Tag Archives: Tony Brooks

You and I need to be ready to reach new guests in new ways. Here are some ideas.

Start with vision! How are you sharing the vision that every follower of Christ should be in an ongoing Bible study? The Great Commandment is clear that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Start with vision! How are you sharing the vision that every follower of Christ should be in an ongoing Bible study? The Great Commandment is clear that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

John Trent and Gary Smalley wrote a book many years ago that I think every parent, future parent, and Sunday School teacher should read: The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance. I read it years ago, and it helped me in my personal life as well as challenged me in ways I failed as a parent.Two of the chapters talk about picturing a special future for your child. Words have a powerful impact upon us. Even our names have the power to mold us.

The spoken word is one of the most powerful ways to bless and to curse.In Genesis, God spoke the world into existence. Once you speak a word, it takes on a life of its own (See Genesis 27 and Isaac’s blessing if you don’t believe me!) Jesus healed with just a spoken word.

So how do we help our Sunday School teachers and small group leaders teach and counsel? Here are some ideas.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have heard much about sexual misconduct in churches and cover-ups by denominations. How is your church prepared with boundaries to keep this from happening in Sunday School and small groups? What do you do when it happens?

We have a new generation to consider, as they have surpassed the Millennials as the largest generation and the first post-Christian generation.  

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?