Max Lucado and LifeWay offer ‘3:16: The Church Experience’ to the world

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 News and information for ministry from LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention Contents

Volume 53 • Number 6 November/December 2007 Commentary • From my perspective: Kingdom-teaching parents...... 4 • Survey: Reasons young adults leave church, come back...... 6 • Parents and churches can help teens stay in church...... 11 Articles • Max Lucado and LifeWay offer the world John 3:16 resource...... 13 • Game Day Central brings out Houston church heroes...... 18 • VBS photo contest winner...... 21 • Special needs community: serving and being served...... 22 • Couple with special needs child committed to family...... 26 • God answers father’s prayer to give his special daughter joy...... 27 • 2008 VBS offers special education options...... 29 • Q&A with collegiate ministries leader Linda Osborne...... 30 • Help for leaders of smaller membership churches...... 33 • Wells to lead expanded African-American ministry...... 35 • Discipleship Week offers tools to attendees...... 36 • Sowers, reapers equally important...... 38 • B&H releases new Chapman book...... 41 • LifeWayWorship.com on track...... 42 • Office supply savings available...... 43 • Founders Ministries at Ridgecrest...... 44 Resources For you from LifeWay...... 46 Facts & Trends Online features...... 54

Cover: Max Lucado stands in front of the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows in New York where LifeWay is filming a segment for 3:16: The Church Experience. Inset: Max Lucado teaches 3:16 at Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx. Photos by Kent Harville .

How to get Facts & Trends absolutely free: Write us: Facts & Trends One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0192 Phone us: (615) 251-3698 E-mail us: [email protected]

Phone numbers, Web addresses and content Game Day Central at The Met • 18-21 referenced in articles were verified at the time of printing. Our purpose To support you in ministry by connecting you with LifeWay’s “Biblical Solutions for Life.” To help you carry out your calling more effectively as you read news and feature stories, information about trends that impact the church, Discipleship Week• 36-39 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 ministry.

Our format Facts & Trends is published six times a Special education • 22-29 Smaller churches• 33-34 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 Shrout, Brooklyn Noel, Jenny Rice, Chris Turner, writers; Kent Harville, visuals specialist; Shirley Richardson, Web editor; Russ Rankin, editor in chief; Rob Phillips, director, communications department. Chapman book • 41 Collegiate Ministry • 30 November/December 2007 3 From my perspective

Wanted: Kingdom-teaching parents owhere in Scripture are churches commanded to fill the role of parents in the raising of children. That may seem like an obvious statement but the expectationN that churches “teach a youth about the way he should go” has so permeated our thinking as evangelicals that it has become a default setting for parents and, unfortunately, accepted by too many ministers. The result is that the majority of kids who say they regularly attend church during their teen years drop out of church by the time they are 22, many never to return. (See article beginning on page 6.) Is it that we are losing a culture war? I don’t believe so. Culture is becoming coarser and kids are bombarded from all sides with every type of evil. But, when we blame the ills of our children on the culture around us we are in effect saying that culture trumps the promises of God and has more lasting influence than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Look again at Proverbs 22:6 – “Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (HCSB). I know parents who are desperately holding God accountable to Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO, this. They have invested or are investing themselves spiritually in the LifeWay Christian Resources nurturing of their children. Since no one can see the future, the only of the Southern Baptist Convention hope they have that their children will not forsake the instruction of God is to trust “that He who started a good work in [them] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Subscribe (Philippians 1:6, HCSB). That’s not to say there won’t be some rough spots in the road of life, but there is the LifeWay President Thom S. Rainer writes promise of a definite destination. LifeWay@Heart, an occasional e-mail message More significant than forfeiting the promise of God to a addressing trends and ministry ideas. Add your pervasive culture is cutting the heart out of the power of the gospel. No measure of violence, mental illness, sex-saturated name to the LifeWay@Heart mailing list by television, corporate corruption, infidelity, self-centeredness going to www.lifeway.com/form_heart.asp. – nothing – is greater than the power of the resurrected On the form, type in your e-mail address and Christ. Jesus has authority over it all, and to consider that name, then click the “Join List” button.

4 Facts & Trends culture has a greater influence calls into question His Lordship. This is what parents We recommend must teach their children from the time they come out of the womb. It is interesting • 30 Days: Turning the that Proverbs 22:6 was written in the context of a Hebrew culture where boys and girls Hearts of Parents and were probably considered adults by age 14-15. My three sons – all in their 20s and Teenagers Toward Each starting families of their own – still come to me for spiritual counsel. Their experiences Other by Richard Ross in adulthood are new and challenging, but their issues will be manageable because of and Gus Reyes the proper spiritual perspective and foundation we instilled in our boys at a young • Transforming Student age. It is critical for parents to aggressively disciple their children while their hearts are Ministry: Research tender and open to the gospel. Calling for Change Too many parents are • Impact: Student Ministry abdicating their roles in That Will Transform “Teach a youth about the way a Generation by Steve the spiritual instruction Patty he should go; even when he is of their children to the church. Unfortunately, the These and other American evangelical church old he will not depart from it.” resources are available is generally struggling to through customer — Proverbs 22:6 (HCSB) find its way, having itself service at www.lifeway. been too often captivated com and (800) 458-2772 by popular culture. We’ve and from LifeWay drifted from solid biblical exegesis in order to connect with culture. We’ve allowed Christian Stores at the Bible to be compromised to fit cultural categories instead of standing firm on the www.lifewaystores.com Truth while helping culture fit into biblical categories. and (800) 233-1123. Earlier this year LifeWay Research released a different study that addressed teens’ confused views of eternity. That study reported that a high percentage of teens did not understand the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. If we as Christians are going to see our young people rise above culture, embrace the gospel and live godly lives, parents must live the biblical instruction their children need and the church must support that effort by being an example of a Kingdom-minded community.

In His service,

November/December 2007 5 LifeWay Research uncovers reasons Young adults drop out of church by LifeWay Research staff new study from LifeWay Research reveals that more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularlyA for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. As young people transition from high school into the workforce or college, they are faced with many choices – including whether to continue attending church. Although this decision is a source of concern for parents and church leaders, discussion of the reasons young adults choose the direction they do has largely been speculative. “Lots of alarming numbers have been tossed around regarding church dropouts,” said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research. “We wanted to get at the real situation with clear research – and there is some bad news here, no question. But, there are also some important solutions to be found in the research. When we know why people drop out, we can address how to help better connect them.”

6 Facts & Trends LifeWay Research young dropouts

To uncover the reasons young people workforce are also strong reasons for young leave church, LifeWay Research conducted people to leave church: “I moved to college a survey in April and May 2007 of more and stopped attending church” (25 percent) than 1,000 adults ages 18-30. All indicated and “work responsibilities prevented me that they had attended a Protestant church from attending” (23 percent). regularly for at least one year in high school. In addition to moving to college, others simply “moved too far away from the Should I stay or should I go? church to continue attending” (22 percent) According to the study, 70 percent of and, it can be assumed, did not find a closer young adults ages 23-30 stopped attending church. church regularly for at least a year between A previous LifeWay ages 18-22. Research study of church “Relationships are often the In most cases, the switchers confirmed that decision to leave was not glue that keeps people in a residential move is the planned far in advance. church or serves as the most frequent reason Only 20 percent of adults switch churches. these “church dropouts” attraction to begin attend- “A move beyond your agree that while they ing again following a local community breaks were attending church the existing ties to a regularly in high school period of absenteeism.” local church,” said Scott they “planned on taking – Brad Waggoner McConnell, associate a break from church once director of LifeWay [they] finished high school.” Research. “It requires intentional effort Among those who planned to leave, few to search for a new church. That may not told anyone. One reflected, “I just told my occur immediately, even for those interested parents I didn’t like it,” rather than sharing in church.” an intention to actually leave. Another said, How young people use their time and the “I kept my feelings secret for fear of losing relationships they choose can also lead them my friends.” away from church. Twenty-two percent “became too busy, though still wanted to Why do most young people leave? attend,” and 17 percent “chose to spend Life changes or life situations cause more time with friends outside the church.” young people to leave the church. In fact, “In our three studies related to church 97 percent of dropouts list one or more attendance practices – The Formerly specific life-change issue as a reason they left Churched, Church Switchers and now church. the Teenage Dropout study – one thing is Six of the top 10 reasons church dropouts abundantly clear,” stated Brad Waggoner, leave relate to life changes. The most vice president of research and ministry frequent reason for leaving church is, in development at LifeWay. “Relationships are fact, a self-imposed change: “I simply often the glue that keeps people in church wanted a break from church” (27 percent). or serves as the attraction to begin attending The paths toward college and the again following a period of absenteeism. November/December 2007 7 Many people are deeply influenced Top 10 reasons young by friends and loved ones.” Waggoner advised, “Church leaders should passionately and adults drop out of church consistently challenge church members to maximize their influence with youth and young adults. Frequent and intentional contact can either prevent or counteract the tendency of some to drop out of church.” Fifty-eight percent of church dropouts selected at least one church or pastor-related reason for leaving church. Most common was “church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical” (26 percent). Another 20 percent “didn’t feel connected to the people in my church.” The final category of reasons, “religious, ethical or political beliefs,” contributed to the departure of 52 percent of church dropouts. Two reasons for leaving reflect this category: “I disagreed with the church’s stance on political or social issues” (18 percent) and “I was only going to church to please others” (17 percent). “Clearly the reasons young people leave are a reflection both of their past experience in church and the new opportunities they have as young adults,” McConnell summarized. “To remain in church, a person must have experienced the value of the teaching and relationships at church and see the relevance for the next phase of life.”

8 Facts & Trends LifeWay Research young dropouts

Why do some young people stay? of encouragement from others. The most common reason being “my parents or Although they only represent 30 percent family members encouraged me to attend” of those who attended a Protestant church (39 percent). Twenty-one percent attribute for at least a year in high school, those their return to “my friends or acquaintances Facts & Trends who stay in church through ages 18-22 see encouraged me to attend.” Combined, 50 the relevance, benefits and purpose of the percent of those who return were influenced church now and for their future. • Ed Stetzer and by either family or friends. Scott McConnell The two most frequent reasons young Young adults also return to church when discuss the research people stay in church relate to the relevance they feel the desire personally or sense God with leaders who of church: “Church was a vital part of my calling them back: “I simply felt the desire serve in student relationship with God” (65 percent) and to return” (34 percent) and “I felt God was and collegiate min- “I wanted the church to help guide my calling me to return to the church” (28 istry in a podcast decisions in everyday life” percent). at www.lifeway. (58 percent). “There is no easy way to com/insidelifeway. Women are more likely Half of those who Inside LifeWay is say it, but it must be said. than men to feel “the stayed in church recognize LifeWay’s official desire to return” (41 benefits and say, “I felt Parents and churches are news podcast. Read percent vs. 22 percent) that church was helping more about what not passing on a robust and to feel “God was me become a better these findings mean calling me to return to person” (50 percent). Christian faith and an for church leaders accompanying commit- church” (34 percent vs. by going online to Forty-two percent 18 percent). www.lifeway.com/ remained because they ment to the church.” In contrast to the life factsandtrends and were “committed to the changes that drove many www.edstetzer.com. purpose and work of the – Ed Stetzer away, life events also church.” bring young adults back to church. “The vitality and everyday relevance Twenty-four percent return to church these young people experienced in church because “I had children and felt it was time is a stark contrast to church dropouts for them to start attending.” This reason is who wanted a break from church and felt significantly more common for women than unconnected,” McConnell said. men (31 percent vs. 13 percent). Twenty Already returning percent “got married and wanted to attend with my spouse.” Many of those who drop out eventually do return. Among church dropouts who are Turnover among attendees now ages 23-30, 35 percent currently attend Attendance patterns among teenagers church twice a month or more. Another 30 and young adults reveal that each year percent attend church more sporadically. many move in and out of consistent church Thus, about two-thirds of those who leave attendance. They were asked to indicate at do return at some level. which ages they attended church at least This return to church after being gone twice a month beginning with “under 14” for at least a year is primarily the result through their current age.

November/December 2007 9 Reasons young adults continue to attend church

Two out of three indicate they attended at the four youngest ages tested: under 14 (70 percent), age 14 (66 percent), age 15 (68 percent), and age 16 (68 percent). However, each year some began attending while others stopped attending twice a month. In fact, only 53 percent indicate they attended at all of these ages. This low level of loyalty through age 16 is a precursor to the declines that follow. The percent attending twice a month drops sharply at ages 17, 18 and 19, with only 31 percent attending at age 19. Attendance remains low through age 22, and then slowly begins to climb. “When, by God’s grace, young people see the church as essential in their lives and choose to continue Reasons young adult dropouts attending, their loyalty remains strong,” McConnell said. Among return to church later in life young adults ages 23-30 that stayed in church during ages 18-22, only 6 percent do not currently attend church. Stetzer noted, “There is no easy way to say it, but it must be said. Parents and churches are not passing on a robust Christian faith and an accompanying commitment to the church. We can take some solace in the fact that many do eventually return. But, Christian parents and churches need to ask the hard question, ‘What is it about our faith commitment that does not find root in the lives of our children?’” n

10 Facts & Trends LifeWay Research Parents, churches can young dropouts help teens stay in church by Mark Kelly arents and churches together can their lives gives them a powerful reason to help their teenagers decide to stay keep attending.” in church as young adults. Only 10 percent of those who continued PDespite appearances, teens do want attending church did so to please others. guidance when it comes to the decisions Young adults whose faith truly became they face in everyday life, and parents and integrated into their life as teens are much churches that meet those needs make it more likely to stay in church. “If church more likely those teens will stay in church did not prove its value during their teen as young adults, according to a LifeWay years, young adults won’t want to attend – Research study. and won’t attend,” said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research. Proven value Two-thirds of the teens who stay in Relevant preaching church as young adults describe the church Teens who find their pastor’s sermons as “a vital part of my relationship with relevant to everyday life also are more likely God” – demonstrating the importance of to keep attending as young adults. More of each teen having a vital relationship with those who stayed in church – by a margin God, as well as the importance of church of 63 percent to 42 percent – agreed their attendance, said Ed Stetzer, director of pastors’ sermons were relevant. A similar LifeWay Research. margin said the worship style of the church “Teens are looking for a church that they attended as teens was appealing to teaches them how to live life,” Stetzer said. them. “As they enter young adulthood, church “Attending worship is the basic level of involvement that has made a difference in involvement for most who attend church at all. Many never add to or go beyond this as teens,” McConnell said. “If as teens they

November/December 2007 11 LifeWay Research young dropouts

can’t relate to the sermons at their church or – proactive and consistent in living out don’t enjoy the worship style, then as young their faith – also are more likely to keep adults they can easily fall away from their attending as young adults. Across the only connection to the church.” board, 20 percent more of those who stayed indicated they had parents or family Investing time members who discussed spiritual things, Teens who had at least one adult from gave them spiritual guidance and prayed church make a significant time investment together. in their lives also were more likely to keep “Despite the conflicts that often occur attending church. More of those who stayed during these years, it is difficult to in church – by a margin of 46 percent to 28 understate the impact of a solid family percent – said five or more adults at church involved in the faith community on the had invested time with them personally and future involvement of teens,” Stetzer spiritually. observed. “And that isn’t something that “When adults pour their lives into young can be faked.” adults, both are better for it,” Stetzer said. Students are experts at noticing “Anybody wondering if they can make a inconsistencies between what parents say difference can stop wondering,” McConnell and do, McConnell added. noted. “One Sunday school teacher, one “Simply attending church is a positive chaperone, one discussion leader, one influence toward the teen continuing as person at church who clearly a young adult,” he said. “However, any cares can impact the course of sign that parents have second thoughts is “When adults pour their a teen’s spiritual journey.” a negative influence. These seeds of doubt lives into young adults, include only one parent attending, parents Family matters not agreeing on a denomination, and a gap both are better for it.” Teens who, at age 17, have between beliefs at church and life in the home.” – Ed Stetzer parents who are authentic examples of Christian faith Of course, many factors in a teen’s life are beyond the control of both parents and church leaders, McConnell noted. “Whether teens are bombarded with positive or negative influences about church, they all make their own decisions about whether to continue or stop attending,” he said. “This study shows the benefit of parents and church members faithfully doing their part, but in the final analysis, we must leave it in the hands of God to work in their lives.” n

12 Facts & Trends Max Lucado Max Lucado & 3:16 resources LifeWay offer 3:16 to the world story by Polly House photography by Kent Harville alking the streets of New York is like taking Wa tour around the world. Every nation, every language group, every ethnic and religious background is represented. Noise is ever present. Even in the throng of people hustling back and forth, it is still easy to feel very much alone … to feel like just a plain, ordinary “whoever.” So many people, but so much loneliness. That’s the reason Max Lucado went to New York to film the video for his new LifeWay- produced resource, 3:16: The Church Experience, to be released in December. The resource accompanies his book, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope, released by Thomas Nelson Publishers on Sept. 11 of this year. It debuted at No. 12 on the New York Times [hardcover advice] bestseller list. (continued on next page)

November/December 2007 13 Above left and right: The title, 3:16, stands in contrast to its release date, 9/11. Max Lucado and the “While 9/11 represent the numbers of despair, 3:16 are the LifeWay film crew numbers of hope,” Lucado said. pray before filming The 3:16 resources refer, of course, to John 3:16: “For God begins on the Brook- so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that lyn Bridge. Special whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”* city-issued permits The book has a first-run printing of one million copies, were required for almost unheard of for a Christian nonfiction title. It is currently filming at New York City locations. licensed for publication in 14 languages – English, Spanish, Next page: Max Lucado Portuguese, German, Swedish, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Afrikaans, Danish, taught 3:16: The Church Finnish, Romanian, and both simplified and complex Chinese – a stunning Experience at Crossroads pre-publication figure. Tabernacle in the Bronx. The Christianity Today called Lucado, pastor of Oak Hills Church in San church’s pastor, Joe Cortese, Antonio, a preacher who writes and a writer who preaches. Since 1985, he described the multicultural has written more than 60 titles for readers of all ages. church members as ‘loving Lucado said that John 3:16 has always struck him as the most inclusive much, because they have been verse in the Bible. forgiven much.’ “It’s easy to understand,” he said. “There’s no context or history needed. It’s simple and clear. You really can’t get more inclusive than ‘the world’ and ‘whoever.’ The word ‘whoever’ rolls out the welcome mat into the entrance * Scripture taken from the HOLY of God’s heart. ‘Whoever’ throws open God’s front door. Everyone is a BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL ‘whoever!’” ® ® © VERSION . NIV . Copyright Lucado spoke to a cross-section of New Yorkers during the taping of 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of 3:16 at Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx. The church has an evangelistic Zondervan. All rights reserved. outreach to everyone who comes near.

14 Facts & Trends Max Lucado 3:16 resources

“Some people have tried to make salvation understood the amazing gift of God’s restrictive, but Jesus contradicted that when salvation. They spoke back to Lucado with Facts & Trends He said ‘whoever,’” he said. “‘Whoever’ heartfelt amens and yeses. can come however they are. It’s good to be He had them do a simple exercise that • Listen to an Inside ‘whoever.’” many pastors do. “Let’s say the verse LifeWay podcast Calling himself a “whoever,” he shared a together,” he said, “and when we get to the with Max Lucado. personal anecdote: “Strawberry cake is my words ‘whoever’ and ‘the world’ you say • View a slideshow favorite food and my wife makes the best your own name.” on the taping of strawberry cake in the world. If I come This was a new concept for many in the 3:16: The Church home and she has made a cake, I smell it audience. Joy and pride shone on their faces Experience in New as soon as I open the door. I’ll hurry to when “Joe,” “Maria,” “Henry,” “LaDonna” York, accompanied by “Out of Ashes” the kitchen and ask who the cake is for. and other names were substituted. Sometimes she says it’s for a neighbor or for from 3:16 The “When you put your own name in that someone’s birthday. But, sometimes, she’ll Numbers of Hope, verse,” Lucado said, “you come to realize say, ‘Oh, whoever,’ and I get all excited, the new church you are someone very special.” because I know that ‘whoever’ is me!” musical companion Filming for the opening and closing piece from LifeWay. The taping of the 3:16 resource was segments of the study was done all around the first time Lucado has worked in front New York by LifeWay’s film crew, headed Go to www.lifeway. of a live audience for one of his studies. by Rick Simms. Locations included the com/factsandtrends “I’m used to working in front of my Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Flushing to view Facts&Trends congregation, but never for this kind of Meadows and a rooftop in Queens. Online. taping.” Lucado said he never had worked on He called the energy he received from the video shoot as extensive as 3:16. “Up to crowd at Crossroads Tabernacle “electric.” now, it’s mostly been pretty solitary, but Some in the congregation had come from John 3:16 is not a verse to do alone. I love rough backgrounds that had included working with this great crew of Christian drugs, prostitution and jail time. They November/December 2007 15 16 Facts & Trends Max Lucado 3:16 resources

men. I have worked with lot of crews before Facing page and above: Lucado teaching at who weren’t Christian, and that’s good too Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx. because they get to hear the message of Christ, but it has been good to work in this spiritual atmosphere of prayer.” “LifeWay is partnering with Thomas New church musical is companion Nelson Publishers to deepen the impact of piece to 3:16: The Numbers of Hope this gospel message and to help bring revival A study as inspiring and gripping as needs to Christians around the world,” said Sam 3:16 to reach all audiences of the church, so LifeWay House, who is serving as LifeWay’s 3:16 has released a church musical, project coordinator. 3:16: The Numbers of Hope, “Thomas Nelson can reach the general adapted from the Max Lucado Christian and secular markets, but Max book. Lucado said he wanted this message to reach Writer and composer Travis churches and LifeWay is the publisher that Cottrell leads the live worship can do that the best,” House said. experience that also includes “We’ve put together 3:16: The Church narration by Mike Harland, Experience kit to provide church leaders director of LifeWay Worship. with a rich cafeteria style opportunity to The musical is a mix of Easter and choose from all the 3:16 resources available non-seasonal songs that are appropriate for any to tailor a study to fit their own churches time of year. and communities,” House added. “Like Max said, John 3:16 is a verse for everybody. It’s To hear selections from the musical, go to a personal verse. We want every church to www.lifeway.com/factsandtrends. make it personal for their people and the people they will reach with the message.” n November/December 2007 17 Game Day Central – Where heroes show their stuff story by Polly House, photography by Kent Harville “ ame Day Central: Where Heroes are Made” may have been the theme for 2007 Vacation Bible School, but Gfor one church, the heroes were already there. Metropolitan Baptist Church, known around Houston as “The Met,” hosted 1,000 children and 300 volunteers for its July 9-12 Vacation Bible School. Those volunteers are the “heroes” that made the week a success. “Our volunteers who help in VBS are what make it work,” said Julie McClesky, director of The Met’s preschool area. “They are wonderful and gifted. There’s no way this week could happen for the children without them. They give up a lot of time and energy to make this all happen.” 18 Facts & Trends VBS 2007 church spotlight

Volunteers make it work can adapt the forms so they work better for us.” Whatever the size of the church, volunteers are crucial to the success of VBS Stacey Shockly, the volunteer who handles as every child needs personal attention from preschool registration, said she a caring adult. began signing children up in February and registered them The Met relies on repeat volunteers to into the week of VBS. Having make its VBS go smoothly. Many of the the registration information volunteers are schoolteachers who don’t necessarily teach in their small groups during the school year, but are ready to “Our volunteers pull out all the creative stops for VBS. “So many of our volunteers have done who help in this for so many years that they begin thinking early about what they want to VBS are what do, so when the time comes to start our prep, they are eager to get started,” Sandi make it work.” Lawrence, The Met’s life development – Julie McClesky director, said. Game Day Central – Many of the big, bright theme- appropriate decorations for VBS at The Met from the previous year came from LifeWay’s VBS resources. The available made it simpler this Where heroes volunteers themselves created others, such year. “I didn’t have to re-enter everything on Melissa Weldon leads as huge sports-themed banners. They used every child,” she said. the children in the show their stuff sports paraphernalia. They wore sports- week’s theme song, Not every volunteer taught in a classroom “Game Day Central.” themed clothing. Some of the decorations or led music. Some had snack duty. are shared with other local churches. Operating like a NASCAR pit crew, timing “We’re intentional and try not to leave was everything for a VBS snack team at anything to chance,” Lawrence said. The Met. Sports-themed snacks and drink Facts & Trends “Preparation and planning make for a good cups were out in a flash. Twenty children experience for the children, the parents and encircled the tables, had their snack and • View slideshows of the workers.” drank their juice. Within minutes of that VBS at The Met group’s departure, the snack team descended and the Facts & Managing the masses on the tables to wipe off, sweep up and lay Trends Online VBS “Registration for 1,000 children could out a new table setting for the next snack photo contest. be a logistical nightmare,” Janice Keifer, group’s treats. VBS preschool director, said. “It’s a huge One of the volunteers said she loved Go to www.lifeway. responsibility, but VBS Tools [LifeWay’s doing the snack time and appreciated the com/factsandtrends to view Facts&Trends computer software for handling VBS data] suggestions LifeWay offers in the VBS Online. has made it simpler. Just being able to material. “The theme snacks are fun, easy preregister most of the children helps. We and the children love them.”

November/December 2007 19 Purpose of VBS “We’re intentional VBS is about much more than games. It’s about telling children and try not to about Jesus. On Thursday morning, the fourth and fifth graders assembled in the auditorium at The Met with children’s pastor Gene Wright and leave anything children’s ministry associate Thomas Hernandez. The decision to receive Jesus is “a decision you have to make,” to chance.” Wright told the group of about 250 children. “Not your mama or – Sandi Lawerence your daddy; not your friends – just you.” After Wright led the children in prayer, 80 children indicated they had prayed to receive Christ. Wright and a group of volunteers took these children aside and gave each child a letter to take home to his or her parents telling about the child’s decision. Lawrence said that after VBS someone from the children’s ministry talked with each child individually to make certain he or she understood. “Some absolutely do; others may not be quite clear. We want to know for sure they are certain about what they did before we proceed.” In August, the children’s ministry hosted a gathering for the children and their parents to talk about baptism. “We, of course, don’t baptize any child without the parents’ permission,” Wright said. “But we do encourage parents to allow the child to be baptized. That tends to settle the salvation issue for the children. It’s like the follow through on the decision. Once a child is baptized, you don’t often see him coming forward again, saying he ‘prayed the prayer.’”

Looking forward to next year After a week of VBS, the leaders and the volunteers were tired. They were ready to end the week. But, already, they were looking to 2008 VBS and its theme: “Outrigger Island.” Keifer said, “We’ll have a good time with that one. I think it will be fun.” n

Emily and Noelle, both 6, enjoy 20 Facts & Trends VBS craft time at The Met. VBS 2007 church spotlight

Alabama church wins top prize for VBS photo contest More than 100 churches submitted 300-plus photos from local church events featuring the 2007 LifeWay VBS themes “Game Day Central” and “Club VBS: Jungle Jaunt.” Summerville Baptist Church in Phenix City, Ala., submitted the winning photo of kids and teens playing with an oversized VBS football, associated with the “Game Day Central” theme. Grace Community Church in Newton, Kan., and Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston received honorable mentions for their outstanding photos of children attending VBS. A multimedia slideshow of the top 25 photos submitted, along with photo tips from Facts & Trends photographer Kent Harville, are available on Facts & Trends Online.

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Your church isn’t ‘one-size-fits-all’; why should your facilities be? LifeWay Church Architecture understands your church, and we can create custom, cost-effective solutions that meet your unique ministry needs. We can even help you raise the funds to make your vision a reality. If you need help determining your next step, then your next step is to call us! LIFEWAY CHURCH ARCHITECTURE Phone: 615.251.2466 | E-mail: [email protected] | Internet: www.lifeway.com/ca NOTICE: Not intended as an offer for architectural services where prohibited by state law. LifeWay Church Architecture provides consultation and church growth planning in all fifty states and Canada. Architectural services are limited by law to states/jurisdictions where LifeWay is currently licensed.

November/December 2007 21 range to bottom edge pecial needs community S can serve and be served by Brooklyn Noel alt Micksch has cerebral palsy. He also has a wife, two daughters, a business degree, and years of experience W in the field of operations management and logistics. “From the time I could hear words, I was told ‘God has a plan for your life and there is a reason you are here,’” said Micksch, who credits his parents, Joe and Ella Micksch, and his childhood physical therapist, Dorothy Spark, with pushing him to “be involved in the world” regardless of his cerebral palsy. It was Spark, a member of the church Micksch attended as a child, who introduced Micksch to special needs ministry by encouraging him to volunteer with a special needs community group when he was a young teenager. “She used that to show how I had no room to complain and that God could really use these people,” Micksch recalled. That early understanding led Micksch to a lifetime of service both in and outside of church, though not necessarily to the special needs community. Micksch said, however, that recent contact with several families with children who have cerebral palsy has reawakened his desire to serve in special needs ministry. The timing, then, was perfect for Carlton McDaniel, LifeWay’s special needs specialist, to approach Micksch about helping start a leadership team composed of people who have special needs. This new leadership team is the next step

Besides singing in the church choir, Denise Williams serves by helping children with special needs on and off buses for the local 22 Facts & Trends school system. Photo by Bob Schatz. Special needs ministry

toward more fully integrating the special Also this year, LifeWay introduced a new needs community into the larger church five-year study plan forAccess , a resource community. “They [people with special for adults and older youth with special needs] are in Wal-Mart, they’re in the needs that uses a storytelling approach to school system, they are in so many aspects communicate biblical truths. of society, but where are they in the The Access curricula has been available church?” McDaniel asked. since 2000, but the fall 2007 edition Finding ways to minister to, and through, represents the first curriculum designed members of the special needs community specifically for learners with special needs to is the mission of LifeWay’s special needs follow a five-year plan. ministry team. In addition to this change in the Access “It’s not just about ministering to them curriculum, LifeWay’s church resources area [members of the special needs community], also introduced a new line of curriculum we’re helping them to see that they are for children in grades 1-6 called Special called by God to be leaders as well,” said Buddies. Ellen Beene, editor of LifeWay’s Special Beene said the education strategies of Education Today magazine, Access curricula, Special Buddies grew out of what LifeWay and the special needs edition of LifeWay’s learned from years of working with local Vacation Bible School curricula. special needs programs. An evolving ministry “Special Buddies is a new resource, but not a new thought,” McDaniel said, LifeWay has a heritage of providing adding that the curriculum is intentionally resources for special needs ministry that designed for compatibility with the began in 1979, McDaniel said. The mainstream Bible Teaching for Kids. This ministry has developed considerably during compatibility means that Special Buddies the last 28 years, and, in particular, during can be used as a resource for adapting the past couple of years. lessons for learners who may need “Society as a whole is more accepting and additional help or for the teacher who may aware of special needs and more churches be teaching a self-contained class. are recognizing the need to create ministries Facts & Trends to reach the special needs families in More than a study their community,” McDaniel said. “This Having access to specially tailored generation of parents is more likely to • Read more articles curriculum is important, but training, on the subject of expect the church to provide a place for McDaniel said, is where church special education. their child with special needs. leaders, parents and volunteers garner In 2007, LifeWay launched encouragement and skills for building a Go to www.lifeway. www.lifeway.com/specialneeds, an online successful special needs ministry. com/factsandtrends resource housing articles, downloadable In the past, special needs training to view Facts&Trends items, event information and other opportunities and curricula focused on Online. materials intended to meet the growing older youth and adults. LifeWay, however, demand for special needs ministry has recently expanded its special needs resources. ministry to include tools for effectively November/December 2007 23

Help make life better for God’s retired servants.

“Well done...”

MATTHEW 25:21

“I want nothing extra – just to pay my bills and live with dignity in my remaining days.”

– NORMA FRIEND

“Our need is urgent,” Ed reluctantly wrote when he applied for help from the Adopt An Annuitant ministry after 37 years of serving small churches. When Ed passed away, Norma was left behind and struggling to pay for things like food, utilities and medicine, but she was not alone.

Through the Adopt An Annuitant ministry, Norma received the precious gift of dignity from her Southern Baptist family. God’s promise to provide for His faithful servants, and our opportunity to act on that promise, are at the heart of the Adopt An Annuitant ministry.

GuideStone and the Adopt An Annuitant ministry provide critical financial relief to thousands of retired Southern Baptist ministers or their widows. One hundred percent of your gift goes to help someone with daily necessities like food and medication. Learn more about this vital ministry or donate online by visiting www.AdoptAnAnnuitant.org or calling 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433). © 2007 GuideStone Financial Resources 12338 09/07

SERVING SOUTHERN BAPTIST RETIRED SERVANTS FOR 90 YEARS

12338 4C Ad LifeWay Facts & Trends.indd 1 9/13/07 10:14:33 AM Special needs ministry

teaching all ages of learners with special original structures that anticipate the need needs. for accessibility. According to McDaniel, LifeWay is As churches develop special needs the only organization doing the type ministries and involve members of that of hands-on training that takes place community, McDaniel said church leaders during the Learning Lab offered annually should think in terms of individuals and at LifeWay’s Sunday school events at consider where each Ridgecrest and Glorieta conference centers. person’s strengths lie. During those events, McDaniel or “Most of the time we Tips for integrating into another LifeWay staff member coordinates begin a special needs ministry members with a Learning Lab where conference attendees ministry thinking of the volunteer to serve as teachers to children impact it will have on physical disabilities and adults with special needs in addition to the members,” McDaniel attending seminars focused on special needs said. “It doesn’t take Walt Micksch has filled a variety of ministry. The students in the Learning long to realize that our ministry roles throughout more than Lab are often adults who attended the members with special 30 years in church in spite of having conference with a church group. Sometimes needs are actually mild cerebral palsy. He offers the fol- the students are the children of parents ministering to us.” lowing tips for involving individuals attending the Sunday school events. Micksch has spent with special needs in church service: While teachers in the Learning Lab nearly 30 years serving • Ask them whether God has gain valuable experience in special needs the church in some already laid a service or function on ministry, the students in the class gain capacity, so he knows the their heart. exposure to biblical truths through Vacation breadth of service that • Offer to pray with them as they Bible School. individuals with special seek God’s direction toward service. needs can perform. McDaniel also conducts training seminars •Create a list tailored to what with local churches, associations and other “The goal of every you know to be each individual’s groups as requested. In these settings, he Christian is to serve strengths. Ask them to pray through strives to keep the ministry individualized God,” Micksch said. those options. Often this generates and personal. “People usually ask, additional ideas not on the original “We don’t start classes – we start ‘How can we serve this list. segment of God’s people ministries,” he said. “We want to teach Jesus • Involve loved ones in the process. in understandable ways, but we have to get better?’ but I think the families in the door to start that ministry.” question is ‘How can they serve us?’ Beene said that special needs ministry impacts nearly every aspect of church life, “Their special need is to serve God, including the church building itself. just like everyone’s special need is to serve God.” n “You have to consider how they get to the choir loft or the pulpit. How do we adapt For more information about the resources, the playground?” she said, pointing out training and curricula available for special that LifeWay’s church architecture area can needs ministry, visit www.lifeway.com/ specialneeds. renovate existing churches as well as design

November/December 2007 25 earing the statistics, H they chose to take action hose most familiar words – Their prayers began with a diagnosis takes time. You and “I do” – began their union and His counsel came your spouse will process the things together. at different times. Acceptance comes “As the years have gone by, we TAfter having two sons, their in stages. Be patient with each have learned valuable truths that other.” long awaited little girl came. But keep our relationship strong,” Lori soon, Lori and Steve Campbell said. “Each year our anniversary • Romance, romance, romance! of Brentwood, Tenn., found is not just to be a time to take a “Keep the spark alive by making themselves sitting in the office your spouse a priority. Sometimes of a specialist facing their a simple outing without the worst nightmare. The kids can be a date. A text developmental condition message during the day can of their precious bundle let your spouse know he or was being evaluated. With she is in your thoughts.” her diagnosis came more • Recognize your limits. powerful words: “brain “Doctor appointments and damage.” A thousand school parent meetings can questions, but only time be emotional and draining. could bring the answers. Communicate with your Their world of pink was spouse and attend together as quickly turning gray. needed. Keep your schedule That day the wise doctor light on those days. Give shared two alarming yourself time to process new statistics: Lori and Steve Campbell information. Eat dinner out 1. Fifty percent of all on the hard days.” marriages, even Christian marriages, nostalgic look back, but also a • Individual time is a must. end in divorce. time to honor and praise God “Make time for yourself. Keeping for preserving our family. We’ve 2. Eighty percent of couples yourself healthy physically and been married 25 years, and with that have a special needs child will mentally sets the tone for the whole the continued grace and counsel divorce. family. An occasional massage, of God, the words still stand: ‘We a night out with the friends, or “In 30 minutes we learned that will.’” even a weekend away without our daughter was not normal and Lori offered these suggestions on responsibility is so reviving. Spend our happy marriage might not marriage that she and Steve follow: money on the health club … and survive,” Lori said. • Make time to pray. “God is GO!” It was time to take action. “Being our counselor and understands our • Accept the help that is available. quite certain that God was speaking needs. He is our strength each day. “Many respite programs are offered through the words of the doctor Tap into the source, individually through churches or community that day, we determined that with and as a couple.” organizations. Even the school His help we could defy the odds,” system’s bus service can be a great she said. • Allow space. “Coming to terms 26 Facts & Trends Special needs ministry

benefit. You shouldn’t go it alone. Everyone and even short trips when you leave your needs support.” special needs child home and allow the • Grieve your losses. “Handling a others to run at their own pace from time diagnosis comes in stages. Reviewing the to time.” n stages of grief can be helpful. Acceptance will come with time, but knowing where Lori and Steve Campbell recently celebrated you are emotionally can be so beneficial their 25th anniversary. They have four along the way.” children: Christian, 18; Austin, 16; Ali, 12; • Everybody has needs. “Don’t neglect and Mia, 4. They are members of Rolling your other children as you care for the one Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tenn. with special needs. Plan activities, events od answers my G prayer for ‘just joy’ by Jeff Atwood Facts & Trends he very young doctor said, “We A painful blur need to do a tap, to check on her We quickly were ushered out of the room spinal fluid.” This story is excerpted by someone (it all became a blur) because T“Why do we need to do that?” I asked. from an article by “this procedure may be a bit uncomfortable Jeff Atwood in the “She just has an ear infection.” for your daughter.” And standing in the Fall 2007 issue of “We need to consider the possibility she hallway, bracing myself against the flat, LifeWay’s Special might have bacterial meningitis,” he said. white hospital wall, I heard the doctor Education Today count “1, 2, 3 ...” and then my sweet little At that very moment, life as we knew it magazine. Read 6-month-old Madison made the most changed forever. the entire story at horrible sound I have ever heard. “How often does this happen?” I asked. “I Facts & Trends mean, that an ear infection could turn into Moments later, the doctor called us in and Online. For more bacterial meningitis?” held up the syringe. “See how milky that information about spinal fluid is? It should be crystal clear. I “Not often,” said the doctor. SET and other am afraid she does have bacterial meningitis. resources, go to “Like maybe one in a million?” I asked, We’ll run this to the lab to confirm it, but wwwlifeway.com/ nervously. we need to get her upstairs right away.” specialneeds. “Yeah ... maybe.”

November/December 2007 27 A feeble prayer and loss of blood flow during the fever. She has a significant seizure For 11 days, we rode the wave disorder. She has a mild form of of good news and bad news. Our hemiplegic cerebral palsy and has hope would rise with a positive all the expected cognitive and report from the doctor and fall with developmental challenges seen in disappointing results from a test. people with similar brain injuries. We quickly learned anytime the Madison is active in her school doctor said, “I need to talk with now, but continues to slide a bit you,” it was never good news. further behind her peer group every I remember praying by Madison’s year. bedside during one of those visits. A life support Made to worship machine breathed Madison loves to sing for her, a feeding worship songs. One day tube kept her as she and I ran some nourished, errands, I felt angry, tubes and IVs thinking about how my surrounded her daughter was trapped in little tiny arms her own body. and legs, and a raft of different But Madison wasn’t monitors played thinking any such thing. sentinel to “Daddy, play number everything going 11, play number 11.” Madison on cover of Fall 2007 She wanted to hear a on in her body issue of Special Education Today and brain. At that specific song, so I played moment, I was not strong enough number 11 for her. to pray for healing or wholeness. I As the music came on, I looked was not confident enough to pray back in the rearview mirror and she would be restored or renewed. watched as Madison sang to Jesus, All I could utter at this point was a “I will give You all my worship. I very feeble “God, give her joy in her will give You all my praise.” Then I life. That’s it. Just joy. That is all I realized Madison is not a prisoner. can pray right now.” She is free. She is freer than most of us ever will be. Crystal clear Madison is unconcerned with Over the next few weeks, months how things look. She is free to and years, we began to see fully enjoy the life God gave her. She is the challenges resulting from free indeed! n Madison’s bacterial meningitis. She lost the function of about a third of her brain due to the swelling Madison peeks around the corner of her house.

28 Facts & Trends Special needs VBS curriculum expands to children with special needs ministry eginning in “People saw that we • An entirely self- 2008, LifeWay’s offered VBS curriculum for contained program with the Vacation Bible people with special needs flexibility to rotate through SchoolB materials will feature and they assumed it was for recreation and activity times We recommend resources customized for children,” Wooley said. “It with the entire VBS group. children with special needs. actually was for adults.” • Helpful tip sheets for • Our God, Big God Outrigger Island: Special LifeWay recently launched VBS teachers and rotation by Jeff Atwood Friends is a VBS resource Special Buddies, a Sunday leaders as well as a resource that provides leaders school line for children with for a self-contained class. • Special Needs, Special Ministry with tools for working special needs. As churches • Daily themes that with children, youth and began using this Sunday mirror the theme of the • Empowering Your adults with special needs school material, LifeWay overall Outrigger Island Child Who Has in either self-contained wanted to have something curriculum. Special Needs or mainstreaming to offer when it came VBS Tools Online, also environments. Vacation Bible School time. will include sections devoted These books are avail- LifeWay’s VBS specialist Outrigger Island: Special to special education. Visit able from LifeWay Jerry Wooley said LifeWay Friends features: www.lifeway.com/vbstools Christian Stores at will offer a VBS resource • An all-in-one leader to learn more. www.lifewaystores.com geared toward children with and (800) 233-1123. guide. This single, reversible Outrigger Island: special needs partly because guide features all the Special Friends will be of confusion over the special resources necessary for both available Dec.1, 2007-Sept. needs curriculum offered for children and adults. 1, 2008. n adults in the past.

November/December 2007 29 Relationships at the center of collegiate ministry story by Chris Turner, photography by Guy Lyons inda Osborne hasn’t met a person she isn’t willing to engage in conversation, especially if college students Lare involved. She likes to talk. But ask her about her vision for collegiate ministry and ideas come quickly and to the point: Partnership. Networking. Equipping. Strengthening. Reaching. Connecting. Osborne is less than a year into her role as national collegiate ministry leader for LifeWay, but she has 21 years of campus ministry experience serving at Arkansas State University, Florida State University and Louisiana Tech University. The Winona, Miss., native plans to draw from her experience and her vast collegiate ministers network to bring focus to LifeWay’s effort to assist in the mission of reaching college students with the gospel and helping them grow in their faith. Osborne took a brief break from a busy Collegiate Week at LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center Aug. 6-10 to discuss her ministry philosophy and the future of collegiate ministry. Q: You’ve been involved in collegiate ministry for more than two decades. How would you describe your ministry philosophy? LO: In a single word: relationship. College students want relationships. They want to talk and they want to be in community with others. This was a significant finding in a study done by LifeWay Research earlier this year titled, “Young adults falling away from church.” Relationships open the door for campus ministers and church ministers to have spiritual influence in their lives. Students will talk about anything and ministers need to be a part of the conversation. Relationships pave the way for sharing the gospel with them to providing godly counsel. Q: You’ve also talked about relationships among leaders themselves. How does that philosophy extend to what you’d like to see LifeWay accomplish in relation to churches and campuses? LO: One of the great joys I have in this position is getting to work with college ministers and BCM [Baptist Collegiate Almost 2,000 college students gathered Ministry] directors across the country, many of whom have at Glorieta and Ridgecrest for National been good friends for years. We are all aware of the needs on Collegiate Week. college campuses. We do have BCMs on 839 campuses and 30 Facts & Trends work with 42 state Baptist conventions that minister to more Collegiate ministry

than 279,000 students. However, there are but it is a very important aspect. We have “… if your church more than 18.7 million college students on students here from campuses across the has a single student campuses across the United States. There country, most of them secular schools. who has gone off is a lot of work to do. Most of those don’t I’ve already heard a number of comments to college, then you have a personal relationship with Jesus. I from them about how this week is spiritual believe having a relationship with leaders preparation for going back into challenging are a college church across campuses, conventions and churches circumstances, in many cases where there and there are lots of is going to be critical if we are going to have is hostility toward Christianity. Here they ways your church an impact for Christ. get solid biblical teaching during our large can support your Q: What will be LifeWay’s role in these group times and more specialized training student.” relationships? during small group sessions in areas like — Linda Osborne apologetics, evangelism and missions. LO: Years ago the Southern Baptist It helps equip them for their personal Convention gave LifeWay the responsibility ministries. The really cool thing is that they of collegiate ministry. Last year a number of literally have a chance to reach the nations state collegiate directors met with LifeWay’s for Christ right on their campuses with so president, Dr. [Thom] Rainer, and asked many international students coming from him if LifeWay could make collegiate every corner of the world. ministry more of a priority. He responded in a very positive way. One of the positive Q: What role does the local church have changes was to put collegiate ministry in in your vision for collegiate ministry? Facts & Trends our network partnerships department. This LO: Campus ministry is not the church. is a perfect fit. It gives us a chance to build While BCM is an important arm of the relationships with state convention leaders, church, the church is the bride of Christ • Read an interview ministers, the International Mission Board, and ultimately that is where students need with Steve Masters, North American Mission Board and a host to connect. It is important that we help BCM director at of others. We all realize that if we are going them make that transition. The LifeWay LSU and LifeWay’s national transitions to make a dent in that 18-plus million that Research study that released in August ministry specialist. it is going to take all of us working together showed that 70 percent of teenagers who He addresses the to do more than we can do as individual say they attended church regularly in high problem of teens entities and my goal is for LifeWay to offer school drop out of church between the who drop out of leadership in helping bring this about. ages of 18 and 22. That is an alarming church and gives Q: We are at LifeWay Glorieta figure. We’ve got to help them make that ideas for helping Conference Center for National transition and to not walk away from their high school gradu- Collegiate Week and there are 1,400- faith. However, it is important for the local ates include church plus college students here and another church to embrace their role in ministering attendance in their 500-plus at LifeWay Ridgecrest. What to college students. Unfortunately too many collegiate life. type of impact do you think this week churches that are not in “college towns” makes in their lives? don’t see themselves as college churches, but Go to www.lifeway. LO: I believe it makes a huge difference. if your church has a single student who has com/factsandtrends Consider, Collegiate Week is just one aspect gone off to college, then you are a college to view Facts&Trends of what we believe will be a comprehensive church and there are lots of ways your Online. equipping approach to collegiate ministry, church can support your student. n November/December 2007 31 Significant Church FOCUS: Help for leaders of smaller membership churches by Mark Kelly ne of the loneliest, “A group of bivocational pastors “Significant Church FOCUS,” a most difficult jobs in was on their way to a meeting leadership development process the world is pastoring at their Baptist state convention designed to help pastors break the aO smaller membership church. A office,” he said. “As they approached deadlock in their churches and find pastor mediates chronic tension the front door, one of them stopped the unique strategy that will breathe between members and wrestles and said, ‘You mean we can just new life into the congregation. with church traditions that prevent walk right in there?’” Smaller membership churches new outreach efforts – all the while Martin said that misperception are not inferior ministries; they working an outside job to provide is disappointing. “Most of our are actually the norm in Southern for his family. state conventions have someone Baptist life, said Ray Gilder, In a congregation of 35 people, on staff whose ministry is focused bivocational ministries specialist for a pastor rarely feels he can turn to on helping pastors,” he said. the Tennessee Baptist Convention. anyone in the church about his “These pastors need to know And their problems are the entire frustration and discouragement. that their churches and ministries convention’s problems, he added. Because his congregation isn’t are not substandard. They need “Only 1 percent of Southern large, a pastor may feel his local to understand how to lead their Baptist churches averages more association or state convention congregations into the significant, than 1,000 in Sunday school. staff is busy with “more important” effective ministry God created them About 75 percent of them average issues and can’t be bothered by to have.” less than 100,” Gilder said. “Most the problems of one pastor in a For that reason LifeWay is of the churches that are plateaued “little” church, says Mitch Martin, collaborating with state conventions or declining are bivocational and bivocational ministry specialist for and local associations across the smaller membership churches. LifeWay Christian Resources. country in a new initiative called “Helping bring new life to these

“Smaller membership churches are not only the backbone of the Southern Baptist Convention, they are the heart and soul, arms, legs, and feet of our work. When God renews the leadership of 30,000 churches, we’ll see lives and communities transformed all across this country.”

– Mitch Martin, LifeWay bivocational ministry specialist

32 Facts & Trends Church focus smaller churches

by Mark Kelly struggling congregations is strategically very Many pastors mistakenly believe that important for building the kingdom of God preaching by itself will solve a church’s throughout Southern Baptist life,” he said. problems, said Billie Friel, interim director In a weekend pilot-project workshop at of missions for Wilson County (Tenn.) Cookeville, Tenn., held in mid-September, Baptist Association. pastors and their wives from several smaller “After the conference, one pastor told me membership churches got a sneak peek he had thought he could preach his way out at Significant Church FOCUS. Similar of pastoral needs and problems,” Friel said. workshops were held in June and September “You won’t get there just by preaching; you in Louisiana; others are planned for coming have to be a leader. months in New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, “Significant Church FOCUS helps you North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia. understand that church leadership is a team Significant Church FOCUS introduces a effort between the pastor and his people,” simple process called “The Leader’s Cross,” he said. “The only Lone Rangers in the which guides a pastor through evaluating Bible – Jonah and Samson – did not have his church’s situation, making decisions effective, happy ministries.” about its values and priorities, planning to Martin believes Significant Church achieve a few key goals, and engaging the FOCUS has great potential to revitalize congregation in the work of ministry. The congregations. effectiveness of the initiative lies in helping “There are approximately 30,000 pastors understand who God created them Southern Baptist churches that average to be as leaders, then showing them how to 125 or less in Sunday school,” he said. “If enlist and work with core ministry partners all those churches started just one new in their church. Sunday school class with an enrollment of “Pastors basically do three things: lead, 10, that would mean 300,000 new people care and proclaim,” Martin said. “My reached for Bible study. If they baptized research indicates that pastors feel their just three additional people next year, that greatest need is knowing how to be more would mean almost 100,000 souls for the effective leaders. Too many pastors find kingdom! themselves in the situation of being Lone “Smaller membership churches are not Ranger ministers. Although they don’t talk only the backbone of the Southern Baptist about it openly, many are quietly unhappy Convention, they are the heart and soul, in their ministries. arms, legs, and feet of our work,” he “The subtitle of this effort is FOCUS, said. “When God renews the leadership which stands for Finding Our Church’s of 30,000 churches, we’ll see lives and Unique Strategy,” Martin said. “I want communities transformed all across this pastors to know how to develop ministry country.” teams in their churches and work together For information about Significant Church under God’s leadership to discover their FOCUS, contact your associational director unique ministry approach. I want these of missions or state convention office, or pastors and teams to have a tool they can contact Mitch Martin at mitch.martin@ use to lead their churches forward.” lifeway.com. n November/December 2007 33 34 Facts & Trends African-American Jay Wells directs expanded ministry African-American ministry hen LifeWay part of this ministry and I believe is decided to uniquely gifted by the Lord to lead expand its LifeWay to an even more effective African-AmericanW ministry, level of service.” Elgia “Jay” Wells, a pastoral According to Hodge, LifeWay is ministries veteran, was the expanding its ministry in response to logical person to step up to growing requests for resources that lead. meet the unique cultural needs of Wells is leading LifeWay the African-American community. to better serve African- “We have had direct input from the American churches, in part Jay Wells National African Fellowship of the by strengthening long- SBC that we move in this direction, standing relationships with pastors and and we are eager to do so,” he said. church staff members and by developing In July, LifeWay launched a new Web site, ties to new church leadership. Currently, www.lifeway.com/blackchurchlife, to more there are 3,700 African-American churches effectively speak to the issues and needs of in the Southern Baptist Convention, and the African-American community. that number is growing. Wells holds a Bachelor of Science degree “Our goal is to see African-American from Tuskegee (Ala.) University and a churches reach people for Christ,” said Master of Divinity degree from Golden Wells, who joined LifeWay in 1989. Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He and “LifeWay has had an intentional ministry his wife, Carolyn, have three adult children to African-American churches since 1985,” – Warrick, Denise and Craig. Wells served said Ralph Hodge, director of LifeWay as minister of education and associate pastor church relations and consulting. “The at Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose, work has continued to grow over the years Calif., and on the staff of the California with the increased number of churches Southern Baptist Convention prior to joining the SBC. Jay has been an integral coming to LifeWay. n

November/December 2007 35 istockphoto Disciples given tools at Evangelism & Discipleship Week story by Jerry Higgins, photography by Gibbs Frazeur

ill Morris is typical of those who “This has been great; one of the best (conferences) attended the annual National I’ve ever attended,” Morris said. “Not only was it very Evangelism and Discipleship uplifting and inspiring but very practical. I have a lot B of information that I’ll take back and contacts I can Conference at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference use to help in the ministry.” Center in July. He wanted to gain new ideas The conference, sponsored by LifeWay, had 11 about starting a men’s ministry back at his different study tracks ranging from youth ministry to church – Mount Moriah Baptist Church in the chaplains. Noted Bible scholar T. W. Hunt taught The central Alabama community of Weogufka. Mind of Christ for the first time in nearly 10 years, while Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church However, he came away with more. Morris in Spartanburg, S.C., and Roy Fish, distinguished also met people who use horses as a ministry professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist tool – something else Morris had been praying Theological Seminary, were keynote speakers. about. Morris said many people in his church Inspirational messages ride horses and he was looking for a way to link Wilton’s four messages ran the gamut of why people that with his church. come to this type of conference. Some people are looking for miracles from God, but that doesn’t have to be a grandiose act. It can be as simple as healing a relationship or fixing a marriage in trouble. Wilton said people have to trust the Word of God, especially when facing life’s difficulties like Jonah (Jonah 1:1-17). Wilton also said everything should point to the “functionality of the local New Testament church.” He said the New Testament church is pastor-led, deacon-served, team-organized and body-approved. However, he reminded the audience that after they learned everything at the conference, they still had to ask, “What’s next?” “Ministry is a battlefield,” Wilton said in preaching the final message from 2 Timothy 1:6-8. “Timothy knew God called him and he embarked on what God called him to do. Paul gave Timothy four mandates: Settle up, stir up, stand up and step out. What has God done to you this week? Where do we Roy Fish go from here?” 36 Facts & Trends Evangelism & discipleship

Fish looked at what happens when the Christ (“graft you on to the vine”) to be church is a “praying church.” He said it’s transformed, obeying Him, relating to Him critically important that new believers are through prayer and His Word and it results discipled immediately by the believers in “bearing much fruit.” because “Satan enjoys devouring the In the men’s ministry track, Sid Woodruff, testimony of new believers.” men’s ministry specialist at LifeWay, “I believe the first 24 to 48 hours in the said many churches lack a well-planned life of new believers are the most crucial evangelistic men’s ministry and many hours in the Christian life,” Fish said. “We churches struggle to figure out what makes know all about justification but know little men tick. about sanctification. Our churches are filled “We spend too much time organizing with spiritual babies, if they are there at all.” a ministry. We don’t spend enough time Fish, in preaching his second sermon from creating a culture for ministering to men,” Acts 4:29-33, said the church is “shaken” Woodruff said. when people pray. John Burnett, family ministry consultant “The presence of God is manifested in for the Georgia Baptist Convention, led and through his people,” Fish said. “The a group that discussed the “Top 10 Issues power of God is received and the purposes Facing Today’s Family.” The issues were of God are accomplished. whittled down from a There are lost people all “I believe the first 24 to LifeWay survey of 2,000 around us, and the time 48 hours in the life of people and the results has come when we just new believers are the were: can’t sit there. Jesus said most crucial hours in 1. Anti-Christian that to his disciples.” the Christian life.” culture. 2. Divorce. – Roy Fish 3. Busyness. 4. Father In-depth teaching figure. 5. Lack of Claude King, editor in chief in LifeWay’s discipline. 6. Financial pressures. 7. Lack leadership and adult publishing area, of communication. 8. Negative media conducted classes from Abide in Christ, influence. 9. Balance of work and family. the second book in the seven-part Growing 10. Materialism. Facts & Trends Disciples series. The book is a Bible study “You can’t depend on the church to teach based on The True Vine, written in 1864 100 percent of this,” Burnett said. by pastor and Christian writer Andrew • Read an article Ross Mowery, the discipleship chairman Murray from Jesus’ parable of the true vine about T. W. Hunt’s for the Middle River Baptist Church in in John 15. The parable helps Christians lesson on The Mind Baltimore, sat in on the discipleship track of Christ. experience love, joy, power and friendship and came away impressed. in relationship with Christ. King and Go to www.lifeway. Bo Stevens, pastor of discipleship and “I heard how to do intentional discipleship in my church,” Mowery com/factsandtrends administration at Bow Valley Baptist to view Facts&Trends said. “Too often there is a lack of depth Church in Cochrane, Alberta, helped Online. update the study to modern language. of discipleship in the local church. The cornerstone of any discipleship program is King went through the nine steps used in prayer. You have to have a good foundation the book for believers to “abide in Christ,” to build a program.” n ranging from entering the relationship with November/December 2007 37 Effective evangelism = biblical obedience story by Jerry Higgins, photography by Gibbs Frazeur

ike Smith sat in a wooden rocking chair overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains of Mwestern North Carolina and spoke about why people have trouble with evangelism. “Jesus said, ‘Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.’ He didn’t say every time you fish you’re going to catch something,” said Smith, LifeWay’s FAITH Evangelism specialist. “The issue is fishing for people. I think we have to celebrate the people who are fishing and not just the people who are catching. We’ve got to encourage people to fish.” Mike Smith Across the campus of LifeWay Ridgecrest is incomplete without discipleship. Our Conference Center, Roy Fish, distinguished mandate is to equip the saints for ministry. professor of evangelism and evangelism Evangelism and discipleship are twin sisters. chair at Southwestern Baptist Theological They are complementary. Seminary, was preaching a message about “What is our mission? To reach all people evangelism from John 4:35-39. with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Wilton “There is equality in sowing and reaping,” said. “We do that through evangelism. It’s Fish said. “As Southern Baptists, we have the functional goal for which we strive. failed to see this. We have made heroes Evangelism and discipleship run down out of reapers. Maybe not consciously, parallel tracks. You can’t have one without but we have relegated sowers to relative the other. They are inseparable.” unimportance. The reaper is the person we Churches use all sorts of means to disciple put in the spotlight.” its members. In the “one size does not fit The messages from both men, and others all” world, churches have used FAITH, at LifeWay’s annual national evangelism and G.R.O.W., and other programs to teach discipleship conference, were repeated over believers how to evangelize. But, according and over: The church has to do a better job to experts at the conference, too often of discipling its members, and the members young believers are given the tools but not must do a better job of going outside of the the instructions on how to use them. church and evangelizing the lost no matter “You don’t tell a baby, ‘There’s the where they are. refrigerator. Get something to eat,’” Wilton “Evangelism is the heartbeat of missions,” said. “Many times we say, ‘Here’s the Bible. said Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Read it. Learn it.’” Church of Spartanburg, S.C., and a keynote Smith said, “The population is growing speaker at the conference. “It’s what we but we’re not converting the lost. We can’t do. Missions are what we are. Evangelism keep doing this and survive. Look at plant 38 Facts & Trends Evangelism & discipleship

life or animals. If they don’t reproduce their loving sinners. It takes time and that means own kind, they die. What happens if the inconvenience.” church multiplies our kind? If we don’t 2. Loving God. “Jesus said, ‘If you love reproduce our kind, we die. What is the me, you’ll obey me,’” Smith said. reason we exist? It’s to make disciples.” 3. Fear. “Fear locks up so many people,” Smith and Fish agreed that people want Smith said. “They say, ‘I’m afraid I won’t instant gratification. So, if one presents the say the right thing or get asked questions I gospel and it is not accepted, many times don’t have answers to. I’m afraid I’ll mess it the person thinks he or she is a failure and up.’ But I think our love for God and our won’t move on to the next person. love for people will help us overcome these “Sowing must always precede reaping,” fears. How uncomfortable will they be in Fish said. “(New Orleans Baptist eternity if I don’t talk to them?” Theological Seminary President) Chuck Claude King, editor in chief in LifeWay’s Kelley once said, ‘Part of our frustration in leadership and adult publishing area, said evangelism is that we are a the greatest evangelism will reaping denomination. We “What is our mission? take place when discipleship are living in a field that has To reach all people has been done correctly. not yet been sown.’ with the gospel of The message of Christ’s “The average person in Jesus Christ.” life and what Christ did the United States who for us, when lived out, is – Don Wilton comes to Jesus Christ comes contagious, King said. the seventh time that he or “People see it. They she hears the message,” Fish said. “Are you want it,” King said. “And people who have willing to be the No. 4? Are you willing to it bubble over with vitality. That’s really be the No. 4 five times? There would not be what the Great Commission is all about: a No. 7 if there weren’t a No. 4.” As we are going, be serious about making “Usually when you sow a seed, you never disciples.” find out what happened. But when you get Smith said statistics show that fewer to heaven, you will see the results of your people are coming to church than in sowing,” he added. “You will see people you previous generations. If that continues, dropped the seed of the Good News of Jesus there’s a real possibility of more churches in their hearts.” dying in the process without true biblical discipleship and evangelism. Barriers to evangelism “I am called to share the gospel. God’s job Smith said evangelism confronts people is to do the converting,” Smith said. “I’ve with three major issues that get in the way got to believe that the gospel can change of effective evangelism: your life and I just have to talk to you about 1. Loving people. “People are not a it. There comes a point where I have to live notch on a gospel belt. People aren’t always my faith and share my faith and I’m going easy to love,” he said. “I think a lot of to leave the results up to God.” n people look at people like a target instead of being people. They are people that God loves and we are to love. We struggle with

November/December 2007 39 Planning for Baptist Hymnal 2008

Prepare your ministry now with this ground-breaking planning resource. Visit www.lifewayworship.com for pricing, availability, and preorders. Marriage New B&H book helps couples enhance and family intimacy through communication by Jenny Rice “ do.” Two simple words spoken between 2. Reporter talk – only the facts. “You a husband and wife at the beginning tell each other what you have seen and of what is hoped to be a marriage of heard, when and where it took place, but Iintimacy. you’re sharing nothing of your opinions With the United States facing its highest about the events,” he writes. “The success divorce rate in history, many couples have of much of life is dependent upon this changed “I do” to “I don’t anymore.” kind of communication. But, intimacy in marriage requires conversation that Best-selling author Gary Chapman offers goes beyond the facts.” help to couples struggling with intimacy in his new book Now You’re Speaking My 3. Intellectual talk – conversation Language, released by B&H Publishing beyond the sharing of factual Group. The book is an updated paperback information to the sharing of opinions, version of his earlier release Covenant interpretations or judgments of those Marriage. facts. Examples include, “I think the church should give more money to foreign According to Now You’re Speaking My missions,” or “I wish we could spend a Language, 86 percent of divorced couples weekend together in the mountains soon.” cite “deficient communication” as the reason for failed marriages. 4. Emotional talk – a deeper level of communication with the sharing of feelings “Communication and intimacy are two of and emotions. “We risk much more when the most important aspects of developing We recommend we communicate on this level,” Chapman a growing marriage,” Chapman writes. writes, “but we also have the potential for • The Five Love “Good communication is the road to entering a higher level of intimacy.” Languages intimacy.” • The Four Seasons of 5. Loving, genuine truth talk – couples Chapman outlines unhealthy patterns of Marriage speak the truth in love, being honest but marriage and offers tips on how to restore • The Marriage not condemning, open but not demanding. healthy communication between spouses. You’ve Always “[Communication on this level] allows each Wanted Five levels of communication of us freedom to think and feel differently,” • Home Improve- Chapman writes. “Rather than condemning ments All communication is not equal in value, one another, we seek to understand our Chapman writes. He adds that “some spouse’s thoughts and feelings, looking These and other resources levels of communication foster greater for ways to grow together in spite of our by Gary Chapman intimacy than others,” and lists five levels differences.” are available through of communication beginning with the most customer service at www. The book offers wisdom for couples that lifeway.com and (800) superficial in nature to the most intimate. seek to restore trust in their relationships 458-2772 and from 1. Hallway talk – nice, polite talk said through less defensive barriers and LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com throughout the day. Examples include reactions. questions such as, “How are you?” “Be and (800) 233-1123. “All of us experience emotional careful.” “See you later.” Such statements defensiveness, but it need not be are not to be thought of as useless, but destructive,” Chapman writes. “In fact, positive ways to acknowledge the other defensiveness can lead to more meaningful person’s presence. communication and deeper intimacy.” n November/December 2007 41 Worship Project technology Internet technologies designers, developers working on LifeWayWorship.com by Brooklyn Noel n September 2006 LifeWay Worship “The search function will allow music announced plans to develop a resource ministers to put together a worship intended to meet diverse church service based on topical or scriptural Iworship needs by coupling an updated references,” Watts said, adding that the hardback Baptist Hymnal with modern worship planning resource will simplify technology. situations that require quick changes to a The Worship Project has two main worship service. “We’re excited about the components: a downloadable audio hymn breakthroughs we’re having that can have a and worship song repository featuring positive impact on churches everywhere and 1,000 songs and a 700-song updated help them create effective worship services.” hardback Baptist Hymnal. In addition to Allyson Hobbie, the Internet technologies these elements, The Worship Project also supervisor of creative development and will feature an innovative online worship project manager for LifeWayWorship.com, planning tool available at LifewayWorship. said LifeWay Internet technologies designers com. and developers present their work to LifeWay Worship anticipates unveiling LifeWay Worship team members every two The Worship Project in late 2008, but weeks for critique. LifeWay Worship also LifeWayWorship.com already randomly selects customers once a quarter has launched. Currently the Web to test the resource. “The search function will site houses information on the “We have learned that customers are allow music ministers to project status and offers visitors pleased with what they have seen of the put together a worship the option of registering for e-mail application to date,” Hobbie said. “They service based on topical updates. By the time The Worship have expressed that there is definitely a need Project becomes available, however, for this resource.” or scriptural references.” LifeWayWorship.com will feature By the end of 2007, LifeWay Worship — Patrick Watts far more than news updates. plans to have more than 975 songs recorded Patrick Watts, manager of sales, for the online hymnal and all of the songs marketing and events for LifeWay Worship, selected for the updated hardback Baptist is working with the team of developers Hymnal. in LifeWay’s Internet technologies area to Sample copies of the Baptist Hymnal, build and test the online portion of The which is scheduled for release in August Worship Project. 2008, will be on display at events next Watts said one of the most exciting aspects summer such as the Southern Baptist of LifeWayWorship.com will be the ability Convention annual meeting and the to search for specific songs and hymns based LifeWay Worship Leadership conferences on the author, title, metrical index, topic, at Ridgecrest and Glorieta conference scripture reference, and even the full text of centers. n a song’s lyrics.

To sign up for e-mail updates on The Worship Project, visit www.lifewayworship.com.

42 Facts & Trends Church Office supply savings means office supplies more money for ministry by Jenny Rice olders, pens, paper and LifeWay Christian can print reports for staplers are necessary in a Stores Vice President financial records. church office, but can seem Mark Scott. Churches may utilize likeF superfluous expenses in light of For churches the LifeWay discount funds needed for evangelistic and affiliated with with OfficeMax in discipleship purposes. LifeWay, OfficeMax three ways – by phone, In an effort to help churches Advantage Program online or in person at lower administrative costs, LifeWay benefits include discounts on more than 900 OfficeMax retail Christian Stores recently signed more than 12,000 office supplies; locations. For free registration, an agreement with the national free overnight shipping on orders churches may call (877) office supply company OfficeMax, $50 or above (with exceptions for 633-2MAX, select option 4, and whereby churches may qualify for furniture, special orders or back mention the LifeWay affiliation. 15-70 percent discounts through orders); a no-hassle return policy; Pricing and shipping charges may the OfficeMax Advantage Program. and a personal account manager vary in Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto “We are always looking for new assigned specifically to service Rico. churches. ways to provide churches with the Additional information on the resources they need while respecting OfficeMax also tracks each comprehensive list is available the stewardship of their tithes and church’s order history for efficient at www.lifewaystores.com/ gifts from church members,” said reordering of supplies and churches specialservices. n

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November/December 2007 43 Founders Ministries, Southeastern Seminary sponsor conference on Calvinism by Chris Turner alvinism, a frequent topic within the “Calvinism has generated a lot of interest in Southern Baptist Convention and beyond, recent years in Southern Baptist life,” Akin noted. will be the theme of a Nov. 26-28 conference “Unfortunately we have often talked at and not with sponsoredC by Southeastern Seminary and Founders one another. Unhealthy rhetoric and misrepresentations Ministries, an organization based in “We hope this conference will from all directions have led to confusion Cape Coral, Fla., that supports the and even ill will among brothers demonstrate how important principles of Calvinism as represented and sisters in Christ. We hope this theological issues can be among some of the leaders in the early conference will demonstrate how discussed with grace, years of the SBC. important theological issues can be integrity and love.” The conference, titled “Building discussed with grace, integrity and — Danny Akin Bridges: Southern Baptists and love.” Calvinism,” will be held at LifeWay First sessions will begin on Monday Ridgecrest Conference Center outside Asheville, N.C. and conclude at noon Wednesday. Program fees are “The Word of God calls us to love the Lord with all of $75 (excludes meals) or $104 (includes six meals). our heart,” said Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Lodging options are $69 per night in Mt. Laurel Inn Seminary. “It also calls us to love Him with all of our or $54 per night in Pritchell and Maple. Contact mind. Thinking biblically and theologically, therefore, LifeWay Ridgecrest reservations at (800) 588-7222 is essential to a balanced and healthy Christian life. or online at www.lifeway.com/buildingbridges. List of conference speakers: • Danny Akin, president, • Charles Lawless, dean, Billy Resources, Nashville, Tenn. Southeastern Seminary, Wake Graham School of Missions, • Ed Stetzer, director, LifeWay Forest, N.C. Evangelism and Church Research and resident • Tom Ascol, executive director, Growth, Southern Seminary, missiologist, LifeWay Founders Ministries and senior Louisville, Ky. Christian Resources pastor, Grace Baptist Church, • James Merritt, pastor, Cross • Brad Waggoner, vice president Cape Coral, Fla. Pointe, The Church at of research and ministry • Voddie Baucham, church Gwinnett Center, Duluth, Ga. development, LifeWay planter and pastor of • R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Christian Resources preaching at Grace Family president, Southern Seminary • Sam Waldron, academic Baptist Church, Spring, Texas • David Nelson, senior vice dean and professor of • David Dockery, president, president of academic theology, Midwest Center Union University, Jackson, administration, dean of for Theological Studies, Tenn. faculty, professor of theology, Owensboro, Ky. • J.D. Greear, pastor, Summit Southeastern Seminary • Greg Welty, assistant professor Church, Durham, N.C. • Tom Nettles, professor of of philosophy, Southwestern • Nathan Finn, instructor of historical theology, Southern Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas church history, Southeastern Seminary • Malcolm Yarnell, assistant Seminary • Jeff Noblit, senior pastor, dean of theological studies/ • Ken Keathley, senior associate First Baptist Church, Muscle associate professor of dean, professor of theology, Shoals, Ala. systematic theology, Southeastern Seminary • Thom Rainer, president and Southwestern Seminary CEO, LifeWay Christian 44 Facts & Trends Conference Baptists & Calvinism

Subjects to be addressed of Grace Baptist Church in Cape development, said this conference during the conference are: The Coral, Fla., and executive director is compatible with the mission of Historical Record; Calvinism: of Founders Ministries. “We have LifeWay Research. A Cause for Rejoicing, A Cause a significant lineup of excellent “The goal of LifeWay Research for Concern; The Atonement: theologians who represent what is to provide relevant information Its Design, Nature, and Extent; Scripture means when it says iron to people and churches for the Theological Stereotypes: Let’s Be sharpens iron. This conference purpose of reaching people Fair and Honest with Each Other; is an opportunity for Southern for Christ,” Waggoner said. Election and Calling: A Biblical/ Baptists to experience the kind of “Calvinism is obviously something Theological Study; and Working theological sharpening that takes that a lot of people have discussed Together to Make Christ Known. place when brothers and sisters over the past couple of years. Each subject will have at least come together to learn from one Anytime Christians can come two speakers addressing differing another and to challenge each together – especially those within perspectives and at least one panel other to follow our Savior more the same ‘family’ – and seek deeper discussion will be held. faithfully.” biblical understanding, the entire “We intend to follow the LifeWay Research, which body of Christ benefits. LifeWay example of those who have explored Calvinism as its Research’s desire is to stimulate gone before us by rediscovering inaugural study last September, and inform those types of the spiritual vitality that comes will serve as conference host. discussion.” n from humble, honest theological Brad Waggoner, LifeWay’s vice dialogue,” said Tom Ascol, pastor president for research and ministry

November/December 2007 45

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a helpful leader’s guide 5502, $9.95; DVDs & community convening to start conversations CD-ROMs, LifeWay to examine their lives and stimulate discussion product #0-0503-5505, and take steps toward as you pursue small $159.95 comes ready with all the embracing authentic group study. (5 sessions) n Jaded: Rediscovering biblical manhood. That’s components your church Releases in November. Hope in Reality the goal will need LifeWay product by Mike Harder to facilitate of Men’s #0-0503-5508, $ 6.95 For some reason, it seems FAITH in Fraternity, n Fuel 2: Owning Your we’re hardwired to think your church. a three- Faith, Volume 6 that happiness is a result FAITH year men’s Each volume of Fuel of circumstances working Evangelism ministry 2 offers 12 sessions of out the way we dreamed 1 releases in curriculum foundational biblical they would – then December. developed truths, giving students the our idealism intersects FAITH by Robert solid ground they need. with harsh reality. This Evangelism 2 Lewis. It’s Fuel 2 contains DVDs, collision leaves many products will an excellent commentaries, teaching young adults wounded be available vehicle for plans and reproducible and jaded, facing life with summer 2008. community student handouts. bitterness and cynicism FAITH Evangelism outreach and for building Utilizing digital tools rather than hope in 1 leader kit, LifeWay rapport among the men prevalent today, Fuel 2 God. Sessions cover the product #0-0510-8885, in your church. (16 provides an edgy, life- process of healing from $99.95 sessions) Releases in changing, experiential the past and focusing on The following FAITH November. Bible study by using passages from 1 Peter 5, Evangelism 1 products LifeWay product attention-grabbing drama, Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 29 are available for purchase: #0-0509-7867, $9.95 montage and music video and others. A leader kit journal, facilitator guide n TLW: Complete. A to present the major includes a member book, & CD, implementation Life of Purity narratives of the Bible. an enhanced CD and a guide CD-ROM, The fight for purity is This flexible resource is DVD. The enhanced CD FAITH prayer partner about much more than great for Sunday school, includes a leader guide commitment cards, sex; this study aims to Wednesday Bible study, with discussion questions, FAITH “A Step of Faith” help students grasp that discipleship groups, biblical commentary, tracks, FAITH “Next concept. By addressing student retreats and other music and promotional Steps in Following purity regarding Bible study settings. materials. The DVD Jesus” tracks and FAITH the mind, the heart, Releases in November. includes two film shorts Evangelism outline cards. submission to God and CD-ROMs, LifeWay that overview the real n Fraternidad de waiting for His best, product #0-0503- life topics of cynicism/ Hombres:La búsqueda students are challenged idealism and how wounds de una masculinidad to consider purity in all mark us. The member auténtica (Men’s aspects of their lives. This book also available Fraternity: Quest for new True Love Waits separately. (5 sessions) Authentic Manhood, resource uses a unique Releases in November. Winning at Work & flipbook approach (the Member book, LifeWay Home, Spanish edition) guys’ study is on one product #0-0510- Imagine the transforming side of the book and the 7925, $7.95; Leader power of Hispanic men girls’ study is on the other kit, LifeWay product in your church and side). Resource contains #0-0503-5519, $69.95 50 Facts & Trends

Resources just released from LifeWay

included; a CD is not.) LifeWay product Releases in December. #0-0130-3875, $59.95 LifeWay product #0-0511- n Finding the Story 7804, $7.99 Within the Song: n Soul Café: The Experiencing the Gospel Keeper of the Story as Music and Lyric This new series offers This small-group study spiritual take-away for explores how the music those Christians who are and lyrics of timeless, passionate about their mainstream songs move faith, but recognize that us because they are the local church is not echoes of Eden. It uses – and need not be – the effort to bring hope to n LXVI, these songs to help group epicenter of their spiritual millions through a word- Volume 18: Romans, members understand adventure. First topic up by-word study of John Hebrews Ecclesiastes 3:11 – that in this discussion-based 3:16 in his book, 3:16 This six-year Bible we’re pre-wired to series is the heart, the The Numbers of Hope. As study experience goes recognize the “larger keeper of everyone’s story. word of this simple, yet through all 66 books of story” as it unfolds As participants pull up a powerful resource spread, the Bible. A 24-volume through these songs. chair and yank this study LifeWay and others came set of CD-ROMs to be The study also explains from their backpack, alongside to develop released over a period that if we’ve missed the pocket, purse or murse, companion pieces such of years, each volume music, we’ve missed the they’ll begin a guided, as this inspiring musical is a complete 13-week gospel; if we’ve missed relevant group journey. It with the same title. This Bible study experience the lyric, we’ve missed the offers a satisfying menu live worship experience for students. It features story. Whether adults are both to those hungry to is led by Travis Cottrell 13 of the following: particularly passionate experience Jesus Christ in and includes narrations activity-based teaching about music or not, this His fullness and to those from Max Lucado’s book plans with options for study will capture their who know they’re hungry adapted for presentation. going deeper; discussion- hearts. Intentionally but have yet to decide. This beautiful mix of based teaching plans; discussion-driven, the Here’s a way to feed both. Easter and non-seasonal PowerPoint presentations study is flexible enough LifeWay product #0-0511- songs is perfect for for master teaching for personal study (play 7805, $5.99 worship any time of the settings; reproducible list is LifeWay Worship year. handouts for use during n 3:16 The Numbers of SATB choral book, the Bible studies or in Hope Product #0-0509-7376, continuing the study Arranged by Travis $8.95; Listening CD, between sessions; weekly Cottrell, orchestrated by Accompaniment CD, devotional reading Phillip Keveren, narrated Accompaniment DVD, and help for students. by Mike Harland Rehearsal tracks, PDF It also includes maps SATB with praise CD-ROM orchestration, and timelines; Biblical team/Medium to Bulletins (pack of 100), Illustrator articles; Bible difficult/58 minutes Posters (pack of 10), and Navigator; and more. Beloved pastor and CD promo pak are also Order one volume prolific author Max available. per class. Releases in Lucado began a massive December. 52 Facts & Trends Resources are available from LifeWay Church Resources at www.lifeway.com and (800) 458-2772 LifeWay Christian Stores at www.lifewaystores.com and (800) 233-1123 n EverybodyWorship: Impact” pairs some of trudge on rocky paths to Posters (pack of 10) and Igniting a New World in the songs with devotional the top of a mountain. CD promo pak are also Worship messages by dynamic Join these brave hikers available. Produced by Paul Mills communicators Max as they explore God’s Appropriate for corporate Lucado, Erwin McManus, beautiful creations and settings, small groups, Mike Glenn, Eric Bryant discover how the journey or individual worship, and Ergun Caner. Ignite through life is comparable EverybodyWorship contains your worship today! to an uncertain hiking new songs and technology Songbook, Product trail. The gospel message that encourage worshipful #0-0510-7664, is clear and kids will be interaction. The $14.95; Listening CD encouraged that God will songbook, listening CD, and DVD are also guide their steps when and DVD can be used in available. Individual they walk by faith. If you a variety of ways because EverybodyWorship tracks choose to incorporate they come in a variety of are available for download the optional Stomp band formats. A DVD called at www.lifeway.com/ element, use hiking items “Audio worshipmusic or www. to play rhythms along everybodyworship.com. with the songs. Come n Rock Solid: God’s march along with fellow Promises for the Trail of hikers and sing about Life God’s rock solid promises Created and written by to each of us! Jimmy and Gail Getzen, Choral book, Product Unison, opt. 2 & 3-part/ #0-0509-3565, Easy/40 minutes $7.95; Listening CD, The 25th annual Summit Accompaniment CD, Challenge is a test of DVD, Dovetailor, faith and skill as hikers Bulletins (pack of 100),

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Clip and mail to: Facts & Trends, LifeWay Christian Resources, MSN 192, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0192 or e-mail the same info to: [email protected]. November/December 2007 53 Online Features are available now!

Young adult church dropouts • Listen to an Inside LifeWay podcast as Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research, and Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research, discuss the study results.

Max L 3:16 The Church Experience multimedia uc ad • View an audio slideshow of Max o Lucado at the taping of his new resource produced by LifeWay • Listen to an Inside LifeWay podcast featuring an interview with Lucado about the 3:16 resource.

In your opinion... • Participate in Facts & Trends Online poll: Q: In your opinion, which of these is the greatest challenge to starting a ministry for children with special needs?

VBS special needs ministry • Read about Vacation Bible School materials produced

by LifeWay to serve young church members Sp eci al with special needs. N e e d s • Listen to an Inside LifeWay M

i n

podcast featuring an interview i

s

t r

with Ellen Beene and Carlton y Why do young adults McDaniel from LifeWay’s leave the church? special needs team about the struggles, triumphs and issues 54 Facts & Trends related to working in a special needs ministry. . Go to www.lifeway.com/factsandtrends.

Features added throughout the month – keep checking with us!

Christmas activities • Check out a Christmas activity provided by Facts & Trends Online. Share your favorite Christmas activities that have been successful at your church, including quizzes or special events.

Ask David Francis

a n c i s • Did you know that Fr id av 87 percent of new church Christmas activities online D members who are involved in worship and Sunday school remain active members? Find out how to grow and strengthen your Sunday school from the expert, David Francis, director of Sunday Have feedback? school at LifeWay. Submit your views and thoughts on topics discussed in this issue of The vision for African-American churches Facts & Trends. • Listen to an interview with Jay Wells, the new ding the go rea spe About us: director of LifeWay’s African-American Sp l ministries, as he talks about his vision Facts & Trends readers may now for spreading the gospel and enjoy special features such as photo supporting the ministry of slideshows, audio and supplemental African-American churches. articles with LifeWay’s experts at Facts & Trends Online. VBS at the Met View an audio slideshow of this summer’s VBS week at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston.

November/December 2007 55 !3"&4ADMECHINDD 0-

Non profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Nashville, TN Facts & Trends is published by LifeWay Christian Permit No. 2 Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention®, One LifeWay Plaza, MSN 192, Nashville, TN 37234

November/December 2007 ISBN: 9-9999-0233-5