Devotionals, Educational, Teacher Resources
Just One Starfish
2 Chronicles 22-23 After a succession of evil kings, Queen Ataliah takes control of the Southern Kingdom of Israel and assassinates every potential heir to the throne…except one! Joash is one year old when Jehoida the priest and his wife Jeshoshabeth hide him in the temple and protect him from certain death. For six years… Read More
Devotionals, Educational
The Little Boy In The Woods
Once upon a time a little boy lived with his father in a cabin in the woods. On the other side of the woods the boy’s grandmother lived in a small white house surrounded by a neat, white picket fence. There was a road around the woods, but they boy had been told NEVER to… Read More
Educational, Teacher Resources
Tip # 6 for Bible Class Teachers
WHAT ABOUT CLASS OFFICERS? The greater the number of members who have a specific responsibility, the greater sense of ownership they will feel in the class. Here are some possible officer positions. The size of your class will determine which officers are necessary: Care group leadersPrayer captain and subsSocial chairperson (heads planning social events and… Read More
Church Choir, Church Orchestra, Educational, Teacher Resources, Worship
“I Fired Myself”!
Herb was human resources manager of a multinational textiles firm for forty years. As we were discussing a recent employee who had to be terminated, I asked him if that was tough. “No”, Herb replied. “He fired himself; I just confirmed it!” Whether in business or church life, occasionally it becomes necessary to face the… Read More
Educational, Teacher Resources
TIP #4 for Bible Study Teachers
WHAT’S YOUR POINT? Every Bible study lesson should have ONE main point that you want the class to take with them when they leave. Always keep that point in mind as you share the lesson. Here are some practical ways to keep your lesson objective in front of the class: The title of the lesson… Read More
Educational, Teacher Resources
TIP #3 FOR BIBLE TEACHERS
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS I prefer discussion to lecture, so I have found that asking an appropriate question to begin the lesson stirs imagination and interest. Just be sure to ask a question that requires more than a “yes” or “no” response. Here are some questions that require a thoughtful response: What is the purpose… Read More
Educational, Teacher Resources
Tip # 2 for Bible Study Teachers
LESSON PREPARATION Many classes use quarterlies. Others, like the ones I have taught, involve lessons that are designed by the teacher. (Several of my lesson series and individual lesson plans can be found at www.johnggage.com…) Regardless of where your initial lessons originate, lesson plan preparation is a must! Here are a few resources I have found… Read More
Educational, Teacher Resources
Tip#1 For Bible Study Teachers
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST The pastor was hurrying to the service, and passed two young men in the hall. “How are you guys”? He asked jovially. One of them mumbled a response, but the pastor was in a hurry. “That’s great!” He glibly replied as he rushed to the worship center. Later that day the pastor received… Read More
Church Choir, Church Orchestra, Devotionals, Educational
Leading by affirmation
What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? (I Cor. 4:21) In 1971 I was one of a couple hundred young instrumentalists invited to participate in the state college honor band. Our conductor was a well-known band director from a major college, and was… Read More
Church Orchestra, Educational, FREE Resource
The Instrumental Music Ministry by Kenn Hughes
In September of 2013, Kenn Hughes hosted the Florida Baptist Convention’s Worship Expo for the Instrumental Music Ministry. He developed a program to instruct Orchestra Directors, Instrumental Ensemble Leaders, and Music Ministers on how to start an instrumental ministry program and then how to grow it. Kenn has graciously allowed us to offer you this resource… Read More