We’re On a Journey (Whoa Oh Oh Oh)

Amanda and I had the privilege to teach 1 of the 4th grade groups at our Vacation Bible School this week.  As we began the week, she stated, “We both are used to being in charge in these type of situations.  This is either going to go great or not so much.” It went great.  Amanda is such a gifted …

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Unless the LORD Builds the House

Psalm 127 is what commentators call a “song of ascents.”  As the people of God would ascend the hill into Jerusalem and ascend the stairs into the place of worship, the priests would sing this song over the worshipers upon their journey: Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over …

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Family Camp 2015 Recap

It is hard to describe Family Camp 2015. It was such a powerful time for my family and in the lives of other families.  I can say this: I believe in family ministry more than I ever have after last week.  I also believe in Family Camp more than I ever have after last week. For those who came, served, …

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3-Year Bible Study Plan

Here is an additional Family Ministry update for your viewing pleasure.  We are excited to announce that one of the ways we are going to equip parents is by providing a 3-year Bible study plan for the entire family!

3-Year Plan

This plan will include:

  1. All ages on the same passage every week (except for Christmas and Easter where children will focus primarily on those significant events due to their importance at reclaiming those holidays).
  2. No more different ages in different places.  This effort is to fight against isolationist Christian growth and get back to what the Bible teaches concerning the centrality of the home (Mal. 4:6; Deut. 6:4-9).
  3. 3-Year plan going chronologically through the Scriptures so that you can see the grand narrative of the Bible instead of isolated stories and events.
  4. 18 months in the Old Testament and 18 months in the New Testament will allow a great coverage.
  5. If a family member promotes up to next age classing, they don’t miss a beat because we are all covering the same passages (preschool up to children, children up to students, etc.).
  6. Family discipleship can take place much easier because you will know what your children are learning without having to dig.
  7. Ages 1 to 100+ will all be together as well.  This means that grandparents and aunts and uncles and all family members (family unit and church unit) can share what they are learning through God’s Word!
  8. While our relaunch of Family Ministry happens in August 16, this curriculum will launch 3 weeks later on September 6th.  We want the system to be running well before new curriculum.
  9. If you aren’t in a discipleship group yet, now is the time to join one because this effort will help draw yourself and your family together around the Word like never before!

Gospel Project Chronological Promo

Managing Ministry Interruptions

A few days ago, I posted an article entitled “Death to the Green Room” which somehow got traction in certain circles.  It caused a surprisingly large amount of people to read the post and prompted some discussion.  What was intended to be an article teaching our church about what we value as a worship team, it caused some to evaluate their own

The Greatest Neglect of Family Ministry

In our staff training lately, I have been leading us through what Scripture says about family discipleship.  It has been some great discussions as God shows us the standard by which we should be equipping parents to do this work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). So much of church methodologies focus on the up and coming generations. How can we attract

Perspectives on Family Ministry

Perspectives on Family Ministry is an incredible read.  I have been annoying my wife with all these great quotes! Edited by Timothy Paul Jones, he enlisted three pastors who are all carrying out family ministry in different ways within their congregations. Here are some of the top quotes from his introductory section: “…in the future churches would begin to ‘build

You Will Never Do Enough Good Works to Impress God

Preaching from Eph. 2:1-10, I address the issue of how good you have to be for God to love you. I often hear people say, “I sure do hope that when I die I have been good enough to get into heaven.”  It is scary that those words come out of the mouths of those who have been in church.

What is God’s Will for My Life?

One of the most frequent questions I receive is: “How do I know God’s will for my life?” The Bible answers this question very clear.  I hope this sermon will help you discover the answer. [This sermon is in a series of messages I make for a collegiate athletic team while they travel on the road.  Coaches make this time optional on Sunday mornings