Archive for February, 2012

« Older Entries  |  
29 February, 2012

Don’t forget Jesus in your small group

by cubfann

There is only one thing that I don’t like about the Jesus Storybook Bible…there are only 44 stories in it.  I’ve read it and re-read it and re-re-read it, and, well you get the picture, to my boys since before they could hold their own heads up straight. That is one reason I am so excited about working on the Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum that just released.  This amazing resource takes children (and adults) through a transformational journey.  The Bible is not about us, Jesus is the hero.  This past week my pastor spoke about reading the story of David and Goliath.  Too often we project ourselves in that story and see ourselves as David and our problems as Goliath when we should read it as Jesus is the hero and sin, death, and Satan are Goliath.

In our small groups we sometimes forget that the Bible is all about Jesus, not all about us.  I was recently in a men’s group talking about the end of Sermon on the Mount.  Most of the guys were talking about how we need to make sure that we always stay on the straight path and keep to following the rules so we produce good fruit.  I’m not arguing that we need to be antinomian, just that we never forget the Gospel is one of grace and is all about Jesus, and what he has done.

We cannot keep everything in the Sermon on the Mount, and we don’t have to (not that we don’t try) because Jesus did.

The curriculum around the Jesus Storybook Bible is a full year’s worth of material for 6-9 year old children and helps them frame the Bible correctly – that it is a grand story about Jesus.  As the tagline for the Storybook Bible says, “every story whispers his name.”  In the curriculum, there are activities, notes for teachers based on material from Dr Timothy Keller, animated videos for each story, and handouts for children that reinforce how that week’s story pointed to Jesus.  Here is one of the videos included on the curriculum, God’s Wonderful Surprise:

Tomorrow, we will be holding a giveaway for 3 people to win a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible Curriculum.  Be sure to come back for that.  Until then, what is a section or story from Scripture that you have heard applied to us that should be applied to Jesus?

Posted in Curriculum | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , ,
28 February, 2012

Sermon Based Small Groups – Is your church doing it?

by Andrew Rogers

Does your church use a sermon based small group model?

This week the Zondervan team was blessed to host Pastor Larry Osborne for a day hear in Grand Rapids. Though the ugly weather and biting wind made him miss his home in San Diego we tried to show him a good time.

You might remember that Larry is the author of a few books with Zondervan: Sticky Church, Sticky Teams, and the forthcoming book, Sifted (co-authored with Wayne Cordeiro and Francis Chan). While we were discussing the marketing plan for his next book (hint, hint…more on that coming soon) I was reminded that Larry and his staff at North Coast Church are true innovators.

Larry doesn’t like to toot his own horn, so I’ll do it for him: He and his staff pioneered the whole idea behind multi-site churches and the sermon based small group model. These two formats for doing ministry are almost commonplace now, but 20 years ago they sure weren’t. In Sticky Church Larry unpacks how the team at North Coast uses the sermon based small group model and explains how to implement it into your ministry. This Baptist Press article also credits Larry with this model, and discusses how another church has altered the way they run their Sunday School classes.

Does your church use a sermon based small group model? If so, name one or two specific tactics you use to try and make this work. 

(i.e. how do you resource your small group leaders to make this happen?)

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Tags: , , , , ,
27 February, 2012

Join Live Stream with Eugene Peterson this week

by cubfann

We have a special opportunity this week for you to be aware of.

 

Q Ideas is hosting a FREE Live Stream with Eugene Peterson (author of The Message) Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:45am to 11:45am EST from New York. Gabe Lyons will be interviewing Eugene about how we can cultivate our inner life in an age of distraction. Specifically, they will talk about “Practicing the Sabbath” on Tuesday and being “Immersed in Scripture” on Wednesday. http://www.qideas.org/practices/live

Here is the description on the Q website:

 On February 28-29, 2012, join Gabe Lyons and Eugene Peterson’s conversation via Live Stream for one hour each day. Two sessions have been selected for Live Stream during the two-day Q Sessions event taking place in New York City. Our vision for Q Sessions is to educate church and cultural leaders on important themes that develop personal renewal as we work towards cultural renewal. Many have read his works, but few understand the depths of Eugene Peterson– renowned pastor, author, scholar and poet–and how he has spent his life living theology instead of just thinking about it.

At 80 years old, Eugene Peterson is one of the most wise and respected authors and teachers of our time. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from his wisdom. We hope you’ll join.

http://www.qideas.org/practices/live

Also be sure to watch some full first sessions from Q talks by Tim Keller, Francis Collins, Os Guinness, Tim Keel, and Gabe Lyons on YouTube.

Posted in Curriculum | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
27 February, 2012

The NIV Study Bible App

by Andrew Rogers

My friends on the Bible team here at Z have put together an excellent app for the NIV Study Bible. Here’s the vid:

There are a handful of reviews popping up. The video below is pretty thorough. Here’s a shorter review if you just have a minute to read.

Do you read the Bible as an Ebook? Where and why?

I’ll answer my own question: Yes. I have the NIV on my phone and I read when I’m eating breakfast or when I’m out and about and want to quickly reference the Bible. I still carry a print Bible to church and read a print Bible when I’m studying or reading for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Tags: , , ,
24 February, 2012

Announcing the Made to Crave Ministry Kit Winners

by cubfann

I have picked the five winners of the ministry kit and will post their names a below.  However, I feel that if each person follows through for the next 40 days with what they wrote, every one will be a winner.  Cheesy, very much so…but true.  The majority of comments fell into 3 categories:

  1. Listening to God via his Word or his Spirit
  2. Talking to God on a daily basis
  3. Carving out time to spend with God as a family

Honestly, what would the next 40 days look like if we each did this?  Many of you commented about being stay-at-home moms, having crazy schedules with kids, and wanting more time with God as a family or couple.  What would you, your marriage, your family, and our churches look like if we all did these three things the next 40 days?  I’ve never done this, but after reading the comments, I really would like to pray for you all:

Jesus, you see the hearts of each of these people, and know their desire for you.  We long for you but like children are easily distracted and lose focus.  Please focus out minds, our hearts, and our time on and for you, not only for the next 40 days, but for all our lives.  Thank you for meeting us and desiring relationship more than we do, and thank you for forgiving us for getting distracted.  We love you Jesus.  Amen.

Thank you all for your comments.  Here are the randomly chosen winners:

  • Erin

I am working to have an extended time of Bible study and prayer time each and every day, and also I just started volunteering at a local women’s shelter every few weeks.

Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome study! I am the head of a women’s ministry at a large church, and we would LOVE to have this to share with our ladies!

  • Shannon

Our family is stepping out in faith and I am struggling with a bunch of different emotions and fears. I want to be on my knees and in His word to put to death all off the fears and anxiety.

  • Becky

I am seeking guidance. I know that God has a plan for my next step. I am determined to overcome my addiction to food. I take it one day at a time, one bite at a time and turn it over to God. God has given me the courage to share my past with others. I was always afraid to share for fear of being judged, but I know that what God has helped me to overcome can help someone.

  • Andrea

I’m making more time to read my Bible but also keeping track of my prayers…remembering to thank Him for my many blessings.

  • Amanda

I want to make time for scripture reading and prayer, but I want to GET UP and GET OUT. I want to be a DO-ER of the word and NOT a forgetful listener. I want to serve the widow, the fatherless, and the stranger. I want to serve Jesus!!

Many of you are in women’s ministry, so you may be interested in viewing our new women’s ministry catalog online.  Click here to view.  Thanks again!

Posted in Curriculum, Giveaways | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
24 February, 2012

The Church is Too Safe – David Kinnaman and Mark Buchanan

by Andrew Rogers

Is the Church “Too Safe”? When I heard that question for the first time (about a year ago) I more or less shrugged it off. What does that even mean, anyway? Well, two prominent ministry leaders are talking about it right now, so I’m starting to pay more attention. David Kinnaman unpacks this question a little bit in this Catalyst video.

Mark BuchananMark Buchanan has also been talking and writing about the idea of our churches being “too safe.” He was recently on a Faith Radio podcast with Susie Larson. You can listen to it here. In his book, Your Church is Too Safe: Why Following Christ Turns the World Upside-Down, Buchanan talks about us, ministry leaders even, trying to “domesticate” God. We’ve lost sight of the misssional heart of God, he says – the God who seeks. He adds that we’re trying to take control from him and put him in our various boxes, where we can control and tame him. In the podcast he reminds us that while God is “untamable” he meets us in the midst of trials. It’s not a promise that he’ll rescue us from every trial, but he will meet us in them.

I found it to be a pretty encouraging message. Check it out and let me know what you think. Buchanan speaks more eloquently than I’ve written here, so, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Listen to the whole podcast here.

So, do you think your church is “too safe?” At one point in the podcast Larson and Buchanan sum up a safe church as one that has a “low level passion and high level offendability” – is that your church?

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , ,
23 February, 2012

Thursday Giveaway: Made to Crave Ministry Kit

by cubfann

Yesterday we talked about Made to Crave and how Lent is not just giving up something, but making space for something that draws us closer to God.  Lysa has a follow-up study to Made to Crave called Made to Crave Action Plan, and says this in the introduction of the Participant’s Guide:

“I love that the Bible says the truth shall set you free (John 8.32). That’s a spiritual truth, but it can also be a physical truth.  The goal of the Made to Crave Action Plan is not to squeeze you into a rigid food plan or beat you up about what you are not doing right.  Our goal is to encourage and equip you with truth – spiritual and physical – so you can learn to make better choices…my dear friend, are you ready to take your first step on this amazing journey?  I promise God will meet you there – and I will be cheering you on every step of the way.”

As I mentioned yesterday, we will be giving away the Made to Crave Ministry Kit.  However, we will not be just giving away 1, but 5 of them.  The Made to Crave Ministry Kit includes Made to Crave, Made to Crave 6 week DVD and Participant’s Guide, Made to Crave Action Plan 6 week DVD and Participant’s Guide, and Made to Crave Devotional, plus all the tools you need to run a 12 week Made to Crave study in your women’s Bible study.

To enter to win 1 of the 5 Made to Crave Ministry Kits, answer this question below in the comments: What do you want to make more time for in the next 6 weeks to draw you closer to God (prayer, Scripture reading, serving the poor, etc)?

We will randomly choose a winner on Friday afternoon, so be sure to come back and see if you have won.  In the meantime, you can watch the first full session of the Made to Crave Action Plan on YouTube here:

Posted in Curriculum, Giveaways | 535 Comments »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
22 February, 2012

Outreach Resources of the Year winners announced!

by Andrew Rogers

Outreach magazine has announced their annual Resources of the Year winners! A huge congratulations is due to a handful of Zondervan authors for the honor. Here they are in no particular order:

EVANGELISM
The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited
By Scot McKnight (Zondervan); Scot’s blog, Jesus Creed

CULTURE
Half the Church: Recapturing God’s Global Vision for Women
By Carolyn Custis James (Zondervan); Carolyn’s blog, The Whitby Forum

SMALL-GROUP CURRICULA
Muslims, Christians and Jesus (DVD-based study)
By Carl Medearis; CarlMedearis.com

CHILDREN’S OUTREACH
The Nature of God: Ocean Adventures Book and The Nature of God: Ocean Adventures Volumes 1, 2 and 3 DVDs
By Peter Schriemer (Zonderkidz); The Nature of God on FB

YOUTH OUTREACH
Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids
By Kara E. Powell and Chap Clark; Sticky Faith.org

This really is an honor for an author. Ask any writer you know and they’ll tell you that when their work is read, awarded, or otherwise noticed it means something really special to them. Books are like children to most writers: they require a lot of work, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears to “raise,” but in the end they are a source of great pride and joy. I encourage you to stop by these authors’ sites and congratulate them, or leave a comment of congratulations below and I’ll be sure to email them the link.

Busting with pride,

Andrew

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
22 February, 2012

What are you making time for during lent?

by cubfann

I remember the first time my wife and I observed Lent.  We were serving at a small, rural church in California and my youth leaders and even the teenagers thought we were crazy.  ”Isn’t that a Catholic thing?” they would ask.  To many people, that is what Lent is – a Catholic thing.  Whether you observe Lent or not, 40 days is a significant number in Scripture, and the 40 days leading up to Easter are a good a time as any to give up something in order to make time for something else.

Andrew and I had a conversation yesterday and too often when we or others think of giving up something for Lent, it is about us – giving up sugar, caffeine, Facebook.  But the idea of fasting or giving up something should make time for something else – time for prayer, Scripture reading, serving the poor – not just to give something up.

This is one of the reasons I love Made to Crave.  (And yes, while I am a guy, and this is soundly a book/group study for women, I did enjoy it).  In Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst isn’t just talking about giving up cupcakes for carrots.  Yes, there is the idea of healthy eating and exercise and such, but the end goal is not weight loss – it’s a deeper relationship with your Maker.

You can watch the full first session of Made to Crave on YouTube here, and be sure to come back tomorrow to enter to win a Made to Crave Ministry Kit.

Posted in Curriculum | 1 Comment »

Tags: , , , , ,
21 February, 2012

Links Worth Clicking – Stetzer, McKnight, Outreach, and NYC

by Andrew Rogers

Here’s a short list of links worthy of a click. I was out of the office Monday of this week and Friday last week for a long weekend and now all of my pre-written posts are used up…enjoy these links and I’ll be back to blogging tomorrow. – Andrew

Ed Stetzer interviewed Scot McKnight about his views of “gospel” – My favorite question of the interview: Why do you point to John Piper as one of the most poignant examples 
of a “soterian” in our day? Are you suggesting that John Piper doesn’t
 rightly define and present the gospel? …..I love interviews that pull no punches and ask the questions we’re all thinking. Here’s a link to McKnight’s video for The King Jesus Gospel  and here’s a link to some of his preaching on “Did Jesus Preach the Gospel,” in case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about.

Dave Gibbons on what our true measure of success should be: Pleasing the masses, or the maestro?

Conrade Yap at the Panorama of a Book Saint blog gave Organic Outreach for Churches a great review. If you’re looking to change the culture of your church to one that has outreach embedded in everything in does. Don’t miss this book. Conrade will tell you why.

The Preaching Today book awards were recently announced. – Included in this list is John Koessler’s Folly, Grace, and Power.

If you haven’t signed up for the Your Church is Too Safe blog tour, you can do so here.

Random: Facinating pictures of old buildings in NYC - I stumbled on this great blog, “Lost City.” Looks like the writer has been keeping it up since 2006. He photographs and posts the history of vintage buildings in NYC. I lived outside the city when I was younger, so this blog brought back a lot of good nostaligic feelings.

Bonus: Keeping up the “lost in new york” theme, the “Lost in York” blog recently posted reviews of The King Jesus Gospel and Barefoot Church.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries  |  
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 888 other followers