Taking Risks in Light of Heaven

Cathy Treyens

Matthew 14:22-33

Most of us are risk adverse in some areas of God's mission. Yet, confidence in eternity can change our perspectives on taking risks for the Kingdom. Taking risks always involves fear and growth. In order to have courage and obedience in midst of taking risks involves embracing truths that surround the risk. Trusting God feels risky but is perfectly safe. Having courage requires the need to fix our view on Jesus and the Gospel. Risk-taking is more about practicing saying yes to God rather than success versus failure mentality. God desires faithfulness.\r\n

Who is This Man?

Jim Leffel

Luke 9:18-27

Herod the Tetrarch seeks to know the identity of Jesus. Jesus asks his disciples, ?Who do you say that I am?? Peter acknowledges Jesus' mission and identity as the Messiah sent by God. Jesus reveals to the disciples that he will suffer terrible things, be put to death, and then be raised from the dead on the third day. Jesus describes how his followers must suffer: take up their cross daily, entrust their lives to him, and be unashamed of his message.

They Left Everything and Followed Him

Jim Leffel

Luke 5:1-32

Through cleansing a leper and healing a paralyzed man Jesus demonstrates that He has the authority to heal and forgive people, which is what He came to do. The method He chose for accomplishing His mission is discipleship, which is rooted in God's grace. We learn that discipleship involves becoming aware of our need to depend on God as we love other people.

Reaching Jr. High Students

Brian Runk

Brad DuFault

Mark 10:13-16

Brian Runk and Brad DuFault deliver a workshop focused on the importance of reaching junior high students for Christ. Many of the people we see being used by God in the Bible are young, and Jesus taught that children and youth should not be disregarded. Brian and Brad explain the format and strategies of their church's youth programs - including group and individual Bible studies. \r\n

Discovery Bible Studies

Curt Stearns

Pam Stearns

Luke 10:1-9

To understand how to use the Discovery Bible Study method with cultures and people of faith who don't know the God of the Bible, it is important to understand the principles behind Church Planting Movements. Church Planting Movements consist of these principles: 1) pray abundantly; 2) gain access to a community; 3) search for the person of peace; 4) Discovery Bible Studies; 5) obedience based discipleship; 5) develop leaders. Once you have prayed and found the person of peace you can begin the Discovery Bible Method.

Reaching College Students

Josh Benadum

Luke 10:1-9

Student ministry is essential for a growing church. Barriers to reaching college students include cynicism, relativism, individualism, our unbelief. It's important to have a response to each of these barriers that persuade students. Remembering God's role and our role in evangelism is helpful as well as developing personal convictions. We need to evaluate our wineskins and make sure they are effective in reaching our culture.

An Invitation To Suffer

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 3:8-9

God's love and grace gave Paul the motivation to become a servant with a purpose, but it did not spare him of a life free of suffering. In fact, serving God requires Christians to wade into suffering so that others may know Him just as Christ was willing to undergo suffering for our sake. This sort of service requires that: we become servant leaders by laying down our lives for others, we bring the truth of God to those who don't know Him, and we commit to other people through discipleship.

Disciple-making

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:28-29

Paul instructs the Colossian believers about the importance of disciple-making (intentionally helping individual Christians grow in spiritual maturity). This ministry is for all believers, not just Paul. There is diversity in how we go about it (e.g., spiritually younger, peer-to-peer, one or two at a time, etc.). There is also unity in what we do: 1) regular study and application of God's Word; 2) intentional effort given over time; 3) regular prayer for each other; 4) dependence on God's Spirit to supply His dynamic energy. Imagine what God will do through our lives if we let Him use us in this way!

Intro to the Xenos Home Group Model

Phil Franck

Hebrews 10:24-25

The Xenos home group model involves many components. Xenos' model isn't the only model of the best model, but is one that follows the New Testament. Like Jesus' ministry, Xenos started small and grew one small group at a time. Four main areas of focus for home group leaders are: 1) personal growth with God; 2) evangelism; 3) biblical community; 4) discipleship. The way home groups multiply is through developing leaders. Each home group functions independently and also dependently; part of a bigger whole. Overall each home group disciples, teaches, disciplines, and evangelizes independently. They are however under the elders' authority and dependent on their leadership training. With all parts playing their role God grows His Church.\r\n