Westerners who start home churches or cell groups often ask how to deal with their children during gatherings. The answer is simple. Replace Western traditions with the biblical way to deal with all believers during a meeting, including children. Let all believers express their spiritual gifts and natural talents, by enabling all to participate in some way, and helping those in different age groups to work closely together. 1. Let children participate actively, doing more than simply … [Read more...]

John 2:1-12 POY! SKIT GUIDELINES: In a small group, participants might simply read their lines, or glance at their lines to get the idea so they can speak in their own words. Most POY! skits require no practice in advance. Have any small children play a brief part. Most scripts have an optional part for children, listed last under Participants. Most scripts have a Narrator who should read the script beforehand to see how to keep moving the story along. It is not necessary to employ … [Read more...]

Acts 9:1-31 POY! SKIT GUIDELINES: In a small group, participants might simply read their lines, or glance at their lines to get the idea so they can speak in their own words. Most POY! skits require no practice in advance. Have any small children play a brief part. Most scripts have an optional part for children, listed last under Participants. Most scripts have a Narrator who should read the script beforehand to see how to keep moving the story along. It is not necessary to employ … [Read more...]

  The camel method, which uses passages in the Koran to open conversations about Jesus, has yielded good results in some parts of the Muslim world. In other parts, workers find other approaches more effective. The camel approach is to ask a Muslim to tell you, or study together with you, what the Koran teaches about Jesus the Messiah (Isa in Arabic). Then, when a relationship is established and you can converse without arguing, proceed to the New Testament’s record of the Messiah’s … [Read more...]

  Making Disciples That Obey Jesus’ CommandsResources Based upon the Teachings of Dr. George Patterson Introduction to the 7 Basic Commands of Jesus 1. Repent, believe and receive the Holy Spirit Mark 1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" 2. Be baptized Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” 3. Love God and … [Read more...]

  The readings come from all parts of the Bible and depict activities that God requires of believers. Choose readings from the level of those you teach. Readings are listed in three sections: Beginners, The Growing, and The Mature. Prepare. To enhance participation, study a reading by yourself first, and then lead discussion when you meet as a small group or family. Tell folks what to listen for, before reading or telling a Bible story. In the studies below, see the word Find above … [Read more...]

  Discern between… New Testament commands  Apostolic practices  Human traditions This exercise in discernment has proven effective for settling church disputes, ascertaining the level of authority for a church activity, making plans, and establishing priorities.  LEVEL 1: New Testament Commands The first level of authority includes all the New Testament commands. We must obey these, and must not hinder any believer or group doing so. These include Jesus’ commands, which … [Read more...]

  Obedience-oriented education originated inHonduras. It grew out of a “TEEE” program, which grew out of a TEE program, which grew out of a TE program. Let us explain these E's TE means Theological Education, usually in a resident seminary or Bible institute. TEE means Theological Education by Extension. TEEE means Theological Education and Evangelism by Extension. Any of these three types of Theological Education can be obedience-oriented, if it builds the curriculum on the … [Read more...]

  Acquire the language you will speak in the field where God is sending you. Learn it in a way that enables you to bond with the people and their culture. Speak it with little or no accent, building relationships in the process. Language learning is best done through much interaction with ordinary folk, while one is residing among them in their culture. Avoid classroom-based language learning programs. A program that has been highly effective for missionaries is called LAMP, Language … [Read more...]

  This document presents thirty small group activities. Begin practicing them in any order. Consult the Index below as a menu or checklist, to select activities that meet current needs. Mark off an activity when the small group is practicing it well, or if it does not apply. INDEX A. All Ministries Are Built on the Rock, Jesus Christ 1. Lay the one foundation by obeying the commands of Jesus before all else 2. Obey, and teach others to obey Jesus’ command to repent, believe and receive … [Read more...]