Part 5 – It’s About the People
Jesus died for you and me. The Gospel has been, is, and will always be about Jesus offering salvation to all people. The church, our ministry, and our focus is and should always be about reaching people with the Gospel, equipping them with the truth of God’s Word, caring for and ministering to one another and with those whom God places in our path.
Why should we reach and enroll new people? Because people need to know that Jesus died for them. They need to know they can be a part of a small group of people who will love them, guide them and lead them to share Christ and live for Christ. That is why small groups are so important.
Why should we regularly, consistently teach people God’s truth from His Word? Because people need to know what Jesus can and will do for them and through them. God’s Word is our guide to living for Jesus and allowing Him to live through us. Most Christians don’t open God’s Word on a regular basis. They need someone to show them how to read, study and memorize God’s Word. We teach them how to feed themselves spiritually through God’s Word. How amazing it would be if every believer was reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word every day?
Why should we care for one another and for those God places in our path? Jesus said in John 13:35 (CSBBible), 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our actions matter. Jesus died for people. I think He considers people worthy of our time, attention, and treasure. We must love others, even when they are not loving towards us or others. That makes us different. When we love people, the light of Jesus shines through us.
Re-Engaging your Sunday School or Small Group ministry matters because people matter. That’s not a political or racial statement. God has been saying that a whole long longer than any organization or political group.
Still need more ideas?
Join us on Monday, August 10th and Tuesday August 11th, for Louisiana Baptists first ever, Digital ReGroup Conference. Not only will this be a timely message for those who lead the Sunday School and/or Small Group Ministry in their church, but ESPECIALLY for all those who lead a class or small group every week. We need to prepare these wonderful lay people who have the responsibility of making disciples through their class or small group for the New Normal.
We are asking you to commit to one hour. Below, you will see the schedule and the people who can help us understand the opportunities and challenges we face for the next few weeks and months. The webinar is free. All you have to do is register and watch.
This is a free event and registration is open now at LouisianaBaptists.org/ReGroup20
Go to this event page and click on your session of interest (under the Register Here header), a registration box will drop down. Upon completion for this free event, you will receive a confirmation/invitation link via email. You may register for any or all of the sessions.
If you can’t participate in the live webcast, you can view it online. The recording will be available at our website by Friday, August 14th.
Here is the Digital ReGroup schedule:
- Pastors/Staff/Key Ministry Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 6:00-7:00 PM
With Special Guests Steve Bennett, Pastor, First, Moss Bluff, Matt Endris, Pastor, Fairview, Coushatta and Sean Keith, Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist, Louisiana Baptists, with Host Stewart Holloway, Pastor, First, Pineville.
- Adult Leaders – Monday, August 10th, 7:30–8:30 PM
Special Guest David Apple, Adult Ministry Consultant, Nashville, TN, and Jeff Ingram, Adult Ministry & Church Administration Strategist, Louisiana Baptists, with Host Stewart Holloway, Pastor, First, Pineville.
- Next Gen/Preschool/Children’s Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM
Special Guest, Mark Jones, Children’s Pastor, Quail Springs, Oklahoma City, OK and David Anderson, Children’s Strategist, Louisiana Baptists, with Host Dr. Steve Horn, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptists, Alexandria.
- Next Gen/Student Leaders – Tuesday, August 11th, 7:30-8:30 PM
Special Guests Blake Lewis, Middle School Pastor, First, Haughton; Ray McCon, Minister to Students, Walker, Walker and Brandon Lewis, Youth Strategist, Louisiana Baptists, with Host Dr. Steve Horn, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptists, Alexandria.
Mark these dates and times on your calendar and make every effort to join us live.
