Monday, September 11, 2023

Song of the Month: Jesus strong and kind

 Jesus strong and kind by City Alight








Children's Ministry Curriculum - GROW KIDS

 

A Lectionary based Children’s Ministry curriculum
GROW Kids provides a lesson plan for each Sunday of the Church year. This resource allows you to GROW Kids in knowing Jesus and his love through story telling, worship and service.
GROW Kids understands that groups of children that gather for a children’s ministry program are often small and that the ages vary. This resource provides opportunities for you to tailor the sessions to suit your audience. The creative response is a suggestion, if you have a better idea, please feel free to make whatever tweaks and changes you need to meet the needs of the children in your group.
Visit the site to download an example
Current cost is $50 (Australian) for the year - downloadable


Book: This is most certainly true - learning Jesus Christ through Luther's Small Catechism

This is most certainly true - learning Jesus Christ through Luther's Small Catechism

Dr Mark Worthing

This is most certainly true is an engagement with Luther's Small Catechism that helps us discover Jesus Christ for today's context, with a biblical focus.  Dr Worthing discusses more deeply in an easy to digest manner each section of the catechism and their relevance for knowing Jesus, life and faith.

This book is ideal for:

  • Anyone new to the Christian faith or Lutheranism
  • Confirmation instruction
  • New Members classes
  • Small groups looking to  review or renew their faith
  • Resource for worship and sermons
  • Devotional resource

Reviews and recommendations

"This clear, lively engagement with Luther's Small Catechism grows you in faith, while at the same time helping you to reflection what this means for daily living. Ideal for small groups focused on discipleship."  Robert Bartholomaeus - Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia, NSW & ACT

"This is Most Certainly True highlights beautifully the brilliance of Martin Luther's Small Catechism. [It] reminds us how relevant and applicable Luther's Small Catechism still is today and how it cuts through to the basic simple truths of God's love for us, and how we can live a purposeful and meaningful life."   Carolyn Teusner, mother and carer

"Dr Worthing;s explanation of Luther's Small Catechism clears up much confusion surrounding Christian faith and values today with a clear presentation of the message of the gospel. It will be of great help both to Church leaders, including clergymen/women, and to everyday believers seeking uphold professional and moral standards and to live as people of faith."  Peter Garang Deng, educator

"Not having been brought up in a Christian family, this book was a wonderful inspiration for me and will benefit anyone wanting a better understanding of the essentials of the Bible. It is a clearly written and concise analysis of Luther's Small Catechism and will appeal to those wanting to learn more about Lutheran doctrine as well as Christianity generally. This is Most Certainly True is a powerful tool for the Christian life which I highly recommend."   Peter Geyer, lawyer

Australian Christian Resources


Book: Resilient Pastor by Glen Packiam

How can pastors become resilient in a rapidly changing world? Is it possible to love well and lead faithfully? In the wake of crises that have exposed and accelerated massive cultural shifts, we see more clearly the seismic shifts of post-Christendom, the surging storms of a new paganism and pluralism, and the scattered debris of the cultural aftermath.

Drawing on new research from the Barna Group, Scripture, and church history, pastor, theologian, and researcher Glenn Packiam addresses some of the most pressing questions for today's leaders, including

- What is a pastor's calling and vocation?

- How do church leaders regain credibility in a disillusioned world?

- How do church leaders cultivate a deeper life with God?

- How do pastors develop meaningful relationships?

- Why does the church gather in worship? Does it still matter if we do?

- How do we actually make disciples in this new landscape?

- How can we face the challenges to unity presented by nationalism and racism?

- What is the church's mission in the world?

- How do we welcome the presence and power of God in our churches?

This book is for all who are burdened by the challenges facing the church as well as the turbulence of our times. With infographics, enlightening data, and insights from other ministry leaders, this book is the perfect resource for church leaders who want to cultivate resilience in their ministry today.

Available from

Australian Christian Resources

Koorong

Word


Thursday, January 19, 2023

Reading the bible with a mission lens

Reading the bible with a mission lens is about engaging with God and His word, that leads us into being part of His mission in the world.   
A good way to do this is by reflecting on and responding to 5 key questions as you read a passage of scripture.
  1. What is this passage saying about who God is?
  2. What is this passage saying about who you are?
  3. What is this passage saying about God's relationship with you (and others those in and outside His church)?
  4. How is this passage encouraging you to be part of the Body of Christ, God's church?
  5. How is this passage encouraging you (and others who are part of the Body of Christ) to engage with people who are in your community or you will cross paths with?
Reading the bible with a mission lens, should lead us to engaging with Christians in helping others to connect with God and His mission of grace.