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Video - Five Practices of Fruitful Living
Jim Walker wrote on 9/1/2010 3:04:20 PM
is that a dead link for the Video?
Mel Hazlewood wrote on 8/28/2010 5:10:23 PM
Wonderful insights that I will put to use myself and share with staff and lay leaders-- and maybe in a sermon or two or, better yet, a continuing (but irregular) comment in worship. Thanks!
Michael Pope wrote on 8/25/2010 4:21:44 PM
I recall Billy Graham answering a similar question to the one that you have raised here, and his response was that personal Bible study and prayer made all the difference in his spiritual life. It is a practice that he began years ago and that he continues to do each day of his life. This has also strengthened my spiritual walk with Christ and has given me greater faith, hope and love.
Beth Garvin wrote on 8/25/2010 2:16:54 PM
What a timely message. Our small group Bible Study is going to start studying The Five Practices of Fruitful Living on Sept. 12. I'm extremely excited about this after having attended the Atlanta conference of Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation.
I learned so much from the conference and expect to learn more from the study. Thanks so much for writing these books.
In Christ,
Beth Garvin
80. The Fall Stewardship Emphasis and the Five Practices?
Lindy Potter wrote on 8/25/2010 12:32:26 PM
Does anyone have DVD's left over from their series that our church could buy?
I have been unable to find the DVD alone and we would like to use it in Sunday School classes in confunction with the Cultivating Fruitfulness Devotional Book.
86. From Whom Are You Learning?
stopzilla review wrote on 8/25/2010 4:46:14 AM
I've learn a lot about the lord's word through online forums and help channels.
Amelia Thrift Store's mission keeps growing
Patricia N. Bianco wrote on 7/28/2010 1:43:59 PM
Hello, My daughter-in-law and I are planning a yard sale the weekend of August 13th. I had a couple of question's regarding your Thrift store.
1. I heard that you take donation's and give them away to those who need them. I think this is great if this actually is true. I would much rather donate things to a store who does not profit from selling donated items.
2. Once our yard sale is over do you'all have a pick-up service for the items that does not sell?
3. Also, are there items that you do not accept?
Thank you for your help.
Patricia Bianco and
Michelle Wilson
Warren Gene wrote on 7/15/2010 9:26:56 AM
This particular blog is very helpful/encouraging and it also shows the ability God has given Bishop to make practical biblical things.
As a Presbyterian I appreciate the posts and the books. Keep fishing and keep writing. I have been using the 5 Practices both personally and as pastor of my church.
Sally McGinnis wrote on 7/6/2010 5:21:15 PM
My Prayer-
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the freedom of choice you give to each of us and thank you for allowing me to live in a country that I can worship freely. Lord may the people of Holt UMC and all of your children throughout the world grow closer to you each day. May each leader approach their responsibility with a since of urgency. Through them may your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. God's blessing to all who read this blog and may you grow closer to Christ this and every day.
Sally McGinnis wrote on 7/6/2010 5:21:12 PM
My Prayer-
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the freedom of choice you give to each of us and thank you for allowing me to live in a country that I can worship freely. Lord may the people of Holt UMC and all of your children throughout the world grow closer to you each day. May each leader approach their responsibility with a since of urgency. Through them may your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. God's blessing to all who read this blog and may you grow closer to Christ this and every day.
Susan wrote on 6/21/2010 4:30:53 PM
Maybe working with the small churches is like working with the at-risk students. I can certainly see that no matter how hard I try to convince them there are other ways to be happy and productive--teens and church--it takes time, it takes patience, and as the Priest said, "It takes what it takes." It just hurts to watch the process even when you know you are doing all that you can, whenever you can ...
Jeff Long wrote on 6/21/2010 2:51:25 PM
Bishop, you are so very right in pointing out that nothing changes in a person or a congregation's life until they desire for a change. This may be one of the most difficult things a pastor must come to terms with. Most of us are hardwired to help bring about change and new life, and still in the work of ministry we discover the reality that "he that thinketh he leadeth and find no one following is just out taking a walk." However, the hope comes to us all by the prevenient grace of God who leads people to real change. May we all stay committed to seeing real change take place in peoples lives.
Debbie Deneke wrote on 6/15/2010 10:03:06 AM
I am going to try to modify this to use with the people on my church's Ed committee, which I chair. All of us, clergy and laity need to reconize being called.
Woody Sears wrote on 6/14/2010 2:11:05 PM
Had the opportunity to see you at the Indiana Conference. What a delight. My wife and I are co-pastors at a small-rural UM Church. We were individually called and told each other almost in unison. I printed off this blog and we will go through the questions in depth. Thanks. God bless.
David Barbour wrote on 6/14/2010 1:22:14 PM
What a joy ! You have no idea what hope this brings to myself after attending our Natal West Synod this year in South Africa. I am afraid to say Wesley would have turned in his grave.
161. Reflections on Easter Services
Robert Robbins wrote on 6/14/2010 8:27:04 AM
You covered everything but the Resurrection itself. While giving lip service to a generic god, you only afforded Christ a cameo appearance in the closing paragraph.
Cokesbury Teachable Study Guide
Greta Miller wrote on 6/8/2010 5:17:32 PM
Will not open.
166. Five Practices of Fruitful Living
Betty Sphar wrote on 6/7/2010 9:43:27 AM
Thank you - you wrote this just for me, right? As I am moving towards retirement, after 10 GREAT years of working at Kirkwood UMC, I've become very aware that part of what I'm giving up is the deep immersion in and focus on growing as disciples that we have shared as a staff. I'd started thinking that one of my challenges would be to develop new habits which would keep my faith life moving forward - and then your book was announced. It's now first on my reading list!
165. Transforming Existing Congregations
David Barbour wrote on 6/2/2010 4:38:35 AM
Hi,
Just to say that your influence is being felt in South Africa. Our Society Stewards are all on fire after reading the book "The five..." I personally bought them a copy each and we have digested the "radical hospitality" chapter and implemented some new changes. Last Sunday folk were welcomed by a greeting from the projector screen with our vision statement etc. We asked for volunteers for a new revamped welcome team...the tea after the service is now to served at the door... welcome gifts are now to be given to new folk etc. etc. etc. Thanks, David
Kendra Asher wrote on 6/2/2010 12:20:06 AM
I am looking forward to annual conference. I just became lay leader in January and have been a Sunday School teacher and just a Methodist member all my life. This will be my first conference and I hope to take many things back to help our little church to continue to grow, espeically with our youth.
Kendra Asher wrote on 6/2/2010 12:20:03 AM
I am looking forward to annual conference. I just became lay leader in January and have been a Sunday School teacher and just a Methodist member all my life. This will be my first conference and I hope to take many things back to help our little church to continue to grow, espeically with our youth.
Andy B wrote on 6/1/2010 6:00:43 PM
Conference (the people, not the event) is my congregation. For me, when we are together we are doing and being church. Same with Ministers' School each year. Actually, it's the same feeling any time any group of any size of Conference folks gets together for any purpose. It's totally like a fractal thing, dude! Whoa ...
Steve Breon wrote on 6/1/2010 3:37:37 PM
Thank you for leading us in the direction that helps us re-capture some of Wesley's genius. Actually looking forward to it.
Bill wrote on 5/28/2010 7:06:01 AM
Looking forward to "Growing Deeper"!
Susan Noakes wrote on 5/27/2010 6:21:09 PM
It is like a breath of fresh air to hear the conference will focus on more than numbers and other busines this year. I look forward to being refreshed, renewed, and empowered.