Pat Ford Blogs

LifeWay's Gospel Project To Provide In-depth Curriculum

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

For the first time in more than a decade, LifeWay Christian Resources is releasing a new ongoing Bible study series for children, students and adults under one theme.

The Gospel Project is an in-depth and Gospel-centered Bible study designed to help participants examine the deeper theological and missional concepts in the text. It is slated for preorder in June and features a three-year study plan with 13-week units. Each unit uses an age-appropriate voice, depth and course of study. Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, serves as general editor for The Gospel Project.

Read the article on Baptist Press here ...

Explore the Gospel Project website (gospelproject.com) here ...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

LifeWay VBS 2012: Amazing Wonders Aviation

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

2012 is finally here! That means Vacation Bible School time is right around the corner. It’s nice to know that lifeway.com/vbs is just a click away. This is the place to view what every age group (preschoolers through adults) will be studying during VBS. You can download free clip art, view VBS promo and rotation videos, listen to the VBS music, and share ideas with others. While you’re there be sure to order your VBS 2012 Super Sampler before you leave!

Another wonderful online resource to tap into is our VBS blog. Follow our blog and you’ll not only get to know a little about the people who create LifeWay’s VBS, you’ll be among the first to hear about everything related to VBS 2012.

Become a fan of VBS on Facebook! You’ll connect with other VBS fans and stay up-to-date on all things VBS.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Give Men Three New Reasons To Come To Your Church

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Before you can help men get on a spiritual pathway, you have to get them connected to your church. Three new simulcast events give men a compelling reason to attend, even those who are already coming on Sunday. Click here to learn more about “Get In” and the LifeWay men’s ministry strategy. Visit www.lifeway.com/men to learn more about these new simulcast events.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Super Bowl Provides Super Outreach Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

By Jason Ellerbrook

Last year, more than 111 million people watched Super Bowl XLV to see the Green Bay Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers. That's a lot of people in one place at one time.This year, the NFL has given its blessing for churches to broadcast the Super Bowl, relaxing a previously restrictive policy and allowing public showings of the big game on TVs larger than 55 inches. Churches can now legally have a Super Bowl party without violating the league's copyright.

Read more...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Teach The Bible For Life Conference - September 28-29

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

“How can I tell if the people I work with in my ministry are maturing in their faith?” That’s a question many leaders ask, and for good reason. They want to know if what they are doing is making a difference in the lives of their people.

Teach the Bible for Life will help Bible study leaders of all age groups and ministries develop their personal Bible study skills in reading and interpreting Scripture and help equip leaders to teach the Bible in order to make a difference in the lives of preschoolers, children, students, and adults!

Keynote speakers include Dr. George Guthrie, author of Read the Bible for Life, who will help you understand and interpret the Scripture on your own. Dr. Gary Bredfelt, author of Great Leader, Great Teacher: Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leadership and Creative Bible Teaching will help you learn how to teach the Bible to impact the lives of your members.

Choose from 6 hours of Early Bird and Breakout Sessions for Pastors, Ministers of Education, Sunday School Directors, as well as teachers of Adults, Students, Children, and Preschoolers!

Join other Sunday School and Bible study leaders for an interactive, high-impact two-day event! Learn how to read and teach the Bible for life!

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Power To Win Offers Super Bowl Outreach Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The Super Bowl is the largest annual sporting event in the United States. Last year’s event drew 111 million viewers. Many churches and small groups will use the event to bring people together to share in the excitement of the game, the food, and the fun.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the believers in your church could share something else—the gospel of Jesus?

LifeWay has partnered with Sports Spectrum to make it possible and easy to add a faith component to the big game. Their Power to Win product offers a variety of evangelisticmaterials, including a DVD to show at halftime or before the game. Its main goals are to reach the lost and also encourage people in their faith. Past hosts include Reggie White, Tony Dungy, and Kurt Warner. This year, Power To Win will have multiple hosts: Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday and Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, along with former players Hunter Smith and Heath Evans. Their stories will be focused on character and grace. Click here to see a video preview. As always, the video will finish with the plan for salvation. Because of this resource, more than 65,000 peoplehave made commitments to Christ and thousands more have recommitted their lives to Christ.

The Power To Win video is not just for Sunday football; it can be used for youth events, men’s ministry events, and even children’s church. Click here to learn more about Power to Win.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

LifeWay Films Available For Licensing By Your Church

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Behind every great movie is a great license to show it.
There’s no need to secure a speaker or entertainment for your couples’ Valentine banquet next month—not when you’re showing a LifeWay-licensed movie. Just transform your fellowship hall or family life center into a beautiful dinner theater and show a great faith-based movie.

Choose from:

• COURAGEOUS • No Greater Love • FIREPROOF

Part of a growing library of titles available for licensing by your church, any of these three films offer you a unique tool to reach couples in your church. And the titles provide a great conversation-starter so that your couples can easily invite unchurched friends to attend, too. Plus, you can immediately follow up on showing COURAGEOUS or FIREPROOF at the banquet with a weekly Bible study based on each of these titles.

And because your License lasts for a year, you can show your movie repeatedly:
• Couples’ date and dessert nights
• Saturday matinees
• Men’s tailgate events
• Women’s Ministry dinners

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Pick a title and purchase your License today (DVD included).

Visit lifeway.com/films for more information on our growing library of great family films.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Show Courageous And Use A Store In A Box

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

When you show COURAGEOUS, you can also use Store in a Box to extend the ministry impact of your event and offset expenses.

Here's how it works:
1. Go to www.lifeway.com/storeinabox
2. Choose the Courageous items you'd like to sell at your church.
3. We'll pack up your Store in the Box and ship it to your church for free.
4. Set up a store and sell products before and after the movie.
5. Your church gets a 15 percent incentive credit on all sales.
6. Return any unsold merchandise (that's still in good, salable condition).
7. Use the credit for LifeWay products, such as Bible studies or another movie license.

Visit www.lifeway.com/storeinabox for details.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Film "October Baby" Sends Message Of Hope And Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A tasteful, high-quality, and uplifting film, October Baby suggests that sometimes our future hope can be found in our hidden past. The film tells the story of Hannah Larson who entered a world that didn't want her. In spite of a loving home, she inexplicably felt like an outcast who had no right to exist.

This is the premise for October Baby, a March release from Provident Films. Nineteen-year-old Hannah already feels different enough with certain physical limitations, so her emotional state is somewhat fragile. When medical tests point back to her difficult birth, she learns that she was actually adopted after a failed abortion attempt.

Touching on everyday issues of parenting, college life, and young love, October Baby opens the door to much deeper issues related to abortion, adoption, and broken family relationships. This film can be a wonderful healing agent for those in your church and community who have struggled with any of these situations.

Rent a theater, purchase tickets in bulk, or plan small-group outings and use the film as a springboard for conversations and discussions around the film's topics. Learn more about the film at OctoberBabyMovie.net.

In April, LifeWay will release an accompanying Bible study called Every Life is Beautiful. The four-session study will guide participants through a more in-depth exploration of understanding who you are in Christ, forgiveness, and restoration.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Houston's First Baptist Goes With HCSB

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Back in October I posted here Nine Reasons You Will Love The HCSB. It was about that same time that I was having lots of conversations with pastors and other church leaders about their choice of Bible translations they were using in their ministries. One of those conversations was with Houston's First Baptist Church.

You can read here Pastor Gregg Matte's comments about their decision to begin using the HCSB in all their ministries and why.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"Family & Me" Devotional Helps For January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations! You've made it through one of the toughest months of the year for church leaders. I know you share my gratefulness to God that we are the servants and He is the Master. We go where He says, and do what He tells us to do. The Master takes care of the plan, the resources, and the outcome!

The January 2012 Family & Me Magazine helps is now available. This 2-page PDF download offers solid family ministry helps for pastors, staff, and age-group leaders.

January's issues offer an array of articles to disciple, encourage, and challenge your church on topics like Scripture memorization, ministry to foster children, pornography, idols, learning to pray, finding significance, and more - all from a Christian worldview. LifeWay magazines - underscoring your ministry, extending your reach.

Download the January 2012 Family & Me 2-page PDF now...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"God & Me" Devotional Helps For January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The January 2012 God & Me Devotionals helps is now available. This 2-page PDF download offers a snapshot of the main themes in this months devotionals. This month’s topics include ending spiritual dry spells, trusting the Word of God, and being a friend to someone who is different. Experiencing this vital "God and me" time every day will disciple and transform members of all ages, and as a result, your church.

Click here to download this complimentary two-page PDF with insights to help you find sermon and teaching illustrations in the following devotionals: LifeWalk, Open Windows, Stand Firm (for men), Journey (for women), ec (for teens) and the three devotionals for kids (More, Adventure, Bible Express).

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Ten Goal-setting Questions For Ministers

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

By Bruce Raley

I have two favorite days of the year - New Year's and Easter. There is something special about both of these days for me. I think the commonality is beginnings. Easter represents the new life in Christ because of the resurrection. New Year's Day represents a fresh start at another year of life.

The beginning of a new year is a great time for evaluation, goal-setting and strategic planning. Think through the following questions as a guide to help develop new year as a year of progress and fulfillment in your education ministry:

1. What did you find as most fulfilling in your ministry last year?

2. What did you do in last year that you definitely will not do again this year? (It is always good to acknowledge areas of ministry or ministry projects that may have seemed good ideas at the time but proved to be otherwise.)

3. Answering in a single statement, what do you want to see accomplished in your ministry area this year?

4. To whom will you connect to help you grow in your spiritual, professional and personal life? (Consider meeting on a regular basis with others who are involved in the same ministry. There is something therapeutic, educational and encouraging about being with others who "speak the same language.")

5. In whom will you personally invest significant time and energy this year to help disciple them?

6. Define three or four areas of your work that you will place greater emphasis and energy this year.

7. Identify at least ten leaders that need your attention in order for them to go to the next level of leadership and ministry.

8. How will you manage your time effectively so you will be healthy (physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally)?

9. What will you initiate this year in order to strengthen relationships on your ministry team (up-line as well as horizontal or subordinate relationships)?

10. What have you planned as an educational experience that will help you as a lifelong learner?

It has been said to not look back unless that is the direction you want to go. For most, we desire more in the new year than we experienced in the last year. Take time to evaluate the past, but quickly move forward into new areas of experiences and challenges.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Courageous Resolution Worship Service Download

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I hope your church has been able to leverage the power of Courageous the Movie and plan to show it in your church early in 2012. At the end of the film, we see a "Courageous Resolution" worship service where fathers commit to leading their children and family as courageous men of God.

A resolution event is suggested as part of a church’s worship service on Sunday morning or evening. It should be a time of commitment, accountability, and affirmation of the families involved, as well as for the church/community.

Download the worship service guide here.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"Honor Begins At Home" Ships Beginning January 17th!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Honor Begins at Home: The Courageous Bible Study Leader Kit helps a leader facilitate this compelling Bible study based on the movie Courageous. This 8-session study will take individuals and small groups deeper into biblical truths for a godly family, exploring topics such as redeeming your history, walking with integrity, winning and blessing the hearts of your children, and more.

Every session involves watching a clip from the movie Courageous to help group members engage in discussion. And daily readings from "The Resolution for Men" and "The Resolution for Women" will help you connect with God and His best plan for your family.

Read more and order here...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

January Bible Study For 2012 - Ecclesiastes

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Pursuit: Chasing Answers to Life's Questions, Leader Guide is a January Bible Study for 2012 based on the Book of Ecclesiastes that will raise the most challenging questions that we face in life in a very realistic way; remind us what life is really like when we choose the pattern of this world rather than what God has to give; help us develop an everyday theology, showing us how to shape a Christian worldview in light of the challenges of secularism; serve as a guide for us as we seek to learn how to engage culture in an effective way; and enable us to see afresh our need for the gospel of Jesus Christ. (7 sessions)

Learn more...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"Family & Me" Ministry Helps For December 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Solid Family Ministry Helps for Pastors, Staff, and Age-group Leaders
December brings families together more than any other month, so use these issues to disciple them in a variety of ways. This month’s articles look at how to have peaceful family gatherings, deal with holiday grief, enjoy marriage, treat others with respect, let go of perfection, and more, all from a Christian worldview. LifeWay magazines … underscoring your ministry, extending your reach.

Download "Family & Me" Ministry Helps for December 2011 here...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"God & Me" Ministry Helps For December 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Solid Discipleship Helps for Pastors, Staff, and Age-group Leaders
Aside from offering always-wonderful staying-in-the-Word opportunities, December’s devotionals and articles cover a variety of topics: the birth of a King, recognizing and responding to God’s plan for our lives, anger management, and more. Experiencing this vital “God and me” time every day will disciple and transform members of all ages, and as a result, your church.

Download "God & Me" Ministry Helps for December 2011 here...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

So, Your Church Wants An App?

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:01:00 +0000

By Aaron Linne

Sometimes, the hardest part of any action is simply knowing where to start. Perhaps you've been thinking about branching out and having a mobile app developed for your church. It might be intimidating -- apps are the new, hot thing and you don't want to get it wrong. So let's look at a few options to get you started.

Read more...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

1,000 Churches To Get Apps As Part Of Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

LifeWay Christian Resources and ROAR, a mobile app development group, are giving mobile church apps to 1,000 churches throughout the month of December.

ROAR, LifeWay's recommended church app development partner, will customize mobile apps on the platform of the church's choice. Church leaders can choose either iPhone/iPad, Android, or both.

The mobile apps will feature customizable logos, colors and content.

"We can collect all of the content on a church's website and from other pages -- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs, iTunes -- and package it together in an app so people can find it all in one place on their phone," said Matt McKee, president of ROAR.

"Churches can upload audio sermons as podcasts, post calendar events and event details, upload photos from church events or mission trips, create separate pages for separate ministries and allow people to donate to the church from their mobile devices," said Matt Morris, project manager for LifeWay's Digital Church.

Developing an app usually costs approximately $750 per platform per church, McKee said. As part of the giveaway, churches will only have to pay a discounted hosting fee of $30 per month for one app or $50 for two platforms.

"We want to resource 1,000 churches with this technology," Morris said. "Churches will be able to communicate their messages to people through a device that's almost always in their pocket or purse."

Pew Research data from July 2011 stated that nine in 10 smartphone owners use their phones to access the Internet or email.

"As the number of smartphone users continues to increase, churches can't deny that communicating through a church app connects with people on-the-go," said Morris.

Learn more about the offer at ROAR.pro/DigitalChurch.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Courageous Church License - Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Give your family and men's ministry a boost this winter. Bring the powerful message of Courageous to your church.

Released to theaters just this fall, Courageous will soon be available for licenseing to view in your church through LifeWay Films. Use it as a community outreach event, or to kick off the Honor Begins at Home Bible study.

There is a Courageous Church License for EVERY size church: Small (Under 100), Medium, or Large (1000+). Get yours today!

Shipping of the Courageous Church License Kit will begin December 15 and churches can begin using it December 28. This license will allow a church to show Courageous as much as it wishes for a period of one year at their one location.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

Courageous Releasing On DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

In recent weeks I have frequently been asked about the release date for the Courageous movie on DVD. I am glad to report that today LifeWay Christian Stores began pre-selling the Courageous movie on DVD which will become available on January 17th.

You can pre-buy Courageous on DVD through January 16th for $15.99 (regularly $24.99) or Blu-Ray & DVD Combo for $24.99 (regularly $34.99). And you will also receive two $5 savings cards. Check it all out at area LifeWay Christian Stores.

You can also buy it online at LifeWay.com here.

These versions of Courageous on DVD are for personal or home viewings. However, licensing for public showings of Courageous in your church will also be available very soon. Be watching for details any day at www.lifeway.com/films. I have been told that public showings will be possible as early as December 28th.

I know many of you have been eager to get this information. Thank you for your ministry partnership regarding Courageous. It has and continues to impact lives in significant ways. May God bless your efforts is using this tool for Kingdom impact.

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"Family & Me" Ministry Helps For November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Solid Family Ministry Helps for Pastors, Staff, and Age-group leaders
November issues will disciple your families in a variety of ways with articles about the influence of birth order, great storytelling, homes on the mission field, family makeovers, talking to kids about their salvation, and more--all from a Christian worldview. LifeWay magazines...underscoring your ministry, extending your reach.

Download November "Family & Me" Ministry Helps here...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"God & Me" Ministry Helps For November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Solid Discipleship Helps for Pastors, Staff, and Age-group Leaders
Aside from offering always-wonderful staying-in-the-Word opportunities, November's devotionals and articles cover an array of topics: men and marriage, finding God's will, fame, praying for people groups, faith and feelings, thankfulness, God's power, and more. Experiencing this vital "God and me" time every day will disciple and transform members of all ages, and as a result, your church.

Download November "God & Me" Ministry Helps here...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat

"Courageous" To Open In 100+ New Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Pat Ford) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:01:00 +0000

One month after it opened nationwide, the church-made film "Courageous" remains in 1,000 theaters and will open in more than 100 new cities this weekend.

Made by the same church that filmed the 2008 hit "Fireproof," Courageous has made $25 million and is the top-ranked fan film on Fandango.com, a popular film ticketing website. It also has the third-most viewed trailer on that website.

It was the No. 1 new film on opening weekend and is one of only four movies this year to receive an A+ CinemaScore exit poll rating from viewers.

The movie follows the story of five men -- four of them police officers -- as they seek to become better fathers.

Following is the list of cities this weekend in which "Courageous" will be showing for the first time or will be opening in a new theater in that city.

Read more...

Until next time...share the journey and enjoy the ride!

Pat