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Improving Your Ministry Skills

By September 1, 2015No Comments

WebCommunity_lead1RB WEB COMMUNITY: BACK TO SCHOOL!
School bells are ringing! Regular Baptist Web Community offers quality online classes that will benefit you and your ministry.

  • “When the Pulpit Meets the Newsroom: The Ministry of Analyzing and Expounding Current Events” Webinar
    Tuesday: September 29, 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT/9 a.m. MT/8 a.m. PT https://www.garbc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/08/David.jpg
    “Pastors should be exegetes of both Scripture and culture.” This refrain is commonly heard in ministry circles today. But while divinity students spend years learning to exegete Scripture, very little training is ever provided in cultural analysis. Designed to stimulate interest in and competence for cultural exegesis, this workshop, presented by David Gunn, editorial director of publications at Regular Baptist Press, will discuss the why, when, and how of expounding current events and cultural trends in the context of pastoral ministry. Cost:$10, free for members of GARBC churches with discount code: GARBCfree.
    REGISTER now.
  • “Pastoral Care Challenges” Learning lab
    Thursdays: September 24, October 1, and October 8, 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT/9 a.m. MT/8 a.m. PThttps://www.garbc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/08/DaveJones.jpg
    Providing compassionate and appropriate care to a church family today can be complicated and challenging for any pastor or church leader. Sessions will provide Biblical encouragement and practical help in ministering God’s love, grace, and truth to those who may be struggling with a variety of problems today. Also, participants will have the opportunity to interact online or through e-mail with instructor David Jones, pastoral care pastor and mentor. Topics will include compassionate care for hospital patients and the bereaved. A personalized Q & A session and set of notes will be included in this three-part learning lab. Cost: $20, free for members of GARBC churches with discount code: GARBCfree. REGISTER now.
  • “Strong Church: Building and Measuring Mature Disciples” Learning lab
    Thursdays: October 15, 22, and 29, 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT/9 a.m. MT/8 a.m. PTJohn
    How does a church become strong? The singular answer is that intentional instruction of the Word of God develops believers toward spiritual maturity. These three-part sessions, led by GARBC National Representative John Greening, will guide participants in developing an instructional taxonomy for teaching the whole Bible, designing tools to assess the progress of disciples toward spiritual maturity, and creating instructional plans to improve the learning environment within the church. The book Strong Church will be required reading. Cost: $20, free for members of GARBC churches with discount code: GARBCfree. REGISTER now.

PASTORS’ AND WIVES’ BAPTIST NETWORK NORTHWEST RETREAT
Ministry couples in the Northwest have it right; relaxation, reconnecting, and rejoicing in the Word add to longevity in the Lord’s work. Their “Time Out” retreat promises to be a rejuvenating time on the beautiful Oregon coast at Cannon Beach, September 14–17. See brochure. Register at BNN events.

SEVERAL VENUES FOR STRENGTHENING YOUR MINISTRY SKILLS
The Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches Messenger e-newsletter lists the following ministry-enriching opportunities:

  • “Preparing for Cross-cultural Ministry” Course

Global Impact Services is offering a four-week course, “Preparing for Cross-cultural Ministry: Four Essential Skills,” taught by Director Mark Sigmon. Classes will be held on Monday evenings, September 21, 28, October 5, and 12, 6:30–9:00 p.m. at Crossroads Bible Church 800 Scribner, Grand Rapids, MI. Registration is $50; $75 per couple. Seminar textbook is $20. For more information about the course, contact Mark Sigmon, or to learn more about GIS, visit www.globalimpactservices.org.

  • “Grasping God’s Story”: Bible Conference in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Dr. Mike Wittmer of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary will be the featured speaker at a one-day Bible conference, centering on the theme “Grasping God’s Story: Understanding Who You Are and Why You Are Here.” The conference will take place at Lakefield Baptist Church, McMillan, Michigan. Cost: free, lunch provided. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; sessions are from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m..

  • Worship and Songwriting Retreat

GRAIN Worship Music is hosting a Worship Music Songwriting Retreat at Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp, Gowen, Michigan, September 11 and 12.This two-day event will incorporate times of worship and instruction and many opportunities to collaborate with like-minded believers in writing songs that are “by the church, for the church.” Register here.