05.11.09
Discipleship Doesn’t Matter…
Discipleship Doesn’t Matter…
Discipleship doesn’t matter…or does it? Some of the last words that Jesus left with His disciples were words of instructions: “Go and make disciples.” So here is the question, “What is more important? Evangelism or discipleship?” As long as people come to know Christ, does it really matter whether they are taught the teachings from His Word? Can you separate the mission given in Matthew 28:19, 20?
- “Go and make disciples”
- “Teach these new disciples”
In a recent article Suggestions for Today’s “Relevant” Church, Craig Groeschel writes a challenge to the relevant and growing churches of today:
“While the intentions of most relevant pastors (including my own) are generally to reach those who don’t know Christ, we have to ask ourselves, “How effective are our ministries really?” Just because we are “growing” numerically doesn’t mean the people coming are growing spiritually.”
So, what do you think? How effective are we at reaching people for Christ? How effective are we at teaching the new disciples? Does the relevant and growing church of today need to make some corrections about discipleship? Love to know your thoughts!
10.21.08
Can You Do Small Groups Online?
Today, I was browsing some of the blogs that I read and I landed on Pete Wilson’s blog(http://withoutwax.tv
). Pete is a friend of mine and he is Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in Nashville. This topic caught my attention because it asked the question, “Can you do church online?” Pete had attended three or four online campuses this past weekend and one online church he visited was Central. There were many comments and several people listed the pros and cons of attending an online church. It was great comments on both sides of the question.
Many of you know that Central has an online campus and I am really pumped to see what God is doing through that ministry. Last weekend, the Small Group Ministry Team held a Leadership Gathering for all of our Small Group Leaders and the topic was “Techno Small Groups.” In January 2009, we are actually launching several online Small Groups equipped with online Small Group Leaders.
Here is the question, “Can you do online Small Groups?” I would love to know what you think! If you say “No”, then please tell us why, and if you answer “yes”, then please explain how you would do it! Thanks for your input! (This is one of the reasons why I love the internet…So I can network with several smart people who are in ministry.) If you are interested in learning more or just curious to try it out go to www.centralonlinecampus.com
10.08.08
“FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE” SMALL GROUPS
“Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner.
Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.
Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter . . . just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being “good enough.” Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks.
As they prepare for divorce, Caleb’s father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father’s sake more than for his marriage.
Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever . . . rescuing his wife’s heart.”
I wanted to see how many of you have seen the movie and what love to know your thoughts and also see if anyone is doing the 40 Day Experiment Small Group Study. Share your thoughts and ideas!
09.22.08
Small Group Exchange
If you are a Small Group Pastor, you will definitely want to check out www.smallgroupexchange.com. The Small Group Exchange feature articles, ideas, curriculum reviews that will prove to be a huge asset for any small group pastor. Go and check it out www.smallgroupexchange.com
08.30.08
To Blog or Not to Blog!
Blog! Blog! Blog! That seems to be the “Buzz” word now. Either you have to have a You Tube account, a Facebook account, and then you have to see how many friends you can get. I have really tried to stay out of the blogging arena if for nothing else…I just don’t seem to have the time. But a friend of mine convinced me that I could save time and help develop leaders through “Blogging”. So here I am in Blog City. Anyway, let me take a few moments and answer why I have chosen to Blog for our Small Group Ministry:
1.) Leaders can access Training Videos that can sharpen a Leader’s Skills.
2.) Leaders can browse recommended and new study curriculum and give their feedback.
3.) Leaders can actually find specific topics that may be of interest to them.
4.) Books and resources can be recommended and rated.
5.) Leaders can share their ideas and others can chime in.
6.) Leaders can read about their roles and responsibilites.
7.) Learn about upcoming events.
8.) We can learn from each other, stay in close communication, and experience this journey together!
Well, there are a few of the reasons that I have chosen to Blog! We are currently in the early constructive stages, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know! Have a great day!
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