Community Bible StudyThe E-Zine of Leadership Developmentvol. 4 issue 1 fall 2015 thoughts.on.elevateHave you noticed that we do a lot of connecting these days? We plug-in, sign-up, associate, interface, hang out, reach out, link in, FaceTime, Skype and just generally network all over the place. Do we do it well or are we just so busy communicating that we don’t find the real relationship? Should we ask how to do it well so that our connections in CBS are not just frequent but meaningful? Yes, we should. Read on for answers to these questions.

Holiday shopping is upon us! Take some time and check out Christian Book Distributors for gift ideas this Christmas season. CBS is partnering with CBD to offer hundreds of books and media resources for you to enjoy personally as well as help develop your leadership skills. Just follow the “Resource Stores” link on the Leadership Development website OR access the CBS Leadership Resource Store directly at cbs.christianbook.com. The CBS ministry benefits from all of your purchases.Looking for the CBS jewelry? Access the link at CBS Jewelry Store to view the pieces.

core.leaderIs this your first year as a core leader or your tenth? Do you remember what it was like to sit in a core group and be a core member?One first year core member vividly remembers this. “I had two elementary aged children that passed strep throat back and forth every other week in the fall. My favorite aunt unexpectedly passed away and so I traveled several weeks. I missed so much class time that I thought it best just to quit. I would have if not for my core leader. She spent time talking to me and reassuring me that “I belonged” in her group and in CBS. No judgment – just open arms. I am sure I missed more classes than I attended that first year. But I returned to CBS the following year because of my core leader. She cared, she reached out and she connected with me.” Do you know your people? Do you know their names, and what is going on in their lives? Do you create an atmosphere that is welcoming, safe and comfortable?You, ladies and gentlemen, are on the front line. You are the face of this ministry. The shepherding piece is what makes Community Bible Study different from all the others. Pick up the phone, send a text, sit with a needy member during the teaching, and/or send a Scripture you are praying over a particular prayer need. Convey to each individual sheep in your group that he/she is valued, appreciated and wanted. Pray faithfully and watch how God shows Himself to you and them this year!!

coordinatorThere is a strategy used on athletic fields that we can employ in shepherding – Real-Time Coaching. For instance, in football the linebacker coach runs all of the linebackers through a series of drills. About half way through, he stops play, gathers his players and explains what is working well and what can be improved. Then the drill proceeds and he affirms the players for listening and performing well. Confidence is built and relationships are strengthened.

Jesus himself used a leadership style characterized by talking and encouraging his team members while

they were in the midst of real-life situations. He affirmed them and spoke to the needs in their hearts as they walked through life together. The administrative team spends a lot of time in action, working together to make class happen. While you are side by side, there is opportunity for intentional words of support, help and encouragement to flow. Sometimes the most meaningful

shepherding occurs in spontaneous communication. Be intentional - look for moments to connect!

teaching.directorDo you like meetings? It’s hard not to pause before answering that question. We know we need meetings, but they are often longer and less productive than they should be. Often meeting time is absorbed by poor preparation, not following the agenda and trivial discussions that go on in small circles. Wouldn’t it be great if your

Servants Team walked away from the next Servants Team meeting saying, “Best meeting ever!”? One of the responsibilities of

the TD is to conduct monthly meetings with the Servants Team. These meetings should provide a major connection point for the team. This is when you connect in prayer, connect in decision-making and connect in the unity of your purpose. It’s been said, “The main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing.” Focus the meeting on these three issues: 1) prayer time for each other and for the class; 2) decisions made as a team in prayer and unity; and 3) connecting with each other. Connecting here doesn’t mean idle chitchat but rather learning about each other’s hearts, lives and roles as prayers are shared and class issues are discussed and resolved.Send out the agenda a day or two before the meeting and give each team member the opportunity to contribute to the agenda. Pray over the meeting in the days before. Then begin the meeting

with prayer – pray over the meeting, over each other and over the leaders and class. The first 25-30% of the time should be spent in prayer. We know each other better as we share our needs and hear each other’s hearts in prayer.Make decisions as a team. Ask appropriate members to bring with them information that has been researched and organized in advance. Ask each to think items through before the meeting begins. Discuss what is relevant and avoid rabbit trails. If the team is stuck or can’t agree, stop and pray. Unity in decision making is a key sign of a healthy team united in the Lord.Effective Servants Team meetings depend on the TD’s preparation and the commitment and preparation of each team member. Giving ownership of prior prayer, thought and planning to all members will help each arrive with a commitment to unity in the Lord and to the success of the team.

“People will not actively commit to a decision if they have not had the opportunity to provide input, ask questions, and understand the rationale behind it,…. At the end of every meeting, cohesive teams must take a few minutes to ensure that everyone sitting at the table is walking away with the same understanding about what has been agreed to and what they are committed to do.”

– Patrick Lencioni

One of the most important skills a Children’s Leader can possess is knowing how to connect with kids. That is the key to making an impact in their lives. So, how do we connect?1. Offer Relationships – this takes time, effort and commitment. Learn their name, learn who they are. What is their personality? What are their interests? Who are their people? Brother, sisters, parents.Have fun with them – LaughBe real with them – kids can spot a fake a mile away.Let them see your faith – learn to share your testimony and talk about faith in a kid-friendly way2. Examine yourself in the light of God’s Word. 1 Cor. 11:1

“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” We can only say this to a child if we are living and revealing authentic lives of faith.3. Learn from Jesus, the greatest role model on how to connect with kids: a. Take them seriously b. Give them undivided attention when trying to connect with them c. Pray for them (fervently) d. Give them more than the minimumExcerpts taken from the article How to Connect With Kids by Greg Baird.

children.and.youth.leaderprayer.chairmanYou are in a unique role. As prayer chairman you play a vital part in the well-being of a class. It begins with your Leaders Council. As the foundation of a building determines the shape and the strength of the building, prayer is the unseen strength and foundation of your council and class. Now that the CBS year is under way set some goals to be intentional about your relationship with those in leadership.Are you personally praying and asking God who needs attention? Is there a leader who seems to be holding back during Leaders Council? How can you encourage him/her?Do you pray privately over the leader’s prayer needs when expressed? Be purposeful about the time you have for follow up. Connect in class, pull them aside and ask, send a text or email and let them know you have been praying.Do you call and pray with the leader who is sharing the devotional each week?Are you asking ST members how you can come alongside each of them to pray for members of their LD groups?Do you ask your TD how you can pray for him/her on a weekly basis? Do you ask about their teaching and their personal struggle? Do you ever text them a scripture you are praying for them?Have you initiated a conversation with your TD about how you can be used to highlight prayer and serve the leaders of CBS?Is your servants team/class under attack? Do you schedule additional time with ST to praise God and remind each other of His promises during these times? Are you feeding yourself with prayer resources and Scripture? When is the last time you read a great book on prayer? Check out Tim Keller’s new book Experiencing Awe & Intimacy with God at cbs.christianbook.com.Be proactive with ideas and scriptures to pray!Last, but the most important: Are you protecting your time with the Lord? Powerful and effective intercession overflows from your intimate connection with Christ.Why do you want to ask these questions of yourself? Self-assessment now will help you to be the best Prayer Chairman you can be for the remainder of the CBS year!

To view the article in its entirety visithttp://www.churchleaders.com/children/childrens-ministry-how-tos/173064-greg-baird-how-to-connect-with-kids.html.

Has there been a moment recently when you have evaluated how you are doing as an Area Director? It is a vital role. But, it is also a role where one can begin to think, “I’ve got this down”. The Teaching Directors and Servants Teams whom you shepherd are leading in one of the most culturally challenging times in history. They need wise and godly counsel, effective tools, and regular interaction with you.

Take some time to reenergize your commitment to “transforming lives through the word of God” by honestly answering these questions. There is no time like the present to fortify your skills and energy as a shepherd.

Do you regularly spend time alone in the word of God (not just doing a CBS lesson)?

Do you care passionately about each class and the area in which it ministers?

Do you have a calm and gracious spirit when faced with conflict or pressure?

Do you treat all those following you with love and respect?

Have you cultivated your knowledge of how to connect by reading or viewing any new resources?

Are you willing to use a variety of communication methods to stay in touch with leaders?

Do you speak “words of life” encouraging others?

Are you willing to “speak the truth in love” where it’s needed?

Do you pray over your classes regularly and communicate that to them?

The answers to those questions will reveal much – what you need to commit to prayer, where you need to freshen up, and where you have fallen down on regular and life-giving communication with leaders. There are two additional tools for self-evaluation on FISHER. Access those through these links:

Commit today to be the best Area Director possible for those who depend on your leadership.

area.director

worship.leaderWhen we sing together in Community Bible Study we connect with God and with each other. Great power emerges in music to speak to our hearts and souls. The only way to select a song each week is with intention and purpose. Through prayer, select songs that support the Scripture and the Central Idea of the teaching. Ask the Teaching Director to share the central idea of the teaching in advance so that songs can be selected that drive the theme deeply into hearts. A document entitled “Worship Song List Template” has been created for your use in tracking the lesson number, class date, Bible passage, Central Idea and worship songs for each week. The chart is available on the Leadership Development Website – Worship ArtsFollowing this plan insures that worship will be less mechanical and more inspirational. Our music will become more than just a song!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another and as you sing psalms and hymns and

spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.Colossians 3:16

AD Evaluation Forms

resources.1

Family Dinner Box of Questions - Faith Editionby Melissa & Doug

John Maxwell, America’s #1 leadership authority, has mastered the art of asking questions. He uses them to learn and grow, to connect with people, to challenge himself, to improve his team, and to develop better ideas. In GOOD LEADERS ASK GREAT QUESTIONS, he shows how the right questions create connection with others, he teaches why questions are so important, and explains what questions you should ask yourself as a leader and what questions you should be asking your team.This is a perfect resource for seasoned and new leaders who want to better understand and know others and grow personally. Available at cbs.christianbook.com.

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Dinner is the perfect time to deepen your family relationships and your faith by using the questions in this little box. Additionally, Primary and Junior teachers liven up discussions during your lesson time with one or two of these thought-provoking questions. Included in this box are 82 ways to start the conversation, with probing questions such as “What do you think Heaven will be like?” and “What is your earliest memory of knowing God?” Share your ideas, and make mealtime or class time the best time for fellowship and discussion.

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell

Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen

Have you ever found yourself struggling to receive feedback? In Thanks for the Feedback, Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen explain why receiving feedback is so crucial yet so challenging. The book discusses the three main types of feedback: appreciation, coaching and evaluation. Good shepherds offer meaningful feedback. Numerous illustrations are provided to help you present feedback for different situations.

children.and.youth.resource.

children.and.youth.directorJohn Maxwell , speaker and author on Christian leadership, has an exercise called TEN. It works like this. When he meets to connect with someone he mentally puts a “10” on their forehead. He does this so that, in his mind, his expectations will be high. He also does this so that his attitude and treatment of that person would be worthy of a “10”. What he finds is that most people will rise to the occasion and respond accordingly. Kids rise to the level of expectation as well. No, they won’t be perfect – they are not small adults! Kids will still be kids. But when you put a mental “10” on them, expecting them to act appropriately and giving them the respect you would anyone else, they usually respond. When this happens, it opens the doors to connect. Who needs a TEN in your life?

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associate.teaching.directorHave you considered how key the role of Associate Teaching Director is to the connectedness of the leaders and members in your class? You are in a pivotal role. A unique opportunity exists for you to support and encourage the Teaching Director and, at the same time, encourage and affirm leaders and class members.Leaders who empower others offer these gifts:1. Accountability: They help others keep their commitments to God.2. Affirmation: They speak words of support and encouragement.3. Assessment: They evaluate others’ progress, offering an objective perspective.4. Advice: They offer words of wise counsel and direction.5. Admonishment: They lend words of caution, rebuke, or correction.6. Assets: They give tangible resources to help their people reach their goals.7. Acceptance: They provide unconditional love, regardless of the recipients’ identity.8. Application: They help others find places to apply and practice what they learn.*Use this distinctive role to which God has called you to be a major part of the support and shepherding that occurs in Leaders Council and class. *Excerpt from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

senior.leaderDon’t you want productive, interactive Leadership Development Group times?You’ve now spent two months with your LDG. Do you like them? Are they easy to shepherd or is there a challenge in your group? Are you making the connection with them?Brand new LDG lessons on CBS foundational core values have been added to the Leadership Development website. Each one is a stand-alone topic. They are in a group of eight sessions, one being an introduction. Integrate these in your LDG time throughout your year. The passion of every leader is deepened when the understanding of the Core Values are understood.In addition to this packet of Core Values there are two new sessions for you to work through, The Heart of a Servant and Spiritual Markers.

Click here to view: Leadership Development Topicselevate.plusRedwood trees tower more than 350 feet in the air and stand on bases up to 22 feet in diameter. How is this magnificent size achieved and sustained?The unique root systems of the giant California redwood trees are unlike most large trees. They don’t send down a taproot. Instead, they grow a broad, shallow root system. Their deepest roots are only about five or six feet. What they lack in depth, however, they make up for in width. Root tentacles stretch as far as 150 feet in every direction from the trunk. Long roots intermingle and fuse with roots from other redwoods, creating a massive anchoring system that benefits every individual tree. The redwood trees have weathered twenty-two centuries of whatever comes their way because they thrive in thick groves. Relational and spiritual strength grows when we are connected to each other. Servants Teams blend like a grove of giant redwoods. Leaders Councils develop the characteristics of redwood groves. Core groups knit together like the roots of giant trees. Children grow up learning how to love and learn with others. Understanding and relationship exceed our wildest expectations when we dive together into God’s word. He completes more than we can ask or imagine when we connect in the unity of His Spirit.Are you focusing on truly shepherding those in your care? Are you giving careful attention to each communication you have with them? Are you passionate about helping them develop strong roots? Don’t underestimate the influence of strong connections. They are life-giving and life-changing.

ELEVATE is a publication of the Leadership Development Team of Community Bible Study.ELEVATE is designed and published exclusively for use by Community Bible Study Leaders. The views expressed by authors cited in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Community Bible Study 790 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719-955-7777. Questions, or suggestions can be sent to kristine.macdermott@communitybiblestudy.org or jenny.shropshire@communitybiblestudy.org.