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!

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.”