For God, who said, 'let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck ...

Topics:	Calling, Growth, Master plan, Motivation, Obedience, Spiritual formation
Filters:	Counseling, Discipleship, Pastor, Pastoral care, Preaching, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Corinthians 4:6-11
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

We grow in the values of the kingdom symbiotically—that is, by cooperating with the work of God in our lives. Here's an activity, done best in a relaxed setting, to sharpen our awareness of what God is doing to shape us into the image of Christ.

Materials needed: A five or ten-pound block of red or brown clay (available for under $10 at most art supply stores); washbasin and several old towels; ...

Topics:	Core values, Direction, Evaluation, Goals, Master plan, Objectives, Planning, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Outreach, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Hebrews 13:20-21
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Churches effective in outreach connect with the cultural, economic, and social aspects of their communities. This exercise will help your team identify connection points in your community and match community needs with church strengths.

Have each person name five people who have had the greatest positive impact on him or her. The list may contain the names of a parent, coworker or minister. ...

Topics:	Discipleship, Empowerment, Leadership, Mentoring, Teamwork
Filters:	Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Mentoring, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Corinthians 4:1-7, Titus 3:8
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

A man who joined our fellowship came out of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Three months after his conversion, his daughter died. Then the woman he had been dating broke off their relationship.

Then his business collapsed. It's now half of what it used to be.

Today, this man comes to three weekend services. He can't seem to get enough of God. He's not ready for significant leadership right now, but he's on ...

Topics:	Confrontation, Difficult people, Healing, Leadership, Mentoring, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care
Filters:	Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Small groups, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 1 Timothy 3
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Acts 24:24-26

It would be fun, I think, to ask the writer of Acts, "What do you think about the modern disinterest in the gospel?" Luke probably would say, "Has anybody physically beat you for preaching the gospel? That's the response we got."

Luke, of course, has amazing confidence in the power of the Word. Despite hardships, he tells a story of the Word leaping over boundaries. Some, ...

Topics:	Character, Culture, Discernment, Discipleship, History, Relevance, Trends, Vision
Filters:	Elder, Finances, Fundraising ministry, Pastor, Small group leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Acts 24:24-26, 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:6
Date Added:	September 27, 2007