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An inside look

June 24, 2010 — 3 Comments

As a church Discipleship Pastor, I can attest that there are many things that go into creating an optimal Bible study experience. Among the most obvious factors are:

  • Quality teachers/leaders
  • Adequate facilities
  • Opportunities to develop relationships
  • Solid Bible-based curriculum

I have plenty of opportunities to address all those factors to one degree or another. This week, however, I was afforded the opportunity to experience part of the process from a different vantage point. For the past two days I was in Nashville at the corporate office of LifeWay Christian Resources, the primary source of the materials used for Sunday School and discipleship classes by the majority of Southern Baptist churches.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear the results from a recent research study that focused on the usability of the Sunday School learner books — and to brainstorm ways that the learner book could be a more essential element of the Bible study experience.

Having served in similar ministry roles for a number of years, I have spent countless hours explaining to teachers and learners alike that the curriculum is not the end-all-be-all; rather, it is a tool to guide the study of Scripture and to help the learner connect the truths of the Bible to everyday life. During my visit to LifeWay, I was pleased to discover that the writers, editors, and creative team members also share that central belief. Their highest priority is to see their products serve a Kingdom purpose by reaching, teaching, and discipling people in communities and churches like yours and mine. The team at LifeWay is also committed to providing avenues for learners to better prepare individually for the lesson time — and to carry out ideas and actions after the class as well.

My inside look at LifeWay found an organization that very much desires to be fresh, relevant, and in-touch with our ever-changing culture — without compromising the never-changing message of the Gospel.

I walked away from this experience feeling confident that LifeWay is not all about the money. The people in this ministry are about life transformation. Their context may be more of a business model that most churches, but these individuals are utilizing their God-given abilities for the sake of the Kingdom.

The eventual outcome of this two-day brainstorming session is not yet clear. However, I can say without reservation that there are some new things on the horizon to help churches better connect with individuals, to help individuals better connect with God, and to help those who don’t yet know Him to understand why all this work is so important.

It’s not about printed materials; it’s about people. More than that, it’s about Him.

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Every day counts

June 20, 2010 — 1 Comment

Sometimes I find myself really enjoying the music and beat of a song without really paying much attention to the words. In his Father’s Day message today, my pastor referenced the lyrics of the popular song “Cat’s in the Cradle.” That’s one of those songs that I’ve heard many times over yet never really took the time to hear the message.

Cat’s in the Cradle
by Harry and Mary Chapin

A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He’d say, “I’m gonna be like you, dad.
You know I’m gonna be like you.”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

My son turned ten just the other day.
He said, “Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let’s play.
Can you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today,
I got a lot to do.” He said, “That’s ok.”
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,
Said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah.
You know I’m gonna be like him.”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

Well, he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man I just had to say,
“Son, I’m proud of you. Can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head, and he said with a smile,
“What I’d really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys.
See you later. Can I have them please?”

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then, dad.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.”
He said, “I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time.
You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got the flu,
But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad.
It’s been sure nice talking to you.”
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
He’d grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me.

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when,
But we’ll get together then, dad.
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

Life is precious. Time is fleeting. Every day counts. As a father myself, I pray that I will be the kind of role model that I’ll be glad for my children to follow. If you’re a dad reading this and aren’t exactly proud of the example you’ve been, I encourage you to take some time to reach out to your children and decide to make the most of whatever time and opportunities you have left. You can’t turn back time, and words can’t undo any damage that’s been done. But every day counts.

One never knows what tomorrow holds.

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