When my children were very young, my mother (who happened to be the best children’s ministry leader I ever knew and the one who taught me everything I know about teaching) gave us a Christmas calendar to use with our children. So, beginning with December 1st, every night right after supper we would gather together as a family and open another door on the calendar. Behind each door was some new information about the story of Jesus coming to earth, along with a related biblical reference. Most nights we would also read the Bible passage, too, so our children could see for themselves how wonderful God’s Word is.
Our children were excited to open a new door each night and to learn another part of the Christmas story. It was exciting for me as a parent, too, to have the opportunity to share God’s Word with my children. It also led to many family discussions about the wonderful story of Christmas.
I learned several things through this. First, it was another lesson from my personal mentor in teaching, my Mom, about how to help children learn. We aren’t all fortunate to have professional educators as parents, but as parents we can all help encourage our children in the ministry God has called them to fulfill. My passion for teaching today is in direct relation to seeing and hearing my Mom’s desire to help people learn.
I also learned that children like to be involved. Learning is ACTIVE, not PASSIVE. Each of us, whether children, youth, or adult, need to be actively involved in order to learn. That’s why my children loved the Christmas Calendar. They could be involved in opening the door and reading what was behind it.
So, whether you are teaching formally this Christmas season, in Sunday School, children’s or youth ministries, or leading an adult small group, or teaching your neighbors or your own family, make it fun this year. Give everyone an opportunity to discover the wonderful truth of Christmas, “God With Us”. And go buy a Christmas Calendar, you’ll be glad you did!
I’ve been putting together the workshop schedule this week for our annual Midwest Teaching & Discipleship Convention next March. As you know, our theme this year is “passing the torch of God’s truth from generation to generation”. We have a number of the leaders of multi-generational learning leading workshops, individuals who literally travel around the world helping families teach and disciple their children, people like Rob Rienow, Greg Carlson, Vance Frusher, Mickie O’Donnell, Brent Amato. You will not want to miss this special opportunity. Keep checking the GCSSA web site for early registration savings opportunities.
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director
GCSSA
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
I’m Thankful for the Person Who Discipled Me
At this time of year we always stop and think of all the things we’re thankful for. Every year on Thanksgiving morning at our church the congregation gathers together and gives thanks publicly for how God has blessed us.
Well, this year, I want to stop and give thanks for the person who discipled me and taught me to follow Christ, the one who passed the torch of God’s truth from his generation to me. What an honor he gave me by teaching me what God taught him. And what a challenge he communicated by passing on the torch of God’s truth.
It is very contemporary nowadays to emphasize the family as the place where discipleship should take place and to honor the parents as a child’s primary spiritual teachers. That was not new to me. My parents were always my primary spiritual mentors and teachers. Even as a seminary student, I remember sharing ideas with my father and feasting on his response as much or even more than my seminary professors.
As I drove away from the hospital three years ago after saying goodbye to my Dad for the final time on earth, I remember such a feeling of loneliness because my spiritual guide was gone. May all of us who are fathers and mothers take seriously our God-given responsibilities to be our children’s spiritual mentors and guides.
Jesus was very clear about it. We make disciples by TEACHING. And there are many ways to teach. Sometimes my Dad read Scripture to me and explained the background and meaning of the passage. Other times he answered my questions when I was confused.
And then there were the times that he had to remind me that I had left the path of following Christ and I needed to get back on the right track. And how I miss those long walks and talks in which my spiritual mentor let me see his heart and his close walk with Christ and he could tell me to follow him as he followed Christ.
So when you spend time with your children this holiday season, be their spiritual teacher and guide, pointing them closer to Christ as His disciples. Guide them spiritually in both what you say and the example you live. And, if you are honored by being able to minister as a teacher in your church ministry, be the kind of teacher who makes disciples. Invest yourself in your students’ lives. Yes, teach them the content of God’s Word so they understand it, but also answer their questions and challenge them in their walk with Christ. But, most importantly, demonstrate to them how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Our keynote speaker at the convention this year is Bryan Loritts. Pastor Loritts’ father is Crawford Loritts, someone who has also spoken at GCSSA conventions in the past. Bryan Loritts identifies his dad as the most significant spiritual influence in his life. Pastor Loritts’ church in Memphis is a perfect example of a church serious about making disciples. So he is both a product of discipleship and a discipler himself. He has a message we all need to hear. You will not want to miss hearing him.
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director
GCSSA
Well, this year, I want to stop and give thanks for the person who discipled me and taught me to follow Christ, the one who passed the torch of God’s truth from his generation to me. What an honor he gave me by teaching me what God taught him. And what a challenge he communicated by passing on the torch of God’s truth.
It is very contemporary nowadays to emphasize the family as the place where discipleship should take place and to honor the parents as a child’s primary spiritual teachers. That was not new to me. My parents were always my primary spiritual mentors and teachers. Even as a seminary student, I remember sharing ideas with my father and feasting on his response as much or even more than my seminary professors.
As I drove away from the hospital three years ago after saying goodbye to my Dad for the final time on earth, I remember such a feeling of loneliness because my spiritual guide was gone. May all of us who are fathers and mothers take seriously our God-given responsibilities to be our children’s spiritual mentors and guides.
Jesus was very clear about it. We make disciples by TEACHING. And there are many ways to teach. Sometimes my Dad read Scripture to me and explained the background and meaning of the passage. Other times he answered my questions when I was confused.
And then there were the times that he had to remind me that I had left the path of following Christ and I needed to get back on the right track. And how I miss those long walks and talks in which my spiritual mentor let me see his heart and his close walk with Christ and he could tell me to follow him as he followed Christ.
So when you spend time with your children this holiday season, be their spiritual teacher and guide, pointing them closer to Christ as His disciples. Guide them spiritually in both what you say and the example you live. And, if you are honored by being able to minister as a teacher in your church ministry, be the kind of teacher who makes disciples. Invest yourself in your students’ lives. Yes, teach them the content of God’s Word so they understand it, but also answer their questions and challenge them in their walk with Christ. But, most importantly, demonstrate to them how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Our keynote speaker at the convention this year is Bryan Loritts. Pastor Loritts’ father is Crawford Loritts, someone who has also spoken at GCSSA conventions in the past. Bryan Loritts identifies his dad as the most significant spiritual influence in his life. Pastor Loritts’ church in Memphis is a perfect example of a church serious about making disciples. So he is both a product of discipleship and a discipler himself. He has a message we all need to hear. You will not want to miss hearing him.
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director
GCSSA
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The High Cost of Talking
I finish preaching at a church and I am invited to a Sunday School class. Since one of the great passions of my life is to see Jesus-like transformational teaching happen in Sunday Schools and small groups, I say, “Are you kidding? I’d LOVE to.”
I’m escorted to a very nice classroom where about 20 energetic adults are milling around engaged in what seems like good conversation to me. I hear lots of laughter and see lots of smiles. Many of these folks seem to know and love each other. I’m able to meet the volunteer teacher and several other sharp, articulate, and fun-loving people before the class starts. I sense energy in the room. I grab my cup of coffee and donut and find a seat. The subject today: God’s Word on marriage. I think to myself: This is going to be good. I can’t wait to see how this group tackles this.
Ten minutes into the class, the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm that once was, is no more. It feels like someone pulled the plug in a bathtub full of fun, relationships, and learning. The longer the class continues, the stronger the vortex of disengagement becomes. I watch one very sincere and well-studied teacher stand at the front of the room... and continue to talk. He doesn’t seem to notice that the smiles, energy, and, worst of all, the learning—like Elvis—have left the building. Not once in 50 long minutes is anyone asked to respond or participate. I look around the room to study the glazed-over faces. Just minutes ago, these eyes were lit up as they conversed with each other about God and life. Not now.
My heart deflates—for both the teacher and those being taught. I ponder the tragedy unfolding before me: an untapped gold mine of biblical understanding and life experience sitting in the room... wasting away... right under the teacher’s nose. I sit and wonder. (I know, I should have been listening to the teacher.) I wonder how any of them may have enriched the learning with a personal story of God at work in their marriage. I wonder if anyone may have a related passage of Scripture to share. I wonder what could have happened—what God might do—in our lives if we could stop the lecture long enough to break into groups of 4-6 people and study what the Bible has to say about marriage for ourselves first... before the teacher tells us. I suspect that a number of those in the class would have something biblical, fun, and pertinent to offer... something life-changing to share.... if only they had a chance.
But they never got a chance.
The class is over now. I walk out of the room and, at my next thought, I feel a slight chill run down my spine: I wonder who will come back next week... and, more importantly, who won’t?
Here’s a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for you:
The fate of your Sunday school ministry, small group ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, men’s ministry, women’s ministry, etc….it’s NOT about you, about what you’re SAYING. It’s about THEM, the participants, and what they’re LEARNING. Jesus knew that. He constantly asked questions and LISTENED. He talked WITH the people and guided them into truth. The next small group you lead, the next Sunday School class you teach, keep track of the amount of time you TALK and compare that to the amount of time you LISTEN. You’ll be amazed.
A True Story by Bill Allison
CADRE Ministries
www.cadreministries.com
I’m escorted to a very nice classroom where about 20 energetic adults are milling around engaged in what seems like good conversation to me. I hear lots of laughter and see lots of smiles. Many of these folks seem to know and love each other. I’m able to meet the volunteer teacher and several other sharp, articulate, and fun-loving people before the class starts. I sense energy in the room. I grab my cup of coffee and donut and find a seat. The subject today: God’s Word on marriage. I think to myself: This is going to be good. I can’t wait to see how this group tackles this.
Ten minutes into the class, the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm that once was, is no more. It feels like someone pulled the plug in a bathtub full of fun, relationships, and learning. The longer the class continues, the stronger the vortex of disengagement becomes. I watch one very sincere and well-studied teacher stand at the front of the room... and continue to talk. He doesn’t seem to notice that the smiles, energy, and, worst of all, the learning—like Elvis—have left the building. Not once in 50 long minutes is anyone asked to respond or participate. I look around the room to study the glazed-over faces. Just minutes ago, these eyes were lit up as they conversed with each other about God and life. Not now.
My heart deflates—for both the teacher and those being taught. I ponder the tragedy unfolding before me: an untapped gold mine of biblical understanding and life experience sitting in the room... wasting away... right under the teacher’s nose. I sit and wonder. (I know, I should have been listening to the teacher.) I wonder how any of them may have enriched the learning with a personal story of God at work in their marriage. I wonder if anyone may have a related passage of Scripture to share. I wonder what could have happened—what God might do—in our lives if we could stop the lecture long enough to break into groups of 4-6 people and study what the Bible has to say about marriage for ourselves first... before the teacher tells us. I suspect that a number of those in the class would have something biblical, fun, and pertinent to offer... something life-changing to share.... if only they had a chance.
But they never got a chance.
The class is over now. I walk out of the room and, at my next thought, I feel a slight chill run down my spine: I wonder who will come back next week... and, more importantly, who won’t?
Here’s a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for you:
The fate of your Sunday school ministry, small group ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, men’s ministry, women’s ministry, etc….it’s NOT about you, about what you’re SAYING. It’s about THEM, the participants, and what they’re LEARNING. Jesus knew that. He constantly asked questions and LISTENED. He talked WITH the people and guided them into truth. The next small group you lead, the next Sunday School class you teach, keep track of the amount of time you TALK and compare that to the amount of time you LISTEN. You’ll be amazed.
A True Story by Bill Allison
CADRE Ministries
www.cadreministries.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Let’s Talk About Discipline!
Discipleship and discipline come from the same root word. The significance of discipline in discipleship is heard in the words of a seasoned ministry founder: “If you have to choose between instruction and discipline in your ministry, choose discipline, because without it, your instruction is nothing.” We know the importance of discipline in our ministries and in our homes, but it seems that we move too quickly to discipline after we have moved too slowly! Let me explain! There are three aspects of discipline which seem to be outlined in Scripture:
Instruction. This is the educative aspect of discipline. It answers the question of the child, “Do you know what I want?” True in home or in class, a child must grasp what is being expected. Ephesians 6:4: “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (NASB)
Training. This is the exercising or building up aspect of discipline. During this part of discipline we ask, “Are you able and willing to do what I expect?” The child is allowed and shaped to master the skill or understanding. I Timothy 4:7: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” (NIV)
Correction. This part of discipline is what we normally think of when we think of discipline. Correcting wrong behavior with a good attitude. However, I have found that if we move to correct before instruction and training, we are diminishing our grasp on sound teaching both in home and church. Hebrews 12:9: “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (KJV)
We move too quickly to the correction within discipline. And it follows that we move too slowly toward the instruction and training parts of discipline. So whether we are parent or pastor, teacher or mentor, let’s not neglect any of the aspects of discipline in our children’s discipleship.
Dr. Gregory C. Carlson
Chair and Professor of Christian Ministries
Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
Instruction. This is the educative aspect of discipline. It answers the question of the child, “Do you know what I want?” True in home or in class, a child must grasp what is being expected. Ephesians 6:4: “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (NASB)
Training. This is the exercising or building up aspect of discipline. During this part of discipline we ask, “Are you able and willing to do what I expect?” The child is allowed and shaped to master the skill or understanding. I Timothy 4:7: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” (NIV)
Correction. This part of discipline is what we normally think of when we think of discipline. Correcting wrong behavior with a good attitude. However, I have found that if we move to correct before instruction and training, we are diminishing our grasp on sound teaching both in home and church. Hebrews 12:9: “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (KJV)
We move too quickly to the correction within discipline. And it follows that we move too slowly toward the instruction and training parts of discipline. So whether we are parent or pastor, teacher or mentor, let’s not neglect any of the aspects of discipline in our children’s discipleship.
Dr. Gregory C. Carlson
Chair and Professor of Christian Ministries
Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
Sunday, November 16, 2008
We Need Each Other
We have always been taught that Christianity is a personal belief. We are each accountable before God. We do not reach heaven by virtue of our parents or families, but because of our own personal faith in Jesus Christ.
But God never expected us to live our Christian lives in a vacuum. We each have been given spiritual gifts, not for our own personal self-edification, but for the spiritual development of others.
As the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:28-29: “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Everything we do in our lives is to become closer to Jesus and to help others walk closer to Him, as well. And we do that by teaching. Paul is so convinced of the importance of this that he gives this task of teaching others about Christ all his energy.
We are responsible for each other’s spiritual growth. GCSSA exists for that purpose. We endeavor to help all believers to teach others about Christ, whether neighbor to neighbor, parent to child, youth leader to young people, children’s ministry leader to children, adult small group leader to adults, or pastor to congregation. GCSSA began and continues as an association of churches. It is the leaders and people of the churches of the Upper Midwest who help the churches teach. Churches helping churches and people helping people become discipled in Christ. We all need each other to become complete in Christ.
That’s why we have the GCSSA dinner every year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share with each other and fellowship together in the ministry of teaching everyone with all wisdom. It is also an opportunity for everyone to share together in the mission of equipping all believers to make disciples, the primary task given to us by our precious Lord. I hope you all will join us!
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director
GCSSA
But God never expected us to live our Christian lives in a vacuum. We each have been given spiritual gifts, not for our own personal self-edification, but for the spiritual development of others.
As the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:28-29: “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Everything we do in our lives is to become closer to Jesus and to help others walk closer to Him, as well. And we do that by teaching. Paul is so convinced of the importance of this that he gives this task of teaching others about Christ all his energy.
We are responsible for each other’s spiritual growth. GCSSA exists for that purpose. We endeavor to help all believers to teach others about Christ, whether neighbor to neighbor, parent to child, youth leader to young people, children’s ministry leader to children, adult small group leader to adults, or pastor to congregation. GCSSA began and continues as an association of churches. It is the leaders and people of the churches of the Upper Midwest who help the churches teach. Churches helping churches and people helping people become discipled in Christ. We all need each other to become complete in Christ.
That’s why we have the GCSSA dinner every year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share with each other and fellowship together in the ministry of teaching everyone with all wisdom. It is also an opportunity for everyone to share together in the mission of equipping all believers to make disciples, the primary task given to us by our precious Lord. I hope you all will join us!
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director
GCSSA
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Youth Can Disciple!
Do you ever have a problem finding people to help as youth sponsors? As a youth leader do you sometimes feel your head is spinning trying to be “all things to all kids”? Why not let the youth disciple other youth? They can relate better to the needs of their colleagues and they gain valuable experience in mentoring and making disciples, following the command of Christ.
There has been much written about youth leaving the church after high school because their only connection to the church is through the youth leader. Having youth discipling other youth broadens that church connection and will help build a solid spiritual foundation into the future.
I remember being a rookie youth pastor, our ministry was growing, and we only had three adult sponsors! What to do! We had a large group session each week usually focusing on a passage of Scripture followed by small group application and prayer time. If there was any evening left, we would play games and “hang-out!”
It occurred to me to have the core students lead the growing small groups at youth group. Several church leaders became concerned about this and called a special meeting to discuss it with the Christian education committee. The Sunday the committee was to meet we baptized 3 or 4 of the teens our core students had reached. The committee meeting was brief after that, ending with prayers for more workers (including core youth students) to be sent into the harvest. I’m glad of God’s timing and His use of students in the discipleship of other students.
Youth can serve! Youth can disciple!
Dr. Gregory C. Carlson
Chair and Professor of Christian Ministries
Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
There has been much written about youth leaving the church after high school because their only connection to the church is through the youth leader. Having youth discipling other youth broadens that church connection and will help build a solid spiritual foundation into the future.
I remember being a rookie youth pastor, our ministry was growing, and we only had three adult sponsors! What to do! We had a large group session each week usually focusing on a passage of Scripture followed by small group application and prayer time. If there was any evening left, we would play games and “hang-out!”
It occurred to me to have the core students lead the growing small groups at youth group. Several church leaders became concerned about this and called a special meeting to discuss it with the Christian education committee. The Sunday the committee was to meet we baptized 3 or 4 of the teens our core students had reached. The committee meeting was brief after that, ending with prayers for more workers (including core youth students) to be sent into the harvest. I’m glad of God’s timing and His use of students in the discipleship of other students.
Youth can serve! Youth can disciple!
Dr. Gregory C. Carlson
Chair and Professor of Christian Ministries
Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
Thursday, November 13, 2008
BASE Elements of Discipleship
Discipleship is the process of learning to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ. There are many good methods and some not so good. I think the acrostic B.A.S.E. sums up the essentials of growth. Let’s look at the separate letters to see how it applies to spiritual growth.
The first element is “B”, Belief. A belief is a truth that is presented to us. It can be presented in a book, or in a conversation. The important thing is that by being “truth” it often confronts previously held ideas and by the nature of being truth it pushes us to the next element.
The second element is “A”, Acceptance. Acceptance is a personal acceptance. In other words, the disciple takes the belief, as his/her own. Acceptance leads to the third element.
The third element is “S”, Switch. As we accept a belief as our own, we come to a realization that it forces us to a decision of the will. Every truth that we accept pushes us to switch our will, for God’s will. This step is often the point at which people decide not to live by the truth they say they hold.
The fourth element is “E”, Express. Expressing is acting upon the decision to follow God’s will. This is the final step in seeing change in people’s lives.
I’ve seen the diagram of BASE, drawn as a baseball diamond, used to describe the process of becoming a disciple of Christ. First, there is a belief presented, that Jesus is Lord, then we accept it, we switch our wills for his, and we express it by following. This is a good evangelism diagram. But from what I’ve seen, the process continues as we learn to follow Jesus as His disciples.
Let’s look at one example: There is a belief given in Scripture that God responds to prayer to accomplish His will. We accept that as the way God works. We switch to decide to pray because it is what God desires. And we express it by praying! Following the process, we’ve moved from a non-praying person to a praying person.
A discipleship ministry must help people move from one base to another, with one truth after another. As we do that, we will see people who have been transformed by the renewing of their minds.
Dr. James Renke
Senior Pastor
Village Green Baptist Church
Glen Ellyn, IL
The first element is “B”, Belief. A belief is a truth that is presented to us. It can be presented in a book, or in a conversation. The important thing is that by being “truth” it often confronts previously held ideas and by the nature of being truth it pushes us to the next element.
The second element is “A”, Acceptance. Acceptance is a personal acceptance. In other words, the disciple takes the belief, as his/her own. Acceptance leads to the third element.
The third element is “S”, Switch. As we accept a belief as our own, we come to a realization that it forces us to a decision of the will. Every truth that we accept pushes us to switch our will, for God’s will. This step is often the point at which people decide not to live by the truth they say they hold.
The fourth element is “E”, Express. Expressing is acting upon the decision to follow God’s will. This is the final step in seeing change in people’s lives.
I’ve seen the diagram of BASE, drawn as a baseball diamond, used to describe the process of becoming a disciple of Christ. First, there is a belief presented, that Jesus is Lord, then we accept it, we switch our wills for his, and we express it by following. This is a good evangelism diagram. But from what I’ve seen, the process continues as we learn to follow Jesus as His disciples.
Let’s look at one example: There is a belief given in Scripture that God responds to prayer to accomplish His will. We accept that as the way God works. We switch to decide to pray because it is what God desires. And we express it by praying! Following the process, we’ve moved from a non-praying person to a praying person.
A discipleship ministry must help people move from one base to another, with one truth after another. As we do that, we will see people who have been transformed by the renewing of their minds.
Dr. James Renke
Senior Pastor
Village Green Baptist Church
Glen Ellyn, IL
Monday, November 10, 2008
Words of Wonder
I'd like to introduce a new paradigm for that "Moment for Children" in the Worship Service called “Words of Wonder” which is all about bringing the entire congregation into a 'wonder' mode just prior to the Scripture reading and Sermon, and before children are dismissed to Children's Church/Sunday School (if they are).
"Words of Wonder" is my own formula for tying into the pastor's message and the Scripture. Children do NOT come down to the front of the Sanctuary to be put on display. Instead, everyone stays right where they are in the congregation. We are ALL God's children and now is a time to "wonder" about something that will help us focus on what we believe God might want to say to us through the sermon or the Scripture passage.
I often carry a large Mary Poppins’ type of "Wonder Bag" in which is placed a BIBLE, treats, and some surprise that helps me bring people to a place of WONDER. The "surprise" can be a puppet, various props, food, - whatever will help tie the wondering questions into the sermon topic/main point. These "Words of Wonder" are NEVER Object Lessons because Object lessons are not appropriate for children under age 11. Instead, I focus on what we need to wonder about. This sets the stage for awe and mystery for people of all ages. It also respects children as equal partner worshippers with the rest of the church family instead of putting them on display in front of the congregation as if there is a need for singling them out in that fashion.
I'd love to see what the rest of you are doing about “Children’s Sermons”, how effective you think they are. Let’s use this new forum for sharing ideas, sample dialogues, sermons, and activities. After all, Jesus called us all to be like little children before Him. And, in order to pass the torch of God’s truth from generation to generation (the GCSSA theme this year), we need to include our children in the greater community of faith.
Mickie O'Donnell
Minister of Spiritual Formation
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Aurora, IL
"Words of Wonder" is my own formula for tying into the pastor's message and the Scripture. Children do NOT come down to the front of the Sanctuary to be put on display. Instead, everyone stays right where they are in the congregation. We are ALL God's children and now is a time to "wonder" about something that will help us focus on what we believe God might want to say to us through the sermon or the Scripture passage.
I often carry a large Mary Poppins’ type of "Wonder Bag" in which is placed a BIBLE, treats, and some surprise that helps me bring people to a place of WONDER. The "surprise" can be a puppet, various props, food, - whatever will help tie the wondering questions into the sermon topic/main point. These "Words of Wonder" are NEVER Object Lessons because Object lessons are not appropriate for children under age 11. Instead, I focus on what we need to wonder about. This sets the stage for awe and mystery for people of all ages. It also respects children as equal partner worshippers with the rest of the church family instead of putting them on display in front of the congregation as if there is a need for singling them out in that fashion.
I'd love to see what the rest of you are doing about “Children’s Sermons”, how effective you think they are. Let’s use this new forum for sharing ideas, sample dialogues, sermons, and activities. After all, Jesus called us all to be like little children before Him. And, in order to pass the torch of God’s truth from generation to generation (the GCSSA theme this year), we need to include our children in the greater community of faith.
Mickie O'Donnell
Minister of Spiritual Formation
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Aurora, IL
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Our Call to Make Disciples
When I was asked to serve as Executive Director of GCSSA, I wasn’t so sure that was what I wanted to do. I knew I didn’t want to “run a convention”. Then I looked up the GCSSA mission … “to encourage and extend the all-important teaching ministry of the church”.
Now that is something I can get excited about!
Everyone talks about making disciples, but only Jesus tells us how to do it…by teaching all people to obey His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). We make disciples by TEACHING! And not just teaching content. We make disciples by teaching others to obey our Lord and to follow Him.
As a lifelong teacher and educator, that is not new information. That is a definition of teaching any educator could embrace. Every teacher endeavors to not just teach content but to accomplish life change. That’s why we teach- to make a difference.
And the end result of Christ’s teaching is a changed life, a life dedicated to following Him. So every Sunday that you teach your class, every night you facilitate your Bible discussion, every moment you dedicate to working with the children and youth in your church ministry, and every “God-moment” you have with your neighbors and fellow believers, you are making disciples, you are teaching God’s truth, and you are passing the torch to the next generation.
So, when I read that the mission of GCSSA is to encourage and extend teaching, I knew this was the job for me. Having taught for many years, in many age groups and many different settings, I knew that teachers need support, encouragement, and help with new ideas and insights.
The Midwest Teaching & Discipleship Convention on March 26-28 next year will help, as did the Fall Institute on Creative Teaching & Discipleship held on October 4th and the Hispanic Church Teaching Convention at Moody Bible Institute the end of October.
Speaking as a teacher, though, I know that teachers need more. That is why we are beginning this new ministry venture, the Teaching & Discipleship BLOG (TADBlog). Will this include new information about the GCSSA ministry and events? Of course. Will you learn what’s going to happen at the upcoming convention? Yes!
But that’s not the real purpose of the TADBlog. The real purpose is to help encourage you in your task of teaching and disciple-making. The task of the church is to make disciples and we want you to be equipped to do that effectively and to see changed lives as people live lives as followers of Christ.
I have invited some teaching & discipleship ministry leaders to share their ideas with us each week. These are people who not only are very active in teaching and making disciples in the local church, but are also very involved in the GCSSA ministry of “empowering teaching & discipleship in today’s church”. I am proud to be able to call them my friends and colleagues in the making of disciples.
If you would like to participate as a TADBlogg’r please contact me directly at paul.loth@gcssa.org. We would like to include as many of you as possible as Blogg’rs in this new ministry venture for GCSSA.
Teachers also need to talk to each other, to share ideas, to ask questions, to build camaraderie, and to support and encourage each other. Please feel free to respond to any and all TADBlog posts, share new, contrary, or additional perspectives, tell us your new ideas, share and recommend new programs and resources, share discipleship successes, and give words of encouragement.
And, while you’re at it, click back on the dinner invitation and let us know you’ll be joining us on November 20th. In addition to the silent auction and exciting musical entertainment, my good friend Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, will be providing entertainment at the tables and we will have a special time of recognizing the people in our lives who discipled us and you will learn more of the new ministry ventures of GCSSA in disciple-making.
May the GCSSA TADBlog be used of God to help us all achieve the Great Commission to make disciples, teaching everyone everywhere to carry out the commands of Christ.
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director GCSSA
Now that is something I can get excited about!
Everyone talks about making disciples, but only Jesus tells us how to do it…by teaching all people to obey His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). We make disciples by TEACHING! And not just teaching content. We make disciples by teaching others to obey our Lord and to follow Him.
As a lifelong teacher and educator, that is not new information. That is a definition of teaching any educator could embrace. Every teacher endeavors to not just teach content but to accomplish life change. That’s why we teach- to make a difference.
And the end result of Christ’s teaching is a changed life, a life dedicated to following Him. So every Sunday that you teach your class, every night you facilitate your Bible discussion, every moment you dedicate to working with the children and youth in your church ministry, and every “God-moment” you have with your neighbors and fellow believers, you are making disciples, you are teaching God’s truth, and you are passing the torch to the next generation.
So, when I read that the mission of GCSSA is to encourage and extend teaching, I knew this was the job for me. Having taught for many years, in many age groups and many different settings, I knew that teachers need support, encouragement, and help with new ideas and insights.
The Midwest Teaching & Discipleship Convention on March 26-28 next year will help, as did the Fall Institute on Creative Teaching & Discipleship held on October 4th and the Hispanic Church Teaching Convention at Moody Bible Institute the end of October.
Speaking as a teacher, though, I know that teachers need more. That is why we are beginning this new ministry venture, the Teaching & Discipleship BLOG (TADBlog). Will this include new information about the GCSSA ministry and events? Of course. Will you learn what’s going to happen at the upcoming convention? Yes!
But that’s not the real purpose of the TADBlog. The real purpose is to help encourage you in your task of teaching and disciple-making. The task of the church is to make disciples and we want you to be equipped to do that effectively and to see changed lives as people live lives as followers of Christ.
I have invited some teaching & discipleship ministry leaders to share their ideas with us each week. These are people who not only are very active in teaching and making disciples in the local church, but are also very involved in the GCSSA ministry of “empowering teaching & discipleship in today’s church”. I am proud to be able to call them my friends and colleagues in the making of disciples.
If you would like to participate as a TADBlogg’r please contact me directly at paul.loth@gcssa.org. We would like to include as many of you as possible as Blogg’rs in this new ministry venture for GCSSA.
Teachers also need to talk to each other, to share ideas, to ask questions, to build camaraderie, and to support and encourage each other. Please feel free to respond to any and all TADBlog posts, share new, contrary, or additional perspectives, tell us your new ideas, share and recommend new programs and resources, share discipleship successes, and give words of encouragement.
And, while you’re at it, click back on the dinner invitation and let us know you’ll be joining us on November 20th. In addition to the silent auction and exciting musical entertainment, my good friend Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, will be providing entertainment at the tables and we will have a special time of recognizing the people in our lives who discipled us and you will learn more of the new ministry ventures of GCSSA in disciple-making.
May the GCSSA TADBlog be used of God to help us all achieve the Great Commission to make disciples, teaching everyone everywhere to carry out the commands of Christ.
-Paul
Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.
Executive Director GCSSA
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