Too often, churches lower the bar of expectation in an effort to assimilate newcomers into the larger body of a church. Unfortunately, when membership is easy, leaving the church is also easy. That's why some churches are going the opposite direction, introducing a "boot camp" course that carries newcomers through the first few months and turns out knowledgeable, mature, and connected members.

1) Establish ...

Topics:	Adult education, Assimilation, Growth, New members, Newcomers, Spiritual formation, Transition, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Assimilation, Christian education, Discipleship, Evangelism, Pastor, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Timothy 4:7
Date Added:	August 01, 2007

Adults learn differently than children. To connect with adults, it's important that your teaching develop several qualities:

1. Treat adults as adults. The room itself must respect adult sensibilities. Classes that feel inviting to adults have windows, sunlight, fresh air, clean bathrooms, fresh paint, attractive visuals, comfortable chairs—in short, the signs of a place that is alive and open. ...

Topics:	Adult education, Christian education, Curriculum, Discipleship, Small groups, Spiritual formation, Study, Sunday school
Filters:	Bible study, Christian education, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Shepherd, Spiritual director, Sunday school
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Timothy 4:7
Date Added:	August 01, 2007

Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.

Leadership Journal
Fit to Minister
An entire issue of this practical journal for church leaders focuses on internal qualifications of ministry. Includes outstanding articles by James MacDonald, Richard Doebler, and others.
Read it online at:
http://christianitytoday.com/le/9l3/

Being Holy, Being Humanby Jay Kesler How can church ...

Topics:	Authenticity, Character, Christlikeness, Health, Leadership
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Shepherd
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Samuel 2, 1 Timothy 3:1-4:16, Titus 1:7-9
Date Added:	August 27, 2007

Ethical principles can be useful as leaders try to determine boundaries and keep themselves from falling into sin. In this article, psychologist Archibald Hart adapts four important codes that have become standard practice in many fields.

The principle of accountability. We can trace the crisis of integrity today not so much to blatant dishonesty as to a tendency toward autonomy and independence. There ...

Topics:	Accountability, Character, Family, Liability, Relationships, Self-control, Sin, Vulnerability
Filters:	Counseling, Elder, Men, Pastor, Pastoral care, Volunteer, Women, Worship leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Timothy 4:7-8
Date Added:	October 23, 2007