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None of us are perfect. And so none of us enters into any ministry with entirely pure motives. Such fallenness doesn't stop us from serving God. But it's always good to be aware of our weaknesses and to be honest about the reasons that lay behind our ministry decisions. Certainly, when it comes to something as costly as church planting, it's imperative we know why we're doing it. There are good reasons to start a new congregation. And there are profoundly bad reasons too.
In this article, Phillip Jensen from Australia sets out 12 common reasons why people decide to start new churches. It's the good, the bad and the ugly of church-planting motivation. If you're in the process of thinking through whether to be involved in starting up a new church or a new congregation then you might like to put your heart to the test and see where your true motives lie!
The role of bringing up children is a profoundly important one. And whether we're a parent, grandparent, God-parent or family friend, we know it's crucial to be praying for the little ones we love. But in the busyness of each day, it's all too easy for our prayers to become formulaic, limited to practical needs or simply forgotten.
So, in the coming month, why not try working your way through these 31 prayer points.
It's a great encouragement to put spiritual growth right at the centre of our prayers for the children in our immediate and extended families.
So how familiar are you with the people of the Bible? Do you think you could name all of the people who are mentioned 14 times or more? And do so in 20 minutes? Well, why not give it a go? Just follow this link and see how you do.
One little hint - you might like to revise the Kings of Israel before you start!
I don't like being ill. I don't think I know anyone who does. It hurts. It drains. It's a stark reminder of the fallenness of the world in which we live. And it confronts us with our own mortality.
If we're honest, many of us don't respond well to those days, weeks or months of suffering that we are called to endure. Grumbling, bitterness, impatience, self-pitying, discontent all seem to thrive when we're "laid-up".
But it doesn't have to be that way!... continue reading
Barry Cooper, author and presenter of Discipleship Explored, talks about the thinking behind the course and why Philippians is such a great book to study on the theme of discipleship.
Here at the Good Book company, we're committed to producing resources that help people grow: grow in the knowledge of God, grow in the love of God, grow in the service of God. And in addition to our books, we have a passion for producing courses that equip God's people for works of service. Currently our range of short courses in practical ministry - run by our distance-learning college, the Open Bible Institute - includes courses on youth and children's work, administration, pastoral care, preaching, Christian mission & ministry and more. And we're busy planning how to expand this range with short courses on other topics.... continue reading
We are more than homo sapiens (thinking beings). We are homo adorons (worshipping beings). It is vital then that we address more than the mind when we teach. Failure to do so means that we are not teaching the Bible. In this seminar - first given at the Bible-Centred Youthworker Conference earlier this year - Ian Fry explores how we can address the heart when we teach in church.
One of the joys of being the Children’s Editor at The Good Book Company is the letters, cards, pictures and emails sent in by our youngest readers. These are mostly under 11s who are reading the Bible with XTB (eXplore The Bible). I thought you’d enjoy a few of their comments (unedited by me except for removing names):
I have files of letters from XTB readers going back nearly 12 years. Some of them will be parents themselves now. It’s great hearing from children who love reading their Bible and getting to know God better through it – and who want to tell their friends about Jesus too. What a privilege.
There's no getting away from it. Young people do love their music. And when they meet together at youth group they want to sing ... or at least listen to the songs they enjoy. But not all youth leaders share that passion for music. Some don't have a musical bone in their bodies. How can such people lead music with their keen teens?
In this seminar, first given at the Bible-centred youthworker conference in January, Philip Percival from EMU Music gives some top tips for leading music with young people at church.
We need to be biblical. We have to be clear. And every youth worker wants to be relevant. But does that mean including technology as part and parcel of our teaching? And if so, to what extent? When does a useful tool because a distracting burden? Or a trendy gimmick that helps no-one...
In this seminar first given at the Bible-centred Youthworker conference earlier this year, Jon Bradley looks at the role of technology in youth work.
