March 14, 2012Kim Williams, Director of Preschool Ministries, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

TOP TEN LIST FOR MANAGING YOUR PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM

2 February 2012Ben Smith, Minister of Outreach, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

TWO PRINCIPLES FOR OUTREACH SUCCESS

REKINDLE YOUR PASSION THROUGH PRAYER

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

It is our encounters with Christ that propel us forward into heartfelt work with him and for his Kingdom. Our hearts become engulfed with his Spirit when we meet with him. Can you remember when you had your last encounter with Jesus? Do you desire to have that again? That encounter is the fuel that will launch you into effective ministry for him.

Consider the prayerful ministry of George Mueller. “For 64 years, that was how George Mueller operated. …[He] cared for and educated over 18,000 children; educated over 100,000 more in other schools at the Orphanage's expense; distributed hundreds of thousands of Bibles and tens of millions of religious tracts; supported about 150 missionaries; travelled over 200,000 miles as a missionary himself; and shared the Gospel with over 3 million people around the world. Waitsel Smith’s blog, Oct 21, 2010.”

ASK GOD TO MAKE YOUR VISION BIGGER AND BETTER.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

Vision is a lot like faith. It is something you can see but you can’t see. Vision is seeing what is to come. Sometimes others can’t see it at first but as you bring them closer, more begin to see it too. Do you have a dream in your heart for your group? Let God blow up your vision! Literally!

Walt Disney risked 1.5 million during the Great Depression to make a feature length cartoon nicknamed “Disney’s Folly” which most thought would flop. On its first release, the feature made 8 million dollars. It was called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

In his book, Sharpening the Sword, Stephen D. Hower wrote, “Someone has said most people see things the way they are and ask why. Disney, and people like him, dream of the way things ought to be and ask why not. There is a little dreamer in every great leader. Those consumed by the moment forfeit their right to lead when they fail to dream about the future. It is impossible to inspire others to greatness without great thoughts of your own. Zig Ziglar urges leaders to ask what it is they would do if there were no limits, and then begin making plans to achieve those goals.”
Your encounters with the Lord and the vision he gives you are two indispensible components for seeing the Kingdom growth and enjoying the favor of God that you desire for your ministry!

9 January 2012Allan Taylor, Minister of Education, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

THE ULTIMATE HD PACKAGE

We’re back again with more giveaways! We had fun last time so we thought we’d do it again! This time, we’re giving away gift packages each week for four straight weeks!

Here’s what we’re giving away:

January 8-14 $100 in resources from Johnny Hunt
January 15-21 $100 in resources from Allan Taylor
January 22-28 $100 in preschool-youth resources from First Baptist Woodstock staff
January 29-February 4 from the LifeWay store at the Conference

Here’s what you need to do to win:

(1) Each week of the contest, tweet one of the following exactly:

Need resources for Sunday School? Check out www.ssinhd.org/blog to win $100 in resources each week in January from @SSinHD

@SSinHD is giving away $100 in resources each week in January. Check out www.ssinhd.org/blog to enter.

Need some new resources this year? @SSinHD is giving away $100 each week in January. Check out www.ssinhd.org/blog to win.

(2) Follow @SSinHD on Twitter

Feel free to tweet as many times as you like. Winners will be chosen at random each Sunday. Contest dates are January 8 through February 4, 2012. Winner will be contacted via direct message on Twitter.

5 January 2012 Matt Lawson, High School Pastor, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

A Plan to Contact Every Student Every Week in 30 Minutes

The health of small groups is most often associated with how well leaders are relating to students. In this brief training, Matt Lawson lays out a plan for contacting every student in your group every week in only 30 minutes per week.

2 December 2011 Paul Hahn, Adult Ministry Director, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

Expecting the Best and Getting It

Sunday School Leaders at every church and ministry position expect workers to give their best but don’t always see it happen. I am personally excited about our 2012 Sunday School In HD Conference, because we will have an opportunity to explore exactly how to set the table for people to be their best and give their best. Let me whet your appetite with a few of the underlying principles.

The apostle Paul gave us an incredible, brief leadership lesson on getting the best from others. When you look at how he handled the situation between Philemon and Onesimus, these outstanding leadership principles emerge:

1. Do the right thing! Paul was interested only in what advanced the gospel, so he encouraged Philemon to respond graciously. In Sunday School work, the Gospel has to stay at the forefront, and anything that challenges that priority is the wrong thing no matter how traditional, comfortable or affordable it may be. At SSnHD, we will explore what is the right thing for your Sunday School ministry.
2. Don’t manipulate people! Too many Sunday Schools ministries have failed because people were manipulated, i.e. guilted, into serving or serving a particular way. Paul not only wanted Philemon to do the right thing but to do it for the right reason. Sunday School leaders and workers need to know the vision of your ministry if they are to be properly motivated. I can’t wait to show you a simple way to make that happen!
3. Operate at the relationship level! People are no longer inspired by programs and position titles. Our world is becoming increasingly impersonal. God created us for relationships. Paul exhorted Philemon to handle the situation with Onesimus based on their relationships with each other and with the Lord. Sunday School leaders and workers follow people, so get to know them and let them get to know you. People don’t need a friendly Sunday School class…they need friends!
4. Expect the best from everyone! Paul expressed his confidence that Philemon would do the right thing and then some. He also told Philemon, “I’ve got your back!” If you create an atmosphere of encouragement and support, Sunday School leaders and workers will accomplish more than you could imagine. I could tell you 100 stories tell to illustrate this, but I guess you’ll have to attend the conference because my space is up.

At Sunday School In HD 2012, I’ll be sharing two new resources that will show you how to expect the best from your Sunday School ministry and get it! You will walk away equipped and inspired to get it done!

23 November 2011 Allan Taylor, Minister of Education, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

IPAD2 Winner

Congrats to @johnmarkharris winner of the iPad2 giveaway! More giveaways coming each month until the conference in March! Keep updated at http://ssinhd.org/blog for more great content and conference updates. See you in March!

1 November 2011 Allan Taylor, Minister of Education, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

WIN AN IPAD2

We read your Christmas Wish List and decided to give you a chance to win an iPad2 before Santa gets his hands on your list! Sunday School in HD 2012 is giving away an iPad2 in November. We know you’ve been wanting one so take your best shot. Here’s what you need to do to win: (1) Between November 3- November 21, tweet one of the following exactly: Great content over on www.ssinhd.org/blog. Check out @ssinhd for new content and win an iPad2 in November. @SSinHD is giving away an iPad2 in November. Check out www.ssinhd.org/blog to enter. Hoping for an iPad2 for Christmas? @SSinHD is giving one away in November. Check out www.ssinhd.org/blog to win. (2) Follow @SSinHD on Twitter Feel free to tweet as many times as you like. Winners will be chosen at random on November 22. Contest dates are November 3, 2011 through November 21, 2011. Winner will be contacted via direct message on Twitter.

25 October 2011 Denise Kissee, Director of Elementary Ministries, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

The Greatest Lessons Learned in Ministry

Having served on staff at FBCW for 20 years as Director of Elementary Ministries, and 4 years as a volunteer, God has taught me some valuable lessons as I look back over the past 24 years. I trust that God will use them in your life to encourage and challenge you on your ministry journey!

DON’T LOVE THE MINISTRY MORE THAN YOU LOVE THE SAVIOR!

The greatest enemy of a staff person / layperson that will ruin your relationship with the Lord is busyness. Are you exhausting yourself for the Lord…or for your ministry? Are you building your kingdom or God’s kingdom?

Key Verse: Matthew 22:37

Key Thought/Application: Providing an effectively ministry outwardly must first begin inwardly. There first must be a personal commitment to Lordship.

Making the soul our first mission is essential to becoming a resource for others. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions are each vital to the developing of the whole person. If you are hollow spiritually; it will become evident in your leading. You will lack the inner power, peace and guidance that only God can bring, not to mention divine wisdom that surpasses moral smarts. Remember, you cannot reach your God given potential with a shriveled soul!

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY IS FOUND IN YOUR STAFF / LAY LEADERSHIP.

Your leadership can either lift you up or bring you down. The key to building an effective leadership team is summed up in one word “relationships”.

Key Verse: Eccl. 4:9-12

Key Thought/Application: “Everything Rise and Falls on Leadership”. J. Maxwell

EFFECTIVE PLANNING IS A MUST.

Parents find comfort in knowing that you are not “flying by the seat of your pants.” Organization provides confidence and competence for our parents and in our ability to lead.

Key Verse: Proverbs 16:3

Key thought/application: Know your strengths and weaknesses. Surround yourself with people who can enhance your ministry in the area where you are weak

WE NEED TO EQUIP THE SAINTS TO DO THE MINISTRY.

Your ministry will only grow to your limitations … what you can get your arms around … what you can personally touch … unless you equip others and release the ministry to those who are capable, those whom God has called to be your Aaron & Ur…to help hold your hands up in ministry.

Key Verse: Exodus 18: 17-23

Key Thought/Application: You need to work yourself out of a ministry … Give it away…but give it away to people who are proven responsible!

KNOW GOD’S SPECIFIC PLAN FOR YOUR SPECIFIC MINISTRY.

Don’t listen to things the “culture” recommends and elevates that compromise the Gospel.

Key Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Key Thought/Application: You’ve got to spend time with the father in prayer in order to know his heart beat for your ministry.

PROVIDE A MINISTRY OF EXCELLENCE THAT HONORS GOD.

“Success means being the best. Excellence means being your best. Success, to many, means being better than everyone else. Excellence means being better tomorrow than you were yesterday. Success means exceeding the achievements of other people. Excellence means matching your practice with your potential.” Brian Harbour

Key Verse: Ecc 9:10

Key Thought/Application: Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing right things. Excellence is doing right things right.

Closing Thoughts: Two things in ministry that really matter.

Be Authentic…be the “real deal”.
Be anointed…spend time along with God!

25 October 2011 Wes Cantrell, Young Adult Pastor, First Baptist Woodstock Share This

Sunday School Provides What Young Adults Need

Whether single or married, Christian or unChristian, Young Adults have very specific needs when it comes to following Christ in today’s world. Sunday School done right addresses each of these needs.What do young adults need?

1. Community – Young adults are looking for a community they can join and “do life” with. Sunday School provides a place for young adults to find that community. In addition to the actual class time, most classes have sub-groups that meet throughout the week as well as special events and service projects that everyone can join together in.
2. Depth – Many young adults feel like the church does not respect their intelligience. Sunday School is the perfect place to address these concerns. Teachers can deal with hot button issues that are going on in society today. They can also study apologetics so that young adults will not only affirm what they believe but understand why they believe it.
3. Responsibility – Young adults want to be part of something that is making a difference. They want to take on leadership roles and rally around causes. Sunday School provides an appropriate platform for young adults to spread their leadership wings and get involved in the community and the world.
4. Connection (mentors) – Young adults are looking to connect with those from the previous generation. Sunday School provides a place where mentors can invest in the lives of the next generation. Where else is this going to happen?
5. Focus – Young adults who have children need to have a regular time when they are not distracted by their children and can focus on their own spiritual needs. They also need to know that their children are well taken care of and are being taught biblical values at the same time. Sunday School fits the bill perfectly.

Bottom Line: When Sunday School is implemented correctly, it effectively addresses the needs of young adults like no other organization can!

10 October 2011 Johnny Hunt, Pastor, First Baptist Woodstock

Fundamentals of Sunday School

Enjoy this excerpt Johnny Hunt led for hundreds of churches and church leaders on the fundamentals of Sunday School. We look forward to seeing you in 2012 at Sunday School in HD!

7 September 2011 Allan Taylor ,Minister of Education, First Baptist Woodstock

Why Sunday School Is So Important?

Sunday School has been around for decades. Most churches still have a functioning Sunday School. However, many questions have been raised as to the validity of Sunday School in an ever-changing world. Questions such as…

What is the benefit of a Sunday School ministry in a local church? What role does Sunday School play in the context of the church’s ministry? Does Sunday School fulfill a vital function in helping the church reach her mission? Does Sunday School still have relevancy in the 21st century? These questions beg to see the context of Sunday School in the contemporary church. I want to give you six reasons why Sunday School is still relevant, vital, and needed.

1. Sunday School gives the church’s DNA a natural, functional, practical expression.
   
   
2. Mission is best accomplished in the context of small groups.
   
   
• Any mission is best accomplished in a setting of small groups of people. This gives everyone an opportunity for input.
  
  
3. Sunday School equips the saints to do the work of the ministry.
   
   
   • Ephesians 4:11-12 is God’s formula for church growth.
     
     “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
     
     
   • We have not found a better way to “equip the saints,” or do “the work of the ministry,” or “edify the body of Christ” than Sunday School.
     
     
   • Sunday School puts people to work doing the ministry, exercising their spiritual gifts, and empowering them with ministry like nothing else. Therefore, Sunday School is in the business of edifying the people of God like nothing else. This ought to cause many to rise up and champion her cause!
     
     
4. Sunday School develops leadership for the church.
   
   
   • If you were to eliminate Sunday School you would see a gradual decline in workers being produced in other ministries as well.
     
     
   • Sunday School is the foundational ministry from which other ministries are able to spin off.
     
     
5. Sunday School gives children a small group experience.
   
   Major concerns for cell churches.
   
   
   • Many do not provide a small group experience for children.
     
     
   • Many do not provide an opporrtunity for a family worship experience.
     
     
6. Sunday School mobilizes the church for evangelism.
   
   
   • Evangelism can best take place in Sunday School.