7 Ways To Propel Yourself Forward in Ministry

Today’s ministry memo spotlights the administrative side of ministry we each experience.

This past week, a friend sent me a large list of questions which are meant to help a person focus on becoming more effective. I believe that seven of those questions are wonderfully motivational and also contain a sense of convergence which will help you accomplish more with less energy and time. You may wish to print these out and post them someplace where you can easily reflect upon them each week.

1. What did I learn last week? – All of us should be learning something new every week. It is the basis of growth and creativity.
2. What was my greatest accomplishment over the past week? – It is very motivational and encouraging to give yourself a pat on the back. Taking a honest look at your accomplishments will not only stir up your energy, but it will also help you begin to recognize your areas of strength.
3. What’s the #1 thing I need to accomplish this week? – This is a key factor in staying focused and meeting your objectives.
4. What can I do right now to make the week less stressful? – Bringing structure to your week will aid you in becoming more effective; go ahead and jot notes on your calendar, take care of that small bit of paperwork, get the laundry out of the way, cut the grass, put gas in the car….
5. What have I struggled with in the past that might also affect the upcoming week? – Learning from your struggles will better prepare you for how to handle them this week.
6. What have I been avoiding that needs to get done? – Holding yourself accountable to take care of the important things is an necessary tool to successfully working through each week.
7. What am I looking forward to during the upcoming week? – All of us need something that will motivate us — keep us looking forward and moving ahead. If there isn’t something in your schedule that you are looking forward to this week, then schedule something now. (phone call to a parent, lunch with a friend, walk along the beach, drive through the countryside)

I pray these practical thoughts will aid in moving you forward in ministry.

– Pastor Gary

Reminder from Pastor Gary

Here is another short reminder of the special available to you in Children’s Ministry Today’s Marketplace.

Put any 3 lessons, games, or ebooks into your cart today and you get an INSTANT 20% SAVINGS!  Use any combination of any 3 resources!  The site does the work for you – no codes to type in!

A Peep at New Life – NEW Easter Paper Fold Lesson

Remarkably Creative and Simple to Do!

This paper fold lesson clearly presents the “New Life” we have through Jesus Christ in a way everyone can understand.

All eyes will be attentively watching as you cover the scriptural truths of Romans 6:23, Ephesians 5:2, and 2 Corinthians 5:15, 17 to lead your group into a NEW LIFE with Jesus Christ.

Fully illustrated with easy-to-follow instructions and a fully scripted lesson. All You need are 2 pieces of yellow paper and you are set to go!

Picturing the Easter Story – NEW Gospel Magic Lesson

Here is an interactive way to present the story of Christ’s triumphal entry, death, resurrection, and ascension which culminates with the marvelous truth that Christ did this for YOU!

More than ever before in history, we live in an impersonal world. We have become accustomed to communicating via email, text message, and social websites. It is going almost unnoticed that this is impacting our spiritual relationships and growth. The main point of this message is to bring the focus back to the truth of the close and personal relationship God desires to have with His children.

Prior to using 9 stage-size picture illustrations for teaching your lesson, a volunteer from your group selects a picture from a tic-tac-toe style grid without letting you know their choice. Using a stack of several identical cards prepared with sections cut out, you and your volunteer divide the cards into two stacks. As you lay the last card down onto its stack, you instantly know which picture your volunteer has selected.

All you need is a printer, craft knife, and cardstock to perform this amazing effect.

Includes:

• Instructions
• Lesson
• 10 Stage-size Grid Cards (for Gospel Magic effect)
• 9 Stage-size Picture Cards (for teaching lesson)

Downloadable from CMT’s Marketplace!