4 Encouraging Words for Fathers & Father-figures

The apostle Paul was single. He had no children. But have you ever considered how powerfully God used him as a father-figure? Consider: Paul “adopted” Timothy. The apostle became a mentor, an encourager, a father in the faith for Timothy—and later on for Titus, too. Paul invited Timothy (whom he called his “beloved and faithful [...]

God’s Direction When I Struggle—a Free Devotion for Father’s Day and Men’s Ministry

Editor’s note: This devotion is adapted from CTA’s new book for men’s ministry, God’s Direction Is Always Best. As you plan retreats for this summer and fall, check out the entire product line!   For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. Psalm 40:12 NIV® Where do you [...]

Memorial Day Outreach Event — One church brought in more than 50 guests

Springs Road Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina, held a special Sunday service to honor veterans and fallen soldiers on Memorial Day 2010. During the service, a bugler played Taps and the local chapter of the Marine Corps League presented the meaning of the flag-folding ceremony at funerals. “The ceremony itself is very evangelistic,” said [...]

Show-Stopping Beauty — a free devotion for Mother’s Day & Women’s Ministry

Editor’s note: This devotion is adapted from CTA’s new book for women’s ministry, Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord.  As you plan retreats for this summer and fall, check out the entire product line and the free retreat planner CTA has made available. God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine [...]

Ageless Beauty–a free devotion for Mother’s Day & women’s ministry

Editor’s note: What plans have you made to honor and encourage the moms and other women of your congregation on Mother’s Day—women who volunteer, who teach, who work hard at home and in your community? CTA provides a number of value-priced gifts designed especially for this purpose. This week’s devotion is drawn from one of our [...]

Beauty Upon Us — a free devotion for women’s ministry

Editor’s note: What plans have you made to honor and encourage the moms and other women of your congregation on Mother’s Day—women who volunteer, who teach, who work hard at home and in your community? CTA provides a number of value-priced giftsdesigned especially for this purpose. This week’s devotion is drawn from one of our [...]

25 Meaningful Ways to Affirm Kids & Youth

This time of year, activities in Christian schools, Sunday schools, CCD classes, choirs, Awana, and Bible clubs begin winding to a close. In a few weeks, the children and youth you have worked with for multiple weeks, months, or perhaps even years will move on—to a different class, school, or community. Perhaps one of the [...]

Value-Priced Products for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day—in Spanish!

Looking for ways to honor moms and dads, women and men in your church this spring? Your Spanish-speaking moms and dads, women and men? Wish you could find a way to reach out to the Spanish-speaking families in your community? CTA has more and more options all the time! For women and moms, check out [...]

New Life in Jesus — a free kids’ devotion for Easter week

Getting Started Display the poem you will use in the devotion on a chart or bulletin board—“Caterpillar” by Christina G. Rossetti.  (See below.) Fold a brightly colored piece of construction paper in half lengthwise. Trace your right footprint on the paper, being sure the top and bottom of your arch touch the fold; this is [...]

Steadfast, Unmovable — a free devotion for this week’s meetings

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.  Focus: Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory in our Lord Jesus Christ! In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul details the blessings Jesus’ resurrection has secured for all believers. He describes what happens to us when life here on earth ends. The picture he paints floods our hearts [...]