Resource Pack #17

How do I receive a Resource Pack?

We are offering this resource pack to Vanguard members at a cost of $69.00 plus shipping and handling. To order, please call (800) 630-2838. You may charge your purchase to Visa or Master Card or make payment with a personal/business check.

Resources included in this pack:

1. CD: Five Smooth Stones

    by Dr. B. Courtney McBath

Most of you know Bishop McBath and respect his excellent track record as a pastor and apostle with Calvary Alliance of Churches and Ministers. Each fall CACM sponsors a leadership gathering with top drawer ministry guests. This year I wanted to select one message from the conference which I thought would bless you the most. To me it was an obvious choice; it was Bishop McBath’s Friday evening message. In this stirring word, he identifies the essential preparation necessary for defeating the giants in your life. It reveals the hidden value of spending time in the valley. It will help you to discover how momentum is vital for your victory—personal and ministry. Dr. McBath paints a vivid picture of David’s victory over Goliath and stirs the listener to face the giants in their own lives. I think you will agree; it is a keeper!

2. Book: Hearing God: 30 Different Ways

     by Larry Kreider

“One of the greatest books ever written on recognizing the voice of God.” Dr. Bill Hamon, offers a quality endorsement for Larry’s newest book. All of Larry’s books have blessed me but I think you will find this very practical and useful—for any believer or leader. The Lord speaks to us in ways we often miss. He has many ways of speaking, including through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, spiritual gifts, common sense wisdom, conviction, His character, His peace, natural things, and even in times of silence. Discover how God’s voice becomes familiar to you as you develop a loving relationship with Him. We all know how imperative it is to hear from God regularly—it is the essence of leading. You will surely gain some encouragement and guidance from this book.

3. Book: Membership Matters: Insights from Effective Churches      on New Member Classes and Assimilation

    by Chuck Lawless

I have come to view assimilation as one of the keys for healthy churches. Many never develop or implement a well-conceived plan for assimilating new people into the local church. I met Chuck recently and thought this resource would be helpful to your church. “This is a book of hope and possibility in difficult days. Read it for enjoyment. Read it for encouragement. But more than anything, read it to see what God might do in your church for his glory.” Thom S. Rainer, Author of Breakout Churches. Filled with insightful data and anecdotal evidence, this extremely practical book will be a blessing to church leaders wanting to begin or improve membership classes for their church. It’s possible to have an assimilation plan with lasting impact, and this book will show you one way to do it.

4. DVD: Sermonspice.com (A series of five short DVD clips to enchance sermon messages)

Pastors and teachers need to be connecting with their audiences every week. It’s not easy to stay culturally relevant. One thing I have discovered is that this generation needs visual communication, not only verbal. Sermonspice is a great resource for those who want a shortcut to locating video clips to be used as sermon illustrations or other creative applications. This DVD includes: “ God Has a Plan ”, (This video is a powerful portrayal of God’s future plan for human redemption.); “ Conspiracy ”, ( Peek behind the scenes . Eavesdrop on demons as they twist, manipulate and skew the truth of the gospel from their perspective…); “ From Joseph’s Quill ”, (Joseph, husband of the virgin Mary, writes a letter to his mother describing Mary ’s miracle conception, his decision to marry her, their journeys, and the birth of Jesus.); “ The Light ”, (Light is powerful and the calling of the Holy Spirit is sweet music. Those in the dark are often confused by this. For those who understand, their lives are changed forever.); and “ Stations ”, (In this Digital Glass version of The Stations, Ghislane Howard’s paintings cause us to do more than wait. Unromanticized and stark, her images demand that we enter in…viscerally…to the reality and horror of Christ’s agony.) Use these freely; we have purchased the copyright unlimited use of them for each of you!

5 . Articles on Teamwork

From time to time, I find articles which are worth sharing. I have copied three articles on team building teams within organizations. They are current, relevant, and insightful. None of these are written from a Christian perspective, but I know you can easily apply them to your ministry teams.

• “Leading Resonant Teams” by Daniel Goleman
• “ Making Teams Work at the Top” by Jon R. Katzenbach
• “The Trouble with Teamwork” by Patrick M. Lencioni

6. Sample Welcome Packet

 from New Life Providence Church

One of our partner churches developed a series of really well done informational pieces launched during their dedication of new facilities---it’s good to learn from one another.