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Colleen on Youth Ministries

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:10:19 -0400

Be content to minister to those who come and others will follow in time. Our youth group has grown into its own entity: the youth have taken it over, preaching and teaching the Word, sharing testimonies, and their worship service draws ppl from all over.

Start with your dream and just keep following the Spirit; lift up Jesus, and He will draw ppl to Himself.

Do not be weary in well doing, for surely you shall reap a great harvest---a great harvest may be "only" one soul, but what a great harvest that is!

Smiles.

Colleen on 30 Hour Famine

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:26:23 -0400

Blessings, everyone. Are any of you participating in the 30 Hour Famine? I have sent for the information and enough kits for the kids in our Children's Church, trusting the Lord to give me insight as to how to adapt it for the 10 - 12 year olds. Our kids are eager to serve the Lord and we have been modifying programs aimed at "tweens" and teens for them. This will be the first experience with the Famine and all comments are so very welcome. Be blessed!

Traniese on Creating a Culture of Appreciation

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:02:14 -0400

I attended a church for almost nine years and most of the people there didn't appreciate anything. They just didn't care. The Pastor wasn't given respect like he should have been given. The members used to take advantage of him because he was so nice and kind to everyone. He used to buy members and non members food, give people money and never asked for it back. Sometimes he would be very sad cause people wouldn't show up to Bible class or for Friday night worship. They always had excuses.

I used to contribute so much time there, taking pictures of the congregation and making beautiful posters for the church. The more I gave the more they wanted and then they used to get an attitude if I tell them that I didn't have much ink or enough paper to do my projects for them. I never accepted anything from any of them because I did these things from my heart and that's what I loved to do.

When my husband and I got married there hardly anyone gave us any gifts at all. The pator just kept saying that the people didn't have much money. The members had money for what they wanted to have money for. My husband and I used to pay our tithes, give offering and we was told that we have to pray for the other people cause they've been doing the same thing before we ever came there.

Anyway the last thing we did for the church was bought new curtains, tablecloths, cleaned the eating room where everyone eats and never clean up, fixed the blinds that people kept bending to look out the window. The people just didn't care what we did. They were very unappreciative.

We no longer attend that church. The Pastor passed away earlier this year and his wife and son took over. We attend a church where people care and accept us just for attending there. They are very respectful and they are very considerate of others.

Traniese on Bookmarks and other items

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:43:11 -0400

The bookmarks I purchased from your site is sooooooooooooooooo beautiful and colorful. The quality is awesome. My husband took a couple right away. The ones with the ribbons are so beautiful.

I also purchased a couple of bracelets, one for me and one for my husband. I love them so much. They are really nice. I have the colorful one and he has the metal one.

The zipper pulls are so adoreable. What I truly love about your site is that your items are very high quality and the prices are very affordable.

I also added some more Happy Birthday Jesus items to my order.

I'm estatic.

Traniese on Happy Birthday Jesus party 2009

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:34:09 -0400

I am really looking forward to throwing my Happy Birthday Jesus party this especially with all the beautiful supplies I purchased from your site. It will be the most colorful party ever. I'm going to hang banners outside of my door and give out goody bags.

I have the little plastic drinking cups and they are so pretty. I am so excited this year. This will be my fifth Happy Birthday Jesus party.

Your site have the most beautiful supplies for every occassion. I've been to many other sites and they don't come close to yours.

I will be keeping in touch to let you all know as the time get closer to Jesus birthday.

Luv U much.

susie on Youth Ministries

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:02:24 -0400

Marilyn,

It is tough when your efforts don't seem to produce a real result. It reminds me of when our girls were in youth groups. One daughter in particular. She was obedient, faithful, kind hearted, but quiet. One youth worker noticed her and became her advocate. He upheld her for all she was in the Lord. He made her feel like she was the only one in the room of 100's. She has never wavered in her faith. I know that youth worker made a huge difference in her life, during the difficult high school years

It only takes leading the people who are sent to us, to build a youth group. That may be 5 or 6 young people. If they are well nurtured, encouraged and upheld, they can move mountains for the Lord. The parents will come if they see your faithfulness.

Bathe each meeting in prayer and trust that the Lord has sent you everyone, he wants you to lead. Trust him.

Marilynn on Youth Ministries

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:00:27 -0400

I am the youth director at a church that has few teenagers as members. I have planned several meetings with youth and parents, but participation was not there. If I got the youth to come the parents didn't have time. At first the youth came and as soon as they saw that their parents were not interested, they started to dwindle down from 15 members to 5 or 6 that come on a regular bases. The events I offer are not only learning events but fun as well. What am I doing wrong, and how can I convience these parents that we don't just show up for church events when we are to sing or usher.

Help, I'm sceaming inside!

Staff on Church Volunteers

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:13:34 -0400

These articles are related to church volunteers:

Staff on Timely Tips for Father’s Day

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:54:31 -0400

Make this the year your church hosts a Father-Son Day. Invite church members to teach specific skills to dads and their sons (for example, woodworking, lure-making, fishing or cast netting, batting/ball skills). Or consider an overnight campout at a nearby park, where dads and sons can enjoy time together away from the inevitable interruptions of everyday life. For Bible class on Father’s Day this year, encourage class members to take a closer look at Jesus’ relationship to his heavenly Father. Bible concordances can help you discover insights into the roles of both Father and Son. Help dads (and moms, too) investigate the unique role that fathers play in a Christian home. Pray that all fathers will grow closer to their heavenly Father. For this month’s church newsletter:

As you gather with your family this Father’s Day, take time to talk with or about your fathers and grandfathers. Where did they grow up? What challenges did God help them face? What is their greatest success? greatest joy?

Be sure to take a paper and pencil (or better yet, a video camera or voice recorder) along with you to record the information you gather about Dad’s/Grandpa’s past and his dreams for the future. (Think ahead of time what to ask. For example, early memories, first job, faith mentors, favorite joke, best advice.) After the day’s festivities, gather all the information and place it in a Father’s Day Box, with plans to add to the memories on future Father’s Day celebrations.

Single Parents—Consider starting a single-parents support group for congregational members and for your community. Single parents are often overlooked during the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, and this time of year can be especially difficult for people grieving the loss of a spouse due to death or divorce. If beginning a support group isn’t feasible for your congregation, perhaps single-parent members would be interested in a weekly, short-term Bible study that could offer encouragement and support to their unique challenges and needs. You’ve probably heard of M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers). What about starting a “POPS” group—a ministry that lends support to fathers in your congregation? This is as easy as scheduling one Saturday morning a month for guys to gather around God’s Word. Young dads can learn from more experienced fathers as they share the challenges and joys of fatherhood. Is there a strong father, full of faith, in your congregation? Invite him to speak a word of encouragement to other dads during your Father’s Day worship service. Consider blessing all the men in your congregation with a devotion book or other value-priced gift from CTA this Father’s Day. Have Sunday school children ask their fathers or male mentors (a coach, teacher, neighbor) to share their favorite Scripture verses—words that have served as an encouragement over the years. Compile and print the verses, then distribute them on Father’s Day. Pray that God’s Word will help all men as they parent, lead, and guide in many different ways. This special day is a great time to work on your church or Sunday school class to work on your Family Tree—your “Faith Family Tree,” that is! Draw a tree trunk on a large piece of paper. Add one main branch for each member and make several “roots” growing from the base of the tree. Let each person name and label roots with names of people who have mentored them in their faith (former pastors/Sunday school teachers, relatives, friends, professors, and more.) When the “tree” is completed, together thank God for placing these special faith mentors in your lives. Also pray that the Lord will enable each of you to become a faith mentor for someone in the future! June might be the perfect time to invite interested fathers of all ages to a short series of Bible classes with the theme “Fathering.” Help men see their special roles in light of our heavenly Father’s love. An intergenerational group of men can undoubtedly share valuable life lessons with one another. Check out your local Bible bookstore for a study guide or simply consult a good Bible concordance for father-themed passages to study. Connect your church’s men in an updated version of the prayer chain. Invite those interested to share their e-mail addresses with each other, and encourage men of all ages to send prayer requests online. Then encourage everyone on the chain to pray for one another’s needs as they commute to work, eat lunch, or are reminded to pray at other convenient times during each busy day. Picture this: a mini retreat for all the men in your congregation on the Saturday morning or afternoon before Father’s Day. Plan this special time away around one of CTA’s themes for Father’s Day. Spend time encouraging dads and men in every stage of life. As the retreat concludes, ask participants to stand together to form a cross. Take a snapshot and give a copy of the photo to each participant. Remind them, “We’re all in this together, because we’re joined together in Christ!”

Encourage dads to understand the importance of faith leadership in the family this Father’s Day. Here’s how: Ask dads of all ages to write down memories of ways their own fathers promoted faith in their families. Compile these memories to create a bulleted list of encouragements and print the list in your service bulletin for Father’s Day. 

Plan to honor all dads during worship services on Father’s Day. At the end of the service, invite all fathers to the front of the church. Pray for the dads—specifically that the Holy Spirit will give them strength and vision to lead their families toward a stronger faith in Jesus. 

Support all the busy men in your congregation in their desire for daily time with Christ in meditation and prayer. Remember that coaches, grandpas, scout leaders, and many men who are not dads do, nevertheless, serve as father figures. Distribute one of CTA’s devotion books to men this Father’s Day. The short, but powerful, devotions in this book will tuck easily inside a briefcase or lunch box—providing readers with five weeks of daily devotional time. 

Recruit your youth or men’s Bible study groups to lend an ear or a hand to new dads this month. Offer to babysit (for free) so that the new dad and mom can have a quiet dinner out. Volunteer to cut the grass, change the oil in the car, or complete other home maintenance jobs for or with the new dad. Use these opportunities to listen to the new fathers and encourage them in their God-given task of raising a family that lives for Jesus.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager. Used with permission grant #060209. © 2008 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. HYPERLINK "http://www.CTAinc.com" www.CTAinc.com.

Staff on Free Resources for Pastors

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:45 -0400

CTA's Mission Statement is to glorify God by providing purposeful products to lift up and encourage the body of Christ. Our vision is to see your Christian ministry become highly effective, so that Christ’s Kingdom is strengthened and expanded. One way we do carry out our mission and vision is to produce and provide high quality Free Resources that:

Match the theme and Scriptural message of CTA products
Enhance your gift-giving services and events with deeper spiritual impact
Save you preparation time for sermons and lessons
Give you fresh ideas to present and illustrate Scriptural truths

We often hear from our customers about how our Free Resources blessed their ministry. Here's a recent example, submitted by Sandi Snider of Stephenson, Virginia: We used the books, bags and kites as gifts for our children at out Easter Egg Hunt. I downloaded the Power Point version of the story so that we could all watch and discuss the story before they hunted. Then, each child recieved their own personal version to take home after the hunt. This format worked well for us. The kids seem to really enjoy seeing the story on the "big screen." This video features Author Tim Wesemann talking about how Pastors can benefit from CTA's Free Resources.

Staff on Using the Time You Have…Here and Now

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:55:55 -0400

I was just looking at a new picture of my 14-year old daughter. It seems that just yesterday my wife and I brought her home to our two-bedroom apartment. In reality, it was 1994. As I consider how quickly she is growing and as I watch her develop into a young adult, the reality that she will soon be off to college, that she will soon begin her own family, smacks me abruptly in the face. My time with her is short. Does she know how much I love her? Will she serve God with her life? Will she marry a godly man who loves the Lord and desires to raise children that will serve God, too? Too many questions, too little time. As a parent and a pastor, sometimes life goes faster than I want it to. How about you? When you have time to be at home, do you just want to relax, prop your feet up, and find some mindless activity? I empathize. Even so, ministry does not end at our front door. While we minister to the congregation, who ministers to our wives and children? What approaches have you found helpful as you “press on” in ministry to both your members and your family? Do we need to just buckle down? Or must some needs be ignored? Will we find our day of rest only when we all get to heaven? Or . . . ? We’d love to hear from you! The newer pastors out there would appreciate thoughts and observations from those with more experience. Those with experience who still struggle (don’t we all!) will benefit from the encouragement to think this through one more time. Comment! And let’s get the dialog going. (You need not sign your name.)

Jane Fryar on Creating a Culture of Appreciation

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:13:07 -0400

“If you tell them they’re doing a good job, they’ll get too proud of themselves.” I once worked with someone who actually said that out loud one day about those he supervised. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what eventually resulted. This approach creates the exact opposite of like to call “a culture of appreciation.” (I wonder what the apostle Paul would think about this approach to motivation? See Ephesians 6:22 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Hmmmm.)

A culture of appreciation notices what people do—the small things (like watering plants) and the big things (like leading this weekend’s junior high lock-in). A culture of appreciation creates more and more volunteers. And it instills confidence in those volunteers so that they are more likely to step up to bigger challenges.

I just wrote an article for CTA’s April newsletter. It gives several examples of ways everyone in a church or Christian school can contribute toward a culture of appreciation. (You can sign up to receive our newsletter for free here–left-hand column, scroll down.)

Such a culture won’t just happen. Everyone needs to contribute toward it. Everyone can help to create momentum toward it. You don’t need to be the pastor or women’s ministry director or Sunday school champion (though if you are in leadership, your influence can matter a lot!).

Is your church especially good at showing appreciation? Or do you have a horror story? Either way, I’d love to hear about it. We might actually encourage one another in encouraging one another!

Jane Fryar on Where are all the men?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:56:49 -0500

Tim,

I appreciate your thoughtful response--especially as a SNM (single, never married). You're right about the frequent references to nuclear families and the fact that singles avoid church.

Statistically, singles make up about 50% of the population of adults over 18, but you'd never know it by looking out over the congregation on Sunday morning. But whenever I've mentioned this to pastors, I'm told that it "doesn't apply in our town/city/area." I'm not sure why.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to see the church stop supporting, exorting, and promoting the nuclear family. Our culture is already putting enough pressure on them.

Add to all this the fact that in most churches, sermons are short and growing shorter! How can the preacher say everything that could/should be said in 12 minutes?!

Another reason to pray for our pastors!

Jane

timwesemann on Where are all the men?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:35:07 -0500

Last year approximately 25 pastors in our area met to discuss the subject of the lower number of men who attend worship. Not to speak for others, but I think it taught us to be more conscientious about addressing needs of men within a specific message or service. And that's a good reminder. I know it's in the mind of our pastor when planning a sermon series or message. But I haven't noticed that it has changed our choice of songs, which is one area many articles and books mention as leaning to the 'feminization' of Christianity. The lyrics, they say, use words that men don't relate to or regularly use. I guess I feel like a lot of the talk got back to the once popular catch phrase 'real men don't eat quiche' so give us deer meat and potatoes instead.

While I think the subject is well worthy to consider, pastors need to also consider and address the fact of fewer singles, teens, and college-age students are worshiping in church settings. I feel too many messages I've heard continually mention the needs or situations of married couples with children. And what about the 'adultization' (to coin a word) of our churches and messages that ignore our children and teens. Pastors need to keep all of God's people in mind when preaching. Yet, if we tried to gear every message toward one age group or sex, the task would overwhelm and probably spread the heart of the message too thin. Yes, pastors definitely need to be conscious of all people and groups when preparing a message for God's people, while letting the Holy Spirit use the power of the Word. Thankfully, God's Word, when preached in truth and purity has power to change and impact the daily and eternal needs of ALL people, even when proclaimed by imperfect people.

Jane Fryar on Where are all the men?

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:54:56 -0500

A spate of recent books and articles has called attention to declining church attendance among men in the United States and has identified one potential cause--the "feminization" of Christianity.

I'm interested to know what pastors in real churches think about that idea. Do you see any truth to that charge? If so, have you done anything to address it in your church?

Jane