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May
19

Sharing the Gospel: Creation to Christ

By Ray · Comments (0)

We’re planning for this fall’s lineup of new classes during our Adult Equipping time (called Equip U).  This is always a ball to plan for because the door is wide open for so many varied topics and options for equipping the saints.

One great opportunity in sharing the Gospel is connecting with others through the story of the Bible.  While many who grew up in a church environment are familiar with the narrative of scriptures, many in our world have never heard the name Jesus, let alone His story from creation.

This fall we’ll be equipping to share Creation to Christ, or chronological storying, yet another way to clearly share the Good News. Creation to Christ chunks the narrative down to share God’s story, what man needs, and why Jesus Christ is the Answer.  I wish I could track down online a great representation of the power of this kind of story telling method.  If I remember correctly, it was captured in a video by the name of “E Tau.” The elation of those coming to faith in Christ was thrilling and stirring!

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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May
15

SBC in decline?

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Ed Stetzer of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and LifeWay Christian resources reported on information released this week from a study on the growth (or rather decline) of the membership of the SBC.

He writes:

We are a denomination in decline. Some don’t like to admit it.  But, the decline of SBC membership is not a matter of debate.  It is a matter of math.  And, if trends continue, it won’t end soon. Expect to hear “membership decline” more times than “membership growth” over the next few years.”

Check out the stats, but notice the options he lists that we could take in response to this report, particularly #5.  Find the blog here at:

Between the Times

What is my take-away from this information?

How am I personally on mission with Jesus Christ?  Am I faithful to Him?  Am I faithful to the Gospel?  How does this impact my family?  My church?  My community?  The big numbers come down to one important number, me.

I attended a funeral of a friend and minister today, and one of his life impact verses was John 14:21

He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me:  And he who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I will love Him and will disclose Myself to him.”

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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May
13

Accountability for Men

By Ray · Comments (0)

As a pastor, individual, dad, friend, perhaps you are looking for a resource to help you with personal integrity and accountability, and/or resources to share with others. Men’s ministry is an interesting animal, and there are many different angles and approaches. So any time I come across something that could be a new tool for your ministry toolbox I want to pass that along.

At a recent men’s Rewired retreat at Falls Creek OK, I heard a testimony from a leader of a new organization in our area of OKC that specializes in a unique ministry area for men.

The name of the ministry is Men Living Up. Check out their site, but also be aware of a specific time for training at a workshop designed to help you strengthen men in their daily walk and in their relationships.

Check out the details here: Men Living Up Workshop

Be blessed today!

Categories : Discipleship, Help for the New Minister, Personal Growth and Development
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Nov
10

Christmas wish list? Doug Baker Recommends:

By Ray · Comments (0)

Last night the Oklahoma Baptist Ministers of Education Association met for our annual banquet in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our special guest speaker at this dinner was the new editor of Oklahoma’s third largest publication, The Baptist Messenger, Doug Baker.

In his stirring and impassioned address, Doug encouraged us as Christian educators to a renewal, a revival of our purpose in Christian education to make disciples by confronting people with the Truth of the Bible, Its Doctrine, the Gospel. The Gospel that is real news, the facts of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. No real gloss or fluff, but life changing knowledge based on the facts.

As he challenged us, he mentioned a number of must reads/authors:

Anything Tim Keller

The Mission of God by Christopher Wright

Anything C.S. Lewis

How to Read a Book

The Gospel Driven Life

The Heidelberg Catechism

Thanks Doug for the help with my wish list for this year!  Lord, help us clearly teach the Truth.

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism, Help for the New Minister, Leadership, Personal Growth and Development
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Jan
15

God’s call on your life.

By Ray · Comments (0)

A while back I wrote the following, but I would add to this one of the most powerful passages that stand out to me in my own call experience and that is Psalm 37:4-5.  I would also add the following links to books that could be useful in this journey, Answering the Call, and Called to be God’s Leader.

My prayer is that you experience the Lord’s direction very clearly in your life!

Previous Post:

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of Sunday School leaders about one of the most powerful elements of who they are as leaders in the church…their call to service.  For us as church leaders, the most critical marker for my service and ministry is my call.  The Bible shows us God’s direction in peoples’ lives from Abraham, to Moses, the ups and downs of Saul, David, and the great call of Paul.  Why is the call so critical?

1.  It is why we do what we do.  Really, what is it though?  I have experienced two levels of call:

One, General Call, which is static, meaning that time in my life during the summer of 1990 when I clearly understood the Lord wanted my life for His use, whenever, wherever.  I surrendered to Him.  This call is the touch-stone where I go back to in my mind, kind of marking time and my life to this significant event.  He continues to affirm this call on my life.

I have also experienced Specific Call, which has been wildly dynamic, and has offered opportunities for me to listen to Him and His direction in my life to serve in counseling, family work, singles, youth, and education.  The most exciting part of this specific call is that He may keep me with my current orders, and then in a heartbeat, He could call to something completely different.  I am content either way.

2.  It gives direction and purpose to anyone, regardless of where their ministry is.  If God calls someone to be a mechanic, or pilot, go, do it.  Listen to Him.

3.  It gives the ability to weather storms.  If I know I am called to a place to serve that is hurting or struggling, or if I find myself in a low spot feeling like I am being pulled in a million different ways and I am ready to pull the parachute and walk away, I lean on the call.

What has He called you to do?

Categories : Creative Communication, Discipleship, Help for the New Minister, Leadership, Marriage and Family, Personal Growth and Development
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