgiven?

David's body "wasted away" and his "strength was sapped".  While David hid his sin.  When David did not confess it he felt weak and sickly.  He was spiritually dry.  When he confessed his sin, he had a feeling of well-being.

Read Psalm 32:1-4, the person who has confessed his sins to God is forgiven by Him and feels better in his spirit, soul, and even his body.

Jealousy, envy, coveting, and resentment are only a few of the sins which can cause bodily illness when they remain un-confessed, deep within a person's mind.

Read Matthew 5:25; 5:1, teaches us to confess sin immediately.

Exercise: Underline Matthew 5:25 and Ephesians 4:26 in green.

Memorize 1 John 1:9.

There is a well known local coach in Fullerton, California, whose thirty-five-plus years in athletics have been eminently successful.... His incredible career in Southern California speaks for itself. When he was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times, the sportswriter wanted to know his secret. What was it that made him so successful? Without hesitation Coach Sherbeck said that his credo could best be stated in words written by an anonymous author. Ever since he was a boy growing up in Big Sandy, Montana, he has lived by these words.

Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Don’t misunderstand. I have in mind being determined to accomplish what is right.... When the objective is good and the motive is pure, there is nothing more valuable in the pathway leading to genuine success than persistence and determination. Following one’s dream requires these disciplines.... The thing that makes for greatness is determination, persisting in the right direction over the long haul, following your dream, staying at the task. Just as there is no thing such as instant failure, neither is there automatic or instant success. But success is the direct result of a process that is long, arduous, and often unappreciated by others. It also includes a willingness to sacrifice.... In our world of instant everything, these thoughts are not very popular.... If we really want to soar like and eagle, we must keep on continually pursuing - we must keep on seeking.

(From Living Above the Level of Mediocrity by Charles Swindoll)

Is there a specific goal you recently gave up? Reexamine your motive for doing so. Is it possible that you gave up too soon? Would God want you to persist? If so, recommit yourself to the task. Talk to a friend who can encourage you to reach your goal.

The Body of Christ

Today we are going to learn more important things about the Body of Christ.

The Bible says: "Christ is the head of the church, his body." (Ephesians 5:23)  In the Bible, the word "Church" does not talk about a building where believers meet together.  It talks about believers themselves.  Therefore, from this Bible verse, we learn that believers are the of Christ here on earth.

Since Jesus ascended into heaven, we cannot see him here on earth.  But, we have become his body here on earth.  People should be able to see Jesus Christ living in us.

Each of the members of the body of Christ have different jobs to do.  They are responsible to do this in the service of God and of others in the church.  "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."  (Romans 12:5, 6)  Each member or part of the body of Jesus Christ has received a different .

The gifts which are being talked about in this verse are Abilities which are given by God.  The Bible goes on to say: "If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  It it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach..." (Romans 12:6-8).  In other words, we are to:

Some believers have been given the ability to teach, others to give comfort, and still others to encourage those who are discouraged.

• The believer who is gifted in Helping should help the needy.

• The believer who is gifted in Teaching should.

• The believer who is gifted in Encouraging should .

In other words, The Bible says: "But to Each One of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." (Ephesians 4:7)  Is there any believer in Christ who has not received an ability (a gift) from God?  (Answer "Yes" or "No")  Do you have an ability then, that you can use in the work of the Lord? (Answer "Yes" or "No")

Some believers make the mistake of thinking that they have nothing to offer in the work of the Lord.  However, this is NOT true.  Other believers make just the opposite mistake.  They are very proud of the abilities they have been given.  They think that they are very gifted and that they have many abilities.  This kind of pride causes them to look down on other members of the body.  How many church members have gifts or abilities?

Paul wrote about this: "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!'  And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!' (1 Corinthians 12:21)  How many of the members of the local church are needed by all of the rest of the members?

You should use the abilities that God has given to you and thank him for them, and appreciate and thank God for the abilities that he has given to other members of the local church.

It is wrong for some believers to stay at home when the rest of the body of Christ is gathered together for worship and the services of the church.

Why is prayer so important? Here are the four shortest reasons I know.

... Prayer forces me to leave the situation with God; it makes me wait.

Secondly, prayer clears my vision. When you first face a situation, is it foggy? Prayer will “burn through.” Your vision will clear so you can see through God’s eyes.

Thirdly, prayer quiets my heart. I cannot worry and pray at the same time....

Fourthly, prayer activates my faith. After praying I am more prone to trust God.... Prayer sets faith on fire.

Don’t just fill the margins in your Bible with words and thoughts about ways a Christian prays. Do it!... Pray!

... The Lord is the Specialist we need for those uncrossable and impossible experiences. He delights in accomplishing what we cannot pull off. But He awaits our cry. He listens for our request....

(From Hand Me Another Brick by Charles Swindoll)

What was your first response to an unexpected medical bill, a car breakdown, or a layoff at work? Did you respond in anger, by worrying and complaining, or did you first go to God and ask for his help and guidance through the hardship?

Testimony

BIO:Robert Pierce Shuler
1880-1965
Robert Shuler was born August 4, 1880, in the foothills of
the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. At the age of nine,
kneeling between his mother and his preacher-uncle in "the
meetin' house" at Comer's Rocks, he received Christ to be his
Lord and Saviour. His primary education consisted of a three-
month school, where he mastered the McGuffey's Readers. In
1897 he entered Emory and Henry College as a sub-freshman,
and was graduated in 1903. Two years later he married Nelle
Revees, and the same year entered the Holston Conference of
the Methodist Church.
Endowed with a good mind and an even better wit, he
was an excellent extemporaneous speaker. In addition to this,
his great courage, coupled with his conservative theology and
evangelistic fervor, prompted him to ever preach with the al-
tar call in view.
In 1920 he became pastor of the Trinity Methodist
Church of Los Angeles, a position he occupied until his
death. He began with a depleted congregation and saw it grow
to 5,000 in the 1930s. In 1929, he was given a radio station
which was housed in the tower of his church. It became a
strong voice against crime and corruption in Southern Cali-
fornia. His life was threatened many times, his church was
bombed, he was sued and put in jail. He ran for United States
Senator on the Prohibition ticket in 1932 and lost by only
50,000 votes.
His writings included The Methodist Challenge, What
New Doctrine Is This?, Some Dogs I Have Known, and I Met Them
on the Trail. Three of his sons followed him in the ministry.

2-1-10-1-Internet

2-1-10-Internet/Email Ministry

Jesus Turns Water into Wine

Read John 2:1-12

Jesus was on a mission to save the world, the greatest mission in the history of mankind.  Yet he took time to attend a wedding and take part in its festivities.  We may be tempted to think we should not take time out from our "Important" work for social occasions.  But may be these social occasions are part of our mission.  Jesus valued these wedding festivities because they involved people, and Jesus come to be with people.  Our mission can often be accomplished in joyous times of celebration with others.  Bring balance to your life by bringing Jesus into times of pleasure as well as times of work.

Weddings in Jesus day were week-long festivals.  Banquets would be prepared for many quests, and the week would be spent celebrating the new life of the married couple.  Often the whole town was invited, and everybody would come-it was considered an insult to refuse an invitation to a wedding.  To accommodate many people, careful planning was needed.  To run out of wine was more than embarrassing; it broke the strong unwritten laws of hospitality.  Jesus was about to respond to a heart felt need.

Mary was probably not asking Jesus to do a miracle.  She was simply hoping that her son would help solve this major problem and find some wine.  Tradition says that Joseph, Mary's husband was dead, so she probably was used to asking for her son's help in certain situations.  Jesus answer to Mary is difficult to understand, but maybe that is the point.  Although Mary did not understand that Jesus was going to do what was right.  Those who believe in Jesus but run into situations they can not understand must continue to trust that he will work in the best way.

Mary submitted to Jesus' way of doing things.  She recognized that Jesus was more than her human son-he was the Son of God.  When we bring our problems to Christ we may think we know how he should take care of them.  But he may have a completely different plan.  Like Mary, we should submit and allow him to deal with the problem as he sees best.

The six stone jars were normally used for ceremonial washing.  When full, the pots would hold 20 to 30 gallons.  According to the Jews' ceremonial law, people become symbolically unclean by touching objects of everyday life.  Before eating, the Jews would pour water over their hands to cleanse themselves of any bad influences associated with what they had touched.

People look everywhere but to God for excitement and meaning.  For some reason, they expect God to be dull and lifeless.  Just as the wine Jesus made was the best, so life in him is better than life on our own.  Why wait until everything else runs out before trying God?  Why save the best until last?

When the disciples saw Jesus miracle, they believed.  The miracle showed his power over nature and revealed the way he would go about this ministry-helping others, speaking with authority, and being in personal touch with people.

Miracles are not merely superhuman events, but events that demonstrate God's power.  Almost every miracle Jesus did was a renewal of fallen creation-restoring sight making the lame walk even restoring life to the dead.  Believe in Christ not because he is a superman but because he is the God who continues his creation, even in those of us who are poor, weak, crippled, orphaned, blind, deaf, or with some other desperate need for re-creation.

Capernaum because Jesus' home base during his ministry in Galilee.  Located on a major trade route, it was an important city in the region, with a Roman garrison and a custom station.  At Capernaum, Matthew was called to be a disciple (Matthew 9:9).  The city was also the home of several other disciples (Matthew 4:13-19) and a high-ranking government official (4:46).  It had at least one major synagogue.  Although Jesus made this city his base of operations in Galilee, he condemned it for the people's unbelief (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15).

Weddings were an important part of Jewish culture.  An entire village or town often participated in the festivities.  Jesus is concerned about us because we are his children and his friends.

Picture six men walking on a narrow road....

The men's faces are eager, but common.  Their leader is confident, but unknown.  They call him Rabbi....

Where are they going?.... They haven't been told, but they each have their own idea....

Then a chorus of confusion breaks out and ends only when Jesus lifts his hand and says softly, "We're on our way to a wedding."...

"Why would we go to a wedding?"...

The answer?  It's found in the second verse of John 2.  "Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding."...

Big deal?  I think so.  I think it's significant that common folk in a little town enjoyed being with Jesus.... Jesus was a likable fellow.  And his disciples should be the same.  I'm not talking debauchery, drunkenness, and adultery.  I'm not endorsing compromise, coarseness, or obscenity.  I am simply crusading for the freedom to enjoy a good joke, enliven a dull party, and appreciate a fun evening....

(From When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado)

how long has it been since you had a good laugh?  A hilarious time of fun with Christian friends?  Jesus wants us to rejoice and enjoy life.  Celebrate!

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5

Among the key events in Jesus’ earthly life that His mother witnessed, and which Mary surely treasured and pondered in her heart (Luke 2:19), was the wedding in Cana. That wedding marked the occasion of her Son’s first miracle - and of her becoming His disciple.

When the wine ran out at the wedding feast, Mary turned as usual to her Son that He might act quickly and save the wedding hosts from embarrassment. Jesus responded, however, that she was not to involve Him in the matter; His “time” had not yet come. Mary grasped at that moment that the relationship between her and Jesus had changed. Jesus would act in His own time, which she knew had to be His heavenly Father’s time.

Accepting the changed relationship, while still believing that Jesus would help the hosts in their predicament, albeit in His own time, Mary instructed the household servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. That was an act of faith on Mary’s part. Today we honor her for following Jesus in the knowledge that her salvation lay in Him alone. In Him alone we, too, are eternally saved.

Praise to You, O God, for holding up Mary, mother of our Lord, to me as an example of faithful discipleship. Amen.

Where is the "wine" level (zest for life) in your life right now: Full?  Half full?  Empty?  What is draining you?  What area seems like stale water in an old jug?  How could Jesus renew that?

Jesus was not known as a miracle-worker, at this time, so why does Mary approach him (v.3)?  What do you learn about Jesus and his mother from verses 3-5?

Given their social customs, how would you feel as the host (v.3)?  Also servant (vv. 6-8)?  As the groom?

What part does the function and size of the jars play in this story?  How does the quantity and quality of the wine demonstrate Jesus' glory?

How does this sign relate to the "time" he refers to in verse 4.

Where do you need to see the water turned into wine in your life right now?

How to Pray

Communication takes place when people talk to each other.  It is possible for the child of God to communicate with his Heavenly Father.  The two-parts of the believers communications with God our Father is that the believer should talk to the Heavenly Father, and Listen to God the Father when He talks to us.

If we wish to here what God is saying to us when he talks we must read the Bible as we learned to do.  The child of God must talk to his Father not just read the Bible.  The Bible calls for prayer.

What kind of attitude should we have when we talk to our Heavenly Father in prayer: trust and openness.  In any happy family, the children want to share all their interests and concerns with their Father.  Because they are his children, they are sure that he will be interested in the things which are important to them.  It is the same way with our Heavenly Father?  What kinds of things can we talk about when we pray to our Heavenly Father?

To "Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) does not mean that believers must spend the whole day praying without doing anything else.  It does mean that we should take every opportunity we have to share our thoughts and our work with the Lord by talking to Him about them.

Although we can pray to the Lord at any time of the day; it is important to set aside a special time to pray also.  It can and should be when we do our Bible Study.

During this special time of Bible reading and prayer we must try to put all the thoughts of other things aside so that we can give all of our attention to our Heavenly .

We are now going to look at three different kinds of prayer:

1. Prayers of request.

2. Prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

3. Prayers of confession.

First we will look at Prayers of Request.  The word request means to ask for something.

Jesus said: "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"  (Matthew 7:11).  God has told us to ask.

Often, in our prayers of request something for someone else, for instance, we may ask God to heal someone who is sick.  They are called prayers of intercession.

We receive our salvation from God.  He also gives us many other good things each day.  We praise God fore who he is: that is, we praise him for his greatness, his love, his faithfulness, and so on.  We give God our thanks for all of the many things that he has given to us.

The Bible says: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise... the fruit of lips that confess his name." (Hebrews 13:15).

The Bible says: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)  It is important to know that the Bible verse you read above was written to people who had already believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  When we confess our sin to God, what does he then do?  God forgives our sin.

Spiritual Exercise

Focus the mind intentionally on God for one minute at a time several times a day, and your thinking will become better attuned to His presence and informed by it.  This makes new openings for God to enter your life and work through you:  Prayer is the work of God through man.

As you turn your mind to Him in brief moments of reflection, His work can begin to be more truly manifested in your life.  As you, continue seeking answers to your important questions, God's presence will be a force in your thinking.

One minute is not enough-not all by itself.  Life's are rarely changed on a minute, but prayer can transform a life one minute at a time.

Internet/Email Ministry

"That would never work for us!"

Those words reflect a frequent response whenever a new course of action is proposed in any organization.  That is the normal and predictable reaction to many new ideas,  However, that negative response should not be viewed as rejection, but rather as "No, not yet."  Sometimes people need more time to talk themselves into making a change.  On other occasions the decision makers want proof that the new idea has worked elsewhere.

The theme of these lessons is that the internet/email is a cost effective approach to new member enlistment available to churches.  It also is a efficient vehicle for expanding the financial base of the congregation.  It is a method of communication that goes back to the letters of Paul.

A another value of these lessons is the lucid "how-to-do-it" explanation for implementing a new idea.  In step by step terms, the author not only explains the many values of internet/email, but also leads the student through the process of adapting the internet/email approach to a particular congregation.

An obvious question is what will be the impact on the small congregation that cannot afford this technology?  One answer is that few congregations can afford to ignore it.  Earlier in previous centuries most churches rejected electric lights and telephones, but they eventually concluded that these were essential.  In comparative terms, the cost of installing a Internet/Email system in your congregation is far less than the cost of wiring a building for electricity earlier in church history.  The big differences are that electricity (a) was primarily for the convenience and benefit of today's members, (b) increased annual expenditures, and (c) was part of a larger was part of a larger plan to bring electricity to the entire neighborhood, while Internet/Email can be a means (a) of reaching tomorrow's prospective new members, (b) of expanding revenues rather than simply increasing expenditures, and (c) of pioneering a new channel of communication not yet widely  used by other churches in your community.

In other words, the small congregation should be looking at benefits rather than worrying about costs.  For many smaller churches, the choice may be between (a) ignoring the potential values of Internet/Email and watching the congregation gradually grow older and smaller and utilizing the values of Internet/Email to enable that congregation to contact, reach, serve, attract, and assimilate a new generation of members.  That choice, rather than the cost, may be the critical issue in this debate.

Jesus commissioned his church to function as the light of the world and the salt of the earth.  In the context of his teachings the meaning of these figures of speech is clear:  The church is to bear the message of the good news of the gospel to all people everywhere.

There was a time when this was comparatively simple.  One merely shared the message of God's love and grace with one's family, neighbors, friends, and associates.  Now, however, our world has suddenly changed.  Our circle of daily contacts has become radically larger and far more complex.  Through simple one on one witnessing is still important-and always will be-it is not enough.

It is not enough for three reasons.  First, because of the way in which the world's population is so rapidly increasing, it is impossible for the church to keep pace with this growth by merely making individual contacts by word of mouth.  Unless the church begins to change its methodology it will not be able to fulfill the Lord's great commission.

Second, the technological advances of the last few years have put new tools at our fingertips that can enable the church to reach multitudes rather than people individually.  Relatively few churches will be able to afford many of these tools, but there is one that is within reach of all-the computer.  Many churches have already become computerized.  Many others will be shortly.  The computer is an instrument that can assist the church in its effort to accomplish efficiently and effectively the evangelization of the world.

Third, discoveries made in the area of the behavioral sciences, when applied to the mission of the church, will enable the church to reach possible.  For example, during the last generation many insights were gained into the ways people are motivated.  Likewise, at the opposite end of the behavioral spectrum, many discoveries have been made relating to what affects people negatively.  For the church not to make use of this information would be not only conter-productive but foolish.

One group that has recognized the truth of this observation is known generally as "televangelists."  Whether nationally known or recognized only in their own communities through the use of local cable channels, these TV ministers have reached tremendous numbers of people.  Whatever one's judgment may be regarding the value of these ministries, the fact is that their outreach has been quite effective.  These television evangelists, having captured their audiences visually, maintain a regular-usually monthly and sometimes more often-contact with them via direct/e-mail.  Statistics reveal that the amount of money received as a result of these "mail" solicitations is phenomenal.

Probably most of us would not want to emulate these well known personalities because of the excesses some of them have been shown to be guilty of.  However, as the saying goes, we ought not to throw the baby out with the bath water.  The fact that certain methods have been misused ought not to lead us to discard those methods.  We should discard only their misuse.

By combining an overwhelming desire to fulfill the great commission with both the advent of certain technological advances and the motivational insights provided by the behavioral sciences, the church will be better able to fulfill its mission in this world.

One area in which the church is able to effect just such a combination is Internet/email.  By a serendipitous prodding of the Spirit, which took place many years ago.  Many are led to experiment with the use of Internet/Email as a means of building the church.  I am convinced that it represents a tremendous untapped resource available to the church.

I encourage you to use any or all of the ideas presented in these lessons.  If you do, you will come to realize, as I have, that the use of Internet/Email will enable you to multiply the effectiveness of your ministry.

Testimony

BIO:Menno Simons
1492-1559
Dutch Anabaptist. Menno Simons was born in Friesland, Hol-
land. Little is known of his early life and education. In
1524 he was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Church.
However, his study of the New Testament soon began to produce
doubts about many of the doctrines. Luther's writings also
influenced him to leave the Roman Church. His preaching
thereafter is described as evangelical rather than
sacramental.
Simons went farther than either Luther or Calvin in
rejecting the teachings of Romanism, and soon allied himself
with the Dutch Anabaptists. He was immersed in 1537 by Obbe
Philip. His fame as a writer and as a preacher grew, and soon
the Anabaptists of that area acknowledged him as their
leader.
In his church discipline, which was drawn from the
Swiss Baptists, silent prayer was common and sermons were
without texts. He taught that neither baptism nor communion
conferred grace upon an individual, but that grace was ob-
tained only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although
he was not the founder, his preaching and influence were such
that many of the Dutch Anabaptists adopted his name, and
thereafter were known as Mennonites.

2-1-9-2-Materialism

2-1-9-Materialism

Jesus was tempted to take the easy way out and offer material benefits to everyone who would follow him.  He didn't do this because he knew the defects of materialism, instead he took the way of sacrifice and the cross.

Read Matthew 25:34-40

In this passage of scripture, Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God and the righteousness of its members.  How did the righteous act toward those who were:

1. hungry?

2. thirsty?

3. strangers?

4. needing clothes?

5. sick?

6. imprisoned?

Read Matthew 25:41-46

Can anyone who does not show this kind of righteousness enter into the kingdom of God? (Yes/No)

All members of Jesus' kingdom ought to seek to show justice just as their Master did (Luke 4:18, 6:20, 7:22, 14:13-14).

Read Luke 7:22 once again.  In this verse we see Jesus caring for both

In the human kingdom, materialism feeds hatred and strife between men in different social classes because it only seeks justice for man's bodily needs.  In the kingdom of God things are different.  The members of the kingdom care for the whole man, body and soul.  For this reason the Kingdom of God reaches out in love for those who are poor (Luke 8:43-44) and those who are rich without exception (Luke 8:41-42).

Read Matthew 6:33 once again

The kingdom begins within the person, with the kingdom of Christ in the heart.  The kingdom of God cares about both, but beginning with a change in man's heart and then extending justice to all men as it also improves the environment.

The Kingdom of God and His justice:

1. Read Revelation 11;15 (Lasts/Does not last)?

2. Romans 14:17 (Satisfies/Does not satisfy)?

3. John 3:3 (Changes the heart/Does not save the soul)?

4. 1 Peter 1:9 (Saves the soul/Does not save the soul)?

The underlying sin of materialism is that it tries to make men's condition better by changing the environment in which men live without.

On the other hand, the Kingdom of God solves man's problems by changing the heart of man first and then by changing the environment with help.

Too often the members of the kingdom of God have taken the attitude that the government ought to take care of the physical needs of people while we "save their souls."  Now that you know what kind of justice the kingdom of God offers to men, what do you think about this?  Should your congregation be doing anything to make the physical life of people any better?

You know the story of Peter, the first sailor. Let me tell you about the second, whose name was John.

In his early twenties, he made his way to Africa, where he became intrigued with the lucrative slave trade. At age twenty-one, he made his living on the Greyhound, a slave ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

John ridiculed the moral and poked fun at the religious. He even made jokes about a book that would eventually help reshape his life: The Imitation of Christ. In fact, he was degrading that book a few hours before his ship sailed into an angry storm.

That night the waves pummeled the Greyhound....

John worked at the pumps all night. Finally , when his hopes were more battered than the vessel, he threw himself on the salt-water-soaked deck and pleaded, “If this will not do, then Lord have mercy on us all.”

John didn’t deserve mercy, but he received it. The Greyhound and her crew survived.

John never forgot God’s mercy shown on that tempestuous day in the roaring Atlantic. He returned to England where he became a prolific composer.

You’ve sing his songs, like this one:

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound.

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now I see.

This slave-trader-turned-songwriter was John Newton.

Along with his hymn writing, he also became a powerful pulpiteer. For nearly fifty years, he filled pulpits and churches with the story of the Savior who meets you and me in the storm.

(From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)

The Lord hears our prayers and shows great mercy. Take the troubles you face today and wrap them in prayer: “Lord have mercy and teach me to see your way through the storm.”

Pride

On the surface of things it seemed like a good idea: All Jesus would have to do is jump down from the temple and all the masses of Jerusalem would fall down in devotion and worship.  He would fulfill the deepest messianic hope of the Jewish people!  But, Jesus over came this temptation and stayed on the road which led Him to suffering and death.  The same kind of temptation destroys more Christian leaders today than any other Satan uses.  Do you know the secret of Jesus' victory?

Read Deuteronomy 8:11-17

What does this passage of scripture say will happen when Israel comes out of the desert into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey?  They would be tempted to feel proud about "their" accomplishments.  What then is the danger for us in having material possessions?  We will be tempted to become

Read Philippians 4:11-13.

Paul and we can overcome temptations in both of these human experience situations.  Whether he and we are in the desert or on the temple, in shortage or in abundance, in defeat and in victory, we can expect to be tempted.  Believers must learn from the Lord's example to overcome temptation in both kinds of situations.

Read Proverbs 30:8-9

What amount of bread (material possessions and money) is the right amount for a person?

Two kinds of people are described in this verse.  Which one is in the Kingdom of God? (poverty, rich, neither)

Read Isaiah 14:13-14

These verses show the sin of trying to get prestige without God-that is the sin of the temple.

Read John 5:14, 12:43.

When someone looks for constant praise from others and seeks after prestige he has fallen into the sin of Pride (vain glory, self-glory, haughtiness, boastfulness, arrogance, stiff-necked).

Some of the people who fell into the temptation of Pride.  Read Genesis 11:4, 2 Chronicles 26:16, Acts 8:19.  Pride comes in many different ways:

• Proverbs 26:12-Our own opinions (What I think)

• Psalm 49:6-Our own possessions (What I own)

• Luke 14:7-Our own position in life (Who I am)

• 1 Peter 3:3-Our clothing and adornment (What I wear)

We are making a special point about the sin of Pride because the Christian Leader, in a manner of speaking is also in  a temple.  Because of this he is especially open to the temptation of Pride.  Even the disciples of Jesus fell into this sin (Luke 22:24).

One of the ways in which Christian leaders fall into the temptation of pride is by attempting to show off as being more "spiritual" than the other people in the congregation.

To be proud of:

1. Our own prayers-Matthew 6:5

2. How many times we fast-Matthew 6:16

3. Our own offerings-Matthew 6:2

Read Matthew 23:5

The more responsibility of a Christian leader holds in the church, the greater the danger is of falling into the sin of being proud of "one's own ability" and "one's own spirituality."

Read Galatians 6:3

As a matter of fact, even enrolling in a Leadership course such as this one can be used by Satan to tempt you to fall into the sin of pride.

Read 1 peter 5:3

In what way is it possible for the Christian leader to fall into the sin of Pride as he tries to minister to the needs of the people in his congregation?

Here is some of the other areas in which a Christian leader is particularly exposed to the temptations of Pride:

1. To show off as being more "spiritual" then others

2. To want to be the first and greatest in the church.

3. To be bossy with other members of the congregation.

4. To do everything so that it will be noticed by others.

5. To think that he is someone special because he studies the Word of God a great deal.

Read Romans 1:21.

When we become proud and glorify ourselves, we are tempting our God by taking away from Him the glory which only He deserves.

There are two steps we must take everyday in our quiet time with the Lord in order to overcome Pride.  The first of these two steps is exaltation, and the second humility.  (Psalm 108:5-1 Peter 5:6).

1. According to Psalm 99.5, who must be exalted?

2. Now read James 4:10.  According to James, who is to be Humbled?

Read James 1:17-18.

For the sincere believer this exaltation of the Lord and humbling of one's own self is to be a continual act.  Giving praise to God and refusing it for our-self is logical and natural for us.  Why is it natural for a believer to exalt God and humble our-self?

Read 1 John 4:21

True victory over the sin of pride will result in better relationships with other people.  How will our relationships with other people be improved?

Pause for a moment of prayer and ask the Lord to show you any areas of your life which are full of pride.  As a Christian Leader, ask the Lord to make you sensitive to the dangers of Pride in your ministry and to give you victory over pride as you apply the two steps we have just learned.

If you are successful in overcoming pride you should see;

1. Constantly praying for your enemies

2. Trying to help others, even those people you don't really like.

3. Recognizing the gifts of other leaders and being thankful for their ministry to him.

4. Learning from the experiences of others.

5. Rejoicing over the success of other Christian leaders.

6. Witnessing of the Lord's salvation in the face of opposition.

I wanted to be loved. Nothing unusual about that, nothing to separate my generation from any other.

But I wanted something deeper. Down among all the foolishness in my diary, thoughts like chaff which the wind of the Spirit can drive away, there was some wheat. There was an honest-to-God longing for the “fixed heart” that the collect speaks of. A thousand questions cluttered my mind, the same ones I find today in the letters I receive. I had thought some of mine were new. My correspondents think the same. They aren’t. But the question to preceed all others, which finally determines the course of our lives, is What do I really want? Was it to love what God commands,.... and to desire what he promises? Did I want what I wanted, or did I want what He wanted, no matter what it might cost?

Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship. The Cross... will reveal the heart’s truth. My heart, I knew, would be forever a lonely hunter unless settled “where true joys are to be found.” ...

(From Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot)

Decide what you will desire most in life. Make your choice. Bring to mind the things, people, and loyalties that you have not yet given to Jesus. As you hand them over to his control, be glad for the opportunity of trusting him.

Stewards of God

The Bible says: :Yours, O Lord, is  the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours." (1 Chronicles 29:11)  According to this verse, who is the One who owns ALL things?

So then, how many things on earth belong to God?

God has made believers Stewards of some things.  A Steward is much like the Manager of a grocery store.  It is the job of the Manager to make sure that the groceries and other goods are put on the shelves and kept in good order.  But, who do these goods actually belong to?

The Manager of a store takes care of the property For the Owner of the store.  In the same way, we are Stewards of God's property.  It is our responsibility to take care of the things we have been given because they really belong to the Owner who is

Later in the book of Chronicles we read: "Everything comes from you (the Lord), and we have given you only what comes from your hand." (1 Chronicles 29:14)  To be a Steward means that everything we have really belongs to and not to .

We are stewards of all the things that God has given to us.  This includes all of our material possessions (things such as houses, cars, and money) as well  as our time.  Therefore, as good stewards, we should be using all of these things in a way which pleases .

Let us look for a moment at our Material Possessions, our house, clothing, money, and all that we own. 

In our lesson about the responsibilities of church membership we learned that believers are to for the needs of the Lord's work.  Even those who are very poor can give a Tithe for the needs of the church since a Tithe is:

When believers give a Tithe to the Lord's work they are giving One of all that they earn.

Before the birth of Christ, God's people gave at least a tithe of their earnings to the Lord.  If we are to be good stewards of the things which God has given to us, we ought to do the same.

God promised his people: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." (Malachi 3:8)  According to this Old Testament verse, what kind of blessing did God promise to those who gave their tithe?  So much blessing that

The Bible also says: "Now about the collection for God's people: do what I told the Galatian churches to do.  On the first day of the week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." I Corinthians 16:1,2)

According to these two verses, how would you decide how much to give as an Offering?

Look at the difference between a Tithe and an offering.  The tithe is one of our wages.  An offering, on the other hand, is what we wish to give above and beyond our tithe.  An offering is given according to what we have

You may be thinking to yourself: "But, how will these tithes and offerings be spent?"  One way is mentioned in the Bible when it says that there were some Christians who: "were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints (that is, believers)." Romans 15:26) (Example: To help a family which is out of work and has no food in the house)

The Bible also gives us another way for your tithes and offerings to be used.  It says: "Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his instructor." (Galatians 6:6) (Example: We should use it for our pastor who spends most of his time instructing us in the Word), Paul wrote in a book of the Bible: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not Reluctantly or under Compulsion (force), for God loves a Cheerful giver."  God is pleased when we give with a heart.  So we must not give or under.

When he was writing to the Christians who had helped him with their offerings.  Paul said: "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)  What kind of attitude should we have when we give to the Lord?

In another place the Bible says: "Be very careful then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16)  

We must also be good stewards of our Time.  Being good stewards of Time does not mean that we must spend the whole day reading the Bible and praying.  Nor does it mean that we must always spend our time doing things for the church.  It does mean that we must spend all of our Time doing things in a way which pleases thee Lord.

Time is one of the most precious things that God has given to us.  As good stewards, we must use our time wisely in a way which brings honor to the Lord Jesus. (Example Work hard even when nobody is watching, Try to know the will of God and obey it in all areas of life.

Testimony

BIO:Polycarp 69-155 Polycarp was born in Smyrna and later became bishop
there. He was a disciple of the Apostle John and also a friend of
Ignatius. He was a very dedicated student of the Pauline Epistles and
the Gospel of John. He had very little to say about sacraments or
ritual. He maintained that each church was independent of any outside
human authority. He never re- ferred to the ministers as priests, and
he never taught that water baptism had anything to do with salvation.
As a very old man, he was arrested, tried and con- demned. When asked
to renounce his faith in Christ, he re- plied, "Eighty-six years have I
served Him, and He hath done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my
King who saved me?" Polycarp was burned alive, and when the flames
refused to consume him, he was killed with the sword and then burned.
ARTIST'S NOTE: The scheme is self-explanatory. The burden for the
souls of his executioners is apparent on the face of the martyr.
Ruckman '66

2-1-9-1-Leadership Handbook

2-1-9-Leadership Handbook

The First Disciples Follow Jesus

Read John 1:35-51

These new disciples used several names for Jesus: Lamb of god (1:36), Rabbi (1:38), Messiah (1:41), Son of God (1:49), and king of Israel 1:49).  As they got to know Jesus, their appreciation for him grew.  The more time we spend getting to know Christ, the more we will understand and appreciate who he is.  We may be drawn to him for his teaching but we will come to know him as the Son of God.  Although these disciples made this verbal shift in a few days, they would not fully understand Jesus until three years later (Acts 2).  What they so easily professed had to be worked out in experience.  We may find that words of faith come easily, but deep appreciation for Christ comes with living by faith.

One of the two disciples was Andrew (1:40).  The other was probably John the writer of this book.  Why did these disciples leave John the Baptist?  Because that's what John wanted them to do-he was pointing the way to Jesus, the one John had prepared them to follow.  These were Jesus' first disciples, along with Simon Peter (1:42) and Nathanael (1:45).

When the two disciples began to follow Jesus, he asked them, "What do you want?"  Following Christ is not enough; we must follow him for the right reasons.  To follow Christ for our  own purposes would be asking Christ to follow us-to align with us to support and advance our cause, not his.  We must examine our motives for following him.  Are we seeking his glory or ours?

Andrew accepted John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus and immediately want to tell his brother Simon, about him.  There was no question in Andrew's mind that Jesus was the Messiah.  Not only did he tell his brother, he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus.

Jesus saw not only who Simon was, but who he would become.  That is why he gave him a new name-Cephas in Aramaic, Peter in Greek (the name means "a rock").  Peter is not presented as rock-solid throughout the Gospels, but he became a solid rock in the days of the early church, as we learn in the book of Acts.  By giving Simon a new name, Jesus introduced a change of character.

Nazareth was despised by the Jews because a Roman army garrison was located there.  Some have speculated that an aloof attitude or a poor reputation in morals and religion on the part of the people of Nazareth led to Nathanael's harsh comment.  Nathanael's home town was Cana about four miles from Nazareth.

When Nathanael heard that the Messiah was from Nazareth, he was surprised.  Philip responded, "Come and see."  Fortunately for Nathanael, he went to meet Jesus and became a disciple.  If he had stuck to his prejudice without investigating further, he would have missed the Messiah!  Don't let people's stereotypes about Christ cause them to miss his power and love.  Invite them to come and see who Jesus really is.

Jesus knew about Nathanael before the two ever met.  Jesus also knows what we are really like.  An honest person will feel comfortable with the thought that Jesus knows him or her thoroughly.  A dishonest person will feel uncomfortable.  You can't pretend to be something you're not.  God knows the real you and wants you to follow him.

This is a reference to Jacob's dream recorded in Genesis 28:12.  As the unique God- man, Jesus would be the ladder between heaven and earth.  Jesus is not saying that this would be a physical experience (that they would see the ladder with their eyes) like the transfiguration, but that they would have spiritual insight into Jesus true nature and purpose for coming.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” John 1:48

Have you noticed how people act when told they are on “Candid Camera”? Shocked and a bit embarrassed, but also pleased to be chosen for television.

Nathanael, believed to be the same disciple as Bartholomew, probably wanted to observe Jesus for a while to see if He really was the Messiah, God’s promised deliverer of Israel. Nathanael’s friends said He was, but Nathanael doubted that the great Messiah, the Savior from sin, would come from a small town such as Nazareth. How startled Nathanael was to discover that he, not Jesus, was the one under observation! Watching Nathanael from afar, Jesus saw his faith and courage, which would cost Nathanael his life years later. Tradition says he was beheaded because of his open and fearless witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

When we suddenly become aware of Jesus watching us, our first response is shame at having allowed life’s concerns to push Him into a corner of our heart. But shame soon yields to gladness that we are under Jesus’ observation, for we know He forgives us and keeps us in His care.

Savior, make me aware of Your eyes upon me, that I may honor You in all my thoughts and actions. To Your glory.. Amen.

Application

Jesus... said to him. "Follow me." - John 1:43

You are called to live and speak in this world as a follower of Christ, with love and boldness; so tell people you are a follower of Jesus.

My Lord Jesus, may I learn to express my faith in You confidently, boldly and graciously.

Hereafter ye shall see heaven.... - John 1:51

Consider that you may be seeing a part of heaven right now, right here, in the sea of love that is your family.  Dream for a moment of the world to come, the world we work for, in the end an ocean of love in which there are no islands of lovelessness.

Lord, give me ears to hear Your voice and Your music, to savor the heaven around me every moment.

What was your motive for following Jesus originally?  What were the circumstances that led you to do so?  How much did you know about him?

Who was the John or Andrew in your life?

What is the biggest obstacle to your spiritual growth right now?

Jesus said, "Come and see."  What would you be curious to check out at Jesus' "home?"

Who would you bring along with you to "see" Jesus?

What was John the Baptist saying about Jesus when he described him as the "Lamb of God"?

How do you react to the disciples following Jesus for the day?

What was Jesus inviting the two disciples of John the Baptist to do?

In light of verses 30-31, how do you think John felt when his disciples left him to follow Jesus?  What does this say about John?

What motivated the disciples of John to follow Jesus?  What motivated thee disciples of John to follow Jesus?  What motivated Andrew to tell Simon about him?

What are the titles used in this passage to describe Jesus?  What do they mean?

How do you think Simon felt when Jesus changed his name to Cephas (meaning "rock") from Simon (meaning "sinking sand")?

What did Philip have in common with Andrew?  What insight about Jesus excites Philip?

What type of person is Nathanael?  Why might he find it hard to believe Philips statement?  Why would Jesus call Philip and Nathanael in such different ways?  How do you think Nathanael felt when Jesus spoke to him?

The conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit is the beginning. Without it, we cannot understand our need for God.

... If I were asked today to name the one doctrine of the Christian faith being preached about the least, I would have to say repentance. Repentance means change, and we don’t want to threaten people with the need to change.

Repentance is commonly thought of as breast-beating, but it is not that at all.. The Greek word used in the New Testament means simply, “change of mind.” When you come to God, you have a change of mind, from exalting yourself to exalting Christ. Repentance means turning from man’s ways to embrace God’s ways. It means a desire to be different, to belong to Christ and to live as he commands us to live. Repentance, then, is the longing to turn away from the old self and to live a new life in Christ.

In my own life, repentance meant that I wanted to adopt new values. I wanted to be forgiven of what I’d done in the past and not continue doing those things, but rather be led by the Spirit to the kinds of things that God wants from my life. There is a certain sorrow that goes with repentance, a sorrow over your sins, a desire to restore where you have done harm in the past. One thing I did was to apologize to some of the people I had hurt in politics. I went to them to seek their forgiveness because I realized that God had forgiven me and I should seek to restore my relationships with people I had injured.

That’s what happens when the conviction of sin leads to repentance. The yearning for God’s cleansing is so strong that we cannot find peace until we have accepted that “change of mind” and begin to walk in the new life with the Lord.

(From “What it Means to Repent” by Charles Colson in Practical Christianity)

What would be the hardest part of true repentance for you? What would be the most liberating part? Seek help from Christian friends who will pray with you through the process.

How to Read the Bible

"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:1)

It is food which makes a baby grow: You have been born into the family of God just a short time ago.  You are now a Spiritual baby.  You need spiritual food, the word of God.

Since we must have food for our physical bodies each day, how often must we have spiritual food for this new life in Christ?

Where can we get the spiritual food we need for this new life?  By reading, or listening to someone else read the Bible-the word of God.

The Bible was not written in English to begin with.  However there are many English translations of the Bible that you can choose from.  Most of the Bible verses which are found in our courses have been taken from a translation called the New International Version.

If you read the Bible everyday and OBEY the teaching in it, you can expect to see in your life; spiritual growth and strength.

Before Jesus died on the cross he told his followers: "... the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26).  Who has been sent to teach believers the things about Jesus?

Before you begin to read the Bible you should Pray and ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit and to teach you from the Word of God.

After you read a part of the Bible you should look for the things which the Holy Spirit wishes to teach you.

You can find the things that the Holy Spirit wants to teach you from the Bible by asking a question like the one below.  "In the verses I have just read, what are the words that I understand the best and that talk to my heart in a special way?" 

it is often helpful to underline the words which speak to you in a special way.

Bible Reading and Prayer always go together.

Do not be ashamed to serve others because of your love for Jesus Christ, or to appear poor in the world‘s eyes.

Do not count on your own strength; trust God. Do what you can, and God will supply the difference....

Take glory neither in money, if you have some, nor in influential friends, but in God who gives you everything and above all wants to give you himself.

Avoid boasting about the size or beauty of your body, which a little illness can disfigure or destroy.

Have no pride in your native wit and talent; that would displease God who gave you every good thing that you naturally possess.

Reject the thought that you are better than anyone else. If you think such haughty thoughts, God (who knows what is in you) will consider you worse then they.

Pride about our good deeds is pointless. God has his own ideas regarding what is good, and he does not always agree with us. If there is anything good about you, believe better things of others. This will keep you humble.

It will not hurt you at all to consider yourself less righteous than others, but it will be disastrous for you to consider yourself better than even one person.

The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry.

(From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis)

Pride causes us to set ourselves up as gods. Because of pride, we sin without regard to God’s standards. Pride and ambition may creep in and sweep away our devotion to God. Success often tries to squeeze God out of our mind. Check your attitudes. Resist pride. Focus on Christ.

Leadership Handbook

The Leadership Handbook is designed to help supervise the coordination and ongoing administration of groups.  It should facilitate communication with the coordinator and allow feedback to the coordinator.  It positions groups within the total church framework, and helps group leaders do their best.  It connects group leaders and the church coordinators.  Since church settings vary, leadership handbooks will vary in content.  Control of small groups depends on the type of authority placed over the group system, and that is beyond the scope of this manual.

A three-ring binder makes it possible to add to the handbook as the ministry develops.  The handbook should have tabs for each section.  There are many possible sections that can be tabbed.  Include only those that apply to your particular small-group ministry; for example, a list and descriptions of church ministries, calendars, leadership, membership roster, report forms, ongoing training notes, evangelism/outreach, prayer, and key Scriptures.

The following sections in this trainer's manual might be included in a handbook.  Take what is given, after the forms, and write your own philosophy.  Make your handbook specific to your purposes.

Create a logo for your small-group ministry, and use it consistently in all printed and promotional materials.

Suggestions for Handbook Pages

• A letter from your pastor

Small groups must incorporate with other programs and ministries in order to be a vital part of the church.  The visible and verbal support of the pastor in the lifeline of groups.

• A description of the name of your ministries and its significance.

• A list of Scriptures that offer biblical support for small groups.

• A list of priorities for small groups at your church.  This list will be prepared by the senior pastor and small-group coordinator, and reviewed and adopted by the small-group steering committee.

• A description of the small-group ministry's relationship to the church.  This description will help the congregation understand the need for and purpose of small groups.

(Sample) A Message from our Pastor

I thank God for you and your commitment to your small group.  You have begun what could become the most meaningful ministry of your life.

Small Bible study groups are not a new concept at our church.  When we began there were many meetings in homes for prayer and Bible study, and through the years both my wife and I have led and participated in several Bible study groups.  Each Sunday I see people throughout the congregation who have accepted Christ as their Savior as a result of involved in leadership.

In fact, the beginning of every Christian religious movement can be traced to Bible study groups.  These groups have a firm biblical basis and are often referred to in Scripture.  They have met in homes in secret places, even when persecution threatened their existence.

The design and purpose of each small group is two-fold: to reach those who would not readily come to church to hear the gospel preached, and to offer Christ-centered encouragement, truth, and love in their communities.

I am excited.  God's hand is directing us in this new endeavor.  And His hand also rests on you-to guide you, empower you, and help you offer love to all those you encounter.

May His richest blessings be yours.

Pastor

Approach/Method

Interaction

• with God through prayer and discussion of His Word;

• with each other through fellowship, prayer, and study;

• with the un-churched, as friends and acquaintances are invited to participate.

Focus

Need-orientation

• the need to know God and His Word better;

• the need for closer relationships with one another;

• the need for prayer for the difficulties of our lives;

• the need to reach the un-churched for our Lord.

Source

Jesus Christ

• the Person at the center of all we do and say;

• the person we strive to be near;

• the Person we grow up to be like-together.

Activities

Outreach

• to glorify God, through worship prayer, and discussion of His Word.

• to the lost, through building relationships and through prayer.

Results

Yielding

• our actions to the principles in God's Word;

• our attention to our relationships with one another;

• our prayers and love to the un-churched.

Scriptural Foundations for Small Groups

We are "priesthood of believers" directed to: (1 Peter 2:5; Rev. 1:6).

• Love God and one another, (Matthew 22:37, 39)

• Continually abide in the teachings of His Word. (John 15:4, 7-10)

• Apply God's truth to our daily lives (Matthew 7:24-27, James 1:22)

• Bring the lost into His Kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

Christ our primary example, went into homes to minister to small groups of people (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 2:1-5, 15-17; Luke 8:51-56)

Christ sent the Twelve and the Seventy into homes in towns and villages. (Matthew 10:5-13); Luke 10:1-7)

In Acts believers worshiped and were taught in their home (Acts 2:46; 5:42; 10:1-48, 16:25-34, 40; 20:17-20; 28:30-31)

New Testament Christians continued to meet in homes for worship, study, discipleship, and fellowship.  (Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 2).

The Pastors Vision for Small Groups (SAMPLE)

Evangelism

The small-group ministry will be a people-oriented minority with an evangelistic thrust, reaching the unsaved who are intimidated by a church environment.

Sharing Personal Needs

This ministry will be a place where genuine love and warmth allows for honest interaction and the sharing of deep personal needs, followed by prayer for the hurting areas of wounded lives.

Biblical Knowledge

Gathering in small groups will give opportunity to study God's Word; to interact, discuss, and ask questions, to learn how to apply Scripture to daily living.

Ministry and Service

The small groups will be a place for people to serve and minister to one another.

Christian Fellowship

These groups will encourage Christian fellowship.

The Relationship of small groups to Sunday School and Worship Services

The Role of the Worship Services

Ministry to the congregation.  The worship services are primarily a time of worship, instruction, fellowship, and prayer.

The Role of the Sunday School

Ministry to the community.  Sunday school is primarily a time of application-oriented Bible study.  Sunday school engages in ministry and outreach through various classes.

The Role of the Small Groups

Ministry in the community.  The small group is primarily a time of fellowship, prayer, Bible study, personal sharing of needs, and evangelism within neighborhoods.  The small group provides an exciting local dimension of ministry.

Church Ministries

Church Information

After meetings, visitors and new members may wish to ask questions Church information reference material will help leaders respond from an understanding of church structure, and not have to get back to people who ask about the church.  If this information is available, it should be included as a section in the leadership notebook.  These are some areas of ministry you could define or describe.  A few descriptions are given as samples.

Church worship schedules
Sunday School classes
Children's department
Senior adults
Median adults
Single adults
Sunday school class locations
Young married adults
Youth department
Bus ministry
Deaf ministry
Discovery class
Food closet
Hospital visitation
Media ministries
Library/bookstore
Music department
Pastoral counseling
Men's ministry
Women's ministry
Special education
Volunteer department
Wedding coordinator

Youth Department

Youth activities involve a full calendar of monthly events aimed at meeting the needs of young people, grades seven through twelve.  Sunday school classes meet at ... Several youth socials are held each month during the school year, and even more events for fun and fellowship take place in the summer.  For information contact (name), minister of youth, at (phone number).

Bus Ministry

Each week the bus ministry reaches people from different nationalities and language groups.  All riders are contacted weekly by bus team brought to church on Sundays, and invited to monthly planned activities, including picnics, skating, and pizza parties.  This ministry requires the commitment of people who can drive, do mechanical work, visit, help in the special monthly activities.  For information contact (name, phone number).

Deaf Ministry

The deaf ministry Bible study fellowship meets ... During the morning and evening worship services an interpreter signs the service for the deaf.  This is at the left front section of the auditorium.

Hospital Visitation

In an intensive hospital visitation program, the pastors, deacons, and church members visit hospitals each day.  To report people in the hospital who would like to be visited, call the hospital report number, (phone number).

Media Ministries

Media ministries are responsible for the production and distribution of audiocassettes and related materials to support the church's outreach and training activities.  These materials include the pastor's messages.  Wednesday Bible studies, pastor's sermons, and special staff projects.

Calendars (tab)

Monthly calendars can be included in  this section to provide information about all church activities as well as small group activities.  This helps leaders set priorities and coordinate activities.

Leadership (tab)

Leadership in a small group requires the skills of a facilitator and delegator.  There are many possible roles for group members to play, and it is the responsibility of the leader to identify gifts and place people in those roles.  By doing this, the leader helps group members claim ownership of their small group.

As the leader, do not do any job someone else can do-pass out the pie!

The following provides a leadership team chart and job descriptions for seven identified roles.  Rewrite these Job descriptions to fit your own philosophy and church community.  You are not limited to this list.  Filling the positions will take time, but will enable the leader to get acquainted with group members.

As you fill the roles, photo copy your job description and review each one with the person. enlisted to do the job, retaining your original copy for future use.

One key position is the assistant leader, who fills in when the leader is absent.  Begin immediately to give attention guidance and opportunities to lead to the assistant leader, preparing him or her for starting a new group.  Also, recommend that potential leaders attend leadership training.

It will be the leader's responsibility to regularly contact each one on the leadership team, encouraging and building them up in their chosen role, and praying for each of them.  The leadership team roster (Name, title, Address, Telephone number, Birthday, and wedding anniversary dates) may help with this responsibility.  Complete the roster and keep it in your notebook.

Send cards on birthdays and anniversaries.  This roster will also help you keep aware when a job is vacant and needs to be filled.

With your team decide on the format you will follow for the group.  Be flexible; if you see changes need to be made, make them.  For example, if you place prayer time at the beginning of the meeting and it takes too much time and hinders Bible study, move prayer to the end.  The last and most important leadership duty will be to establish a team creed.

When a group is being formed, the first positions to be filled are those of discussion leader, assistant leader, and host or hostess.  It is crucial that those initial leaders then develop others within the group to fill the remaining positions: Records secretary; follow-up coordinator; worship/prayer leader; Children's coordinator; and Greeter.

Responsibilities of the Discussion Leader

1.  Attend the monthly training session.

2.  Reflect overall vision and priorities for the group

3.  Meet with team leaders for fifteen or twenty minutes before the meeting for prayer and discussion.

4.  Oversee coordination of the worship, prayer, sharing, and fellowship in the small group meeting in cooperation with others on the leadership team.

a.  Worship

1) Select songs and choruses.
2) Have song-sheets prepared for discussion
3) Coordinate musical accompaniment.

b.  Prayer

1) Direct prayer during the meeting
2) Pray for your group's target family, your community, and your mission project.
3) Keep written record of significant prayer requests in the prayer section of your note book.
4) Activate a prayer chain within the group

c.  Introduce newcomers.

d.  Direct sharing of prayer requests and testimonies.

e.  Announcements

5.  Conduct a weekly small group home meeting with an appointed host or hostess, and lead in the discussion of the Bible study material.

6.  Be responsible with an assistant leader or secretary, for completing and submitting a written monthly report, a monthly evangelism outreach report, and for calling in weekly attendance to the small-group coordinator.

7.  With the aid of an assistant leader or secretary, call the following people, and record the calls in a telephone diary.

a.  Visitors

1) Thank them for their participation.
2) Invite them to the upcoming meeting, being certain to specify date, time, and location.
3) Pray with them concerning needs or difficulties they might have.

b.  New believers

1) Rejoice with them in their crucial decision.
2) Give guidelines on daily Bible reading, prayer, and facing difficulties with a Christ-like attitude.
3) Invite them to the next small-group meeting and if un-churched, to attend your church.
4) Pray with them, that God would give wisdom, guidance and provide for all needs.

c.  Absent Members

1)  Let them know that they are missed.
2) Ask about needs or problems you or the group could pray about.
3) Encourage them to participate in the next meeting.

d.  Persons with pronounced needs

1) Let them know that their needs are remembered and pray with them on the phone.
2) Encourage them to come to the next meeting and to remain strong in their Christian work/faith.

8.  Accountability to Pastor and church leadership.

Responsibilities of the Host or Hostess

1.  Make his or her home available for small group weekly meetings for a period of three to six months.

2.  Coordinate light refreshments at the beginning or end of the meeting.  The host or hostess is either responsible for providing the refreshments, or for designating another person to bring the refreshments.  Refreshments should be light and inexpensive.

3.  Meet with others on the Leadership team before the meeting for prayer and discussion.

4.  Enthusiastically greet those who arrive, making them feel welcome.  Discover as much about each person as possible, in order to:

a.  Introduce new people to the discussion leader and other participants.
b.  Relay information to the records secretary or assistant leader.

5.  Cooperate with the discussion leader and others on the leadership team, to ensure a smooth flow in the meetings and participate.

6.  Attend the monthly training session.

Responsibilities of the Assistant Discussion Leader

1.  Meet with those on the Leadership team fifteen to twenty minutes before the meeting for prayer and discussion.

2.  Spearhead the evangelistic thrust of the group.

a.  make a report of outreach activities during the group meeting
b.  Designate an unsaved target person or target family to pray for and reach out to each month.
c.  Write a missionary on a foreign field each month, praying in the group for him and his family.
d.  Canvass the neighborhood annually, in a house-to-house community saturation strategy, inviting others to the group.  (This is done best in teams of two or three)

3,  Assist the discussion leader by calling on and compiling written records of the following categories of people:

• Visitors

• new believers

• Absent members

• People with pronounced needs

• Regular members.

4.  Substitute for the discussion leader or direct specified activities.

5.  Assist the discussion leader and Secretary in updating information on the small-group participant.

Responsibilities of the Records Secretary/Follow-up Coordinator

1.  Meet with those on the leadership team for fifteen to twenty minutes before the meeting for prayer and discussion.

2.  Complete a small-group participant information form on those who attend small-group meetings, including this information about each individual:

1. Name in full.

2. Home and mailing addresses.

3. Home and work telephone numbers.

4. Occupation

5. Date of Birth

6. Wedding anniversary

7. List of family members, with their names and ages

8. Record of times called or visited.

9. Any outstanding needs or difficulties.

3.  Assist the discussion leader by completing and turning in written and verbal reports to the small groups coordinator.

4.  Make personal calls to visitors, new believers, absent members, and persons with needs, and compile a written records of these calls on the information sheets.

5.  Distribute copies of needed materials to all participants.

Responsibilities of the Worship/Prayer Leader

1.  Meet with others on the leadership team for fifteen to twenty minutes before the meeting for prayer and discussion.

2.  Select two or three choruses or songs and be responsible to coordinate musical accompaniment before the meeting.

3.  Mingle with participants and help them enjoy the refreshment and then guide in transition to the time of worship, usually through an announcement.

4.  Have new people introduced.

5.  Open the worship portion of the meeting, through a time of song, prayer, and a brief testimony.  It is advisable to record prayer requests and to choose a designated prayer leader.

6.  Direct prayer

1. Pray yourself

2. Designate others to pray.

3. Direct the group on how to pray.  This might also include recording prayer requests or praise reports of answered prayer.  Remember to pray for your group's target family, your community, and your mission project.

7.  Record significant prayer requests, including:

1. Date

2. Name of person making request.

3. Nature of request made.

4. Telephone number of person making request.

5. Praise report of answered prayer.  By keeping a written record of a request, the prayer leader can know to ask what happened in that area the next time the group meets.  Moreover, the giving of the praise reports for answered prayer builds the faith of the group.

8.  Introduce the small-group discussion leader, and help make the transition from worship to Bible study.

9.  Make sure announcements are made at the beginning or end of the meetings, and that the leader or another person closes the meeting in prayer.

10.  Activate a prayer chain within the group, connect with prayer chains in other groups, and coordinate prayer needs at times other than the meetings.

11.  Take a wide variety of approaches in prayer, such as circle prayer, directed prayer, conversational prayer, and praying through the newspaper.  Be creative.

12.  Coordinate with the assistant leader to give prayer its proper priority.

Responsibilities of Children's Coordinator

1.  Attend designated training sessions supervised by the leadership of the church children's department.

2.  Supervise children taken to church or another place for child care, or supervise children taught in either another portion of the same house or a different home during the adult group meeting.

3.  Serve as as liaison between the group and child care needs.  Secure a sitter or appoint one from within the group or coordinate use of the church nursery facilities.  Teach the children's group, using Bible stories, prayer, crafts, and activities.

4.  Work with the assistant leader or records secretary in including information about the children on the small-group participant information form and written report.

5.  Make personal calls to children who are visitors, new believers, absent members, and have pronounced needs as well as phoning parents with any pertinent information.

6.  Make announcements in the adult group concerning important information on the children's group or child care.

Responsibilities of the Greeter

1.  Arrive early for each small-group meeting, in order to assist the host or hostess in greeting participants.

2.  See that all members and visitors wear name tags.

3.  Enthusiastically and warmly welcome everyone at the door.

4.  Introduce new participants to the group, and help everyone comfortably mingle during refreshments.

5.  Find out information on any new individuals, and channel this information to the assistant leader or records secretary.

6.  Make certain each new person is introduced to the group in the meeting time.  This task is primarily the worship leader's, but he or she might delegate it to the greeters, or might forget to mention a name that the greeter would recall.

Suggested Meeting Format

6:30-7:00 Team prayer.  Those in the small-group leadership team arrive early for prayer and discussion.

7:00-7:20 Greet participants.  Greeters welcome arriving participants, introduce them to the discussion leader and others, and hand out name tags.  Refreshments can be made available at this time or at conclusion.  All are encouraged to talk and fellowship.

7:20-7:30 Meeting begins.  The worship leader or discussion leader gathers everyone in the designated room.

7:30-7:45 Prayer and worship.  The worship leader directs the group in prayer, readings, and song, and possibly testimonies.

7:45-8:30 Bible study. Interaction is a vital key and should be the goal of every discussion leader.

8:30-9:00 Prayer, ministry, and fellowship.  Time for prayer and ministry to the needs of those present, possibly followed by refreshments and fellowship.

9:00-...  Conclusion.  The group meeting is concluded.  Members may linger for a few minutes.

Leadership Team Creed

1.  I will read my Bible daily and take time to develop a growing personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.  I will continuously look for the spiritually lost and needy, and enthusiastically lead others to our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.  I will pray daily for the unsaved in my community,  the needs of those in my small group, the leadership at my church, and coming meetings and activities.

4.  I will lead those in my group from a position of being served to serving others and work in full cooperation with the leadership team.

5.  I will be available to minister to others both during and between meetings.

6.  I will be faithful to my home and family and be the person God intended me to be.

7.  I will be faithful in my attendance to my church and will be a consistent steward of my tithes and offerings.

8.  I will diligently and faithfully fulfill my responsibilities as a member of the leadership team and will keep all confidences shared with me by participants in the group.

9.  I will be positive in my attitude and speech, not criticizing, while actively affirming the worth of each individual by my up-building words and actions.

10.  I will be honest and open in my relationship with God and with my group, ever keeping in mind the importance of "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).

Prayer

1.  Purposes of prayer in the small-group meeting.

1. To build faith.

2. To meet needs within the groups.

3. To enable the group to minister beyond itself to others.

4. To lead to worship.

5. To strengthen relationship within the group.

6. To help model the importance of prayer to the members of the group.

7. To keep attention directed to the Lord Jesus Christ and off oneself.

2.  Plan for prayer.  The group may feel the need to pray one or more times at a meeting.  Need should determine the amount of time spent.  Some times Bible reading or study preceding the prayer time helps to set a more productive climate for prayer.

3.  Methods of prayer

1. Circle prayer; each member has the option of praying aloud.

2. Conversation prayer; Pray in short sentences, using normal conversational language.

3. Direct prayer; A person directed by the leader, intercedes about another's specific prayer request.

4. Prayer partners; People are paired off to pray together.

5. Praying through the newspaper; Intercessory prayer for people and events in the news.

4.  Focus of prayer.

1. The unsaved in the community

2. Family, friends, and coworkers.

3. Church leadership

4. Past, Present and Future concerns

Read Matthew 18:19-20 - John 15:7

Prayer Chain Guidelines (Sample)

1.  The daytime prayer chains will begin at 8:00 a.m.  The evening chain will begin at 6:00 p.m.

2.  Be prepared to receive requests by placing a pen and your notebook request sheet by your phone.

3.  Pass the request on immediately to the person below your name on the prayer-chain list.  If there is no answer, keep calling down the list until someone is reached so that the chain will not be broken.  At a later time try to call the person (s) you missed to share the request.  Do not allow the chain to break.

4.  Do not take time to chat.  pass on the requests then pray before doing anything else.  Pray about requests to God; do not pray about the answers you would like.  Pray fervently.  Keep requests confidential.  pray for the request as long as you feel it is necessary, depending on the nature of the requests.

5.  The last person called should call the first person on the prayer chain list, to let him or her know the chain has been completed.

6.  Call prayer answers to your prayer leader.

7.  Much time will be saved if you advise the person ahead of you in the prayer chain if you are planning to be out of town for any length of time.

The success of the prayer chain depends on each person doing his/her part.

Nursery Guidelines for small-group meetings

1.  A nursery will be provided for children at the church.

2.  The care provided is for children who are three weeks old through kindergarten.

3.  A special night nursery will be provided for preschoolers if arranged in advance.

4.  Child care workers will be in homes to care for children who are in kindergarten or older.  The children younger than kindergarten need to go to the regular church nursery because the rooms are better equipped to meet their individual needs.

Job Description of the Small-Group Coordinator

Purpose and Scope

1. The coordinator , under the general  supervision of the pastor, is responsible for the administration of the entire small-group program.  This responsibility includes the organization and supervision of all aspects of the program, in cooperation with all other divisions of the church.

2. The coordinator of small groups is expected to be continuous control of the small-group systems, to communicate effectively with the church congregation (both members and staff) and to be a leader in the field of small groups while serving as the official small group representative from the church.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Develop policies and procedures to meet immediate and long-range goals of the small group ministry.

2. Plan, organize, implement, manage and evaluate the small group program.

3. Continually analyze and interpret relevant influencing factors, such as the community demographics, levels of development of church membership, and changing needs.

4. Encourage participation of small-group leadership in all areas of the church.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Enlist and train a curriculum committee, which will review all curricula written or purchased, for use by the small groups.

2. Enlist and direct by area directors where responsible for a number of groups.

3. Prepare and adhere to a budget.

4. Direct the investigation of new materials for possible use by groups.

5. Direct the development and pilot testing of new types of groups.

6. Identify and enlist small group leadership, both hosts and leaders.

7. Direct initial and ongoing training of Group leadership.

8. Develop a leadership manual to be used in coordination of the small-groups system.

9. Maintain member and visitor attendance records for all groups.

10. Maintain regular contact with leadership to encourage, motivate, and model visitation habits.

Sample Sunday Bulletin Copy

An exciting course of leadership training will prepare you to minister to others.

• Good Materials

• Focus on leadership and Christian training

• Organized material

• Learning characteristics of effective leaders (e.g. conversational prayer).

• Specific suggestions for dealing with problems

• practice-applying what you are being taught.

Who is Eligible?

• Anyone who would like to begin/continue their preparation for leadership.

• Those waiting to start/leading groups and need training.

Benefits!

• Become a better communicator/leader at home, at work, and in your group.

• Identify your leadership style and how best to involve others in participation.

• Be prepared to reach unsaved friends, family, and coworkers.

Dates/Times ____________

Student_registration

Call [name, number] to make your reservation, or sign below and drop in the collection plate.

Name:__________________

Home Phone__________________ Work Phone: ____________

Potential Leadership Questionnaire

Name:

Address:

Phone (Home/Work):

Date of birth/Place:

How long have you lived in this area?

Do you work outside your home (Yes/No)?

Which are you? (Single, Married, Divorced, Separated, Widowed):

Names and Ages of your children:

Do you and your spouse attend church together? (Yes/No):

Do you and your family have devotions together? (Yes/No):

When did you become a Christian?

Give a brief testimony of how and when you came to know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

When/Where, were you baptized?

If someone in your small group asked you how to become a Christian, how would you respond?

Do you have a daily quiet time?  If so, what does this involve?

Describe what role your own personal Bible study plays in your life.

What do you feel are your your greatest strengths in your Christian walk?

What do you feel are your greatest weaknesses in your Christian walk?

How long have you been attending this church?

When did you become a member?

Why did you decide to become a member?

What ministries have you been involved in since becoming a member?

Have you previously been involved with groups (Yes/No):

What capacity did you serve?

Please give a brief history of previous involvements with Leadership?

Why do you want to be involved in a ministry?

If married does your spouse support you in this leadership position?

What do you feel is your greatest strengths in leadership?

Testimony

BIO:Gaylord Ford Porter
1893-1976
Ford Porter was born in Ottawa County, Michigan, on February
5, 1893. The influence of the family altar and the godly
lives of his parents contributed to Ford's decision to re-
ceive Christ to be his Saviour at the age of 11. A year
later, he spoke to a group of junior boys and girls, at which
time his pastor remarked that Ford could then quote more ver-
ses of Scripture than any other person in town.
As a young man, Ford served as a Sunday School
teacher, and later assisted Dr. Ernest Reveal at the Evans-
ville, Indiana, rescue mission. On July 6, 1919, he answered
God's call to preach, after which he studied at the Moody Bi-
ble Institute in Chicago under Dr. Kenneth Weist and Dr.
James M. Gray. In the years that followed, Ford Porter served
several churches in Indiana, and was used of the Lord in var-
ious ministries.
In 1947 he launched the Berean Gospel Ministry, now
Lifegate, Incorporated, which has become worldwide through
the printing and distribution of Gospel tracts. The Berean
ministry included Bible conferences, evangelistic campaigns,
radio broadcasts, children's Bible crusades, Camp Berean, Va-
cation Bible Institute, Gospel films, and the Indiana Baptist
College.
The most far-reaching ministry of Ford Porter was the
Gospel tract, God's Simple Plan of Salvation, which he wrote
in 1933. This tract has been printed in more than 90 lan-
guages and Braille. The worldwide distribution of over
310,000,000 copies has resulted in the salvation of thousands
of people.
Ford Porter went to be with the Lord on November 20,
1976, at the age of 83 years.