For anyone checking out the link I provided for Bible Teaching Methods Using Puppets, I've just discovered that these resource pages are only live for one month and then replaced with new ones. So sorry about that. :-(
Hi Wendy! Thanks for this link... it's the first place I generally go to for information, but didn't find what I was looking for. Will follow up with DMC. :-)
Hi Kathy - our church has a prayer calendar in which each day (Mon - Fri) we list a person/family that members of our congregation can pray for. On the other side of this calendar, we print a second calendar with names of those who are celebrating a birthday and the specific date. Not everyone submits their names for the birthday calendar, but many do.
Hi Pete - Yes, you are correct that we are developing a phone app that will have the capacity for online giving. The app is currently in a test phase with churches in Classis Niagara and we are hoping to have it go live across Canada this fall. The app of course is capable of doing way more than provide ways for people to give - it's also an outreach tool and a way for churches to communicate with members so that they get important information (prayers, announcements) right into the palms of their hands. Additionally members will be able to watch worship videos if unable to attend on a given Sunday, if their church makes such recordings. There will be many other features, so stay tuned.
Hi Amy - for now it's just for Canadian churches, We're still in the test phase, working in one specific classis, but looking forward to a Canada wide launch in the fall. But yes, we're also looking at incorporating US churches and hoping to test it with a few churches in the next little while and see what kind of issues they may encounter.
Hi Staci - thanks for posting this question again. I would also be interested to know what kind of training is provided for elders as this is a topic of interest for many churches.
Thank you Steve! I've read that book and am glad to hear how your small groups are using it to reach out in your community. Wishing you blessings in that!
Tim, I agree with you that the personal connection works the best, and yes, that takes time. In an article I recently read it mentions that recruiting people for ministry should be like that of a dating relationship - taking time to know the person, their gifts and passions - spend time with them, affirm them in their area of giftedness and answer any questions they may have. Let them know there will also be training and support for them in their role (which is another key ingredient so people feel empowered).
Posted in: Bible Teaching Method Using Puppets
For anyone checking out the link I provided for Bible Teaching Methods Using Puppets, I've just discovered that these resource pages are only live for one month and then replaced with new ones. So sorry about that. :-(
Posted in: Request Forms for Benevolence?
Hi Wendy! Thanks for this link... it's the first place I generally go to for information, but didn't find what I was looking for. Will follow up with DMC. :-)
Posted in: Request Forms for Benevolence?
Thanks Erin! I'll follow up with Tammy. :-)
Posted in: Ideas for Recognizing Birthdays in a Congregation?
Hi Kathy - our church has a prayer calendar in which each day (Mon - Fri) we list a person/family that members of our congregation can pray for. On the other side of this calendar, we print a second calendar with names of those who are celebrating a birthday and the specific date. Not everyone submits their names for the birthday calendar, but many do.
Posted in: Ideas for Recognizing Birthdays in a Congregation?
Hi Kathy - no, we don't list ages. I don't think everyone would be happy about that. :-)
Posted in: Smartphone App for Sunday Giving?
Hi Pete - Yes, you are correct that we are developing a phone app that will have the capacity for online giving. The app is currently in a test phase with churches in Classis Niagara and we are hoping to have it go live across Canada this fall. The app of course is capable of doing way more than provide ways for people to give - it's also an outreach tool and a way for churches to communicate with members so that they get important information (prayers, announcements) right into the palms of their hands. Additionally members will be able to watch worship videos if unable to attend on a given Sunday, if their church makes such recordings. There will be many other features, so stay tuned.
Posted in: Smartphone App for Sunday Giving?
Hi Amy - for now it's just for Canadian churches, We're still in the test phase, working in one specific classis, but looking forward to a Canada wide launch in the fall. But yes, we're also looking at incorporating US churches and hoping to test it with a few churches in the next little while and see what kind of issues they may encounter.
Posted in: Access to Sermon DVDs?
Hello Jerry - Calvin Seminary's Center for Excellence in Preaching also has some sermons available in audio format. You can find them here.
Posted in: How Does Your Church Transition New Deacons Into Their Role?
Hi Staci - thanks for posting this question again. I would also be interested to know what kind of training is provided for elders as this is a topic of interest for many churches.
Posted in: What kind of ministry activities are churches doing in their local communities?
Thanks Karl! So are you one of those volunteers now that you're in retirement? :-)
Posted in: What kind of ministry activities are churches doing in their local communities?
Thank you Steve! I've read that book and am glad to hear how your small groups are using it to reach out in your community. Wishing you blessings in that!
Posted in: Elder/Deacon Nominees?
Tim, I agree with you that the personal connection works the best, and yes, that takes time. In an article I recently read it mentions that recruiting people for ministry should be like that of a dating relationship - taking time to know the person, their gifts and passions - spend time with them, affirm them in their area of giftedness and answer any questions they may have. Let them know there will also be training and support for them in their role (which is another key ingredient so people feel empowered).