Cowboy Church Outreach and ministry ... Western style article on page 29

Inside: 2007 Training & Events preview

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007

News and information for ministry from LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention Contents

Volume 53 • Number 1 January/February 2007

Commentary From my perspective: Get your words right...... 4 Survey: Churches see ministry, missions as the same...... 6

Articles 2007 Training, Enrichment Events Preview...... 10-27 It’s a simple year...... 10 Conference centers schedule and information...... 12 LifeWay schedule and information...... 14 Event listings...... 15 Cowboy church offers acceptance, redemption...... 29 Niche churches meet unique ministry needs...... 33 Ridgecrest motorcycle rally draws 200 riders...... 34 1,300 church staff dismissed in 2005...... 39 Clendenen named head of B&H Academic...... 43 2007 Events Preview • 10-27

Resources For you from LifeWay...... 44

Cover photo: Lynn Bitner sings and plays during a service at the Pecos Valley Cowboy Church in Pecos, N.M. Photo by Kent Harville.

B&H Academic • 43 Coming in the March/April issue: • Facts & Trends becomes primary print outlet for LifeWay Research • Tips for planning a service to honor your church’s grads • B&H releases new commentary for and by women

How to get Facts & Trends absolutely free: Write us: Facts & Trends One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0192 Phone us: (615) 251-3698 E-mail us: [email protected] Cowboy church • 29 Visit us on the Web: Our site: www.lifeway.com/factsandtrends LifeWay’s news site: www.lifeway.com/news Phone numbers, Web addresses and content referenced in articles were verified at the time of printing.

Our purpose To support you in ministry by connecting you with LifeWay’s “Biblical Solutions for Life.” To help you carry out your Motorcycle rally• 34 calling more effectively as you read news and feature stories, Christmas Quiz Correction information about trends that impact the church, ministry from Nov/Dec 2006 issue of Facts & Trends tips and an introduction to new LifeWay products. Whether Question 8 on page 14 reads: “Jesus’s ancestors included you’re a pastor, church staff member or lay leader, you’ll find a prostitute, an adulterer, incestuous siblings and a non- ways to enhance your ministry. Israelite.” The answer given in page 16 is: “True. Rahab was a prostitute. David was an adulterer. Tamar and Judah Our format committed incest, and Ruth was from Moab....” Facts & Trends is published six times a year by LifeWay The portion of the answer that states, “Tamar and Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Judah committed incest” is wrong, due to the writer con- Facts & Trends is a free publication. fusing Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah (Gen. 38:6) with King David’s daughter Tamar (2 Sam. 13:1), who was raped by her half-brother, Amnon (2 Sam. 13:14). Our people It is true that Judah had sexual relations with his Polly House, editor; Katie Shull, graphic designer; daughter-in-law Tamar, who disguised herself as a Kelly Davis Shrout, Brooklyn Noel, Jenny Rice, Chris Turner, prostitute (Gen. 38:1-26). She became pregnant and had writers; Kent Harville, visuals specialist; Shirley Richardson, twin sons, Zerah and Perez (Gen. 38:27-30). But it was Web editor; Russ Rankin, editor in chief; Rob Phillips, Tamar and Amnon – not Tamar and Judah – who were siblings, and the rape of Tamar can hardly be called an director, corporate communications. incestuous relationship. We apologize for the error. January/February 2007  From my perspective

Getting the words right will clarify the meaning ommunity outreach activities are not evangelism and missions is not a synonym for ministry. Those were thoughts that raced across my mind when IC read the research done for this issue of . It appears, Facts & Trends however, that we as evangelicals – and specifically we as Southern Baptists – are using those words interchangeably. It should not be so. Some may say, “Well, it is just a matter of semantics.” Wrong answer! It is unfortunately a common error that absolutely undermines the Great Commission. … “’Lifestyle evangelism’ Here’s how. Evangelism is not as effective as can be a part of a reasoning with people community outreach as the Apostle Paul did.” activity but too often — Thom S. Rainer churches host community outreach activities and never get around to presenting the gospel. It may sound elementary, but evangelism is a Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO, verbal presentation that communicates what it means for Christ to LifeWay Christian Resources have died on the cross as atonement for our sin. It is a call for sinners of the Southern Baptist Convention to confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and to believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead, both for the purpose of their salvation. Churches can do dozens of block parties and never get around to challenging people with the reality of the gospel, Subscribe i.e. evangelizing them. (And by the way, this is why LifeWay President Thom S. Rainer writes “lifestyle evangelism” is not as effective as reasoning LifeWay@Heart, an occasional e-mail message with people as the Apostle Paul did.) addressing trends and ministry ideas. Add your name to the LifeWay@Heart mailing list by going to www.lifeway.com/form_heart.asp. On the form, type in your e-mail address and name, then click the “Join List” button.

 Facts & Trends I noticed in the study that the top five methods of evangelism are: Vacation Bible We recommend School, literature, events, musical events/concerts and mailings or fliers. VBS is a great outreach opportunity, but even so, if there is no presentation of the gospel then kids • Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay have simply spent a fun week of learning some neat things about the Bible. • Success to Significance Another area where we have gotten sloppy with our language is in equating missions Ministry Guide by with ministry. They are not the same thing. Although this was not part of the survey, Lloyd Reeb I’m well aware that when churches offer a soup kitchen, job training, after-school • The Art of Personal programs or host a “downtown mission,” Evangelism by Will that this is often called “mission work.” Not McRaney Evangelism – a verbal presentation so. It is ministry. Missions is evangelism • To the Ends of the Earth that communicates what it means that leads to churches. That is what by Jerry Rankin for Christ to have died on the missionaries do. cross as atonement for our sin. Christ calls every believer to make disciples of all nations, commanding us to These and other resources Missions – evangelism that leads to baptize new converts and teaching them are available through churches. to obey our Lord (Matthew 28:19-20). customer service at www.lifeway.com and Missions should result in new churches (800) 458-2772 and from because all Christians need a body of LifeWay Christian Stores believers to help them grow spiritually. It is where they learn that the church is Jesus’ at www.lifewaystores.com bride! The New Testament teaches the importance of the church through the stories of and (800) 233-1123. Paul’s missionary journeys. On each of those journeys, Paul left behind new believers, new churches and developing leaders. Churches should engage in activities and ministries that effectively give them the best opportunity to evangelize. However, if a choice has to be made between activities and evangelization, I echo Paul: “Proclaim the message!” (2 Timothy 4:2). n

In His service,

January/February 2007  Churches tend  to see missions and  ministry as the same by Ron Sellers

hat methods are Protestant churches using for evangelism? W How involved are churches in community outreach and what are the obstacles to greater involvement? These issues were explored in a study conducted for Facts & Trends by Ellison Research. The study included the responses of a representative sample of 811 Protestant senior pastors nationwide. The methods churches are using for evangelism are quite varied. The most common is Vacation Bible School, which has been used by 7 out of 10 churches for evangelism in the last year. At least half have used literature such as tracts or magazines (59 percent), events such as block parties or a Fall Festival (56 percent), musical events or concerts (51 percent), mailings or fliers (50 percent), and nursing home or retirement center visits (49 percent) specifically for the purposes of evangelism. Southern Baptist churches use a greater variety of evangelistic activities than average. SBC churches are more likely than average to have used VBS, literature, musical events or concerts, revivals or crusades, evangelism training classes or groups, and especially door-to-door visitation, but are less likely than average to do any kind of online evangelism. Evangelical churches in general use a wider variety of evangelistic methods and tools than do mainline Protestant churches. On the other hand, mainline churches generally offer a greater variety of community outreach programs.  Facts & Trends Survey results Churches tend  to see missions and  ministry as the same Community outreach: Among SBC churches VBS 70% The only types of community outreach activities offered by a majority of all Protestant churches in the past 12 Food donations 69% months have been a food pantry, collection or donations Holiday food programs 68% (73 percent); VBS (68 percent); and holiday food programs such as Thanksgiving or Christmas food baskets Prison ministry 20% (65 percent). The slight difference in the figures for VBS between the community outreach and evangelism Blood drive 17% questions is likely due to how churches classify this program (for example, whether they view the purpose as Sports outreach 14% evangelism or community involvement). Other 14% Other types of community outreach offered by a much smaller proportion of churches in the last year include Ethnic group outreach 13% prison ministry (25 percent), homeless outreach (24 percent), Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts (20 percent), blood Abortion/pregnancy counseling 12% drives (17 percent), after-school programs for children Homeless outreach 10% (14 percent), sports programs (11 percent), and outreach to specific ethnic groups (11 percent). After-school programs 9% Fewer than 1 out of 10 Protestant churches offer any kind of free or low-cost day care services, abortion or Scouting 8% pregnancy counseling, domestic violence programs, Day care 6% English language classes, job skills or job training, or adult literacy or reading classes. English classes 5% Southern Baptist churches are less likely than average to have any kind of homeless outreach, as well as Scouting Job skills/training 4% programs. Adult literacy 3% All pastors – regardless of their church’s level of involvement – were asked what’s holding their church Nothing 3% back from being even more involved in their community. Four different reasons are cited by at least half of all Domestic violence counseling 2% pastors: lack of sufficient volunteers (58 percent), lack

January/February 2007  Top 5 forms of evangelism: Among different Protestant denominations

All Protestant churches: VBS

VBS 70%, Literature 59%, Events 56% Musical events/concerts 51%, Mailings or fliers 50%

SBC churches: VBS

VBS 80%, Literature 78%, Door-to-door visitation 65% Musical events/concerts 61%, Revivals/crusades 58%

Other Baptist churches: VBS

VBS 77%, Literature 73%, Door-to-door visitation 48% Events 48%, Mailings or fliers 47%, Musical events/concerts 47%, Revivals/crusades 47%

Methodist churches: VBS

VBS 79%, Events 70%, Musical events/concerts 52%, Mailings or fliers 50%, Nursing home/Retirement center visits 51%

Lutheran churches: VBS

VBS 91%, Mailings or fliers 50%, Literature 78%, Events 65%, Nursing home/Retirement center visits 51%

Pentecostal churches:

Events 67%, Musical events/concerts 64%, Revivals/crusades 64%, Literature 62%, Nursing home/Retirement center visits 55%

Presbyterian churches: VBS

VBS 77%, Events 69%, Mailings or fliers 55% Invite a friend to church days 47%, Community service 42%

 Facts & Trends Survey results

of sufficient staff (56 percent), lack of sufficient lay leaders (52 percent) and lack of sufficient funds (50 percent). Other common reasons include just not having enough time to do everything (41 percent), lack of sufficient facilities (31 percent), having mostly older people in the congregation (26 percent), and being in a small town or rural setting (25 percent). In addition, 39 percent are not highly interested in offering more programs for the community, saying: • they would rather focus on spiritual “While churches frequently cite needs than on physical needs • they would rather focus on their a lack of staff, facilities, people own congregation than on the and/or money as reasons for community • their community has no major not being more involved in the needs community, increasing those • they don’t see it as a major priority for their church resources doesn’t necessarily • they see other organizations doing lead to greater involvement.” these things better than they do • their congregation or community — Ron Sellers really isn’t interested in community outreach This is fairly consistent across all major denominational groups (including the SBC), as well as between evangelical and mainline churches. While churches frequently cite a lack of staff, facilities, people and/or money as reasons for not being more involved in the community, increasing those resources doesn’t necessarily lead to greater involvement. In smaller churches, the words “once we grow larger,” are often a lead-in to discussing what things will hopefully be like in the future. But pastors in larger churches – which usually have more staff, more funds, larger facilities, and obviously more potential volunteers and lay leaders than small churches – still commonly name the lack of these resources as obstacles to being more involved Ron Sellers is president of in the community. Plus, they are much more likely to add to the mix a lack of time Ellison Research (Phoenix, to accomplish everything. Having more resources at their disposal apparently doesn’t Ariz.), which conducted mean these obstacles are significantly reduced or removed for churches. n exclusive research for Facts & Trends on issues important to our readers.

January/February 2007  Training & Enrichment 2007Events Simple is big. It’s huge! Look all around you. Simple is everywhere. If you Google “simple,” in .03 seconds you can bring up more than a billion – that’s billion with a “b” – Web sites that offer you opportunities to make your life simple. Simple life, simple food, simple songs, simple thoughts, simple machines, simple punctuation!

But what about simple training … or simple enrichment? Do we have a year for you! Just call 2007 the Simple Year. You can be trained in just about any area of church work you can imagine at one of our training events. You can have fun and be spiritually pumped up at the same time at one of our many enrichment events. And it’s simple. You don’t have to host it. You don’t have to set up tables. You don’t have to clean up after everyone leaves. You don’t even have to wear a tie or socks! You can just come, learn, enjoy and go home ready to make your church a brighter beacon for God! What could be simpler?

10 Facts & Trends 2007

January/February 2007 11 2007 Training & Enrichment Events at Schedule LifeWay Conference Center locations information verified at time of publication LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center o VBS 2007 Preview...... Jan. 19-20 o Be the Man...... May 4-5 LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center o Pastor’s Masters Golf Retreat ...... May 7-9 o VBS 2007 Preview ...... Jan. 12-13 o Blue Ridge Mountains Christian o Ski Singles Winter Retreat ...... Feb. 16-19 Writers Conference ..... May 20-24, Oct. 7-11 o Ski Xplosion ...... March 13-16, 19-22 o Fly Fishing Adventures...... May 21-24 o Law Enforcement Summit ...... April 3-6 o Marriage Impact ...... May 25-27, June 22-24, o Singles Adventure ...... May 25-27 July 20-22, Aug. 17-19 o Worship Leadership Conference ...... July 9-13 o Singles Adventure ...... May 25-27 o National Evangelism o Rally to Ridgecrest ...... May 25-28 & Discipleship Week ...... July 16-20 o Worship Leadership Conference...... June 18-22 o Wilderness Adventure ...... July 7-21 o Explore the Bible Conference...... July 6-9 o Sunday School Week ...... July 23-27 o National Evangelism o Collegiate Week ...... Aug. 4-10 & Discipleship Week ...... July 9-13 o Extreme Young Adult Weekend..Aug. 31-Sept. 3 o Sunday School Week ...... July 13-16 o Pastor’s Masters Golf Retreat ...... Sept. 17-19 o Black Church Leadership & o Fly Fishing Adventures ...... Sept. 19-21 Family Week ...... July 23-27 o Adults 55+ Fall Celebration ...... Oct. 1-5 o Wilderness Adventure...... July 21-Aug. 3 o Festival of Marriage ...... Oct. 5-7 o Collegiate Week ...... Aug. 4-9 o Singles Labor Day Retreat...... Aug. 31-Sept. 3 o Festivals of Marriage ...... Oct. 5-7,12-14, 19-21 o = Leadership Training Events o Adults 55+ Fall Celebration ...... Oct. 15-19 o = Enrichment Events

Registration & Information Registration & Information LifeWay Ridgecrest LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center Conference Center For more information or to register For more information or to register for 2007 Ridgecrest conferences: for 2007 Glorieta conferences: Phone: (800) 588-7222 Phone: (800) 797-4222 Fax: (828) 669-9721 Fax: (505) 757-4386 Online: www.lifeway.com/ridgecrest Online: www.lifeway.com/glorieta

12 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview

The BEST in summer leadership training is a great value! The program fee is $75 per person for adults and students for Explore the Bible, Sunday School, Discipleship, and Black Church Leadership & Family events; but day camp and preschool care is only $25 per child for the full event! There is a maximum of $250 for any family. Conference Center lodging costs are also economical, and allow several choices. Rates are for up to two adults in a Room Rates Glorieta Ridgecrest room. Children under 18 stay free with their parents. Also, choose from Deluxe lodging $99 $99 value-priced two-meal-a-day or Standard lodging $69 $79 three-meal-a-day plans. Economy lodging N/A $59 A family of four (two adults, one Meal Costs Glorieta Ridgecrest student, and one child) staying in 2 meals a day $19/day $18/day “standard” conference center housing will pay 10 to 15 percent less than in 3 meals a day $25/day $25/day 2006, depending on location and length of event. Guests choosing to lodge in non-conference center housing will be assessed a $15 per person campus usage fee. This fee does not include meals or program fees. Training Credit Information Participants may be able to earn Continuing Education Unit credits during Sunday School, Discipleship, Music/Worship, and Black Church Leadership & Family weeks. Christian Growth Study Plan credits may be earned for many morning and afternoon conferences. Doctoral students may be able to receive credit through their seminaries. For more information, go to www.lifeway.com/cgsp. Spiritual growth and crazy fun for your students and children! The Zone 2007 – The Zone will be back and better than ever for students who have completed grades 7 and up and who are attending Explore the Bible, Sunday School, Discipleship, Black Church Leadership & Family, and Collegiate events with their families. Led by student leaders from around the country, the Zone is a first- class summer camp experience – with cool music, new friends, recreation and crazy stuff. In small groups and worship sessions, students will search God’s Word to discover His call on their lives. They will seek the face of God in powerful, yet personal worship and have the opportunity to discuss the basics of their faith. Intimate times with God in personal Bible study and prayer will be the start of lifelong habits that will strengthen their faith, their relationships and their lives. A day camp adventure for your kids – Your children who have completed 1st through 6th grades are in for a full week of day camp fun and adventure while you are attending training sessions. Using LifeWay curriculum specifically designed for a Christian day camp, your child will have a blast with games, Bible stories, crafts, hiking and recreation. Childcare for the youngest set – Preschool children can play, learn and grow in a loving, caring and safe preschool environment. Using LifeWay materials, preschool workers are trained to give quality care and individual attention to your child, who will learn about God’s love and His creation through songs, activities, stories and play. You can focus on being equipped for ministry knowing that your children are happy and safe. January/February 2007 13 2007 Training & Enrichment Events at various locations Schedule information verified at time of publication

Locations other than Glorieta and Ridgecrest o Rec Lab ...... Jan. 7-11 o Success to Significance o National G.R.O.W. Workshops ..... Jan. 11, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 20 Conference ...... March 18-20, April 15-17 o National FAITH Institute ...... Jan. 22-25 o You & Your Girl ...... April 28, May 19, o Ch ildren’s Choir Sept. 15, Oct. 20 Leadership Workshop ...... Jan. 26-27 o Going Beyond .... June 1-2, July 13-14, Oct. 5-6 o Living Proof Live ...... Feb. 2-3, Feb. 16-17, o Building Kingdom March 23-24, April 13-14, Schools Institute ...... June 13-15 April 27-28, May 11-12, o SonPower Orlando ...... July 2-6 May 25-26, Aug. 24-25 o Festivals of Marriage ...... Sept. 21-22, o VBS 2007 Preview ...... Feb. 1-2, 2-3 Nov. 2-4, Nov. 9-11 o Toward a o National Preschool & Growing Marriage ...... Feb. 10, May 19, Children’s Convention ...... Oct. 8-11 June 2, June 9, June 30, July 21, July 28, Aug. 4, o Adults 55+ Big Texas and Christmas Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 15, Celebrations ...... Oct. 23-25, Nov. 13-16 Sept. 22, Oct. 13 o Women’s Ministry o National Sunday School National Leadership Forum ...... Nov. 13-15 Directors Seminar ...... Feb. 23-24, March 16-17, March 30-31 o = Leadership Training Events o Deeper Still ...... March 9-10, Sept. 7-8 o = Enrichment Events o Downpour ...... March 9-10

Registration & Information Taping and photography disclaimer: LifeWay will be audio/videotaping and LifeWay Events Registration photographing all training and enrichment events. You For more information or to register may be filmed, recorded or photographed as part of for 2007 LifeWay conferences: the audience or individually. By your attendance, you are granting permission to be audio or videotaped or Phone: (800) 254-2022 photographed for commercial purposes and agree to Online: www.lifeway.com/events the following: being filmed, recorded, or photographed by any means; commercial or any other likeness, voice and words without compensation; specifically waiving all rights of privacy during the videotaping, filming, recording or photographing and release LifeWay Christian Resources from liability for loss, damage or compensation for the commercial or other use of your likeness, image, voice or words; compliance with all rules and regulations of LifeWay for this event. 14 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings

Adults 55+ Fall Celebration Adults 55+ Big Texas and Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest Glorieta Conference Center, located Christmas Celebrations Conference Center, Ridgecrest, just 18 miles from Santa Fe, N.M., Last year’s Branson Christmas N.C., May 4-5. For more will charm you as you experience life- Celebration was a sellout event. With information, go to www.lifeway. enriching classes and inspirational the overwhelming excitement from com/ridgecrest. worship services. A variety of classes that group, we are expecting the Black Church Leadership & will be offered from prayer and same this year, so register early. This Family Week devotional study to learning local year you have two location options: This conference’s target audiences are crafts and making and learning to Dallas and Branson, Mo. A full buffet pastors; deacons and deacons’ wives; play a dulcimer. There also will be breakfast will be served each morning men’s ministry leaders; education a class devoted to group leaders to before the sessions begin with Bible ministers; ministers’ wives; music discuss future needs of the growing study, music and our keynote speaker. leaders; drama leaders; leaders of adult 55+ age group. Enjoy the beauty Locations: Dallas, Oct. 23-25. adults, college, youth, children and of autumn with plenty of time to Branson, Mo., Nov. 13-16. For preschoolers; recreation leaders; explore Santa Fe and the historic more information, go to www. church secretaries; church staff and Governor’s Square, Los Alamos lifeway.com/events. National Park and mission sites. church members. In other words, Location: LifeWay Glorieta Be the Man – Black Men’s everyone! Conference Center, N.M., Oct. Conference Each day will begin early (5:45 a.m.) 1-5. For more information, go to In powerful numbers across our with praise and worship. Mornings www.lifeway.com/events. nation, men once again are reclaiming and afternoons will include topical their responsibilities – to their conferences and book studies. There Adults 55+ Fall Celebration professions, to their families and to will be conferences each morning Ridgecrest is nestled in the Blue their God. and afternoon for every target group, Ridge Mountains, just a short drive Men Pursuing God is a rock-solid except for Wednesday afternoon, from Asheville, N.C. You’ll enjoy conference for today’s African- which will be devoted to family time. the flaming red and gold autumn American men who are serious about Specialists from LifeWay, the North leaves, life-enriching classes and meeting life’s challenges. Some of American Mission Board, Woman’s inspirational worship services. A today’s most respected voices will Missionary Union, the International variety of classes will be offered offer strength and direction to Mission Board, GuideStone Financial from prayer and devotional study to assist men as they develop a deeper Services and other outstanding learning local crafts and making and relationship with Christ, discover practitioners will lead the classes. learning to play a dulcimer. There their God-given potential, understand There will be a time for Bible study also will be a class devoted to group their role in the each day. leaders to discuss future needs of the family and support growing adult 55+ age group. Ideas the ministries of their for afternoon free time may include church. the Biltmore Estates, Billy Graham’s God has placed Training Center at The Cove, the each of us within scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the this unique time for quaint craft stores in Black Mountain. a specific purpose. Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest What an incredible Conference Center, Ridgecrest, sight to witness men N.C., Oct. 15-19. For more of strength and vision information, go to www.lifeway. rise to pursue this com/events. challenge. January/February 2007 15 Other features of this week include opportunity to take your creative a pastor’s dinner sponsored by the goals to a higher level. is for their life. North American Mission Board; a  Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest During these events students will have Fair/Expo featuring products and Conference Center, May 20-24; the opportunity to have life-changing services provided by the sponsoring Oct. 7-11 (for advanced writers). experiences as they join hundreds of agencies (LifeWay, NAMB, WMU and For more information, go to www. other college students and high school IMB); a track for church musicians; a lifeway.com/christianwriters. graduates, hear the best collegiate certification track for beginning and speakers in the country, enjoy the advanced education directors; and lots Building Kingdom Schools outstanding music and network with of time to renew friendships and make Institute fellow college students from around new ones. Not just another Christian school the country. Check-in for this conference begins conference, the Building Kingdom at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 23. The Schools Institute features a distinct conference concludes before lunch on and specific focus: training Christian Friday, July 27. school leaders in how to build Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest Kingdom schools based on the biblical Conference Center, July 23-27. philosophy of Kingdom education. For more information, go to www. Location: LifeWay, Nashville, lifeway.com/events. Tenn., June 13-15. For more information, go to www.lifeway. Blue Ridge Mountains com/events. Christian Writers Conference God truly gives to writers a special Children’s Choir Leadership gift – a focused passion to develop a Workshop simple thought into a written reality. This workshop is designed to provide For some it may be a lucrative career. training and spiritual support for During the weeks there will be For others a rewarding hobby. But the leaders, directors and coordinators of opportunity for daily workshops common love that every writer shares children’s choirs and to assist churches on dating, discipleship, priorities, is the thrilling process of bringing in starting and growing children’s witnessing and missions. Students imagination to life. music/choir time. Seminars are lead will meet with representatives of The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian by a talented group of clinicians who Southern Baptist seminaries, Woman’s Writers Conference enters its 7th year touch on topics such as Designing the Missionary Union, the North as a premier training and networking Child’s Voice, Games: The Fun of American and International Mission event for both seasoned and aspiring Music, Classroom Management and Boards, as well as other organizations writers. This Sunday-Thursday event Coordinator’s Ministry Blueprint. that offer both educational and allows writers the ideal opportunity Location: Forest Park Baptist ministry opportunities. to interact with editors, agents, Church, Joplin, Mo., Jan. 26-27. There is also a special track of classes professional writers and readers, For more information, go to www. offered for those leaders who work offering outstanding workshops and lifeway.com/events. with college students. continuing classes in a wide array of Program leaders at Ridgecrest are creative categories. Whether you are Collegiate Weeks God has a mission, purpose and Greg Pinkner, teaching pastor at a professional writer expanding your plan that He is coursing this world Fellowship Church, Knoxville, skills and networking contacts, or toward. He is about reconciling people Tenn.; Jeff Iorg, president, Golden a brand new writer just beginning to Himself. That is His mission. Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, to chase your dream, the Christian Collegiate Weeks 2007 will help Mill Valley, Calif.; David Edwards, Writers Conference is the ideal students discover what God’s mission author and speaker, Oklahoma City; 16 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings and Jason Ingram and his band, “The Longing,” Nashville, Tenn. Leaders at Glorieta are David Platt, pastor of the Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Ala.; Landon Dowden, pastor of CrossPoint Church, Baton Rouge, La.; and Dave Hunt and band, Franklin, Tenn. We expect sold out weeks again this year, so don’t delay in making your reservations. Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest Beth Moore Kay Arthur Priscilla Shirer Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Downpour Explore the Bible N.C., Aug. 4-9; LifeWay Glorieta Join author, pastor and radio Conference Center, Glorieta, Conference personality James MacDonald for N.M., Aug. 4-10. For more This summer’s Explore the Bible a time of worship and teaching as information, go to www.lifeway. Conference is a new event that will he and others deliver five dynamic com/events. help your entire church: messages based on Hosea 6:1, 3. (1) Explore God’s Word through Deeper Still Along with MacDonald, special great preaching and personal Bible Three compelling Bible teachers! guests Joe Stowell, Bob Coy and study; Two unique locations! One incredible Greg Laurie will challenge attendees (2) Experience God’s presence experience! LifeWay is honored to to reflect on Sin in the Mirror: A through worship and fellowship with present Deeper Still: The Event. Picture of Brokenness; Christ on the other believers; Internationally renowned Bible Cross: A Picture of Grace; Self in the (3) Energize your teachers as they teachers Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Dirt: A Picture of Repentance; Spirit learn new Bible study, leadership, and Priscilla Shirer will share the platform in Control: A Picture of Power; and communication skills. at this new event in San Francisco God on the Throne: A Picture of This new conference will prepare and Nashville, Tenn. Go deeper in Holiness. those who use the Explore the Bible God’s Word as you sit under their Location: George R. Brown Sunday school resources for an entire teaching, deeper in prayer with Convention Center, Houston, year of Bible study. Personal and class thousands of women across North March 9-10. For more Bible study time will be enriched by America, and deeper in worship with information, go to www.lifeway. the knowledge gained through study Travis Cottrell and the praise team, com/events. about Matthew, Genesis and Acts. with special musical guest Because the Explore the Bible soloist Anthony Evans. This series is beginning a new eight- multicultural, multigenerational year study plan, this is a great event will awaken your soul to opportunity to prepare and the deep areas God wants to focus for beginning a new study speak to in your own life. of the complete Bible. This Locations: Moscone Center, conference will be an opportunity San Francisco, March 9- for churches to bring anyone 10; Gaylord Entertainment who wants to develop better Center, Nashville, Tenn., Bible study skills. Leaders will Sept. 7-8. For more offer conferences that will help information, go to www. strengthen your Bible study. lifeway.com/women. Great preaching will be a part January/February 2007 17 of the conference as participants unique opportunities to experience hear from expository preachers Mac God not just in a classroom setting, couples to get away and seek renewal. Brunson, pastor, First Baptist Church, but in the great outdoors as well. Through interactive workshops, Jacksonville, Fla.; Argile Smith, vice Young adults who crave adventure worship celebrations, live drama president, William Carey University, will be able to enjoy an number of and inspiring messages, the festivals Hattiesburg, Miss.; Chuck Quarles, outdoor adventures, including white encourage husbands and wives to vice president, Louisiana College, water rafting, kayaking, canoeing grow in their relationship with one Pineville, La.; and Bret Robbe, director and mountain biking. In the evening, another and with God. You’ll discover of leadership and adult ministry worship time will touch their hearts the meaning of true commitment for publishing at LifeWay. and souls. your marriage. Couples attending Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest Location: LifeWay Glorieta will have an opportunity to create Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Conference Center, Glorieta, their own workshop schedule as they N.C., July 6-9. For more N.M., Aug. 31-Sept. 3. For more celebrate their marriage, each other information, go to www.lifeway. information, go to www.lifeway. and rekindled love of the Lord. com/events. com/glorieta. Locations: Johnson Ferry Baptist Extreme Young Adult Festival of Marriage Events Church, Atlanta, Sept. 21-22; LifeWay Glorieta Conference Festival of Marriage conferences are Weekend Center, Glorieta, N.M., Oct. 5-7; Christ-centered enrichment events This Labor Day weekend offers today’s LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference single adults and married couples a that create opportunities for married

;ÄË?”ˆ+?WjaË݉͆Ë֙u Jump into a Vacation Bible School experience as big as the Amazon rain forest! Each day, kids will discover the One True God, and as their River Guide, you’ll have the opportunity to challenge kids to respond to Jesus as the Living Savior and Lord of All. So, if you’re looking for an anytime Vacation Bible School that’s jam-packed with fun, Club VBS is for you! Discover 2 ways to plan your Jaunt! The Club VBS: Jungle Jaunt All-in-One Pack (1-4158-3079-7 • $279.99) includes everything needed for 50 kids. Or, order the Club VBS 2007 Administrative and Worship Rally Pack (1-4158-2960-8 • $99.99) and customize your Club VBS to any size. ;

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18 ClubFacts VBS F&T& Trends half pg ad.indd 1 8/25/06 2:33:17 PM Training & Events preview Event Listings

Center, Ridgecrest, N.C., Oct. from God, not regular laypeople like and their spouses as they face the 5-7, 12-14, 19-21; Clarion Hotel, us. Women can open up the Bible, challenges of their professions. Ocean City, Md., Nov. 2-4; Tan- see the passages unfold, watch the Location: LifeWay Glorieta Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Mo., principles jump out and realize they Conference Center, Glorieta, Nov. 9-11. For more information, can do that in their own life.” N.M., April 3-6. For more go to www.lifeway.com/events. Shirer, a wife and mother of two information, go to www.lifeway. young sons, understands the unique com/lawenforcement. Fly Fishing Adventures needs women have. Her goal remains Our vision is basically to provide a to help women in all seasons of LifeWay Worship fishing trip … on steroids! Fish world- life, from all backgrounds, see how Leadership Conference class trout streams in New Mexico applicable the Bible is to their daily Come let us minister to you and your and North Carolina. Recharge your situations. family or staff members for five days heart by spending time with God Locations: Hylton Memorial as you listen to great music, worship and other men. Enjoy meaningful Chapel, Woodbridge, Va., June in exciting concerts, participate in worship and Bible study. Our desire is 1-2; Metro Baptist Church, classes that fit your needs and renew to fish rustic waters in the morning, Houston, July 13-14 (Simulcast); your mind. Classes will be offered for and then work on our hearts at night Mariner’s Church, Irvine, Calif., pastors, worship leaders, children’s during the Bible conference. Men Oct. 5-6. For more information, choir leaders, praise bands and teams, will leave with some super fishing go to www.lifeway.com/women. organ/piano, just to name a few. The memories, renewed hearts and newly beauty of either conference center formed friendships. Professional location will help you enter a spirit of fly-fishing guides are available at an worship as you celebrate the Living additional cost. God. Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Conference Center, Ridgecrest, N.C., May 21-24; LifeWay N.C., June 18-22; LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center, Glorieta Conference Center, July Glorieta, N.M., Sept. 19-21. For 9-13. For more information, go to more information, go to www. www.lifeway.com/events. lifeway.com/ridgecrest. Living Proof Live with Beth Going Beyond Law Enforcement Summit LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center, Moore Going Beyond, featuring Priscilla If you’re in need of divine Shirer, is one of the newest and most invites all men and women in the law enforcement community to a “safe refreshment, want to delve deeper into anticipated of LifeWay’s events for the Word of God, or are looking for women. place” where they can experience Shirer’s Bible study, He Speaks to Me, fellowship with God and other currently being taught in churches Christian officers. Challenging, across the United States, focuses on meaningful and relevant worship learning to hear the voice of God. services, led by officers, to officers LifeWay released her follow-up study, and their spouses, along with selective Discerning God’s Voice, in November breakout conferences and free time 2006. will make this an unforgettable “We tend to think the Lord only experience. Superb workshops and speaks to the spiritually elite,” says breakout sessions are designed by law Shirer, “that only established authors enforcement, for law enforcement, or teachers or pastors are hearing to support and encourage members January/February 2007 19 a fun and uplifting getaway with “the girls,” Living Proof Live is the place for you! Beth Moore’s focus will be on the Scripture that God lays on her heart for each individual Living Proof Live and inspirational worship. Each event – no two are the same. morning, couples from across the Moore’s mission is to guide women country will enjoy fellowshipping everywhere into a richer, more together during a relaxing breakfast, fulfilling relationship with the Father. followed by a short but meaningful Make plans now to attend one or time of Bible study. Then, throw on your worn-out more of these exciting events in a city Speakers at Ridgecrest will be Don khaki shorts and lace up your hiking near you. The powerful Bible study, Wilton, senior pastor of First Baptist boots. Couples can select from a teaching and authentic worship are Church, Spartanburg, S.C., and list of recreational adventures, from sure to minister to your mind, soul and Roy Fish, NAMB interim president. whitewater rafting to scaling a 40- spirit! Leading worship will be Richard foot climbing wall. There are plenty These popular events feature Travis Fuller and the praise team from First of relaxing options as well, with Cottrell and the praise and worship Baptist Church, Hendersonville, Tenn. canoeing, horseback riding and band. These day-and-a-half events Speakers at Glorieta will be Ergun mountain biking. The hiking trails at include inspiring messages and Caner, president of Liberty Theo- Ridgecrest offer spectacular views of uplifting music with the opportunity logical Seminary in Lynchburg, Va., the North Carolina mountains. to take home life-changing Bible and John Avant, vice president of Returning will be Ric Cadle, associate truths that speak to the heart of every evangelism at the North American pastor at Graceland Baptist Church woman. Mission Board. Leading worship will in New Albany, Ind., and his wife, Locations: Overlake Christian be Scott Bullman and the praise team Cindy, who will lead the worship and Church, Seattle, Feb. 2-3; Cobo from Thomas Road Baptist Church in Bible study, along with Carlee Ragians, Arena, Detroit, Feb. 16-17; Lynchburg, Va. worship associate at Graceland Baptist, Century Tel Center, Bossier Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest who will lead the music, praise and City, La., March 23-24; Colonial Conference Center, Ridgecrest, worship. Center, Columbia, S.C., April N.C., July 9-13; LifeWay Glorieta Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest 13-14; Albuquerque Convention Conference Center, Glorieta, Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Center, Albuquerque, N.M., N.M., July 16-20. For more N.C., May 25-27, June 22-24, April 27-28; Qwest Center Arena, information go to www.lifeway. July 20-22, Aug. 17-19. For more Omaha, Neb., May 11-12; Holmes com/events. Convocation Center, Boone, N.C., information, go to www.lifeway. May 25-26; RI Convention Center, com/marriageimpact. National FAITH Institute Providence, R.I., Aug. 24-25. For National Evangelism & The National FAITH Institute offers more information, go to www. four days of learning and sharing lifeway.com/women. Discipleship Weeks for existing FAITH churches and The 2007 National Evangelism & churches interested in launching this Marriage Impact Discipleship Conference will provide ministry-transforming evangelism This is a marriage retreat that won’t opportunities to dialog with leaders strategy. The senior pastor must be leave you stuck in a classroom! from local churches, LifeWay and the one of the attendees. Participants will Marriage Impact 2007 is the premier North American Mission Board in attend one of three tracks: FAITH marriage event inviting couples to evangelism and discipleship strategies Basic, FAITH Veterans, and POR experience exciting outdoor adventures that will equip attendees to return FE. The FAITH Basic track prepares combined with powerful Bible study home with an action plan. participants to begin using FAITH 20 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings

in their church, and gives than 800 leaders every year. These them opportunity to interact leaders continue to attend because of with others currently implementing excellent leadership training and the FAITH. The FAITH Veterans track unique fellowship and networking offers churches already implementing opportunities provided. During FAITH a chance to further develop this exciting four-day event, you’ll and strengthen their leaders, and it be introduced to effective tools that provides a means of networking with will help in all aspects of children’s leaders from other churches. The ministry. POR FE track offers FAITH Basic NPCC offers fresh ideas, useable training for churches with Spanish- strategies, unique learning speaking congregations. experiences, incomparable Location: First Baptist Church, networking opportunities and insight Daytona Beach, Fla., Jan. 22- into what is ahead for kids’ ministry. 25. For more information, go to Location: LifeWay, Nashville, www.lifeway.com/faith. Tenn., Oct. 8-11. For more information, go to www.lifeway. National G.R.O.W. com/events. Pastor’s Masters Golf Conferences National Sunday School Retreat Based on the proven outreach This is going to be a great time strategy G.R.O.W. (God Rewards Director Seminar for golf, fellowship, spiritual Our Work), this unique outreach and A National Sunday School Director encouragement and improving your evangelism event will teach pastors, Seminar is a two-day seminar that “game.” Scott Lehman, president and staff and laypeople ways to involve focuses on the role of the Sunday CEO of In His Grip Golf Association the most members in reaching your school director and how he or (www.inhisgripgolf.com), is helping community for Jesus Christ. As a she carries out that role. Sunday organize this event – three days conference participant you will learn school directors gain understanding of golf on different courses with how to implement G.R.O.W. in about the importance of their different formats will make this your church and Sunday school, and role, how to build a strong Sunday an event you won’t want to miss. observe a functioning and thriving school team, growing their Sunday Add to the great golf, professional G.R.O.W. lab. This event will inspire school, reaching people for Christ, golf instruction and Spirit-filled and encourage you whether you are developing life transforming teaching Bible studies to encourage you in preparing to start G.R.O.W., are and building a strategy for their your walk with God, and you have already using G.R.O.W., or would Sunday school. And that’s just in the the makings of an unforgettable like to combine G.R.O.W. with a general sessions. experience. functioning evangelism ministry, Pastors, ministers of education, Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest such as FAITH. Sunday school directors and outreach Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Locations: Bartlett, Tenn., March directors will have more options than N.C., May 7-9; LifeWay Glorieta 18-20; Forney, Texas, April 15- ever this summer. Conference Center, Glorieta, 17. For more information, go to Locations: Anderson Mill Baptist N.M., Sept. 17-19. For more www.lifeway.com/faith. Church, Austin, Texas, Feb. 23- information, go to www.lifeway. 24; Nall Avenue Baptist Church, com/golf. National Preschool and Prairie Village, Kan., March Children’s Convention 16-17; First Baptist Church, Rally to Ridgecrest The National Preschool and Mauldin, S.C., March 30-31. For Join Christian motorcyclists from Children’s Convention began in more information, go to www. all over the country on Memorial 1996 and is now attended by more lifeway.com/events. January/February 2007 21 Day to honor America’s fallen heroes on how to reach out to and enrich and get immersed in a weekend of families in churches. Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest motorcycling excitement. Ride long, Speakers include Michael Catt, Conference Center, Ridgecrest, winding roads through green forests pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church N.C., and LifeWay Glorieta and majestic mountains. Open yourself in Albany, Ga., the church that Conference Center, Glorieta, to God’s Word and His leadership in produced Facing the Giants, a movie N.M., May 25-27. For more your life. about a small town football team, information, go to www.lifeway. Meet new friends and reminisce with produced on a shoestring budget. Also com/glorieta. familiar faces while you ride, attend speaking is Mark Marshall, director of seminars and explore the ministry training and events at LifeWay. Ryan Singles Labor Day Retreat value of motorcycling. Challenging Richardson, director of worship and This weekend offers today’s single speakers and great music will fill each media at Baylor University, will lead adult an opportunity to experience night. Great food is provided with music for the event. Featured artists God in the mountains. It will be a your registration. Come and experience are Dove Award winners Steve and great time of teaching, worship and warm Southern hospitality as you Annie Chapman. music. Outdoor adventures are waiting discover all the exciting attractions Participants are encouraged to for participants who choose more Asheville and the surrounding area customize the conference using more active endeavors too. have to offer. than 80 seminar choices to enrich their Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest Location: LifeWay Ridgecrest personal and professional lives. Conference Center, Ridgecrest, Baptist Conference Center, Location: Radisson Hill Country N.C., Aug. 31-Sept. 3. For more Ridgecrest, N.C., May 25-28. For Resort, San Antonio, Jan. 7-11. information, go to www.lifeway. more information, go to www. For more information, go to www. com/ridgecrest. lifeway.com/ridgecrest. lifeway.com/events. Ski Singles Winter Rec Lab Singles Retreat Rec Lab, the multidenominational Adventure What could be better than conference featuring in-depth These fantastic three great days of skiing and instruction from the very best Memorial Day exploring the beautiful Santa practitioners in recreation and sports weekends at Fe area! Strap on your skis, ministry, is designed for anyone both LifeWay snowboards or anything else who uses recreation in a ministry conference centers worthy of scaling an incredible setting. Rec Lab is unapologetically offer today’s single 12,000-foot mountain and join evangelistic in scope and will challenge adults unique single adults from all across the novice and experienced alike by opportunities the nation for this growing introducing new ministry skills and to experience annual event. Daytimes are personal growth concepts. God not just in a left wide open for guests to test Along with general recreation and classroom setting, their skills and courage on the sports ministry seminars, two but in the great emphases this year will be ministering outdoors as well. to the outdoorsman and family Singles of any age ministry. Jason Cruise of Outdoor will be able to enjoy fantastic outdoor Ministry Network has put together adventures, including white water courses on how to use hunting, fishing rafting, kayaking, canoeing and and other outdoor experiences to reach mountain biking. Come together each men and boys. Eileen Wright, family night for inspirational worship and ministry leader from Alabama, and her fellowship with other single adults. team have designed a slate of seminars 22 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings beautiful, powder-packed Sangre de study God’s Word Sunday School Cristo Mountains. Skiing veterans under the direction Weeks and first-timers alike will find this of the coolest guys At Ridgecrest hear the event an absolute blast! around and serve the week’s preacher, Forrest Location: LifeWay Glorieta surrounding community Pollock, pastor, Bell Shoals Conference Center, Glorieta, through unique mission Baptist Church, Brandon, N.M., Feb. 16-19. For more opportunities. The Fla., and worship leader information, go to www.lifeway. week will culminate in Steve White, minister of com/glorieta. a live recording session, music, Cottage Hill Baptist as students present the Ski Xplosion Church, Mobile, Ala. music they’ve learned. As At Glorieta hear the week’s Think summer is the best time for if it could get any better, Lloyd Reeb youth camps and retreats? Better preacher Montia Setzler, this dynamic week is pastor, Magnolia Avenue wake up and smell the hot chocolate. seriously fun! Name a summer event that lets youth Baptist Church, Riverside, Calif., and Location: Sheraton World Resort, worship leaders Bill and Kerri Shiflett, navigate snowboards from 12,000 feet Orlando, Fla., July 2-6. For more down freshly snow-blanketed slopes. minister of music, Lenexa Baptist information, go to www.lifeway. Church, Lenexa, Kan. Is it any wonder why Ski Xplosion has com/events. become a premier winter youth event We want to help your Sunday school in America? Hit the powdery white Success to Significance become more inviting. You will learn slopes of Ski Santa Fe each day; study Luncheon and Workshop how to invigorate your learning environment, incorporate ideas to the unchangeable truths of God’s Who says there’s no such thing as increase visitor “traffic,” intercede Word each night. Ski Xplosion leaves a free lunch? These free Success to more effectively, invest in people, teenagers with memories that will last Significance luncheons and workshops invite them to come, then involve for years and changed hearts that will are perfect for pastors, adult ministry them in fellowship, ministry and last for eternity. leaders and lay leaders who are Bible study. For every 10 youth you register, the interested in learning how to discover Tracks of classes are offered for next person is free! Here’s a great and deploy leadership that already preschool and children’s leaders, those opportunity to offer scholarships sits in their pews every Sunday. who work with students, adult leaders, for youth in your group, or a nice Hear from Lloyd Reeb, author of pastors, ministers of education, way to help pay for your youth From Success to Significance, about Sunday school directors, outreach workers to come along! This offer his own midlife transition to pursue directors, and those who work with does not include the cost of ski significance and how your church can people who have special needs. There equipment rentals, lift tickets or any help its members do the same. Lunch is something for everyone. transportation charges. is served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., then A special feature at our two Sunday Location: LifeWay Glorieta the workshop follows from 1-2 p.m. school events is the special education Conference Center, Glorieta, Locations: Highland Baptist N.M., March 13-16, 19-22. For Church, Grove City, Ohio, lab school. The lab provides a safe more information, go to www. Jan. 11; Oak Hills Church, and loving place for family members lifeway.com/skixplosion. San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 1; with special needs (children/youth/ First Baptist Church, Broken adults) to enjoy VBS using our special SonPower Orlando Arrow, Okla., Feb. 8; Travis education materials. SonPower is an unforgettable week Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Special education leaders will be of music and missions for students. Worth, Texas, Feb. 20. For more able to observe and have hands-on In five power-packed days, students information, go to www.lifeway. experience in adapting for special learn dynamic songs from the com/events. needs in the classroom. This lab upcoming SonPower collection, follows the conference schedule to January/February 2007 23 allow parents full access to all core Baptist Church, Cleveland, and elective conferences. For more Tenn., Aug. 25; Hickory Grove LifeWay, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 1- information on the special education Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C., 2, 2-3. For more information, go lab, contact Carlton McDaniel at (919) Sept. 15; First Baptist Church to www.lifeway.com/vbs. 771-1367, or e-mail him at carlton@ Raytown, Raytown, Mo., Sept. abletoserve.com. 22; Community Church of Joy, Wilderness Adventure Last summer’s Sunday school events Glendale, Ariz., Oct. 13. For more How often does a youth get the sold out, so register early! information, go to www.lifeway. chance to make a life-long memory Locations: LifeWay Ridgecrest com/events. – one filled with lessons of leadership Conference Center, Ridgecrest, and character. This only begins to N.C., July 13-16; LifeWay Glorieta Vacation Bible School describe the Wilderness Adventure at Conference Center, Glorieta, Previews Ridgecrest and Glorieta conducted by N.M., July 23-27. For more Get in on the action! Be among the Ridgecrest Summer Camps. information, go to www.lifeway. first to see LifeWay’s exciting Vacation Students 15-18 years old are invited com/events. Bible School materials for 2007! These to join us in this premier event that special events provide previews of will include expedition backpacking, Toward a Growing Marriage Game Day Central. rock-climbing, challenge course God wants to bless your marriage. It’s Join VBS composer Jeff Slaughter and elements and horseback trail-riding. true. Through this one-day conference other VBS leaders from across the Interwoven throughout the activities you’ll learn lots of practical, biblical country for this hands-on, two-day will be lessons on leadership, principles – timeless wisdom that you event that’s overflowing with ideas communication, relationships and can start applying that day … and for and information about LifeWay’s good health. Most important will be years to come. 2007 VBS – including the Game Day Godly encouragement provided by the The lasting answers to marriage are Central musical! staff and the spiritual emphasis that found in the Bible, so whether you’re Hear firsthand from the creators of will accompany every aspect of the newly engaged or have celebrated a LifeWay’s VBS by attending tracks program. silver anniversary, join marriage and designed especially for VBS directors; Register soon! We will only accept 20 family life expert Gary Chapman VBS leaders for preschool, children guys and girls for this program. They for one of these Toward a Growing and youth; and at Ridgecrest only, will be supervised by a well-trained, Marriage conferences. It’s an event that VBS leaders for children with special experienced and thoroughly screened can literally change the course of your needs. veteran staff members from Camp marriage. Register early! A second event already Ridgecrest and Camp Crestridge. All Locations: Lake Arlington Baptist has been added at the Nashville technical equipment will be provided, Church, Arlington, Texas, Feb. location. however campers are responsible to 10; Midway Macedonia Baptist Locations: LifeWay Glorieta bring appropriate clothes, boots and Church, Villa Rica, Ga., May 19; Conference Center, Glorieta, personal gear (a list will be provided). Mt. Pleasant Church, Baltimore, N.M., Jan. 12-13; LifeWay Youth will need to be in good health June 2; Decatur Baptist Church, Ridgecrest Conference Center, and in good shape. Decatur, Ala., June 9; First Ridgecrest, N.C., Jan. 19-20; Location: LifeWay Glorieta Baptist Church, Orlando, Fla., Conference Center, Glorieta, June 30; Humble Area’s First N.M., July 7-21; LifeWay Baptist Church, Humble, Texas, Ridgecrest Conference Center, July 21; Concord Church, St. Ridgecrest, N.C., July 21-Aug. 3. Louis, July 28; Southcrest Baptist For more information, go to www. Church, Lubbock, Texas, Aug. lifeway.com/wildernessadventure. 4; Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Aug. 18; Westwood 24 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings

Women’s Ministry National to know but doesn’t know how to tell you (for moms). Fuge Camps 2007 Leadership Forum For more than 25 years life-changing Courtney is founder of Virtuous Renew, refresh, and revive at this Fuge camps have been bringing Reality Ministries, which reaches year’s Women’s Ministry National the best in youth camps and events more than 150,000 girls and Leadership Forum. to you. We have gotten down and mothers a year through Revitalize as you learn dirty with approximately 1 million her virtuousreality.com from women’s ministry of you in messy games. We have Web site and speaking leaders – new and helped thousands of churches change engagements. A mother seasoned – in sharing communities through ministry and of three teens, she seeks ministry ideas and mission tracks. And we have been to provide both teens and experiences. honored enough to bow our knees their parents with the Speakers include Kay with tens of thousands of students as tools necessary to navigate Arthur, Bible teacher, they have given their life to Christ today’s culture. conference speaker and and His service. Let Fuge help you In addition to Courtney’s co-founder of Precept achieve your ministry goals this eye-opening messages, Ministries International; summer as we offer some tried and Shaunti Feldhahn moms, daughters and and Shaunti Feldhahn, true camps as well as several exciting their friends will also author, speaker and new opportunities. hear from a variety of nationally syndicated 2007 pre-registration is still open, breakout leaders, worship newspaper columnist. but spots in the über-popular camps leaders and dramatist Come for the latest fill up in a hurry! Browse through Emory Colvin. Girl band information, ideas, and the hundreds of camp locations we Everlife brings their inspiration ... discover have for 2007, and then reserve your high-energy music and what works, what doesn’t spot by pre-registering online! Go inspiring messages to teen and what obstacles to to www.lifeway.com/fuge for all girls. Plus – join us for avoid. the information you need including a lunchtime discussion Location: LifeWay, dates, locations, prices and camp of how to start a girl’s Nashville, Tenn., descriptions. ministry in your church. Nov. 13-15. For more Vicki Courtney information, go to Moms, don’t miss this www.lifeway.com/women. fun and informative event where you can reconnect with your You & Your Girl daughter and she can be encouraged You & Your Girl is a fun and to stand up for Christ. informative Saturday event for Locations: Huffman Baptist moms and their daughters, ages Church, Birmingham, Ala., April 8 to 18. Best-selling author and 28; Church of the Highlands, nationwide speaker Vicki Courtney Ridgeland, Miss., May 19; Forest will encourage and equip participants Park Baptist Church, Joplin, with sessions on: the truth about Mo., Sept. 15; First Baptist your mom’s teen years and why she’s Church, Lenoir City, Tenn., Oct. freaking out over yours (for moms 20. For more information, go to Centrifuge and girls); the #1 “must-have” for a www.lifeway.com/women. Are you looking for adventure? Does happy life (for moms and girls); and the thought of spectacular scenery five things your daughter wants you and incredible wildlife excite you? Join Centrifuge this summer as we

January/February 2007 25 travel (in our imaginations) to the M-Fuge great continent of Africa. We will go M-Fuge is a ministry and missions- packed with Bible study, worship, on safari to such locations at Mount based camp that gives your students Xtreme parties and organized free time Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Victoria the chance to choose the ministries in activities! Falls in Zimbabwe and the Rift Valley which they wish to be involved. M- in Kenya. Along the way, we will Fuge staff lead students in Bible study, X-Fuge with Missions Option discover the secrets of the Kingdom of and then take them out Your group has the God as found in the parables of Jesus into the community to option to take on a in the Gospel of Matthew. Pack your participate in missions mission project for part bags, grab your binoculars and prepare opportunities involving of the day while at X- for an expedition of a lifetime. such activities as drama, Fuge. If you choose Since 1979 Centrifuge has been recreation, Vacation the mission track providing the best in youth camps. Bible School, painting your group will head What started out as a few weeks of and construction. off campus after the camp turned into a youth ministry At night, students morning large group movement. participate in dynamic time and then be back Crosspoint worship and other great in the late afternoon evening activities led by with some time leftover Life is fast. It comes at you from the M-Fuge staff. for the beach. many different directions and with When you call everything going on at one time. M-Fuge to register our But through a relationship with International events people God, making it through life’s super M-Fuge will ask you speedway can become a life of great International about the type peace and joy. Make a fast break represents the final of ministry this summer to Crosspoint, the most frontier of student you wish to be exciting – and fun – Christian sports missions. Students involved in. At camp around! Crosspoint is designed in grades 7 through a later date the for kids who have completed 4th, 5th, college become the site director 6th, 7th or 8th grade. This is where hands and feet of for this project the desire to excel athletically and the international missions as they work to will contact you and talk through message of Jesus Christ meet! Being help fulfill the Great Commission in the assignment your church has been an athlete is not a requirement; in fact, cultures around the world. given. From there, all you have to Crosspoint is designed for students Do you want to expose your students do is take your group there during with varied levels of athletic ability. In to international missions but don’t the day while at X-Fuge. Your group our culture, athletics often becomes know where to start? Leave the will have the best of both worlds, the focus of kids’ lives. Help them headaches of international planning to ministering in the community during center their attention on the Lord by us and go with M-Fuge to Ecuador or the day and hearing great speakers bringing them to Crosspoint! Canada. Your students will participate and artists during the large group time with students from across the country on campus. With a similar extreme in an international missions camp intensity as you’ll find at our X-Fuge experience they will never forget. camps, this weekend event combines a driving force of worship, Bible study X-Fuge and personal interest tracks. Join premier youth speakers, bands and artists for this wildly popular week

26 Facts & Trends Training & Events preview Event Listings

Centri-Kid Ridgecrest Summer Camps 2007 To film a movie is to tell a story. And to tell a story is to have the resources necessary to present it to an audience. In movies, and in the Christian life, it is crucial to have someone behind the lights, someone directing the camera, and someone accurately living out the script. So here we go ... lights, camera action! Centri-Kid offers a camp experience that will grab kids’ attention and capture their hearts through high-energy Camp Ridgecrest for Boys and Camp Crestridge for worship, interactive, kid-friendly Bible study and lots of fun! Girls are waiting for you to come and experience an Bring your group to Centri-Kid! Our staff does it all – from unforgettable summer of fun, adventure and growth. worship to recreation to music – so you can enjoy your week Both camps are open to children who have finished 1st and build deeper relationships with your kids. grade through teenagers who have finished 11th grade. Both camps are near LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Turning Hearts Tour Center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Can you imagine what happens when: 15 miles east of Asheville. • parents and their teenage students spend a weekend Camp is divided into four two-week sessions: June 10-22, totally focused on God, Scripture and their relationships June 24-July 6, July 8-20 and July 22-Aug. 3. Campers with one another? can attend one session or a combination of multiple • students watch as their fathers sing and worship God sessions. Tuition at both camps is $1,275 for two weeks, with all their hearts? $2,350 for four weeks, $3,525 for six weeks and $4,700 • the hearts of mothers and fathers turn back to their for eight weeks. A one-week starter camp is offered Aug. teens, and teens affirm their parents as spiritual leaders? 5-10 for $600. This program is designed for children who Come and experience this life-changing weekend! Leading have finished grades 1-5 who would like a “taste” of camp youth ministry spokesman Richard Ross, worship leader Joel in just one week. Engle, and worship artist Tyra Lokey have teamed up for A $400 nonrefundable deposit is required with the the turning hearts tour to bring healing to the relationships camper’s application. The remaining tuition is due May between parents and their teenagers. 1. Registration after May 1 requires the entire payment Beach Reach with the application. At Beach Reach 2007, college students and leaders Camp Ridgecrest and Camp Crestridge are designed come together to share the love of Jesus through servant with the growth of each camper in mind. These summer evangelism. Meet spring breakers as they climb into your camps help deepen each young person’s relationship with van for a late-night lift, as they sit across the table from you God in a fun and entertaining environment. at a free pancake breakfast, or visit with you on the streets. Activities include archery, arts and crafts, baseball, Each morning Beach Reach students host a free pancake basketball, gymnastics, horsemanship, mountain biking, breakfast for hungry spring breakers. Afternoon activities rock climbing, soccer, tennis and lots more. Our entire may include volleyball and soccer tournaments, tug-of-war, program is centered on impacting lives for God’s glory or sand sculpting contests. Music, teaching, worship, and through discipleship and adventure. spiritual refreshment lead to worship and spiritual growth. For more information, go to www.ridgecrestcamps. Evening ministries include a van ministry, street teams, com. phone/hotline, and prayer ministry. January/February 2007 27 LifeWay.com We clean up nice!

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range to bottom edge Cowboy Church Acceptance, unity, niche churches redemption offered at Cowboy Church written by Chris Turner photographed by Kent Harville

arry Parks backs a trailer up to the double doors of a tiny white cinderblock buildingL that sometimes serves as a sheriff’s outpost. He begins unloading everything Pecos Valley Cowboy Church needs to set up for the morning’s service. One item placed on the counter near the entrance collects tithes and prayer requests. It is a memorial and a reminder. It’s made of rough-cut lumber; an aged, mature wood much like you’d find on an old barn that might be leaning to one side in some pasture. It is about the size of a book box and looks like an old country church, complete with a pitched roof and a cross for a steeple. There is a slit in the top where churchgoers drop in their tithes and prayer requests. Four horseshoes are nailed around its sides. Lynn Bitner built the church, right down to the horseshoes. continued on page 31

Prior to church, local rancher Rick Wood- mansee demonstrates how to lasso a steer.

January/February 2007 29 “This entire area is a spiritually dark place with all manner of New Age spirituality. So many of these people are in bondage to alcohol, drugs and other addictions. They desper- ately need the acceptance and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.” — Larry Parks

30 Facts & Trends Pastor Larry Parks Cowboy Church niche churches

“I built this as a reminder for our church calloused-hand cowboys and cowgirls can and as a memorial to my son, Ricky,” experience the acceptance of Christ. A Bitner said. “The horseshoes are from the place where, as he says, “dressing up on last horse he rode. He was a cowboy and Sunday means beating the only church he felt accepted by was the dust out of your a cowboy church. He was a homosexual hat and knocking the and he was welcomed into that church manure off your boots.” unconditionally. But that is what is so Parks looks like he special about a cowboy church; there is stepped from the pages acceptance, not judgment.” of a Louis L’Amour Roark Griffin feels accepted. Griffin, a novel, right down to his soft-spoken and slightly barrel-chested bushy gray mustache man, is a rancher, artist and musician. He and black cowboy knows every Marty Robbins song ever hat pulled low on his produced. An assortment of bailing wire, forehead. Parks grew up a shovel, rocks, a trailer hitch and gloves in Louisiana and has a – tools indicating a life of hard work picture of himself at age Cowboy Church mem- – rattle around noisily in his truck bed two sitting on a horse with his daddy. He’s ber Wayne Hyde places as he whips off the highway and into the been in a saddle ever since. his offering in the parking lot. Johnny Cash’s “Railway to In 1964, Parks – then a Baptist Student offering box built by Heaven” is blaring in the cab. Union minister – came to LifeWay member Lynn Bitner “I’ve been practicing that song all week,” Glorieta Conference Center to lead in memory of his son. he said. “I really like its message and am Student Week. He rode a horse to the singing it this morning.” summit of Glorieta Baldy, a 10,000-foot Griffin grew up in church but never peak, and as he scanned the horizon told experienced much joy from it. He was God he wouldn’t mind if God moved different. He was a cowboy and the others him to the Glorieta area. The next day he were not. A few years ago he accepted was in the small town of Pecos, near the Christ and was baptized in the Pecos conference center and was overwhelmed River, in January. They had to break the by the desperate spiritual needs of the ice to dunk him. He recently baptized his people. daughter in the Pecos, in January. They “I said, ‘God, if you’ll let me add a P.S. broke the ice again. to that prayer yesterday, I’d love to move “I know that if it weren’t for Jesus Christ here and start a church,’” he said. Several I wouldn’t have a thing in this world,” decades passed before Parks’ prayer was he said. “I know He’s accepted me, and answered. “Here I am 42 years later. God I know this cowboy church does as well. is faithful.” I can be who I am. I also know others Parks said the spiritual condition in feel the same. They come here looking the Pecos area hasn’t changed in the for fellowship and I see them leave with a decades since he made that first visit. sense of connection and acceptance.” “There is more than 400 years of an Parks does everything he can to foster institutionalized Catholicism entrenched a church climate where sun-dried, in the Pecos Valley, “he said. “This entire area is a spiritually dark place with all January/February 2007 31 manner of New Age spirituality. So many of these people are in bondage to alcohol, drugs and other addictions. They desperately need the acceptance and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.” Parks and his wife, Jennifer, moved to the area about five years ago and made a connection with Bud and Linda McCrady. Linda and Jennifer both work at LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center and the McCradys live on campus, having retired there with the intention of starting a cowboy church in the area. Bud had been a part in planting 43 cowboy churches in Texas. As the core group began to meet and pray, the couples were certain God was at work. “There are 50 to 70 ranches in the Pecos Valley ranging in size from 200 to 7,000 acres,” Parks said. “Most of the people who work those ranches are surrounded by the beauty of God all day but don’t know Him. Paul says in Romans that God has revealed Himself in nature, but too often these folks worship the creation and not the Creator. We want to introduce them to Jesus so that they can know the Creator personally. Above: Maura, 4, strings “The way we do that is not make them beads and enjoys the ac- deny their Western heritage when they come tivities of Cowboy Church to church. They come in here, sometimes Sunday school. Her teach- straight from working their ranches, and they ers, Linda McCrady and fit in. We don’t turn anyone away. We don’t Janet Bitner, help with care what type of baggage you’re carrying; we the Bible studies know that Jesus accepts us unconditionally and projects. Top since there is nothing we can do to Right: Jennifer make ourselves more acceptable to Him. Rougeau-Parks We don’t judge. It is not based on our and Janet Bitner righteousness but His.” arrive at church with breakfast. Bitner knows that truth firsthand. “Ricky Right: The Pecos was saved and baptized before he died,” Valley Cowboy he said. “It was a cowboy church that Church Band plays loved him and showed him the mercy and before and dur- forgiveness of Jesus. I know my boy is in ing each worship heaven today.” service. Members And lest anyone passing through the door of Pecos Valley Cowboy Church should are (l-r) Lynn Bitner, Mal forget what the church should be, a little church made of rough-cut lumber sits Tolmen, Colleen Davy near the entrance to serve as a memorial to a son and reminder to all that Christ and Roark Griffin. unconditionally accepts sinful people. n

32 Facts & Trends Cowboy Church Other churches find their niche niche churches by Mitch Martin hen Jesus said, “Make of Chelsea, in lower Manhattan. disciples of all nations,” Deaf – Brian Sims is pastor of the he literally meant that as Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church in aW directive to reach all people-groups Brentwood, Tenn. Everything in the – that is what the word “ethnos” means service from the opening welcome to – “groups of people with the same the final amen is in sign language. No worldview.” words are spoken from the platform. Cowboys are one people group. Here are They have a specially designed chapel some more. Let these examples spark your that enables them to feel the vibration of imagination of what great things God music through the flooring. “The new could do through your church. facility is the only one I’m aware of that Resorts – Greg Hill has a campground was designed specifically for deaf people,” and marina ministry for the boaters Sims said. and campers at Kentucky Lake. Every Recreation – Bethesda Baptist Church Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. he holds in Union Point, Ga., holds informal services on the floating pavilion next to worship services every Sunday morning the marina restaurant at the Southern at the Durham Town Plantation, whose Komfort Village Resort. Surrounded by 7,000 acres of countryside is used for water on three sides, Hill says, “It is such ATV, motocross riding and hunting. At 8 a great atmosphere for worship!” Hill is a.m., before the riders are allowed to start a member of His House Ministries in their engines, Bruce Lovin leads a 30- We recommend Mayfield, Ky. minute Bible study for riders and staff. • A Cowboy’s Faith by Jack Truck Drivers – Mountain View Baptist Hip Hop – Pastor Rick Via reaches Terry Church in Casper, Wyo., sponsors an out to unbelievers using hip-hop music. • The Great Cowboy Trail 8:30 a.m. Sunday worship service at the This Sun Valley, Calif., church calls Ride: Meeting God in Wide Ghost Town Truck Stop. Garry Roggow, a itself “Headz Up Fellowship.” They do Open Spaces by Jack Terry former truck driver who understands this outreach with celebration nights where • I Wish I’d Known You people group, ministers to truckers who hip-hop artists share their testimonies. Tears Ago by Stephen Bly gather in the television lounge. He tells Xtremes – To say the least, The Scum • The Mustang Breaker by them, “I have talked to that steering wheel of the Earth is an unusual name for a Stephen Bly before and it doesn’t have the answers, but church. This Denver church meets on I know Who does.” Sunday nights, attracting punks, skaters These and other resources Recovery – Pastor Troy Smith and people with tattoos, body piercings are available through customer service at and purple hair. leads Community Baptist Church www.lifeway.com and in Battleground, Wash., and SAFE So whether it is in the city, in the (800) 458-2772 and from Ministries. SAFE Ministries helps drug country, at a truck stop or on the lake, LifeWay Christian Stores addicts and has seen hundreds set free Christians have the opportunity to at www.lifewaystores.com through the power of Jesus Christ. go where people gather and penetrate and (800) 233-1123. Singles – In upscale Manhattan in those circles with the gospel of Jesus New York City, 70 percent of the people Christ. This is exciting New Testament are single – mostly young professionals, Christianity, taking the message of college students and artists. Aaron Coe salvation to pockets of unreached people leads The Gallery Church, which is groups. Where is God leading you and strategically located in the arts community your church to minister? n January/February 2007 33 Ridgecrest motorcycle rally says ‘No one rides alone’ written and photographed by Russ Rankin he hills were alive with the sound of throaty engines Sept. 22-24, 2006 as 200 TChristian motorcycle enthusiasts converged on LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for the inaugural Ride to Ridgecrest Motorcycle Rally.

An early morning ride brought out a “ready to go” attitude in rally riders. 34 Facts & Trends Motorcycle rally niche ministry

Organized by LifeWay Conference of the universe was with me all the time. Centers, the event drew bikers from as far I was just a mean person. And (Godless) away as Beaumont, Texas, and Columbus, people like to be with the tough kid. I Ohio, for a weekend of seminars, worship went from alcohol to drugs, and got worse and biking on some of the most beautiful and worse,” he said, describing how that roads in the Southeast. “Our mission for this gathering is to It is only when “we understand that ultimately help build community among we are loved by God and it doesn’t Christian bikers and present a place matter what the world thinks that where unbelievers will hear the gospel and find a place of belonging,” said Ron freedom can be found.” Pratt, national event planner for LifeWay — Dale Brooks Conference Centers. “We also want to help existing motorcycle ministries develop lifestyle led him to outreach opportunities through frequent, get involved with a safe and well-organized motorcycle events.” motorcycle gang. Evening sessions were led by evangelist “I’m not talking and Christian counselor Dale Brooks from about guys that Charlotte, N.C., and international speaker drive down to the and author Richard Headrick, president and Dairy Queen and CEO of the The Headrick Companies, Inc., get ice cream,” he based in Laurel, Miss. quipped. “These were bad men.” Evening worship at Ridgecrest’s newly After years of trying opened ARC facility was led by Direct to remove himself Message, a Southern gospel rock and praise from that lifestyle, band, and Second Chance, a Christian band Nightly worship services “I found out that people can’t straighten up often featured at motorcycle rallies across are an important part of without the Sovereign Son of God changing the nation. the Ridgecrest motorcycle us.” Brooks, who rides with the Carolinas rally. Acceptance is why, according to Brooks, chapter of the Faith Riders Christian motorcycle riders mired in negative lifestyles motorcycle organization, gave testimony to have trouble finding freedom. “The gangs how God saved him from a life of drugs and accept them, and churches say ‘we don’t crime. want people like you.’” “Satan speaks lies to us to keep us from Brooks said everyone has four basic needs: Christ,” Brooks said. “I lived the lies that to be loved, accepted, secure and to have God isn’t fair, that I would have to make it significance. It is only when “we understand through life on my own, and that I couldn’t that we are loved by God and it doesn’t trust anyone. matter what the world thinks” that freedom “Little did I know that the Sovereign God can be found, he said.

January/February 2007 35 Motorcycle ministry that matters After enjoying the mountain roads of North Carolina with organized rides to scenic locations such as Lake Lure and Chimney Rock and the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, event attendees participated in workshops designed to reinforce the camaraderie of Christian motorcyclists. Danny Moats, a Verizon employee and chaplain of the Florida Faith Riders based out of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Fla., led a seminar on effective ways to share the gospel with bikers. “Don’t get caught in a trap of thinking what you do is important,” he said. “It’s because of Whose you are and that you’ve asked Jesus Christ as your Savior that matters. The most powerful witnessing tool is your own testimony. We’re all different. He’s

Above: Prayers are shared after a good day’s ride by riders from North Carolina.

36 Facts & Trends Motorcycle rally niche ministry

allowed us to walk the walk because He’s how to plan a motorcycle trip and tips on going to bring someone to us that connects motorcycle maintenance. with our story.” Overlooking a parking lot full of Harley Buddy Newsome, a former motorcycle Davidsons, Honda Gold Wing cruisers and police officer, started the first Faith Riders a range of colorful, chrome cycles, Brooks chapter at First Baptist in Lakeland. observed from the porch of Ridgecrest’s Leading a workshop on how to begin a Pritchell Hall that, “Motorcycling is at motorcycle ministry in a church, Newsome a peak right now. The Lord has literally reminded attendees that “it must be a blown the doors open on ministry to motorcycle ministry about Jesus Christ, not this segment of the population. This is a a motorcycle ministry about motorcycles.” perfect event for the Body of Christ to be involved in.” n Other workshops were led by LifeWay employees from the home office in Nashville, Tenn., who rode together as a group to the event. Topics included

We recommend • Introduction to Evangelism by Alvin Reid • Out of Their Faces and Into Their Shoes by John Kramp Riders head out for a day The next Ride to Ridgecrest • Riders for God by Rich of riding on the beautiful Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Remsberg Blue Ridge Parkway. Memorial Day weekend 2007. The Florida Faith Riders will host the These and other resources are available through event. For more information, contact customer service at www. Ron Pratt at [email protected] lifeway.com and (800) or go to www.lifeway.com/ridgecrest. 458-2772 and from LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123.

January/February 2007 37 OurOur ministryministry beginsbegins inin eacheach aisle...aisle...

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OurOur ministryministry beginsbegins inin eacheach aisle...aisle... he general inability to “get along” is again at the root of the top five reasons staff members in Southern Baptist churches Tare terminated from their positions, according to a recently completed study by LifeWay’s pastoral ministries department.

Relational issues top the list for the said. “The only difference is in their order 10th consecutive year, according to Bob from year to year. We consistently see the Sheffield, pastoral ministries specialist. The inability to develop and maintain healthy top five are: relationships within the church as the 1) control issues (who’s going to run the reason for dismissals.” church) The study is compiled in cooperation with 2) poor people skills state Baptist convention church ministry relations teams and directors of missions. 3) churches’ resistance to change Sheffield tabulates the data. Twenty-nine 4) pastor’s leadership style being too conventions participated this year – the strong highest total in the study’s 10 years. 5) churches already in conflict when the A total of 1,302 staff members were pastor arrived dismissed in 2005: 314 bivocational, 655 “The interesting thing since we began full-time pastors and 333 full-time staff. doing this study in 1996 is that the top five The totals for full-time and staff represent have been the top five every year,” Sheffield the highest totals during the 10 years, but

January/February 2007 39 Sheffield said the numbers could be slightly I won’t begin to speculate about what that skewed because the highest number of means, but it has never been this big of an conventions reporting in any one year in the issue before.” past was 26 (1998, 1999 and 2003). Sheffield observed that much of the “The other thing to consider is that this conflict that results in dismissal could be just represents the best data we can gather averted if pulpit committees and pastors on forced terminations,” he said. “It doesn’t interacted better during the interview include those who were pressured out.” process. Recognizing the current discussion Other reasons for dismissals taking place within the denomination regarding pulpit committee-pastor interview Sheffield said that a pastor’s administrative process, Sheffield offered some tips that incompetence (No. 8) and sexual could curb the number of dismissals. misconduct (No. 9) cracked the top 10 for the first time and ethical “Pastors ought to ask hard questions,” he misconduct (mismanaged said. “They should ask to see the minutes Top ten causes of monies, dishonesty, etc.) from the last several business meetings. church staff terminations makes it into the top 20 They ought to check the [church’s] for the first time at No. constitution and bylaws and the annual 1. Control issues: Who is going to 11. reports to the association and state. They run the church? should talk to area pastors about the “Most people would perception of the church. They should ask if 2. Poor people skills probably think that there have been previous terminations, the ethical issues or sexual 3. Church’s resistance to change tenure of the previous three or four pastors misconduct would have and why they left. 4. Pastor’s leadership style is too been one of the leading strong reasons for dismissals,” Research church on the front end Sheffield said. “Although “Pastors should do their due diligence, 5. Church was already conflicted I am glad they are not, and as with the pulpit committee, both when the pastor arrived I am disappointed to should be looking for the right match.” 6. Decline in attendance and/or see sexual misconduct Sheffield said. “Bottom line, however, is that conditions creeping higher on the if God is calling a pastor to a particularly list, and ethical issues difficult situation and he knows that 7. Pastor’s leadership style is too making the top 20. Let’s going in, he should go into it with his eyes weak face it, this is not an open, understanding it might be difficult. 8. Administrative incompetence uplifting list to begin Obedience to God should always be the on the part of the pastor with, but I’d love to see overriding factor.” those numbers decline.” Pulpit committees, Sheffield said, ought 9. Sexual misconduct Another first in the top to represent the full church but that’s not 10. Conflict with other staff 20 is disagreement over always the case. doctrine (No. 12). “It is “They often represent the more difficult to know exactly progressive segment of the church and what that means from the way the question what it wants to see happen, and not is asked on the survey,” Sheffield said, “so necessarily what the whole church wants to 40 Facts & Trends Church administration

see happen,” he said. “Some people will say given and can even ask other pastors in the We recommend a pastor’s search committee was dishonest. community where the pastor is located for That is sometimes references. Sheffield • Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John the case, but I believe also recommended Piper more often the people A total of 1,302 staff members two resources were dismissed in 2005: • Ministerial Ethics by Joe on the committee available through the E. Trull and James E. are communicating 314 bivocational, 655 full-time pastoral ministries Carter what they’d like to pastors and 333 full-time staff. department to guide • The Peacemaking Pastor see happen and not search committees: by Alfred Poirer necessarily what is information at www. happening in a church.” lifeway.com/pastors and the Pastor’s Search These and other resources Sheffield said pulpit committees should Committee Handbook, Revised. n are available through check a pastor’s references beyond what is customer service at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 and from An Inside LifeWay podcast interview with Sheffield and LifeWay Christian Stores Barney Self, licensed counselor with LifeWay’s pastoral at www.lifewaystores.com ministries area, is available at LifeWay.com/InsideLifeWay. and (800) 233-1123.

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for more info call 1.800.254.2022 or visit www.lifeway.com/jamesmacdonald Gifdf:'--<00 ?<N@CC:FD<KFLJC@B<K?<I8@E dp_F&Tad07.indd 1 11/20/06 2:45:47 PM B&H Academic Ray Clendenen named B&H’s publishing director of academic publishing by Kelly Davis Shrout ay Clendenen, a 15-year LifeWay Since the educational institutions are employee, has been named director responsible for training the leaders of the of academic publishing for B&H church, it’s important for the places of PublishingR Group. higher learning to know and propagate that Clendenen is general editor of the New truth.” American Commentary series and author The evangelical community should of the Malachi volume of the same series. expect resources grounded in conservative He currently serves as editorial director for theology, he added. “B&H Publishing Bible reference, commentary and academic Group is a publisher that displays courage books and as associate general editor of and conviction. We have an anchor in the the Holman Christian Standard Bible fundamentals of the Christian faith. We translation project. want to publish those books and authors In his new role, Clendenen will be who are conservative evangelicals who stand Ray Clendenden responsible for the acquisition and for truth without apology.” development of academic books and LifeWay President and CEO Thom electronic products for B&H Academic, Rainer claimed B&H Academic as one of an initiative launched in February 2006. his five priorities when he was installed as B&H Academic provides resources for president nearly a year ago. Rainer stressed undergraduate and graduate theological that the initiative will maintain “a priority education. to fidelity.” “Ray is well known and respected in “Through B&H Academic, we are going the conservative, evangelical academic to communicate that we are serious about community as a scholar and a thinker,” serious matters,” Rainer said during his said Ken Stephens, president of B&H inaugural trustee meeting in 2006. “We Publishing Group. “His appointment to this are going to have the best of academic position will fuel positive momentum as resources. B&H will be at the forefront of B&H Academic continues to publish solid, maintaining doctrinal truths. We are going biblically sound titles for use in evangelical to take an aggressive leadership role so when seminaries and colleges.” the world sees what fidelity to the inerrant Clendenen said his first priority is to Word of God looks like, they will see what visit colleges and seminaries to research LifeWay stands for.” academic needs and investigate potential Clendenen earned a Bachelor of Arts authors. “I want to hear from the faculty, in anthropology from Rice University, administration and students so we can Houston; a Master of Theology from Dallas determine how best to serve their Christian Theological Seminary; and a Master of education needs,” he said. Arts from Dropsie University, Philadelphia. His vision for B&H Academic is to He earned a Ph.D. in linguistics at the provide a voice of truth for students of University of Texas in Arlington. God’s Word. “There is Internet chaos In addition to directing B&H Academic, right now where facts, half truths, and Clendenen will maintain his responsibilities partial truths exist,” he said. “It’s extremely as general editor of the New American important for the church to provide truth. Commentary. n January/February 2007 43 Some product numbers have changed from 10-digit to Resources 13-digit numbers. In this issue of Facts & Trends, where for you from LifeWay appropriate, both numbers are given.

improvement even in – offer the ultimate book the best marriage. For about how to build a n 48 Days to the Work anyone intimidated by solid financial future as You Love the thought of making retirement approaches. by Dan Miller a costly time and money Your Money after the Big Now available in investment into marriage 5-0 equips readers with B&H Publishing paperback, audio and counseling, best-selling the knowledge, financial Group Spanish editions, author Tommy Nelson’s tools and wisdom needed. Dan Miller’s abiding Better Love Now! offers By following Burkett and vocational bestseller, 48 a strong professional Blue’s definitive direction, Days to the Work You alternative. Based upon we learn to build a Love, is not so much scriptural, scientific and portfolio that provides about finding a new psychological studies, for our family and honors job. It is more about Nelson touches on God. Releases Jan. 1. learning who we are really everything from his/her B&H Product #10:0- called to be. According needs and communication 8054-4432-7, B&H to the author, failing to family dynamics, Product #13:978-0- to make that mutual respect 8054-4432-2. Paperback. fundamental n and sex to help $12.95 My Child, My discovery is Princess husbands and n 40 Days why so many wives greatly by Beth Moore people find by Alton Gansky Best-selling author Beth improve the While many have written themselves in state of their Moore’s My Child, jobs they hate. about the resurrection My Princess is a simply sacred union. itself, few have delved Miller helps Releases Jan. 1. profound story that rings readers see clear into the 40 days Jesus true among children and B&H Product spent on Earth following patterns from #10:0-8054- grown-ups alike. When a which we can that exit from the grave. king’s rebellious daughter 4072-0, B&H With a passionate make successful Product disobeys her father’s career and believer’s heart, Alton wishes, his forgiveness and #13:978-0- Gansky looks closely job decisions by 8054-4072- patience vividly remind understanding at every recorded event us of God’s unconditional 0. Hardcover. that happened from the our God- $19.99 love. Originally released given abilities, moment Christ left the n with massive success in personality traits, Your tomb until he ascended 2003 in a kid-focused values, dreams Money after into heaven. Among the format under the title A and passions. the Big 5-0 Parable about the King, Releases Jan. 1. by Larry this new keepsake sepia- B&H Product Burkett & tone illustrated edition #10:0-8054- Ron Blue with makes a precious gift “for 4479-3, B&H Jeremy White little girls of all ages.” Product #13:978-0- With combined career Releases Feb. 1. B&H 8054-4479-7. Paperback. sales of 12 million Product #10:0-8054- $14.99 books, the two most revered and trusted 4455-6, B&H Product n #13:978-0-8054-4375-2. Better Love Now! names in Christian Hardcover. $9.99 by Tommy Nelson with finance – Ron Blue and David Delk the late Larry Burkett There’s always room for 44 Facts & Trends Resources are available from LifeWay Church Resources at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123

18 chapters are “A Peek ‘What a Savior!’… the 8054-4196-3. Paperback. making a dear friend inside the Tomb,” “A only ‘Wow!’ in a church $14.99 their worst enemy. Even Provocative Pondering of should be God.” With n Spirit Warriors the strongest of Spirit Angels,” “Mountaintop that in mind, Gaines (Number One) Warriors will struggle to Experience,” “Breakfast writes thoroughly about by Stephen Baldwin uphold their faith in God. by the Sea” and “The bringing God to our In Spirit Warriors, the Releases Feb. 1. B&H Big Exit.” Releases Feb. worship gatherings and first graphic novel from Product #10:0-8054- 1. B&H Product #10:0- warns against the worldly actor/producer Stephen 4355-X, B&H Product 8054-3090-3, B&H hindrances to pure Baldwin, six radical #13:978-0-8054-4355-4. Product #13:978-0- worship. Releases Jan. 1. teenagers meet and Paperback. $9.99 8054-3090-5. Paperback. B&H Product #10:0- enter the war zone of n Kid Concoctions of $14.99 8054-4398-3, B&H good versus evil to save Biblical Proportions Product #13:978-0- their crumbling New by John E. & Danita 8054-4398-1. Hardcover. City from the devilish Thomas $24.99 Elder Seiko. Each one The best-selling Kid n A Winter of Wonders mysteriously orphaned Concoctions books (more by Jennifer O’Neill at a young age, these than 4 million copies Real life, with its greatest heroic rebels are called sold in the series to date) hurts and grandest to pierce the darkness by bring families together to dreams, is the basis for using some amazingly create unique art projects Circle Of Friends, Just Off uncommon strengths. and playthings using Main, a deeply engaging Releases Feb. 1. B&H household ingredients. fiction series for real Product #10:0-8054- Designed for ages 3- women of all walks, by 4357-6, B&H Product 12, it’s good messy fun actress Jennifer O’Neill. #13:978-0-8054-4357-8. that usually requires n When God Comes to Book two, A Winter of Paperback. $9.99 adult supervision and Church Wonders, reveals even n Spirit Warriors always guarantees by Steve Gaines with more of the dynamics (Number Two) lasting memories. Kid Dean Merrill between at-odds sisters by Stephen Baldwin Concoctions of Biblical With so much attention Lauren and Irene, the After fending off the Proportions blends given to the presentation troublesome budding devilish Elder Seiko in Christian principles aspect of modern worship romance between book one, into each Bible-inspired services, is it possible that Irene’s teenage book two activity. Releases Feb. 1, many people attending daughter and begins with B&H Product #10:0- church today forget to basketball star, the Spirit 8054-4447-5, B&H focus on the primary Trace. In this Warriors Product #13:978-0- purpose of actually being wintry season anticipating 8054-4447-6. Paperback. in God’s presence? Pastor of the faith his next move $14.99 Steve Gaines fears this is journey, there while hiding n My LullaBible A to Z the case and calls for a are moments of out in war- Promise Book return to the core point coldness as well torn New City. by Stephen Elkins of corporate worship as merciful What they My LullaBible A to Z in When God Comes to warmth. never expected Promise Book introduces Church. His goal is to Releases Jan. was his ability God’s assurances to “Send people out the 1. B&H Product #10:0- to brainwash – no, toddlers in alphabetical door saying not ‘What 8054-4196-4, B&H spiritwash – someone very order through story, great music!’ but rather Product #13:978-0- close to them, suddenly illustration and song.

January/February 2007 45 Excitement is in the air with LifeWay’s Game Day Central VBS! Get kids in the game and help them learn how to become heroes on and off the field by focusing on Jesus and following God’s plan for their lives. Put your Vacation Bible School plan into action today by reserving your VBS 2007 SupEr SampLEr (1-4158-3065-7 • $189.99) or SampLEr (1-4158-3022-3 • $59.99). Go to www.lifeway.com/vbs, call 1.800.458.2772, or visit the LifeWay Christian Store serving you.

VBS07 soccer ad F&T.indd 1 10/24/06 3:30:38 PM Resources are available from LifeWay Church Resources at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123

Little ones will see and approach to (focusing on high- hear how their Creator make it happen. energy activities, always promises to Experienced often seen in mega- answer me, bless me and businessman churches), and comfort me. Written and Lloyd Reeb tells the media-driven composed by Grammy- marketplace active-engagement nominated producer leaders how to model (using a video- Stephen Elkins, this book find active service based curriculum comes with an hour-long roles within with limited teacher n CD of 26 new songs their church. Veteran Pentecost training). Releases to inspire and soothe pastor Bill Wellons helps by David M. Edwards Jan. 1. B&H Product young children. Releases colleagues reach church Pentecost looks in awe #10:0-8054-4186-7, Jan. 15. B&H Product members anxious to be at the power displayed B&H Product #13:978-0- #10:0-8054-2657-4, involved with ministry. in Christ’s resurrection 8054-4186-7. Paperback. B&H Product #13:978- Releases Jan. 1. B&H and the time leading $29.99 up to his ascension 0-8054-2657-1. Padded Product #10: 0-8054- n Spirit-Led Preaching board book with 26-song 4450-5, B&H Product into heaven. A bonus CD of related worship by Greg Heisler CD (60-minute running #13:978-0-8054-4450-6. In the words of author time). $14.99 Hardcover. $16.99 songs complements the colorfully written Greg Heisler, “Spirit-Led n Easter devotions. Releases Feb. Preaching is a call issued by David M. Edwards 1. B&H Product #10:0- to preachers, pastors and Every season brings a 08054-4334-7, B&H teachers of homiletics to new reason to praise Product #13:978-0-8054- recover the Holy Spirit and worship God. His 4334-9. Hardcover w/CD. for expository preaching magnificent creation is $12.99 in the same way we have celebrated in Worship recovered the biblical n Through the Seasons, a Perspectives on text…. My plan for doing new book and music Children’s Spiritual this is to recover the devotional series from Formation doctrine of pneumatology award-winning songwriter by Michael Anthony (the study of spiritual n Unlimited David M. Edwards. Perspectives on Children’s beings/phenomena) for Partnership Easter enters the season of Spiritual Formation our theology of preaching, by Lloyd Reeb & Bill Christ’s passion, a time of presents, in counterpoint resulting in a renewed Wellons sorrow and then joy that form, four views of emphasis on the powerful Increasingly, seasoned would shake the world children’s spiritual combination of Word and business leaders want and change eternity. A formation and four Spirit working together as to use their skills and bonus CD of worship related methods of the catalyst for powerful experience to make a songs complements Christian education. expository preaching.” difference for the Lord. the reverently written Views include the Heisler thoroughly And the obvious place for devotions. Releases Feb. contemplative-reflective examines how the Holy doing so is through their 1. B&H Product #10:0- model (cultivating a Spirit illuminates and church. At the same time, 8054-4332-0, B&H quiet, worshipful spirit), empowers the preacher, pastors and church leaders Product #13:978-0-8054- instructional-analytic opens the hearts of the long for their churches 4332-5, Hardcover w/CD model (involving child hearers, and applies the to make a greater impact (15-minute running time), evangelism and Bible message to their lives. for Christ, but lack the $12.99 memorization), pragmatic- Releases Feb. 1. B&H seasoned leaders and participatory model Product #10:0-8054- January/February 2007 47 Resources for you from LifeWay

n Believer’s 3, B&H Product LifeWay product #1-4158- Baptism #13:978-0-8054-3249-7. 5270-7, $7.95 edited by Hardcover. $19.99 n InTransit: What Thomas R. Do You Do with Your Schreiner & LifeWay Church 4388-6, Wait? Shawn D. B&H Product Resources by Mike Harder Wright #13:978-0- Traces the lives of a Is believer’s 8054-4388-2. few of the Bible’s most baptism the Paperback. influential men – David, clear teaching $17.99 Jesus and Joseph – who of the New n were promised great Called to Testament things concerning Reach Scriptures? their lives and waited, by William R. Yount and What are the historical sometimes painfully, to Mike Barnett and theological see God’s promises come What’s a cross cultural challenges to believer’s to pass. What was true discipler? It’s someone baptism? Volume two, for them remains true who crosses distinct in the New American for young adults today: cultural barriers to share Commentary Studies There is great purpose the gospel and develop in Bible & Theology in the waiting. Each day other disciples. Think (NACSBT) series for n The Exchange of study is formatted of the apostle Paul who pastors, advanced Bible by Joel Engle differently, using was born into a Jewish students and deeply Addresses young adults supplemental materials heritage but preached committed laypersons, who have been through ranging from DVDs to in Greece and Rome, or addresses these the church system and music, providing a great modern day missionaries compelling questions. invites believers, new and option for people bored who bravely go where Indeed, Believer’s Baptism old, to live an exchanged with fill-in-the-blank God sends them despite begins with the belief life. This study of Bible study. Leader Kits the challenges of that believer’s baptism is Romans 6, 7 and 8 revels include a Member Book, language and lifestyle the clear teaching of the in the truth that God DVD and CD. Releases differences. Called to New Testament. Along never meant for believers in January. Leader Kit, Reach is a much needed the way, the argument to live the Christian life LifeWay product #1-4158- book of encouragement is supported by written on their own, but rather 5300-2, $69.95; Member and training for cross contributions from through the power of Book, LifeWay product cultural disciplers. Andreas Köstenberger, Christ in them. Once #1-4158-5298-7, $7.95 Based on the authors’ Robert Stein, Thomas believers “exchange” their dynamic experiences, it Schreiner, Stephen lives for His, they are free defines characteristics Wellum, Steve McKinion, to live a life of obedience that enhance the Jonathan Rainbow, and spiritual victory in effectiveness of disciplers Shawn D. Wright and Him. Leader Kit includes in overcoming cultural Mark Dever. Users will a DVD, enhanced- barriers. Releases Jan. 1. find this an excellent CD with audio, music B&H Product #10:0- extension of the long and PDFs. (6 sessions) 8054-4066-6, B&H respected New American Releases in January. Product #13:978-0- Commentary. Releases Leader Kit, LifeWay 8054-4066-9. Hardcover. Jan. 1. B&H Product product #1-4158-3205-6, $24.99 #10:0-8054-3249- $69.95; Member Book, 48 Facts & Trends Resources are available from LifeWay Church Resources at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123

n The Tough Sayings of n Surrendering the 13 of the following: prospective pastor to the Jesus Secret: Healing the activity-based teaching church; and finally, orient by Michael Kelley Heartbreak of Abortion plans with options for him when he arrives. A Doubt is part of vibrant, by Pat Layton going deeper; discussion- CD contains reproducible, growing faith – and Jesus Many women hide the based teaching plans; customizable forms for certainly said some things secret of abortion deep in PowerPoint presentations gathering information and that are difficult their hearts, for master teaching comparing candidates. to discern. and they are settings; reproducible Releases in January. Popular Bible suffering. handouts for use during Pastor Search Committee teacher Michael Surrendering the Bible studies or in Handbook, Revised, Kelley shares his the Secret is continuing the study LifeWay product #1-4158- passion about a powerful between sessions; weekly 5214-6, $14.95 how God is new study in devotional reading n Girls’ Ministry glorified when Picking Up and help for students. Handbook we understand the Pieces, a It also includes maps Starting any new that Jesus best-selling and timelines, Biblical kind of ministry can changes the recovery Illustrator articles and be exhilarating and core of who we series from Bible Navigator. Order overwhelming. Girls’ are. Leader Kit contains Serendipity one volume per class. Ministry Handbook is the Member Book, 1 DVD House. Women can Releases in February. perfect guide for ministers and 1 CD. Releases in find the path to healing Volume 5: 1–2 Samuel, or volunteers who want February. Leader Kit, through honest interactive 1 Chronicles, LifeWay to develop and nurture LifeWay product #1-4158- Bible study, meaningful product #1-4158-3258-7, a girls’ ministry in their 5274-X, $69.95; Member group experiences and $59.95; Volume 17: Acts, local church. It provides Book, LifeWay product caring community. (8 LifeWay product #1-4158- basic information on the #1-4158-5275-8, $7.95 sessions) Releases in 3259-5, $59.95. need for girls’ ministry, n Finding Jesus in the January. Serendipity n Pastor Search the steps to start one, Movies House product #1-5749- Committee Handbook, and leader helps to Jesus captured peoples’ 4350-2, $7.99 Revised create a well-rounded hearts and illuminated n LXVI: A Study of Helps churches smooth ministry. Author Jimmie truth through His stories; the Sixty Six Books, this trying, but important Davis, director of Girls’ intentional storytellers Volumes 5 and 17 process. The handbook Ministries at First Baptist in Hollywood also are Six-year will help your pastor Church, Spartanburg, sharing the central Bible study search S.C., discusses a wide message and story of experience committee Jesus. Finding Jesus in the through all 66 select officers Movies is a unique small- books of the and develop group Bible study that Bible. This guidelines. takes you on a journey 24-volume It also will through Hollywood set of CD- help identify blockbusters to reveal the ROMs will be biblical epic story of redemption. released over qualifications (6 sessions) Releases in three years. for a pastor; January. Serendipity Each volume develop, House product #1-5749- is a complete 13-week evaluate and 4355-3, $7.99 Bible study experience rank applicants; conduct for students. Features interviews; present the January/February 2007 49 Resources for you from LifeWay

Learner Guide, Spanish LifeWay Worship edition, LifeWay product #1-4158-3049-5, $2.39; Music Group Preschool Leader Guide, Easter Anthems Spanish edition, LifeWay n range of topics pertinent product #1-4158-3051-7, “The Shadow of Your to a successful ministry $6.59; Preschool Learner Cross” that address the needs of Guide, Spanish edition, words and music by teenage girls. Releases in LifeWay product #1- Joel Engle, arranged by January. Girls’ Ministry 4158-3087-8, $2.39; VBS Dennis Allen Handbook, LifeWay 2007 Parenting Playbook, Usable for choir or product #1-4158-5263-4, Spanish edition (pkg. ensemble, this song $14.95 n VBS 2007: Game of 10), LifeWay product about the love and shelter n Vital Character Day Central Spanish #1-4158-3048-7, $3.49; we find at the cross is Vital Character provides Resources VBS 2007 ABC Memory patterned after Joel students with examples of Use these Spanish- Cross, Spanish edition Engle’s artist version. godly character traits and language resources for (pkg. of 25), LifeWay SATB anthem w/solo, challenges them to model Hispanic or bilingual product #1-4158-3040-1, Product #1-4158-5176-X, those traits in their lives. congregations. Leader $6.99 $1.50; CD anthem tracks, Product #1-4158-5186-7 Written on a basic level guides contain ideas for n Purity Principle, $24.95; Orchestration, and with the busy student crafts, music, recreation Spanish edition leader in mind, no outside and snacks; teaching Product #1-4158-5177-8, by Randy Alcorn $59.95 preparation is required for procedures; additional Through four intense students. When offered tips and suggestions. sessions of study, Randy along with Vital Truth Order one per teacher. Alcorn examines the and Vital Skills, it offers Learner guides biblical truths a six-year plan for basic are sets of about sexual discipleship for students. oversized, purity, and why Reproducible worksheets locker- such attitudes called “Foundations,” shaped cards and behaviors are along with reproducible containing essential – not devotional guides called fun activities, just physically “Blueprints” are included face-paint and emotionally to help teens continue decals and – but spiritually the development of godly mini-trading as well. Short- character in their lives. cards that can term format is n (4 sessions per study) be attached to conducive to “Hallelujah to my Releases in February. the VBS 2007 those hesitant to King” Kindness, LifeWay Name Tags. In addition, commit to longer studies. words and music by product #1-4158-3146- the Memory Cross and It’s also good for those Shannon Wexelberg, 7, $12.95; Faithfulness, Parenting Playbook extend needing a brief study to arranged and orchestrated LifeWay product #1- the learning beyond the plug in at various times by Dave Williamson 4158-3142-4, $12.95; week of VBS. Releases in throughout the year. Perfect for any time of Forgiveness, LifeWay January. Children’s Leader Releases in February. the year, this easy-to-sing product #1-4158-3143-2, Guide, Spanish edition, LifeWay product #1-4158- song about Jesus’ kingship $12.95 LifeWay product #1-4158- 5318-5, $8.95 is set to a relevant, 3050-9, $6.59; Children’s contemporary track.

50 Facts & Trends Resources are available from LifeWay Church Resources at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123

SATB anthem sing-along. or Good Friday, this w/solo, Product SATB classic song from Celebrate #1-4158-3386- anthem, Life has been given a fresh 9, $1.50; CD Product #1- treatment. anthem tracks, 4158-3621- SATB anthem w/solo, Product #1- 3, $3.50; Product #1-4158-3407-5, 4158-3403- CD anthem $1.50; CD anthem tracks, 2, $24.95; tracks, Product Product #1-4158-3392-3, Orchestration, #1-4158- $24.95; Orchestration, CD include favorite hymns Product #1- 3618-3, $35; Product #1-4158-3399-0, of the past as well as 4158-3395-8, Orchestration, $59.95 newer songs, and the book $59.95 Product #1- includes an occasional Instrumental/Keyboard n 4158-3625-6 extra music staff with “He Releases is Risen $75 a simplified right-hand Indeed!” n “Carry Him n Hymns of Worship: part as an option for the more difficult passages. (Package of Gently” Stylistic Settings for Solo So whether you play these Praise) words by Ragan Piano arrangements or listen to arranged and Courtney, by T. Bob Davis the CD during a quiet orchestrated music by Buryl Hymns of Worship is a time, may you reflect on by Dave Red, arranged piano collection for the God’s greatness as it is Williamson by Tom Fettke skilled player who doesn’t portrayed through these With moments and Camp mind putting in extra musical settings. of high praise Kirkland, practice to make classic Piano book, Product, and quiet orchestrated by hymns come to life with #1-4158-3470-9, $15.95; reflection, this Camp Kirkland a fresh sound of worship. medley is arranged for Appropriate for the Lord’s The piano book and Listening CD, Product #1- choir and congregational Supper, an Easter pageant listening/demonstration 4158-3439-3, $16.98

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