Tag Archives: Tony Brooks

We live in a much different world than even 30 years ago. Though our Gospel message is the same, we need to make some changes in the way we deliver that message.

First, we need to be honest…people gravitate to certain people to build community and to encourage one another in growth in their relationship with Christ. My friend and author, Jim Ailor, would tell you that fact in his book: Life Boats: Friends with Purpose. My lifeboat is a group of guys who text each other often, are there for each other when there is a need, and get together a couple of times a year for an extended peer learning group that includes golf. We all need this deeper focus in our lives. We also need to reach new people—valuing them above ourselves.

In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus compares the Kingdom and judgment day to an owner going away on a journey and giving three of his servants/slaves talents to invest based on their abilities.

Time is a precious commodity. We all have the same amount of time each day, but many are pulled outside of work and leisure. Some are raising children and involved in their many activities. Some are caring for parents or even grandparents along with doing their everyday work. Though I still think every Sunday School/small group leader should be involved with at least one training event each year, I believe we need to help provide some training on the go!

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 I must admit that Sunday School and discipleship in many churches have lost focus and need serious revamping. Here are some of the problems and what I believe the current solution to be.

There is an ongoing debate about the validity of Sunday School in the present time. Many people believe that because of the decline in its numbers and its relatively inept function in some churches that Sunday School is dead. I must admit that Sunday School and discipleship in many churches have lost focus and need serious revamping. Here are some of the problems and what I believe the current solution to be.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV) So how do we prepare to teach each week?

One of the primary doctrines for Baptists is the “Priesthood of the believer.” Teachers, you have the ability to emphasize this doctrine and see your class come alive!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NIV) I realize that you will be preparing for Christmas when you read this blog. This one serves as a reminder of what is next. Too often when the Christmas decorations come down, parties are over and the music ends, so does something that shouldn’t. Many seem to share more hope, peace, joy, and love during the Advent season. When it is over, there is a letdown in our mood (credit card depression) as well as in our relationship with God and others. Christmas should be every day: Immanuel has come! God is always with us.

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.(Isaiah 25:4a NIV) I am writing this blog as a winter storm approaches us. I wish that I had written it last week!

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NIV) I am very thankful for a mom who believed in this proverb. She began teaching me in the cradle about God’s love, God’s word, and living for God. Many Sunday School teachers, pastors, family members, and other church leaders did as well.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Quantico along with our team to learn more about leadership. On this trip our lessons were from a retired Colonel Joseph Shusko in the United States Marine Corps. He was instrumental in changing the training for US Marines and martial arts at Raider Hall and around the world as he included training in body, mind, and spirit.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Quantico along with our team to learn more about leadership. On this trip our lessons were from a retired Colonel Joseph Shusko in the United States Marine Corps. He was instrumental in changing the training for US Marines and martial arts at Raider Hall and around the world as he included training in body, mind, and spirit.

My dad was in the Navy. My father-in-law spent his career in the Marine Corps. I have uncles who served in the Air Force and Army. I have relatives who did not return from wars; they died there…literally or figuratively. Many choose to go into battle because of a love for family, friends, and freedom. I take it seriously!

With all the hate crimes, us versus them in politics, and Christians often hurting each other, I think it is time to revisit this blog post I wrote before our last presidential election.