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On Sunday mornings, 15-year-old Caleb Fenn wakes himself up and gets to church at First Baptist West Monroe (West Monroe, LA) by 7:15 a.m.
While many teenagers would grumble about getting up so early, Caleb looks forward to the ministry that awaits him. Week after week, he sacrifices his sleep because he helps teach the 8:00 a.m. Sunday School class for three-year olds, along with an 81-year-old man affectionately known as Mr. Charlie.
Charlie Bedgood has been teaching the same class for over 15 years, and 12 years ago he actually had Caleb as one of his three-year-old students. Now as a helper to Mr. Charlie, Caleb and this older man enjoy a relationship that goes beyond the one hour they serve together on Sunday. Charlie calls Caleb regularly and celebrates his school achievements. The two of them exchange Christmas presents and enjoy a rich friendship.
| Not only does this teenager love Charlie, so do the three year olds. Charlie has taught these young children about God’s love and what it means to follow God. He has helped each of the children learn to bring their offering envelopes to church and give a tithe. His example of loving children is being passed on to Caleb and other young people who help in the class. |
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The melding of generations as described in this story used to be more common in churches. In fact, the concept of intergenerational ministry can be traced back to the Old Testament. More than once, God commanded his people to tell future descendants about his works (Deuteronomy 11:19; Joshua 4:21). There was an assumption that . . .
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How Sticky Is Your Church?
Churches don't grow when people only visit; churches grow when people stick.
Leadership Network and Zondervan announce the Coast2Coast Sticky Church Conference, October 6-7, 2008 at North Coast Church in San Diego. Featuring Dave Ferguson, Wayne Cordeiro, Larry Osborne and more, the Sticky Church Conference will explore the practical, proven strategies that have helped churches successfully slam the back door shut.
More than just talk, your experience at this "sticky" conference, will be unlike any other you've attended. Register early for savings up to $150. Team discounts also available.
Catalyst for Next Generation Leaders
Join 12,000 Next Generation Leaders for Catalyst on October 8-10, 2008 in Atlanta. Come together to connect with other leaders and hear from your favorite authors and thinkers.
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Web Searchers Stay on First Page
Jupiter Research finds that just over 40% of web searchers limit themselves to the first page of results. Meanwhile, the number of searchers willing to venture to either the second or third pages has declined. 17% of searchers will go to the second page, and only 7% will venture to the third. Shorter attention spans and the search engines’ efforts to improve search quality are credited for the change.
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One-day Event:
Voices of the Missional Movement
Join Leadership Network on September 8, 2008, to hear from five missional church thought leaders: Reggie McNeal, Neil Cole, Earl Creps, Milfred Minatrea and Eric Swanson. Become a part of the ongoing conversation . . .
Innovation3...An Event Like No Other
Leadership Network is planning a huge two-day gathering in Dallas that's all about innovation in ministry--risk and failure, shaping culture, reaching your community, and anticipating what's ahead for the church. Innovation3 is about connecting, collaborating, and networking. You'll rub shoulders and connect one-on-one . . .
| In this episode of Audio Advance, Brent Dolfo, European church planting director, talks about some innovative and unique practices that have been successful in Europe’s post-modern, post-Christian culture. |
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The church has a long, rich history of men and women who pursued God with all their hearts. Pat Springle shares many of the difficulties and breakthroughs a few next generation pastors have experienced in their times of personal devotion.
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