Inaugural Celebration Coverage Starts on Page 6

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

Thom S. Rainer Inaugural Celebration Coverage starts on page 6

MARCH/APRIL 2006 Contents

Volume 52 • Number 2 March/April 2006 Leadership Transitions Rainer expresses excitement about LifeWay’s future.... 4 Rainer challenges trustees, employees to be bold...... 5 Rainer inaugurated as LifeWay’s ninth president...... 6 Trustees elect Hellams VP, executive associate...... 10 Draper retires from LifeWay, not ministry...... 11 Commentary From my perspective: Tithing & evangelism link..... 14 What do pastors and laity say about tithing?...... 16 Articles Inauguration • 6 Billy Graham celebrated on LifeWay.com site...... 20 New Genesis commentary puts controversy to rest... 22 Enhanced VBS Tools Online up and ready...... 24 Podcast technology available on LifeWay.com...... 25 LifeWay 2005 annual report ...... 27 Get fresh ideas for women’s ministry...... 28 Women authors section: Lisa Whelchel...... 29 Vicki Courtney...... 31 Angela Thomas...... 32 Draper retirement • 11 Priscilla Shirer...... 34 Honor your ministry assistants on April 26...... 37 Resources For you from LifeWay...... 38

Cover photo: Thom S. Rainer celebrated his inauguration as LifeWay president on Feb. 6 with his wife, Nellie Jo, and sons, Sam, Art and Jess. Photos by Kent Harville. Hellams is VP and executive associate • 10 Coming in the May/June issue: • This Alabama church does Sunday school right • Pastor of small Arkansas church proves you can minister at home • Oklahoma pastor’s widow, kids get new home, chapel How to get Facts & Trends absolutely free: Write us: Facts & Trends One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0192 Billy Graham Web site • 20 Phone us: (615) 251-3698 E-mail us: [email protected] 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 Life- Way’s “Biblical Solutions for Life.” To help you carry out your calling more effectively as you read news and feature stories, information about trends that impact the church, ministry tips and an introduction to new LifeWay products. Whether you’re a pastor, church staff member or lay leader, you’ll find ways to enhance your ministy.

Women authors • 29 Our format Facts & Trends is published six times a year by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Facts & Trends is a free publication. Our people Polly House, editor; Katie Shull, graphic designer; Kelly Davis, Brooklyn Noel, Jenny Rice, Chris Turner, writers; Kent Harville, visuals specialist; Shirley Richardson, Web editor; Russ Rankin, editor in chief; Rob Phillips, director, corporate communications. Commentary • 22 Podcasts • 25 March/April 2006 LifeWay: Gratitude for the past … excitement about the future by Thom S. Rainer n Feb. 1, 2006, I became the ninth to LifeWay, but we will decline involvement. president of LifeWay Christian Why? We will not engage any opportunity that Resources. The 100 days prior to compromises Scripture. Truth and ministry always Feb.O 1 were a time of overlap between the former will hold precedent over business opportunities at president, James T. Draper Jr., and me. Dr. Draper LifeWay. is an incredible man whose legacy will influence the In February we announced a new book line called future of our denomination and this place called B&H Academic. This project is a first step in new LifeWay. His integrity and faithfulness to God’s initiatives to provide resources of sound doctrine Word gave me a model to emulate as the new leader and great biblical teachings. We have a goal to make of this amazing place of ministry. I am so grateful certain that all LifeWay resources are clearly faithful for the past of LifeWay. to God’s Word. We now look forward to an Third, we recently exciting future. What will be Truth and ministry always will announced the beginning our priorities and dreams for hold precedent over business of LifeWay Research. This the next several years? Allow new entity will be one of the me to share with you some of opportunities at LifeWay. most relevant and cutting- our plans and goals, always — Thom S. Rainer edge research centers for keeping in mind that the Christianity in our nation. future is in the hands of our Discovering what is taking sovereign God. place in the American church and the culture we First, evangelism is a priority. Many LifeWay are attempting to reach is our goal. You can expect employees share Christ around the world through LifeWay Research to produce some exciting news LifeWay mission trips. Our employees likewise are and resources in the years ahead. often among the greatest soul winners in the local LifeWay Christian Resources began as the Sunday churches where they serve. School Board in 1891 under the pioneering LifeWay has been at the forefront of evangelistic leadership of J.M. Frost. It continued to be one of initiatives in our denomination for much of its the world’s most significant providers of Christian history. This emphasis will become stronger and resources through early 2006 under the leadership you’ll hear more in the months ahead about our of James T. Draper Jr., a true statesman for our increased evangelism focus. The name “LifeWay” denomination and beyond. Now God and the comes from John 14:6, where Jesus says that He Southern Baptist Convention have given me this is the only way of salvation and eternal life. We at opportunity to provide leadership to LifeWay. LifeWay will work with others in our denomination We celebrate the past, and we look forward to and beyond to lead Christians and churches to the future. Dr. Draper often told me that the make evangelism a high and central priority. true measure of his success at LifeWay would be Second, we will continue to hold boldly to the measured by my success as the next president. I pray truths of the inerrant Word of God. In a day for God’s wisdom and God’s successes, in that all we when some Christian organizations compromise do will bring glory to Him. Then, and only then, Scripture, we will stand firm. Opportunities to can we call this new era a success. What a great make significant earnings often present themselves opportunity! What a great God! n

Facts & Trends LifeWay news Rainer’s ‘Joshua Factor’: boldness in a spiritually hungry world by Chris Turner

e live in a time of great irony, Step 3: Ministry first. “We were created said LifeWay President and because a ministry was needed,” Rainer CEO Thom S. Rainer – the said. “We will repeatedly ask the question: churchW sleeps while the world hungers for ‘What are we doing to provide individuals the truth of the gospel. and churches with relevant resources that “We are living in an age of evangelistic spiritually transform lives and cultures?’” apathy on the one hand while on the other Step 4: Initiatives in research. Rainer there is a growing receptivity to the gospel,” introduced the launch of LifeWay Research, said Rainer in his first trustee address, six “… an entity we are forming in gradual but days into his tenure as LifeWay’s ninth aggressive steps that listens to churches, that president. “Unfortunately because of the listens to Christians, and that listens to the apathy, there is often no one to tell those [spiritually] lost. We will be an authority on who hunger for the gospel that salvation is what’s going on in the world of churches, found in Jesus Christ.” beliefs, and the world of the unchurched. Rainer challenged trustees and employees When LifeWay speaks, the world will be Joshua 1:6-9 (HCSB) to make LifeWay an organization “that listening.” 6 “ impacts the world with the gospel of Jesus Step 5: Heartbeat for the church. “The Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the Christ,” and emphasized that “we must be local church is our heart and our mission,” land I swore to their fathers bold.” Rainer said. “We serve two primary to give them as an inheri- Rainer used Joshua 1:6-9 as a foundation constituencies: individual Christians and tance. 7 Above all, be strong for his address, “The Joshua Factor: Five churches. Though we have seen great days, and very courageous to Steps Forward.” we’ve only seen a glimmer of what God is carefully observe the whole yet to do with us in these areas.” instruction My servant Step 1: Team approach. In changing Moses commanded you. Do LifeWay’s senior management group to Rainer told trustees that Christians in not turn from it to the right a senior management team, “…We will general, and employees of LifeWay in or the left, so that you will work as a team,” Rainer said. “I want the particular, “weren’t called to be bashful; have success wherever you 8 members of our executive management we were called to be bold,” adding that go. This book of instruction must not depart from team to take a more active leadership role. I LifeWay may need to make investments your mouth; you are to recite like to see people empowered to do the job in ministries and take risks that would not instantly augment the bottom line. it day and night, so that they believe God has called them to do.” you may carefully observe Step 2: Doctrinal truth. With the launch “I’ve been called by God … and I’ve been everything written in it. For of B&H Academic, “We are going to have affirmed by you,” he said, and “I am going then you will prosper and the best of academic resources,” Rainer into the promised land. succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: said. “We are going to take an aggressive “We are going to go into some areas that be strong and courageous? leadership role so when the world sees what go beyond comfort to the land of courage. Do not be afraid or discour- fidelity to the inerrant word of God looks I don’t know all that is there, but I know aged, for the Lord your God like, they will see what LifeWay stands for.” Who does know, and we are going to follow is with you wherever you go.” Him.” n March/April 2006 Thom S. Rainer Inauguration Ceremony

New LifeWay president praised as visionary, friend, father

by Kelly Davis amily, friends, Southern Baptist leaders and LifeWay employees celebrated the installation of Thom S. Rainer during his Feb. 6 inauguration ceremony as the ninth president of LifeWay Christian Resources. FRainer succeeds James T. Draper Jr., who led the organization for 15 years. “God has uniquely provided you for the task of leading LifeWay,” Draper said to Rainer as he passed the presidential medallion. “I am proud of you and look with great expectation at what God will do in the days ahead.” Prior to coming to LifeWay, Rainer was dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Rainer worked 13 years with seminary President Albert Mohler, who during the inauguration ceremony described Rainer as an incredibly passionate man. Facts & Trends New LifeWay president praised as visionary, friend, father Photo by Jim Veneman

Facing page: Well wishers filled LifeWay’s Van Ness Auditorium for Rainer’s inauguration. Clockwise from top: Thom S. Rainer speaks to the crowd; James T. Draper Jr. presents Rainer with LifeWay’s presidential medallion; SBC President Bobby Welch; Southeastern Baptist Theo- logical Seminary President Danny Akin; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Above photos by Kent Harville President Albert Mohler; Trustee Chairman March/April 2006 Wayne Hamrick Thom S. Rainer Inauguration Ceremony

“One thing more than anything else that qualifies Thom Rainer as president of LifeWay for this next generation is his passion,” Mohler said. “He is a man of absolute constancy and that constancy is in his passion to see men and women, persons of every tribe, tongue and nation come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.” Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch said he has observed Rainer’s love for the Bible, the local church and missions. “We know about your love for the Lord Jesus and we know your love for soul winning and reaching a lost and dying world here and around the world,” he said. “We believe that God has led you here and you’re exactly the man for the job.” Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell affirmed Rainer’s ministry and extended a sentiment of partnership. “As you come in to lead, just know that this mayor understands the very special blessing this city has to have LifeWay here. We know that you are the person this organization needs, which means you are what this city needs. You have our partnership.” Rick Evans, LifeWay trustee who served as chairman of the search committee that selected Rainer and pastor of Dalraida Baptist Church, Montgomery, Ala., hailed Rainer as a man who loves God and loves his family. “Second to

Photos by Kent Harville Top: Nellie Jo Rainer gets a hug from youngest son, Jess, during the ceremony. Bottom: Rainer accepts the applause from the crowd after his presentation. Facing page: Oldest son Sam Rainer Facts & Trends “The task ahead is huge. But the God we serve is a much bigger God than my human limitation can his love for Jesus Christ is his comprehend. We are given but a love for his wife, Nellie Jo,” precious few years in this adventure he said. “Today, Thom and called life. Will we live that life with Nellie Jo demonstrate to us boldness, trusting a God who is what a Christian home is to be sovereign and omnipotent? Such is about. Nellie Jo is not only a the choice I have made as the ninth wonderful wife to her husband, president of LifeWay. I will lead with but is a loving, beautiful boldness in the brevity of life.” mother to her three sons.” Rainer’s three sons, Jess, Art and Sam, spoke during the “We can choose to ignore the realities ceremony and commended of the changing culture around their dad for the example he set for them throughout their us, of the post-Christian era we formative years. “You have been the biggest role model of my life,” are entering, and of the profound said Jess Rainer, 20. “But of all the passion I see in you, God has challenge of being the world’s been the biggest.” largest Christian resource provider. Art Rainer, 24, echoed the sentiments of his younger brother. Or we can enter this new era with “Lots of people at LifeWay are putting a lot of trust and confidence boldness and courage, knowing that in you and I can say without a shadow of a doubt they have picked our strength is not our own, and the right man for the job.” that a future in the hands and total Sam Rainer, 25, said, “I don’t have any doubts that there are dependence on Jesus Christ will be a successes around the corner at LifeWay … I am most proud of this success by any definition.” one thing – you are so proud of Jesus and you took the time to share Him with me.” Rainer concluded the inauguration ceremony with a message “In His strength, I will lead with an detailing three ways he will lead LifeWay in the future. First, Rainer urgency that cannot compromise. said LifeWay will be unwavering in its commitment to the inerrant And I know that if I depend on Him Word of God. Second, LifeWay will be bold in its work with local and Him alone, neither LifeWay nor churches. Third, LifeWay will become a more relevant organization I will fail. For great is the God we through the launch of new initiatives such as LifeWay Research. serve. Great is his love. Great is His Rainer is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama and strength. Great is His faithfulness. To earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees at Southern God alone be the glory.” Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Indiana prior to joining Southern in 1994. He also has served as a church consultant and church growth – Thom S. Rainer, LifeWay’s conference speaker and is author of 16 books, including Surprising ninth president, in his inaugural Insights from the Unchurched, The Unchurched Next Door, Breakout address Feb. 6, 2006 Churches and The Unexpected Journey. Prior to entering vocational ministry, he served as vice president for corporate lending of SouthTrust Bank in Anniston, Ala. n

March/April 2006 LifeWay news Tom Hellams approved as VP and executive associate to Rainer by Chris Turner om Hellams has been named to management team. He also will take on the newly created position of vice many of the external responsibilities of the president and executive associate president’s office, representing LifeWay to Tto LifeWay President and CEO Thom S. Southern Baptists and others beyond the Rainer. SBC. Hellams, 48, left a similar position at While at SBTS, Hellams often served as Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a representative of the president at various where he worked since SBC functions and SBC 1997 with President Executive Committee Albert Mohler and where meetings. he and Rainer became “Having Tom here friends during their eight ensures that the years of service together. president’s office “Tom Hellams maintains priority is one of the most relationships with respected leaders in our state conventions and denomination,” Rainer associations,” said said. “His leadership Rainer. in the president’s office Hellams said in his at Southern Seminary testimony to LifeWay’s has been marked by trustees that God integrity, efficiency and granted him the gift great accomplishments.” of administration. Mohler called Hellams He expressed that a tremendous Christian his expertise is servant, a man of great Tom Hellams addresses LifeWay trustees complementary to executive ability and Rainer’s: “Thom is a a highly gifted administrator. “All this visionary; I am very detail oriented.” is combined with a pastoral heart and a Hellams earned his Bachelor of Arts in genuine sense of calling to the local church. church music from Erskine College, and Tom made a great contribution to Southern Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Seminary during his years with us, and degrees from SBTS, focusing on church he touched virtually every corner of this and denominational administration. He campus. I know he will serve Thom Rainer completed a doctor of ministry in leadership and LifeWay with the same combination of and church consultation, also at SBTS. heart and mind that made such a difference Hellams married Tena Ellen Locke of among us.” Taylors, S.C., in 1979. They have two As LifeWay’s executive associate, Hellams children, Katie Ellen, 21, and John Thomas primarily will be responsible for leadership III, 16. He was ordained to the gospel in the president’s office and will serve as ministry in 2000 at First Baptist Church, coordinating chief of staff of the executive Fountain Inn, S.C. n 10 Facts & Trends Draper Draper retires from LifeWay, retirement but not from a prolific ministry by Russ Rankin tanding in the pulpit of First Baptist Pastor of the denomination Church, Mixon, Texas, on Sept. 3, Messengers at the Southern Baptist 1950, 15-year-old Jimmy Draper Convention elected Draper preachedS his first sermon. “I had it down to president in 1982 and again 30 minutes,” Draper said, recalling his first in 1983. With a pastor’s heart, step into the ministry. “When I got up to Draper led a denomination speak, I delivered it in 12 minutes flat.” embroiled in controversy. On Jan. 31, 2006 – 55 years and “Jimmy drew on the same countless sermons later – James T. Draper characteristics that had made Jr., president of LifeWay Christian him successful over the years at Resources, walked into retirement to building churches,” wrote John expressions of love and to accolades such Perry in the Draper biography as “statesman,” “man of integrity,” “man of Walking God’s Path. “He reached God,” “mentor and counselor,” and “Mr. out to allies and opponents alike Southern Baptist.” with letters, phone calls, and “Only a precious few have ever surfaced invitations to personal meetings throughout the history of our convention and times of fellowship; he like Jimmy Draper,” said pastor and worked to build as much evangelist Bailey Stone, who was preaching consensus as possible without when Draper, the son of a Baptist preacher, compromising his position on surrendered to the ministry. the Bible.” “Jimmy Draper was a 15-year-old teen The Sunday School Board when we met,” recounted Stone. “I was a of the Southern Baptist 19-year-old youth evangelist in revival at Convention came calling in Top: Draper was pastor his dad’s church. Jimmy surrendered to 1991, looking for a strong servant-leader to of First Baptist Church preach on Saturday evening of that revival, take the organization into the next century. in Euless, Texas, when he and this tied us together as friends for life.” Draper firmly and repeatedly said, “No.” was elected president of the Sunday School Board. He was a pastor, not an executive. Surrendering to the ministry meant Directly above: Draper “surrendering any right I had to be The search committee was persistent was inaugurated as presi- anything else and [I] vowed to devote and after much prayer Draper began to dent of the Sunday School myself to the work of the Lord,” Draper understand that God had a new role for Board in 1991. said. Over the course of 35 years, Draper him. “I’ve always said being a pastor is served eight churches – six in Texas and not what I do but who I am,” Draper one each in Kansas and Oklahoma. said on his last Sunday at First, Euless, It was at First Baptist, Euless, Texas, before moving to Nashville. “How do where Draper and his wife, Carol Ann, put you stop being what you are? It’s a major down their deepest church roots. During a adjustment.” 16-year pastorate, the Drapers shepherded Thankfully, Draper has yet to stop. a flock and raised a family.

March/April 2006 11 A heart for people In the summer of 2000 when Draper listed the 21 lessons he had learned in 50 years of ministry, No. 3 was, “Practice the ministry of encouragement.” This belief, stemming from an oft-repeated reminder from his father to “be kind to everyone because everyone is having a hard time,” has set Draper’s agenda for decades. “Dr. Draper’s legacy won’t be counted as

Photo by Kent Harville numbers on a spreadsheet,” said Melissa Mitchell, a LifeWay employee in retail store Above: Draper accepts gifts from Katie Mitchell, daughter of Melissa operations during a celebration honoring the Mitchell of LifeWay’s retail store operations area. During an employee celebration, Mitchell recalled how the Drapers ministered to her family Drapers Jan. 13 at Nashville’s historic Ryman during Katie’s diagnosis and treatment for leukemia. Auditorium. “His legacy will be measured by the number of lives he touched.” Mitchell recounted how both of the Drapers ministered to her family when Katie, her 12- year-old daughter, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004. “In the first hours of trying to cope with such devastating news, we got a call from Dr. Draper, who was out of town,” Mitchell said. “In that moment he wasn’t the CEO of a large corporation. He was a pastor who loves the folks he works with.” Carol Ann was equally supportive, Mitchell said, recounting how an unexpected visit at the hospital ministered to her. “She embraced me, and it was like a warm blanket from the dryer on a cold morning.” A global impact; a revival of youth During Draper’s tenure as president, the scope of LifeWay’s ministry broadened to truly global proportions. Milestones and achievements most memorable to Draper include: • the global impact of True Love Waits, Photo by Jim Veneman inspiring millions of young people to sexual Above: Draper said he considers the renaming of the Sunday School abstinence; Board to LifeWay Christian Resources in 1998 one of the milestones of • the renaming of the Sunday School Board to his 15-year tenure as president. LifeWay Christian Resources; • the launch of LifeWay International, which 12 Facts & Trends Draper retirement

has accounted for nearly 60,000 pastors has become known as the Younger Leader “As a minister, and church leaders trained in the use of Initiative,” said Marty Duren, pastor of I will never retire. LifeWay products; New Bethany Baptist Church, Buford, The surgeon lays • the release of the Holman Christian Ga., and author of SBC Outpost – a Standard Bible; prominent online Web log (blog). down his scalpel, • doubling of the number of LifeWay [Dr. Draper] “chose to speak out instead the attorney shuts Christian Stores around the nation to 125 of remaining silent,” Duren said. “The his law books, at the end of 2005; result has been many younger leaders the engineer puts giving the Convention a real try rather • the effectiveness of LifeWay’s volunteer down his calculator than simply leaving due to frustration. missions program, which has seen more With many of us blogging our thoughts and the pilot turns than 80,000 people led to Christ and 211 and ideas, his weight behind the legitimacy in his wings, but churches started around the and importance of the world. the minister does ‘blogosphere’ is truly not retire.” “The Great Commission immeasurable.” — James T. Draper Jr. is Jesus’ charge to every Partners in believer and is also part of ministry and life LifeWay’s fabric,” Draper said. “I think the mission “God has allowed me trips have helped employees to live a great journey see that the work they and gave me Carol Ann do here has worldwide to share it with. Nothing implications. They have I have done would have helped us see beyond the Draper’s commitment to include been possible without resources we produce and younger leaders in the SBC was her,” Draper said of his given us a greater sense highlighted at the 2004 annual wife of nearly 50 years. meeting. of involvement in and “She had no idea what responsibility for the Great Commission she was getting into when she married this and sharing the gospel.” preacher boy, but it would not be possible to have fashioned a greater partner for In 2004, Draper struck a chord with life, and I can’t imagine having made this younger leaders across the SBC when he journey without her.” challenged those at the annual meeting to make a way to include younger leaders. Addressing the LifeWay trustees in Draper then traveled across the country February 2004 when he announced his listening to younger leaders and became intention to retire from LifeWay, Draper even more convinced that their passion said, “As a minister, I will never retire. The and enthusiasm for reaching the lost surgeon lays down his scalpel, the attorney for Christ was needed to reinvigorate a shuts his law books, the engineer puts denomination whose foundation is built down his calculator and the pilot turns upon evangelism and missions. in his wings, but the minister does not retire.” n “Dr. Draper’s lasting legacy is likely to Linda Lawson contributed to this story. be his call to action in the SBC in what March/April 2006 13 From my perspective

The link between tithing and evangelism he 75 million baby boomers in America – people between ages 41 and 60 – are more likely to give than receive, according to a recent Pew Research Center study. TFor example, 50 percent of all boomers were either raising minor children or providing financial support to one or more adult children. Twenty percent were providing some financial assistance to an aging parent. The study also found that boomers are “in a stage of life when it is natural to give more than to take when it comes to relationships with both parents and children.” Unfortunately, the giving spirit slows considerably when it comes to tithing. An exclusive study conducted by Ellison Research for this issue of Facts & Trends indicates that 51 percent of a church’s laity believes there is a biblical mandate to tithe to the local church. However, fewer than 1 in 10 actually gives 10 percent or more of their income to any cause or organization. As the study’s author writes, “In other words, half of all Protestants believe they are commanded to tithe but simply don’t do so.” With the financial strain of taking care of family members that range from the very young to 80-plus years old, it is somewhat Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO, understandable why so many give so little to their church. But it is LifeWay Christian Resources not excusable. Troubling to me is that only 76 percent of Southern of the Southern Baptist Convention Baptist pastors believe that tithing to the local church is a biblical mandate. The other 24 percent are undercutting the resources that make possible local church ministry and ministry around the world through the denomination. The problem with this distorted view of stewardship Subscribe is that it reveals at least a couple of rather obvious LifeWay President Thom S. Rainer writes conclusions. First, roughly 90 percent of all Protestants LifeWay@Heart, a monthly e-mail message are choosing not to acknowledge from where their addressing trends and ministry ideas. Add your “good and perfect gifts” come. The abilities we have name to the LifeWay@Heart mailing list by to earn money are given to us by God. The gift of going to www.lifeway.com/form_heart.asp. On employment comes from God. Our material blessings the form, type in your e-mail address and name, then click the “Join List” button. come from God. If all these things are from God then they all belong to Him. We We recommend become arrogant when we don’t acknowledge that or misuse those blessings as He •Beyond Tithes and intended. Offerings: A Closer Look at Traditional Giving and Second, He blesses us to bless others. Look at a familiar passage in Acts 4:32-35. There Its Impact on Christian are some poignant statements made here: “…With great power the apostles were giving Responsibility by Sharon testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus;” “... Brown and Michael Webb “Our material blessings those who believed were of one heart and soul and • Bring the Full Tithe: come from God. If all these no one said that any of his possessions was his own;” Sermons on the Grace of things are from God then “For there was not a needy person among them….” Giving by William Watley they all belong to Him. We Not only were the needs of believers being met, • Giving and Tithing by think of the testimony this was to those surrounding Larry Burkett become arrogant when we the church. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a • What is Tithing? don’t acknowledge that or church like that? Stewardship Education Tracts misuse those blessings as Genesis 12:1-3 is the root of this type of giving. He intended.” God told Abram: “I will make you into a great These and other resources — Thom S. Rainer nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (HCSB). The purpose of are available through customer service at www. this blessing is so that “all the peoples on earth will lifeway.com and (800) 458- be blessed through you.” Think about it: God was calling Abram out, blessing him with 2772 and from LifeWay the resources to make God’s name known among the nations. God was giving Abram Christian Stores at www. the Great Commission! lifewaystores.com and Giving back to God is more than begrudgingly throwing some change in the plate as it (800) 233-1123. is passed. It is an indicator of how well we understand why He has blessed us. We then choose either to live in disobedience or to be a blessing to others in order to make His name known. Ultimately, it is an indicator of how well aligned our hearts are with His. Prayerfully consider your perspective of tithing. Realize it is not only an act of worship, it is a step in evangelism. n

In His service,

March/April 2006 15 Tithing:Tithing: BibleBible sayssays ‘yes;’‘yes;’ peoplepeople saysay ‘no’‘no’

16 Facts & Trends Survey results

by Ron Sellers recent study among Facts & Trends the Bible mandates that Christians tithe subscribers showed readers strongly to their local church. Yet only 36 percent value the research among ministers of churchgoers also believe this. Laity are coveredA in this publication over the past more likely than pastors to believe the months, but also want to hear from the Bible commands them to tithe, but not people in the pews. necessarily to their local church (23 percent To meet that request, LifeWay to 12 percent). commissioned Ellison Research of Phoenix, Ironically, other studies consistently show Ariz., to expand the research and study that even though a grand total of 6 out of both clergy and laity over the coming year. 10 churchgoers believe tithing is a biblical The first installment of this dual-mode mandate, fewer than 1 out of 10 actually research covered a touchy subject for many give 10 percent or more of their income people: giving. A comparison of attitudes to any cause or organization. In other shows pastors and churchgoers are not words, half of all Protestants believe they always on the same page. are commanded to tithe, but simply don’t do so. The indication for pastors is that The studies, conducted among they don’t need to convince many in their representative nationwide samples of 811 congregation that tithing is biblical – they Protestant ministers and 1,184 adults who need to convince these people to follow attend a Protestant church at least once a through with what they already believe the month, show a majority of pastors believe Bible says. Attitudes about tithing All clergy All laity SBC clergy SBC laity

90%

80% 76 70%

60% 56 51 50%

40% 36

30% 28 27 23 20 20% 16 12 12 10 10 7 10% 3 4 4 1 1 1 Biblical mandate to Biblical mandate Biblical mandate No biblical Other tithe to local church to tithe, but not to give, but no mandate necessarily to the specific amount to give at all church or percentage Survey is a sample of Protestant clergy and laity only Other key findings from the study:

Among those who believe (at least in theory) in tithing, there is an ongoing controversy about whether the tithe should be figured on gross or net income. Laity are equally divided on this, with 48 percent who believe in tithing saying the tithe should be calculated on the net, and 52 percent on the gross. Ministers are much more likely to believe tithing should be on the gross (72 percent). Photo by Roy Burroughs Roy by Photo Southern Baptist pastors and laity are both more • The most common type of cause or likely than average to believe in tithing (although organization (outside of the local church) figures are not available to show what proportion financially supported over the last 12 months actually follow through on their belief). Seventy-six among both clergy and laity was disaster relief. percent of SBC pastors believe tithing to the local • Two-thirds of clergy have given to promote church is a biblical mandate, and 51 percent of laity evangelism outside of their own church in the agree (although another 28 percent believe Christians last year, but only one-third of laity have done are commanded to tithe, just not necessarily to the so. local church). Other Baptists and Pentecostals also are • Among Southern Baptists, 74 percent of clergy particularly likely to believe in tithing, with Lutherans, and 42 percent of laity have given to promote Presbyterians and Methodists less likely than average to evangelism (outside believe tithing is biblical. of their own The study also shows very few pastors or laity believe church) in the last Christians should only support Christian causes. year. Among clergy, just 3 percent believe Christians should • Southern Baptist only give to Christian causes or organizations, while ministers are the rest are almost equally divided among believing particularly that Christians should give preference to Christian unlikely to have organizations, that Christians should support Christian supported any causes when they can but also support secular type of educational organizations when there’s no Christian equivalent (e.g. organization, medical research), and that Christians should be free to school or cause in support any type of cause or organization, religious or the past year. not. • The average Among laity, only 1 in 10 feels Christians should churchgoer give preference or exclusivity to Christian causes or Photos provided by Baptist Press Baptist by provided Photos estimates 69 organizations; 55 percent feel Christians should be free percent of his donations in the last year have to support any type of organization, religious or not. gone to or through the local church, with 31 In fact, 57 percent of both groups have supported percent going to outside organizations. an organization or cause financially with no religious • Virtually all ministers had supported their own connection or background in the last 12 months. Fifty- church financially in the last year. five percent of SBC laity have supported a non-religious organization in the last year, along with 39 percent of SBC clergy. n

18 Facts & Trends Survey results

Types of causes or organizations supported in the last 12 months Outside the local church Other 3 10

Political candidates 9 12

Veteran’s causes 28 14 Cultural 8 (museums, opera, etc.) 9

Animal welfare 18 5

Environmental causes 12 7 Social/Moral issues 12 20 (abortion, pornography, etc.)

Political causes/organizations 13 22

Radio or TV ministries 13 19

Educational causes 21 21

U.S. poverty relief/development 17 20 Health and medicine 24 20 (medical research, hospital, etc.)

International poverty 16 25 relief/development

Literature 16 32 (Bibles, tracts, etc.)

Specific schools or colleges 19 49

Denominational causes/issues 24 51 Ron Sellers is president of Ellison Research Evangelism/Missions 33 (Phoenix, Ariz.), which 66 is conducting exclusive re- Disaster relief 54 search for Facts & Trends 80 on issues important to our All clergy All laity 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% readers.

Survey is a sample of Protestant clergy and laity only. March/April 2006 19 LifeWay celebrates, honors Billy Graham with new Web site by Brooklyn Noel hen it comes to influential technology to make a worldwide statement evangelicals, every list begins that in the midst of chaos, emptiness and with Billy Graham. despair, there is hope in the person of Jesus WFor 60 years he has traveled the world Christ.” proclaiming the Word and acting as God’s The Web site offers a simple yet instrument in winning perhaps millions of worldwide avenue for the stories of Graham souls for Christ. and his years of ministry to continue Now, in the twilight of Graham’s humble, affecting people for Christ, Rainer said. yet monumental career, LifeWay has Six decades of content unveiled a Web site dedicated to celebrating his life and ministry. At the Web site, visitors can browse extensive resources, including a timeline “We simply want to join people of Graham’s life and ministry, numerous everywhere to say ‘thank you’ to Billy photos, key media coverage and even a map Graham for diligently proclaiming the showing the location of Graham’s more than Good News of Jesus Christ around the 400 crusades and tours. world,” said LifeWay President and CEO Thom S. Rainer, who formerly served as Gary McClure, manager of marketing in dean of the LifeWay’s e-business group, said one special Billy Graham element of the site is its exclusive, behind- School of the-scenes look at the commissioned statue Missions, of Graham currently in production. Evangelism “The site is a precursor to the unveiling and Church of the Billy Graham statue in June,” Growth at McClure said. “The 17-foot-tall tribute The Southern will be introduced at the Southern Baptist Baptist Convention [annual meeting] in Theological Greensboro, N.C., and then transported to Seminary in its final presentation site in Nashville.” Louisville, Ky. The “Tribute Statue” portion of the LifeWay’s site includes a Q&A with sculptor Terrell new Web site – www.lifeway.com/ O’Brien, as well as a dynamic photo gallery billygraham – is designed to honor that allows visitors to watch the statue take “America’s pastor” as well as highlight shape. the ever-changing face of a ministry that “I have been in this profession for 22 continues despite its founder’s official years,” O’Brien said in the site’s Q&A, “but retirement. this is my most valued project because of “The technology revolution has shrunk what and whom it is about.” the world to a global village,” Graham said That level of admiration and respect is in a 1995 Global Mission media update. echoed by several prominent evangelical “It is time for the church to utilize this 20 Facts & Trends Billy Graham Web site

leaders including Rainer, former LifeWay to longer yet simply stated proclamations, President James T. Draper Jr., North Graham’s words reflect the story of his life’s American Mission Board Director and work. Missiologist Ed Stetzer and Ethics and During the International Congress of Religious Liberties Commission President Itinerant Evangelists in 1983, Graham said Richard Land, all of whom provided in his address, “We, too, need explore every video testimonies for the site of Graham’s legitimate method for reaching our world influence and impact on their lives. for Christ. New challenges call for new “It’s a privilege to recognize the godly methods and new strategies.” life Billy Graham demonstrates on a daily McClure said he believes LifeWay’s new basis,” Draper said in his testimony. “He is site celebrating Graham is just one example an incredible example of how powerfully of the type of “new methods and new the love of Christ can shine through a strategies” to which Graham referred more person in both simple and profound ways.” than 20 years ago. Additionally, LifeWay recognized that A hallmark of Graham’s pioneering Graham’s impact reaches far beyond impact has been his willingness to embrace religious leaders and into the lives of a and leverage the technology of the day We recommend diverse group of everyday people. For that – initially radio, followed by film, television, reason, the site also invites visitors to share • Answers to Life’s and satellite extension of his worldwide Problems their own testimonies regarding Graham. crusades. “Throughout his ministry, Dr. • Breakfast with Billy “This is an interactive site where people Graham has always been progressive in Graham: 120 Daily can express their thoughts and thanks,” utilizing every means possible to reach as Readings McClure said. many people as possible with the Gospel • Hope for the Troubled message. And God has honored his Heart: Finding God in In his words faithfulness,” said Larry Ross, director of the Midst of Pain While the site offers plenty of content media and public relations for Graham for • Quotable Billy Graham detailing Graham through the eyes of the past 25 years. • The Enduring Classics of others, there are also multiple resources that “As his personal involvement in the Billy Graham allow Graham to speak for himself. work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic • The Journey “One Message, Many Decades” is a three- Association is tapering off due to age and These and other resources minute video unique to the site that depicts health,” Ross added, “it is exciting to see by and about Billy Graham through the years as he proclaims how Dr. Graham’s writings and emerging Graham are available through customer service his central message of Jesus Christ. technologies – such as podcasting, Internet at www.lifeway.com and This video captures some of his finest resources and media archives – will (800) 458-2772 and from visual moments of teaching, but the continue to extend his unique ministry LifeWay Christian Stores “Quotable Graham” portion of the site influence to future generations, further at www.lifewaystores.com records some of Graham’s most memorable establishing his legacy as the greatest and (800) 233-1123. n statements. evangelist of the modern era.” From surprisingly profound one-liners

March/April 2006 21 New B&H Genesis commentary puts previous controversy to rest by Kelly Davis

bout 45 years ago Broadman As the commentary writers worked on Press published a commentary on particular paragraphs or sections of their Genesis that sparked a theological book, they aimed to explain how those controversyA in the Southern Baptist sections function within the whole book Convention that lasted several decades. and also what that book means in the The commentary by a Southern Baptist context of the entire Bible. seminary professor denied that Adam and Mathews, who also serves as associate Eve were historical people or that God really general editor of the Old Testament for commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, the commentary series, explained that the Isaac. commentary gives detailed attention to Much has changed the literary shape of the text because “it in the SBC since is essential for understanding the original 1961, and one signal theological message of the passage.” The of that change is commentary gives a literary-theological the publication of analysis, and Mathews said as a Christian the final volume interpreter, understanding the message of a two-volume of Genesis in the wider context of the commentary on Christian proclamation is paramount. Genesis by Kenneth Foundations of faith A. Mathews from “After establishing the meaning of LifeWay’s Broadman the passage in its original setting, the & Holman commentary pursues how it contributed to publishing division. the revelation of the Christian faith,” said This is the 35th Mathews, who serves as professor of divinity volume to appear in Old Testament and Hebrew at Alabama’s since 1991 in The Beeson Divinity School. New American Commentary series. Genesis traditionally is sectioned into two major parts, so the second volume picks up Ray Clendenen, at Genesis 11:27, a natural division in the general editor of 50-chapter book. the series, said these commentaries offer “The theological message is divided like readers a different that because the first 11 chapters of the approach to the exposition of the Bible. book are essentially a preamble to the rest of the Bible, explaining why humanity needs “The focus of The New American redemption,” Clendenen said. “You’ve got Commentary is a holistic approach, in that the problem at the Garden of Eden, the we look at a biblical book such as Genesis Flood, and the Tower of Babel. You finish as a whole while commenting on individual reading the first 11 chapters and you come verses,” said Clendenen, who has worked at to the conclusion that we are really in a B&H for 13 years. mess. We need some help. 22 Facts & Trends Bible Commentary

“So God calls Abraham in chapter 11 and minds of storytellers a thousand years the rest of the Bible is the story of God’s later. The commentary confirms the truth redemptive solution. From the beginning of the recorded patriarchal accounts, and of Genesis, you get death in the Garden of Clendenen said the patriarchs do match Eden and then at the end of Genesis, you what scholars know from other sources find Joseph in a coffin in Egypt. So it’s like concerning the second millennium B.C. a great episode of a story. You can’t help but and what was happening at the time. say, ‘what’s going to happen Mathews added that the next?’” “Biblical inerrancy patriarchal narratives are Clendenen explained that is important not just critical to understanding the the 40 scholars serving as salvation God has provided authors and editors of the because that’s what through Jesus Christ and NAC series are determined the Southern Baptist said the New Testament to produce volumes Convention has begins with the genealogy wholeheartedly committed to determined it believes. of Jesus Christ, the son of the inerrancy and infallibility It is also what David, the son of Abraham. of Scripture. Christians through “The identity of Jesus Basis of belief is tied to the ancestors of the centuries have “Biblical inerrancy is Israel, the father of the important not just because believed.” Hebrew people,” Mathews that’s what the Southern — Ray Clendenen said. “When the apostle Baptist Convention has Paul appeals to an exemplar determined it believes. of saving faith, he points to It is also what Christians through the the faith of Abraham and explains that the centuries have believed,” he said, and more promise of blessing intended for all people We recommend importantly, “If the Bible is the inspired is fulfilled in the Christian church made up Word of God as Jesus and the biblical of Jews and Gentiles.” B&H has released com- writers affirm, then what it says is true in The commentary presents the traditional mentaries in The New every sense – it’s inerrant.” evangelical view of the historicity of the American Commentary patriarchs, and Mathews substantiates the series for 57 books of the Mathews added, “Since we are convinced Bible. The next volume, case by using ancient Near Eastern evidence of the full trustworthiness of Scripture for Exodus, by Douglas and textual work of Hebrew exegesis. faith and practice, we focus on the finished Stuart, will be available form of the text, that is, as the text stands.” “The commentary strives to respect the in summer 2006. In the past, the major critical issue in text as the Word of God and to hear its Commentaries on Isaiah the second half of Genesis has been the voice first and foremost,” Mathews said. (vol. 1) and Zechariah reliability of the account of the patriarchs. “The commentary is devoted to serving are expected to be re- Since 1961 biblical critics have questioned the wider church community through leased in fall 2006. not only whether Abraham and his scholarship that will better equip Christian For more information, go descendants acted as seen in Genesis, but preaching and nurture the people of to www.lifeway.com/hcsb. whether they existed at all except in the God.” n March/April 2006 23 LifeWay releases enhanced VBS Tools Online

ore than 3 million people coordinators but parents and volunteers attended Vacation Bible School as well by providing online registration programs in 2004. Whether through a customized Web site designed Mchurches host a handful or several hundred with VBS themes that can be linked to the participants in their programs, VBS Tools individual church’s Web site. Online from LifeWay makes the process “The VBS director can print valuable easier. reports such as volunteer lists, class lists, The e-business department at LifeWay participants by class, and VBS schedules unveiled VBS Tools Online in 2005. More for volunteers to create a safer and more than 800 VBS coordinators registered efficient VBS,” said Allyson Hobbie, students and volunteers online; coordinated solutions specialist with LifeWay’s e- For more information on classes, departments and rotations; business department. 2006 VBS Tools Online and communicated quickly and easily or directions on how to For Reed Christian of Hickory Heights import 2005 program with volunteers and families through a Baptist Church in Dallas, Ga., the online information, visit www. customized Web site and e-mail center. tools made the organizational side of VBS lifeway.com/vbstools. For 2006, LifeWay released an updated much easier. version of VBS Tools “The online tools were a benefit to us Online with new in many ways,” said Christian. “Assigning features including an kids to classes was a breeze as [was] the ease attendance module for in record-keeping and generating rolls for volunteers; medical/ classrooms. We were able to keep a running allergy information count each evening for snack and generated for participants in the labels for craft identification and follow-up class report; the ability mailings.” for parents to register Because VBS is a team effort, VBS Tools multiple participants at Online was created to streamline the the same address; and administrative process for all involved. an enhanced version of LifeWay developed the resource to be used class rolls that includes by anyone with basic computer skills. volunteers and teachers. The icon-based system makes navigating For all things VBS go to “The online tools are meant to be a time www.lifeway.com/yourvbs. the tools easy for VBS administrators and saver for directors so they are not overloaded produces reports that are clear and helpful with paperwork and can focus on other to volunteers and teachers. important matters such as enlisting quality “I was able to begin the administrative volunteers and planning VBS events,” said process with the online tool and then easily Bethany Webster, VBS Internet producer. and confidently hand it over to someone It’s possible for churches that used VBS else knowing I didn’t have to explain my Tools Online in 2005 to transfer the 2005 system,” said Christian. “It was all there in enrollment information into the 2006 black and white. reports through a quick and easy process. “No more difficult spreadsheets for us!” The online tools not only benefit program she added. n 24 Facts & Trends Technology Podcasts join list of technology news resources offered through LifeWay by Brooklyn Noel earing your favorite Bible story, the site will grow immensely as pastors and nurturing your Christian walk ministry leaders submit their own audio through a well-delivered sermon content for download. orH just learning more about your church Jack Graham, pastor of the 24,000- and its mission used to mean restricting member Prestonwood Baptist Church yourself to the church building or at least in Plano, Texas, has contributed several a single location equipped with a television files that address general Christian living, or CD player. including segments on grace, spiritual But now LifeWay has introduced breakthrough and spiritual inventory. Christianpodder.com to allow users These segments are portions of Graham’s to listen to quality Christian content biblical teachings through PowerPoint, anywhere from a crowded urban subway his radio, television and Internet to the secluded Australian outback and broadcasting ministry. everywhere in between. An article in the December 2005 Christianpodder.com provides a free issue of Christian Computing magazine repository of podcasts, or digital audio reported that research shows 67 percent files, that users can download to their MP3 of Americans are turning to the Internet players, iPods or other such devices for for spiritual answers. McClure pointed playback at any time and any place. Since out that podcasting appeals to that Christianpodder.com is a repository, not Web-based audience but offers a directory, the files are housed on the site time and location flexibility that itself so users can download directly from streaming audio cannot. there. “Streaming audio on Web pages “Podcasting is the next wave of ministry requires users to be at their computers for opportunity,” said Gary McClure, manager a set period of time,” McClure said. “With of marketing in LifeWay’s e-business podcasting, you download the file that department. He pointed out that as of appeals to you and listen to it whenever fall 2005, about one quarter of American and wherever you want.” consumers owned digital audio players, In addition to the downloadable and they are always on the lookout for content, Christianpodder.com offers users interesting downloads. an opportunity to rate podcasts, as well “With all the negative music and content as share their thoughts and questions available for people to download, LifeWay regarding the various episodes in an online For more information, saw a definite need to provide positive, forum. to download podcasts Christian material as alternative content for “Christianpodder.com is a free interactive or to contribute to the digital players.” site that allows people to engage with repository, visit www. christianpodder.com Christianpodder.com already includes timely, relevant Christian messages in podcasts on a wide range of topics a manner convenient to their lifestyle,” including Bible study, instrumental McClure said. “Offering the ability to worship music, family and relationships interact with other listeners to discuss the and theology. McClure said he anticipates material is definitely a bonus.” n

March/April 2006 25

LifeWay annual report LifeWay experiences record 2005; continues support of evangelism

ifeWay Christian Resources distributing another $6 million in disaster realized record revenues of almost relief to help victims of Hurricanes $433 million in a tough financial Katrina and Rita. Additionally, LifeWay Lclimate during the 2005 fiscal year. mission volunteers were a part of 80,082 LifeWay continued in its commitment professions of faith and 211 church starts to distribute $1.6 million to state through LifeWay’s 2005 mission trips. Baptist conventions to support strategic Fiscal 2005 ended Sept. 30. n evangelism and baptism plans and began

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES For years ending Sept. 30, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands) 2005 2004 Total revenue $432,661 $428,530 Costs and expenses 419,270 415,113 Funds provided from operations 13,391 13,417 Other adjustments to unrestricted net assets 15,926 14,580 Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets 29,317 27,997 Increase (decrease) in temporarily restricted assets 125 (52) Increase (decrease) in net assets $29,442 $27,946

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Sept. 30, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands) 2005 2004 Assets Current assets $128,413 $116,248 Noncurrent assets 331,815 308,941 Total assets $460,228 $425,189

Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities $50,656 $44,642 Long-term liabilities 2,758 3,174 Total liabilities 53,414 47,816

Net assets 406,814 377,373 Total liabilities and net assets $460,228 $425,189

Note: Due to rounding, all figures may not add.

March/April 2006 27 Fresh ideas for women’s ministry in smaller churches by Becky Badry

ne of the challenges of being Brainstorming: Dreams, passions, a small church is perpetuating synergy and ideas all can be discovered new ideas. Because of the lack of during a brainstorming session. A word of humanO resources and input, you may think caution and preparation before you plan a the pool of ideas is shallow and drained brainstorming session – it may be necessary more quickly. to discuss the rules for your session. It We recommend But, it isn’t hopeless. Try these ideas for will be very beneficial to encourage each • Women Reaching Women: renewing your creative energies. participant to come with a positive, forward thinking attitude. In his teaching video, Beginning and Building Networking: Seek out information “Recapturing Your Creative Spirit!” Craig a Growing Women’s about churches in your area, big and small, Enrichment Ministry, McNair Wilson shares six brainstorming that have an active women’s enrichment Revised rules of engagement. ministry. Plan a day trip to sit down with This and other resources • Think creatively. are available through the leader of the ministry. Before you go, customer service at www. make a list of questions and needs you may • Use phrases that are positive, such as lifeway.com and (800) 458- have. Ask what is working and what isn’t. “Yes, and we could also . . .” 2772 and from LifeWay Creativity: Some prefer creating • No wimping and no blocking. Critical Christian Stores at www. originally. Some prefer creating adaptively. thinking will come later. Every idea is a lifewaystores.com and Both creative processes are equally good, (800) 233-1123. good idea at this point in the process. but they are different from each other. • You want WILD ideas. The governor of North Carolina once • You want MORE ideas. Hand out self- complimented Thomas Edison on his stick notes and ask the participants to write inventive genius, but Edison denied that down their ideas. Attach the notes to a wall. he was a great inventor. “But you have over The goal is to try to fill the wall with ideas. a thousand patents to your credit, haven’t you?” asked the governor. “Yes,” replied • Use critical thinking to shuffle through Edison, “but my only original invention is the ideas and determine what realistically the phonograph. I guess I’m an awfully can be accomplished at this time. Save the good sponge. I absorb ideas from rest of the ideas for a later time. every source I can, put them The very first attribute of God that we to practical use, and improve read about in Genesis is His creativity. on them until they become Realize there is no one without significant of some value. The ideas creative potential because we the chosen are mostly those of others children of God are empowered with His who don’t develop them creative abilities. n themselves.” Edison would Becky Badry is a LifeWay ministry be described as “adaptively multiplier and director of women’s missions creative.” and ministries for the Colorado Baptist General Convention.

28 Facts & Trends Women’s Former teen star ministry acts on Christ’s call by Andrea Higgins

or Lisa Whelchel, acting on her call ages,” Whatley said. to share the Good News of Jesus “She is the kind of Christ is just a fact of life. person you want to FWhelchel, the former teen star who is have a cup of coffee best known for playing Blair Warner on the with around your long-running sitcom “The Facts of Life,” is kitchen table. She is now a popular author and speaker, sharing just a normal mom inspirational stories about her real life as a who struggles with pastor’s wife and mother of three. the same things that we all face as While she is focused on building mothers. She is so character, not playing a character, that is transparent that it not to say her stage presence and training in does not take long the entertainment business don’t serve her to realize she is just well in her women’s ministry. like you.” Anyone who has been to her lively Whelchel’s MomTime Getaways can attest to her animated style engaging ability to captivate a crowd, while and the casual enthusiastically imparting an enriching atmosphere of the message – and some tasty treats, too. two-day events have “I want it to be a lot of fun,” said become trademarks Whelchel, 42, who became a Christian of a ministry that when she was 10 years old, an event that began in her own home. Even on her We recommend no doubt helped her avoid many pitfalls Web site, her vivacious personality comes • Creative Correction of celebrity. “An awful lot of ministry can through as she writes that she hopes guests • How to Start Your Own happen through laughter.” who may have entered as a fan, leave as a Mom Time The road to fame friend. • So You’re Thinking about At 13, Whelchel was a Mouseketeer on Getaways for moms Homeschooling “The New Mickey Mouse Club” and later Whelchel’s getaway events are intended •The Busy Mom’s Guide to Prayer landed the role as the spoiled boarding not only to touch on the scriptural basis school student. for what mothers do, but also to pamper • The Busy Mom’s Guide to Wisdom Her role of wife and mother began in stressed-out moms. These and other resources 1988 when she married Steve Cauble. This “Sadly, the very women who need it the by Lisa Whelchel are is the role that sparks her imagination and most are going to feel the guiltiest about available through customer passion. coming,” Whelchel said. “But they are the service at www.lifeway. “She is so gifted and creative,” said Faith women that need to take a day to fill up com and (800) 458- Whatley, director of LifeWay’s women’s and invest in themselves.” 2772 and from LifeWay Christian Stores at www. ministry area, which has scheduled four of Whelchel also recently worked with lifewaystores.com and Whelchel’s MomTime events for 2006. LifeWay to develop Creative Correction: The (800) 233-1123. “Lisa has such a passion for moms of all Bible Study, a six-session group study based March/April 2006 29 on her book of the same title published in released in the spring of 2005, was another 2000. In it, Whelchel shares her own parenting personal journey for her. experiences with candor and self-directed “I felt so guilty about my own prayer life,” humor. She gives readers effective discipline Whelchel said. “What a waste, I thought, to tools that worked for her and produced long- have the power and privilege of affecting my term beneficial results with her children. children, let alone the world, and not use it. I The book initially was an outgrowth of wrote down everything I want to pray for.” her frustration that traditional advice wasn’t The way this busy mom dealt with it was to working with her son, who later was diagnosed develop a system to spread all those prayers out with attention deficit issues. Whelchel over a month, so she wasn’t overwhelmed with developed flexibility in dealing with everyday the weight of it each day. issues of lying, laziness, tattling, selfishness From U.S. senators to missionaries in and disobedience that manifested themselves Jerusalem, right down to things in her everyday differently in each child, and realized it could life, she gave each prayer a time slot, so it help other parents recognize the individual would not be forgotten. needs of their children. Ever gracious to the inevitable question about The practical primer and Bible study have the stark contrast between being an author a biblical underpinning that inspired her instead of an actor, Whelchel concedes writing innovative ideas to teach moral values like is lonelier and less lucrative and less glamorous responsibility, self-control and kindness by to be sure. expanding discipline beyond time outs and spankings. “It’s a lot harder,” she said with emphasis. “It’s not as much fun, either. At least with acting, I By virtue of being her inspiration, her got to be around a lot of people, and there was three children, Tucker, 15, Haven, 13, and a lot of attention and a lot of money.” But she Clancy, 12, are the stars of much of her diverse knows writing is what she was meant to do at ministry. She bounces ideas off the three this time. and admits they are her “guinea pigs” in her parenting journey. “I have to do this,” she said. “It’s what God has called me to do. If I tried to go back to “It’s like show and tell,” she acting, I don’t think it would be fun again, said with a laugh. “Thankfully, because God would not be blessing it.” they’ve been cool with it. I tell them they will receive It is an obedience that illustrates what she their reward in heaven.” says is the guiding verse of her life, Proverbs A busy mom and 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all your heart. prayer warrior “If there is one thread throughout my whole Her fifth book,The Busy life, it is that the Lord has proven Himself so Mom’s Guide to Prayer, faithful.” n

The remaining 2006 MomTime events are scheduled for Aug. 18-19 in Tyler, Texas; 30 Facts & Trends Sept. 29-30 in Monroe, Mich.; and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Lexington, Ky. For more information, go to www.lifeway.com/women. Women’s Get in the trenches ministry to protect your girl by Andrea Higgins

ometimes Vicki Courtney would a Godly Daughter in an Ungodly prefer to be oblivious to what goes World, and accompanying journal for on in teen culture. But this mother mothers, Yada Yada, were best sellers ofS three knows that bewildered parents within a month of their release in everywhere need help combating the April 2004. incomprehensible barrage of disturbing On her new www.virtuealert.com trends that tempt today’s teens. Web site, she gives moms quick Instead of retreating from an increasingly tips on topical issues, helping them shocking terrain, Courtney exposes what prepare for – and therefore avoid – uncommunicative teens conceal. Then, she knockdown-drag-out disagreements provides parents with practical strategies in the department store and advising and conversation starters to bridge this them in getting Webwise. technologically transformed generation gap This year, Courtney, along with LifeWay, with unchanging biblical truths. will host four Your Girl events, focused on Courtney, a nationally known author and the keys to raising confident daughters in speaker whose Virtuous Reality Ministries a culture gone mad, where she addresses reaches more than 150,000 teenagers what mothers can do in the face of cultural and their mothers through its Web site, pressures against purity and modesty. We recommend books, resources and events, said, “I want Courtney also has developed a mother- to encourage and empower moms to daughter Bible study and DVD series based • Your Girl: Raising a remember that while at times it may seem on Your Girl, due to be released through Godly Daughter in an overwhelming, God has given us everything LifeWay in the summer of 2006. Ungodly World we need to counteract the culture that • Teen Virtue: Real Issues, “She is right on target with what she’s bombards them.” Real Life … A Teen Girl’s trying to communicate to moms and Survival Guide Courtney said her ministry team decided daughters,” said Faith Whatley, director about a year and a half ago to simply • Get a Life! Debunking of women’s ministry for LifeWay. “She has Six Myths in the Quest proclaim that virtue is the new vogue. The such a passion for it.” for Contentment message has struck a resounding chord. Courtney began her speaking ministry in • CrossSeekers: Virtuous Facing the issues 1995 and developed her Virtuous Reality Reality – Becoming the In 2000, Courtney launched her online ministry geared to college women in 1998. Ideal Woman • The Virtuous Woman magazine, www.virtuousreality.com for “Many of the girls were telling us, ‘I college women, and later expanded to wish I had something like this when I was These and other resources by Vicki Courtney reach middle school and high school girls younger,’” she said. That inspired her to and mothers. She developed her Yada Yada are available through reach and teach even younger girls that the customer service at www. events to reach 7th-12th graders, and in only true liberation is found in Jesus Christ. lifeway.com and (800) 2004 Yada Yada Junior began for 3rd-6th “Sadly enough, for a lot of college women, 458-2772 and from grade girls and their mothers. it was more of a recovery effort,” she said. n LifeWay Christian Stores Courtney’s first book,Your Girl: Raising at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123. Courtney’s remaining 2006 Your Girl events are scheduled for March 25 in Hendersonville, Tenn.; April 29 in Charlotte, N.C.; and Sept. 16 in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information go to March/April 2006 31 www.lifeway.com/women. Amazing changes happen when women encounter God’s love by Andrea Higgins “ uckle up!” strongest gift is her storytelling Angela ability. She is very transparent. One Thomas of the beautiful things about her laughedB as she ministry is that she is able to share a described a joyous message of hope for hurting women journey of a lifetime related to her own journey.” We recommend that awaits anyone Teen study willing to take it. • A Beautiful Offering But Thomas’s ministry isn’t • Living Your Life as a The best-selling limited to just adult women. Her Beautiful Offering author and speaker new DVD study for teenage girls, • When Wallflowers Dance was referring to the Wild About You, is the first girls’ • Wild About You amazing changes curriculum that LifeWay has done, These and other resources women encounter according to Whatley. when they begin to by Angela Thomas are “Wild About You seeks to answer available through customer understand how much a question that lies in the heart of every service at www.lifeway. God loves them. The confident laughter teen girl: ‘Am I really beautiful?’” said com and (800) 458- revealed her comfortable assurance of God’s Pam Gibbs, an editor in chief in LifeWay’s 2772 and from LifeWay love, and her animated eagerness to share Christian Stores at www. student ministry publishing area. “This lessons learned. lifewaystores.com and study is designed to help teen girls answer (800) 233-1123. “Once women come to recognize that that question, and in doing so, discover a God’s crazy about them, it’s like they get set foundation upon which to build their lives. free,” she says. “He is wildly in love with “This study is unique in its approach,” them. He is coming across heaven and earth Gibbs said. “Instead of utilizing a for them.” traditional member book, we’ve created DayBreak a magazine that girls will use in a weekly Bible truths are the powerful Bible study setting, but that they can starting point for LifeWay’s also read at home, at school or on DayBreak women’s the bus headed for a football game. It conferences, featuring contains more than 300 photographs and Thomas and Priscilla Shirer. illustrations, along with quizzes, feature “I don’t think the women articles and an ‘Ask Angela’ advice column.” who have shown up expect The product also contains a DVD with they’re going to meet with teaching segments featuring Thomas and the Lord during a beautiful interviews with BarlowGirl, a popular time of directed prayer,” Christian rock band. Thomas said. “It’s very exciting.” One of the reasons Thomas developed “Angela is a great Bible teacher,” a teenage DVD curriculum for LifeWay, said Faith Whatley, director of was “to get to as many young hearts as women’s ministry for LifeWay. “Her possible,” she said. n

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riscilla Shirer used to get annoyed by Shirer’s ministry is about teaching women the errant thoughts that would pop that hearing God’s voice is not reserved for into her head during quiet prayer time, some elite segment of Christianity. The Bible Pinterfering with her concentration on the is for all of us, she noted. With a depth of Scripture passage she was studying. knowledge from a lifetime of searching the Then it occurred to her that maybe those dense complexity of Scripture – and watching seemingly trivial items or long-neglected friends her father, well-known Dallas pastor Tony were actually not insignificant intrusions after Evans – Shirer has developed a gift for revealing all. the simplicity of the relationship God wants with everyone. “I used to see it as a distraction during this worship time that maybe I would think of “It means just valuing Him and treating Him someone I need to call or grocery shopping like you would a friend in your life. Spend time would come into my head,” said the noted listening. He wants to be intimately involved expository Bible teacher, nationally recognized with your life,” said Shirer, author of He Speaks speaker, author, wife and mother of two. to Me: Preparing to Hear from God, a six-week Bible study that guides women in their journey “Now when I find that something is to have that personal relationship with Jesus interrupting my thought process, it could be Christ. something that God wants me to take care of. He may be bringing the grocery shopping In that way, Shirer said, she has come to to mind to remind me that I haven’t gone thank the Lord for anything that comes shopping in a long time,” Shirer said. to mind, and to write it down for future contemplation. “His desire is that my kitchen be full for my family. Family is the priority,” said Shirer, who Shirer joins Angela Thomas, author of Living makes her office at the table in that kitchen so Your Life As a Beautiful Offering, as platform she can be home for 2-year-old Jackson and speakers for LifeWay’s six DayBreak conference 1-year-old Jerry Junior, while her events this year. husband, Jerry, manages her “Priscilla is a straight-up Bible teacher,” said hectic speaking schedule and Faith Whatley, director of women’s ministry the boys, too. for LifeWay. “She has gleaned a lot of her “Sometimes somebody daddy’s style. She is able to dig deep and get will come to my mind, to the root of it and also teach on a level you like a girlfriend I haven’t can understand. She really breaks it down and talked to in a while. I allows you to see things in it that you haven’t can’t tell you how many seen before.” prayer times have been Shirer said the explosive growth in women’s interrupted, and I’ll call ministry is a product of a “generation of that person, and they’re women who are tired of the fluff and the door so glad I called them,” prizes. They’re there because they are dying on said Shirer, 30. the inside for something that can change their lives.” 34 Facts & Trends Women’s ministry

With never enough time to study what “We’re so busy. she wants to, Shirer knows how challenging We want to achieve it can be in this fast-paced world to carve out quiet prayer time, but it is her passion something, rather to share with women how the simple act of than understanding kneeling in their living room, as she does, how the Holy Spirit can change everything. would like to use it “We’re so disconnected,” she said. “We to transform don’t get to see the manifest power of the our lives.” Lord. In Jeremiah 33:3, it says, ‘Call unto me, and I will show you great and mighty — Priscilla Shirer things.’ “We’re so busy. We want to achieve something, rather than understanding how the Holy Spirit would like to use it to transform our lives.” The same power that Eventually, after sharpening her speaking raised Jesus Christ from the dead can help skills working for Zig Ziglar Corporation you have more patience with your children, as a motivational speaker, her passion for she added. ministry won out. She said over the past Shirer teaches women that desperately two years in particular, she has learned seeking after the voice of God will answer the importance of nurturing a personal their needs, as she works to spark their relationship with the Lord. passion for Scripture. During DayBreak, after a lively time of We recommend “The laundry will still be there when you praise and worship, women are guided in • He Speaks to Me: Preparing get home,” Shirer cracked, her easy sense 30 minutes of personal worship and prayer to Hear from God of humor one of her great appeals. But, she time. • And We Are Changed: said, if they are listening to Jesus, it won’t “It is just being quiet and waiting on Encounters with a just be another Band-Aid or temporary fix. God,” Shirer said. “We are hoping to set a Transforming God • A Jewel in His Crown: It is surprising that broadcast journalism, precedent for them in their personal time with the Lord. Just wait on Him to speak. Rediscovering Your Value as not women’s ministry, was her intended a Woman of Excellence Take your journals with you, so when a field. But even as a freshman at the These and other resources thought arises you can write it down. That’s University of Houston where she received by Priscilla Shirer are her communications degree and interned at the Holy Spirit speaking to you. available through customer a Christian radio station, her Bible teaching “The day of DayBreak is one of the most service at www.lifeway.com skills were in high demand. She went on to simple, pure worship experiences I have ever and (800) 458-2772 and get her master’s degree in biblical studies had. There is no agenda other than Jesus.” from LifeWay Christian from Dallas Theological Seminary. n Stores at www.lifewaystores. com and (800) 233-1123. The 2006 DayBreak events are set for March 3-4 in Seattle; April 21-22 in Baltimore; June 2-3 in Decatur, Ala.; Aug. 4-5 in Denver; Aug. 18-19 in Austin, Texas; and Nov. 17-18 in Little Rock, Ark. For more information, go to www.lifeway.com/women. March/April 2006 35 PflZXeËkZc`dYk_\dflekX`ef]dXe_ff[ [`jZfee\Zk\[]ifdfk_\id\e

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MensFrat_F&T.indd 1 1/9/06 10:18:12 AM who reallykeepsthechurchrunning Show appreciationtotheperson M 6. Personal noteorgreeting card time withfamily. a free dayrelaxing, pampering,orspending assistantspend office andlet your ministry 5. Time off notes ofappreciation. cards, home-bakedgoodies,flowers and to remember thisunsungofficehero with may wishtoencourageyour church family appreciationYou duringworshipservices. newsletter, bulletinandwithaword of your church familywithanoticeinthe 4. Public recognition online store orfavorite restaurant. Christian Store, store, localdepartment 3. Gift certificate visitor. office assistantandtoevery to your ministry family willdemonstrateyour appreciation cookies sentonbehalfofyour church basketortinofgourmet bouquet, fruit 2. Flowers a specialrestaurant. assistanttolunchat may treat your ministry 1. Lunch your church staff. assistantson extra specialfortheministry Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 26) are eighttipsformakingAdministrative ministry, andtotheKingdomofGod. Here by Donna Gandy Donna by A personalword ofappreciation written Arrange forvolunteers tosubstitute inthe Recognize assistantsbefore your ministry Consider agiftcard toaLifeWay A fresh bouquet,live plant,balloon You andyour spouseorotherkeyleaders work ofyour church, your secretaries) are vitaltothe assistants(church inistry their important contribution: their important assistants know you notice for lettingyour ministry throughout theyear. of spontaneousappreciation also treasure asteadystream on thisspecialday, butwill assistants enjoy recognition appreciation. Most ministry ingredient isgenuine you choose. The primary as elaborateorsimple Professional’s Day canbe by membersandfriends. dishes brought totheoffice luncheon withhomemade 8. Surprise luncheon assistant. the ministry positive characteristicstheyappreciate in each persononyour stafftoaffirmthe 7. Strength bombardment thanks. the personaltouchofwell-chosen words of in acard provides oronyour stationery volumes ofappreciation. n arecommon courtesies rewards thatspeak time off, forameritraiseand daily support • • Christmas • church anniversaries • birthdays Consider otheroccasions AdministrativeObserving Consider asurprise During your weekly staffmeeting,ask A verbal pat on the back, compensatory A verbal patontheback,compensatory • afterexceptionally executing aproject skill • aftermasteringanew to meetadeadline after puttinginextrahours

Church administration March/April 2006 37

Getty Images Resources for you from LifeWay

Releases April 1. Paperback. B&H essays from the product #0-8054- great outdoors n 3055-4, $12.99 Into the High are anchored n O Shepherd, Country by Scripture Where Art by Jason Cruise and and are Thou? Broadman Jimmy Sites applicable to by Calvin Miller Popular hunting/fishing everyday life. & Holman In this hilariously personalities Jason Cruise Releases April humbling fable and Jimmy Sites, also 1. Paperback. about modern pastors, take outdoor B&H product #0-8054- church culture, master enthusiasts deeper into 4044-5, $14.99 God’s Word with this storyteller Calvin n rugged devotional that Your Boy Miller introduces Sam, draws comparisons by Vicki Courtney a misguided ministry between When popular professional who is free to hunting speaker Vicki hit the golf course more seasons and Courtney released often after reading a self- the spiritual the best-selling help book on how to “kiss seasons of Your Girl in 2004 pastoral care good-bye.” the soul. and Beth Moore Clearly poking fun at the Releases April declared it “a “professionalization” of 1. Hardcover. must read for doing the Lord’s work, n Spa for the Soul B&H product every daughter’s Miller’s point is that no by Lucinda Secrest #0-8054-4180- mother,” it matter how complex McDowell 8, $14.99 wasn’t long church life becomes, You can call 10,000 before a fast- n Success staying involved in the health spas around the growing lives of real people is still country for a massage Afield audience was by Joey Hancock a top priority. Releases and manicure yet still feel naturally April 1. Hardcover. B&H the need for more lasting Whether he’s requesting talking to the fish product #0-8054-4098- refreshment. Spa for the Your Boy. 4, $14.99 Soul is for women who he’s trying to After all, also seek an oasis where catch, training a parents are spiritual and emotional bird dog in his seeking help health can be rejuvenated. backyard or in growing Here, the spa metaphor tracking tom godly sons, as blends biblical teaching turkeys in well. And as and modern application the woods, the mother of for true restoration. endearing two boys herself, Releases April 15. sportsman Joey Hancock Courtney rises Hardcover. B&H product is reminded of biblical to the occasion with #0-8054-4077-1, $14.99 truths every time he steps this inspiring, tell-it- outside. In Success Afield, like-it-is new favorite. his inspiring, often funny 38 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

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March/April 2006 39 Resources for you from LifeWay

to Mom each session. ministry through PowerCel a local church. Cards, And be sure to product #1-4158-2236-0, available in pick up the Mom $59.99. Administrative younger and to Mom: Heart Guide and Enhanced older grade Talk Audio CDs, CD, Church resources groupings, which feature product #1-4158-2233- are a fun, audio recordings of the Heart 6, $9.99. Activity Book, interactive women Talk DVDs; they Grades 1-3, Church way to teaching come in handy for resources product #1- reinforce the main point, and encouraging churches with multiple 4158-2237-9, $5.99. key verse and Bible story/ younger women about group leaders and missed Activity Book, Grades theme for the session. relationships with sessions. Releases April 3. 4–6, Church resources Order one set of cards for husbands and children. Leader Pack, Church product #1-4158-2238-7, every five children. The LifeWay is pleased Visual Pack includes eight resources product #1- $5.99. Replacement CD, to introduce Mom to bright, colorful posters, 4158-3226-9, $174.95. Missions DVD, banner Mom: Heart Talk, a 12- Member Book, Church and T-shirts are also designed to enhance the session study offering resources product #1- available. learning environment. help in parenting skills, Releases April 3. 4158-3210-2, $14.95. n hope in the powerful G-Force, Volume 3.4 Leader Guide, Church Audio CDs, Church Discover one of the most God who gave us our resources product #1- resources product #1- exciting curricula to hit children, and heart-to- 4158-2408-8, $69.95. 4158-3211-0, $39.95. children’s ministry in heart encouragement CD-ROM & DVD Pack, Titus 2 Leader Guide, years. The Leader Guide from one mother to Church resources product Church resources product contains 15 sessions of another. The Leader #1-4158-2388-X, $29.95. #1-4158-3183-1, $7.95. fun, age-appropriate Pack includes DVDs of PowerCel Cards, Younger Administrative Guide, worship; Bible- taped sessions featuring Children (pkg. of 5), Church resources product teaching procedures for Linda Anderson, an Church resources product #1-4158-3184-X, $11.95 elementary-age children Administrative Guide, #1-4158-2393-6, $10.95. (for children who are a Titus 2 Leader Guide PowerCel Cards, Older grouped into younger/ and a Member Book. Children (pkg. of 5), older elementary age These items are also Church resources product groups, with adaptations available separately. The #1-4158-2390-1, $10.95. for multi-age grouping); Member Book content Visual Pack, Church administrative helps; includes interactive resources product #1- and musical scores. Each sessions designed for 4158-2395-2, $29.95 session includes a large study participants while n group time. Sessions are Mom to Mom: Heart the Mom to Mom: Titus n written for 60 minutes Talk 2 Leader Guide contains Bible Studies by with adaptations for by Linda Schultz helps on how to link Demand for Women stretching the session to Anderson women to the church and DVDs, Volume 1 90 minutes. Mom to Mom Ministries the Christian faith. The Do you ever need an The CD-ROM provides is a biblically based Mom to Mom: Heart individual, stand-alone the electronic visuals, parenting program Talk Administrative women’s Bible study on printables and sounds for designed around the Guide provides helps for video? This resource Titus 2:4 concept of older administering the Mom features some of our 40 Facts & Trends Give a gift. Touch a life.

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quarterly issue of LifeTrak March 1. Free (Beth Moore); features a multipurpose, LifeTrak 6.3 for Older Living Your Life as a multimedia-based CD- Youth, Grades 10- Beautiful Offering (Angela ROM with everything 12 (Topics: integrity, Thomas); The Vision of from adaptations for small missions, Easter best-selling women’s His Glory (Anne Graham group and master teacher emphasis), Church authors with a proven Lotz); He Speaks to Me formats to contemporary resources product #1- track record of providing (Priscilla Shirer), and music. Leaders will love 4158-2546-7, $29.95. quality Bible studies. Walking by Faith (Jennifer the fact that they can LifeTrak 6.3 for Younger Provided in DVD format, Rothschild). Releases get a big-picture focus, Youth, Grades 7- these sessions are flexible April 3. because the scope and 9 (Topics: heaven, enough to use in a variety Church resources product sequence is printed in obedience, Easter of settings, such as a time #1-4158-3244-7, $59.95 each edition – in other emphasis), Church gap between two longer n LifeTrak 6.3 words, they can choose resources product #1- Bible studies for women, LifeTrak is an excellent the LifeTrak curriculum 4158-2547-5, $29.95 a special event, a retreat, choice for churches that fits their group’s n LifeQuest: Volume 1, or even one of those times looking for a curriculum specific needs. Both the Revised when a Bible study leader that specializes in younger older and younger youth By Ollie Gibbs and is unavoidably absent. youth (grades 7-9) and editions include at least Sharon Berry Features sessions from older youth (grades one evangelism lesson Part of a fully scoped and Living Beyond Yourself 10-12). Each undated, each quarter. Releases sequential curriculum (Beth Moore); Breaking God’s Message in Everyday Language

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42 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 for Christian schools Spanish Church resources product or homeschool, this #1-4158-2871-7, $14.95 study is applicable to Resources real issues students face n InQuest, Artios LifeWay Worship daily, offering a full, 18- Your students have the Music Group week semester of lessons tools they need at their designed for junior high fingertips, but do they From Everybody students (9th grade). know how to use them Worship Using a computer/ for all they’re worth? Paul n Leave Everything information age theme, wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16- Behind produced by Travis students learn to look 17 that the Scriptures “Leave Everything Cottrell to the life and teachings contain everything we Behind,” “How Great If you’re looking for of Christ as a blueprint need to be thoroughly Is Our God,” “Be at moderately contemporary for how they equipped (or in Greek, Rest,” “Bless the Lord,” songs, Leave Everything live their artios). Artios “We Believe,” “Closer to Behind is the perfect lives. Written is a five- You,” “I Glory in Your solution. This collection, primarily for session study Cross,” “Blessed Be Your created by a host of great 9th graders that focuses Name,” “Create in Me,” writers including Jeff in a Christian on teaching “Take My Life,” “Leave Slaughter, Chris Tomlin, school or your students Everything Behind” and LifeWay’s exclusive Christian to study the (bonus track, remix) writers Jeremy Johnson homeschool, Bible for all Songbook includes and Paul Marino, carries LifeQuest will it’s worth. printed vocals and piano the theme of an earnest give students Releases accompaniment, chord desire to seek the things the tools, March 15. charts with lyrics, and of God and not the things examples and Leader, enhanced CD with of this world. Electric and motivation Church accompaniment tracks, acoustic guitar versions to make resources chord chart files and lyric are available on select their life quest to be product #1-9315-4853-6, files for media display. titles. more like Jesus. Teacher $7.99. Student, Church Songbook (includes Titles include “O Praise Edition includes personal resources product #1- enhanced CD), Product Him (All This for a devotions, bulletin 9315-4854-4, $2.99 #1-4158-2695-1, $29.95; King),” “Indescribable,” board ideas, a CD-ROM n Los Patriarcas (The Listening CD, Product containing key verses Patriarchs, Spanish #1-4158-2696-X, $16.98 in five additional Bible edition) n The Glory of His versions, and test banks by Beth Moore Presence: The Live in a format, which can be This 10-session Bible Worship Collection modified by teachers to study will plunge compiled by Terry reflect the instructional participants back MacAlmon goals for each class. into the heart of A compilation of hits Releases April 14. Genesis, where God’s delivered in a piano/ Student Edition, Revised, remarkable pursuit vocal/guitar book format, Church resources product of relationship and this collection from #1-4158-3149-1, $9.95. the unfolding of his worship leader Terry Teacher Edition, Revised, earthly plan began. MacAlmon will set the Church resources product Releases March 1. tone for intimate worship. #1-4158-3148-3, $79.95 Member Book, A valuable resource for March/April 2006 43 Resources just released from LifeWay

(Listening CDs M. Edwards this fun, driving musical. are available at a captures the Race to Win’s high-energy, reduced rate when passion evoked upbeat music drives home purchased in as we cry out any musician or choir, the message about what it quantities of 10 to God for His this songbook contains means to have the saving or more.); DVD mercy in this 10 familiar tunes to help faith of Jesus Christ, Pak (contains contemporary everyone and the DVD a Performance ballad. involved drama includes DVD and Beginning with a tender experience interactive Accompaniment CD), and expressive solo, the the glory dialogue with Product #1-4158-2798-2, choir joins to create a of God’s racing legend $125. Accompaniment worshipful moment for presence. Darrell Waltrip. CD, Instructional DVD, choir and congregation. Titles Race to Win will Dovetailor, Bulletins SATB Anthem, Product include “You excite fans with (pack of 100), Posters #1-4158-3117-3, $1.40; Deserve the real, action- (pack of 10) and DVD CD Anthem Tracks, Glory,” “I packed racing Promo Pak are also Product #1-4158-3130-0, Came to footage, unison available. $19.98; Orchestration, Worship and two- Winter 2005-06 Product #1-4158-3105-X, You,” part singing Anthems $54.95 “Captivate ideal for any n Manna from Heaven n You Are the One My Heart,” size choir, words and music by words and music by Dave “Holy Are presentation Jeremy Johnson and Paul Lubben, arranged and You, Lord,” options with Marino, arranged and orchestrated by Dave “We Glorify or without orchestrated by Richard Williamson the Lamb,” Performance Kingsmore The lilting rhythm and “You’re My DVD, a Promo With biblically relevant text of this praise song Glory,” Pak containing text and upbeat, will bless your heart and “How a Choral Book, encouraging music, choirs soul – what a way to Women’s events that encourage, inspire, and equip Long?” “I Listening CD and ensembles alike will express our love to the Surrender and Promo enjoy this inspirational Savior! The choral parts All, Lord,” DVD and message perfect for are accessible and fun to Songbook, Product #1- a Dovetailor Kit that missions emphasis or any sing. 4158-3134-3, $14.95 includes kick-off party other time. SATB Anthem, Product ideas, activities, lessons, #1-4158-3119-X, $1.40; Dovetail Music SATB Anthem, Product rehearsal plans and cool CD Anthem Tracks, n Race to Win: Whose #1-4158-3137-8, $1.40; clip art. Product #1-4158-3129-7, Race are You Running? CD Anthem Tracks, Titles include “Race to $19.98; Orchestration, created by Jimmy Travis Product #1-4158-3132-7, Win,” “Jesus in Me,” Product #1-4158-3103-3, Getzen and Gail Getzen $19.98; Orchestration, “Money and Fame,” $54.95 Unison, 2-part/Easy/42 Product #1-4158-3107-6, “Saved by Grace” and $54.95 n I Will Praise You minutes “Race to Win Finale.” n Mercy words and music by Buckle your seat belts! Unison, 2-part Choral words and music by David Margaret Becker and There’s never been a Book, Product #1- M. Edwards, arranged David M. Edwards, better time to get your 4158-2672-2, $6.95; and orchestrated by J. arranged and orchestrated children’s choir excited Listening CD, Product Daniel Smith by Bruce Greer about singing than with #1-4158-2802-4, $16.98 LifeWay writer David Perfect for the blended 44 Facts & Trends 3 new resources, 4 enrichment events . . . 311 place 4 to find. Mom to Mom: New resource! Vision of His Bible Studies by Demand for Heart Talk Leader Pack Glory Audio CDs Women DVDs, Volume 1 By Linda Schultz Anderson By Anne Graham Lotz Ideal when you need a lesson in a hurry. Biblically-based parenting program Based on the video presentations by Includes six video lessons from Beth based on Titus 2:4 concept of older Anne Graham Lotz, these new Audio Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Angela Thomas, women teaching and encouraging CDs are ideal for personal study or Jennifer Rothschild, and Anne Graham younger women. Mom to Mom: review. This popular study of selected Lotz. Set of two DVDs, plus a CD with Heart Talk Leader Pack includes 12 passages from Revelation offers hope downloadable helps for facilitators. DVD-based teaching sessions with to believers facing pain, suffering, 1-4158-3244-7 $59.95 founder Linda Schultz Anderson, plus and doubt. an administrative guide, a Titus 2 Leader Guide, and a Member Book 1-4158-3218-8 $39.95 kdajbZ& 3 (all available separately). 1-4158-3226-9 $174.95

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Women’s events that encourage, inspire, and equip Your Girl DayBreak Featuring Vicki Courtney Relevant teaching for today’s young woman. Six new locations, An event for moms of tweens and teens; this fun-filled with an enhanced event schedule that features messages from and inspiring one-day event will help you raise a godly Angela Thomas and Priscilla Shirer; plus contemporary worship daughter in an ungodly world. led by Kelly Minter. MomTime Getaways Living Proof Live With Lisa Whelchel At each Living Proof Live, Beth Moore delivers the message God has A relaxing weekend to equip you for the most important given her—no two events are alike. Experience life-transforming job you’ll ever have—being a mother. Bible study, along with authentic worship led by Travis Cottrell and the Praise Team. LifeWay Women’s Ministry—Solutions4 for the Women’s Ministry leader in your church. To register for an event, or for more information, visit www.lifeway.com and click on “Events,” or call 1.800.254.2022. Resources for you from LifeWay

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March/April 2006 47 ¿habla español? LifeWay does! Across the Southern Baptist Convention, Hispanic churches are growing and celebrating God’s goodness. At LifeWay we’re proud to offer hundreds of our resources – including Experiencing God, electronic Bibles; commentaries, Vacation Bible School, special emphasis bulletins, even news and information – in Spanish. If your congregation sponsors or works with a Spanish-speaking congregation, this site could help both of you with ministry aids and ideas. Going on a mission trip to a Spanish-speaking region? Find resources to make this the best mission trip ever.

Go to www.lifeway.com/spanish and discover what’s available..

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March/April 2006 ISBN: 9-9999-0233-0