http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32255&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Witnessing can be scary. We are here to help you.
This article is a collection of insights I have learned and collected from over 20 years of evangelism in church and Para church ministry. I hope you can find these insights useful to encourage you to serve Him more powerfully and effectively! We all need encouragement. Billy Graham told me a few years ago that he needs it, and he said I need it, and I believe you may need it, too. So, here are some encouragements for you!
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32246&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Catching and producing a 20/20 vision for your church!
How do I recruit people? Have each group always be open to new people if possible. Some groups want to be closed; that is OK for them, but for most, having a small group of no more than 8 to 10 participants makes enough room for two more then you can split them up in two. Thus, the small group itself is the primary recruitment vehicle and...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=How-the-Fruit-of-the-Spirit-Works&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
We have to realize that the Fruit of the Spirit is a "must" endeavor--not a convenience or a mere attitude, nor is it just for children or something to be ignored. Rather, it is a principle hallmark that points to God's Holiness and effectual Christian living. It is not something we are to regulate to the youth departments of the church, thinking we have grown beyond it as adults. Rather, it is the most important thing a Christian and, especially a minister of the Word and church leader, is to be doing. It is who we are to be, growing and maturing as a lifelong journey of our spiritual formation our faith development and deployment.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32241&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matt. 18:20)
Small Groups are the way to grow your church in Him! Your church is called to make Small Groups!
So what can you do? Start to think small! For God to do something big in your life and in your church, you need to start thinking small-Small Groups! Small Groups are important and essential. They are the primary and best means to learn and grow in our walk with Christ. All Christians who are serious about their faith should be in a Small Group.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32240&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Getting to Know You,
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Prov. 27:17)
The Small Group is the prime platform for establishing and instilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 12:29-31. The Small Group is also the vehicle with which to develop and experience authentic relationships and growing discipleship. This builds a Church of authentic community, poured out to His precepts and being in relational intimacy and fullness in Him. This is what we are called to emulate from our Lord. Because people will be...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31755&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Tired of people snapping at you?
If you fall away from these questions or refuse to have someone hold you to them, then Satan will have a foothold in your life. These questions are not just for the pastor or church leader, they are for all Christians who want to live a life of integrity. The failure to have no accountability will produce sin. Then it is not a question of if you may fall, but when you will engage in sin and destroy everything.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31702&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Developing your Walk with God
Being a disciple encompasses more than just asking Christ in our life and heart, and goes far beyond baptism or our church membership. Being a disciple goes further than our conversion, our acceptance of Christ as Savior, our election, or any initiation we could conceive of into the Christian life. Our initiation is by what Christ gave us and is only the beginning. The first step we take, that we receive by faith through His grace, is the entrance into the faith and Christian life. Accepting our election in Christ is not the only act of being a Christian! Yet,
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31701&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Apathy, in my opinion as a pastor and researcher, is becoming more and more rampant in the American church. At the same time, fewer and fewer people are discussing or admitting that this is a real problem. So, is apathy really a problem? Consider that Christians, as a whole, do not participate in regular Bible studies or small groups. They do not have mentors or people in their lives to encourage and spur them on. Fewer and fewer Christians are...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31695&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Remember we do not deserve His love and grace, yet it is given to us anyway.
Hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes cause some of the biggest problems in the Church, and spill over to others outside her walls whose concept of a Church is what they observe. These attitudes also cause severe danger to the growth and comfort of the Church. Comfort is in a place to call home, to feel safe, and be willing to be taught and led, and to serve. This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, that keeps people away! Effective spiritual growth, maturity, and outreach cannot happen when...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31693&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What is discipleship and what is Jesus calling us to in Matthew 28:18-20? Is this a command, or a suggestion; does it mean we are just to evangelize and let people find their faith on their own, or does this mean we are to lead others and teach the precepts of the Scriptures and the character of our Lord? Does it require obedience and action on our part, or are we disciples just by being a Christian and being in a church on Sundays?
This passage at the end of Matthew's Gospel is what is called the "Great Commission." This is also the great failure of the church...