According to a December 2009 article in the Examiner, the origin of New Year resolutions began with the Babylonians about 4,000 years ago. Although Babylon celebrated New Year’s on March 23rd, farmers celebrated the beginning of Spring with goals for their upcoming harvest. This concept has caught on in America as vows to diet, enjoy life and get ahead in 2014 have already begun. In view of this, I am offering an invitation to anyone interested in being part of a 12 week Case Study, from January to the end of March.
The purpose of this event is to develop Bible Study leaders and encourage discipleship within a small group setting. I am searching for volunteers who fit the criteria listed below.
1) Anyone who wants to start a Bible Study in their neighborhood for people interested in God or seeking answers to life.
2) Youth pastors who are looking to disciple students to become future leaders in their community.
3) New or small churches seeking to develop a small group Bible Study model throughout their church family.
4) People with the gift of hospitality, willing to host a series of 12 week Bible Studies in 2014.
5) Writers with a background in curriculum development willing to give input while leading their own 12 week study.
6) Godly men, women or couples looking to instill a biblical worldview within their family and friends.
7) Individuals with the gift of evangelism who are willing to recruit unsaved friends to attend a 12 week study.
While I may have excluded some people, my goal is to select 12 leaders across the country to participate in a 12 week journey where people can encounter Extra Ordinary Faith. Those chosen will receive a complete Power Point Presentation which includes teaching notes, links and you tubes of music videos and movie clips. My only expectations in return are comments, criticism and ideas to help me assess what changes need to be made before I try to publish this material.
The test group of Extra Ordinary Faith is running now through December 2nd and will also be involved in 2014 as we try to perfect the current curriculum. Based upon the first 6 weeks, Bible Study ranges from 45 minutes up to 75 minutes depending upon the size and talkative nature of the group. My recommendation is to have a 15 minute window, giving busy individuals time to arrive, while serving as fellowship for those can can come early. Although some discussions may flow over a few minutes, try to keep a consistent schedule, reserving a set hour for each Bible Study.
If the Holy Spirit places an urging on your heart, please contact me in a private message on my Facebook page (Jay Mankus) or send me an email at jlmankus@aol.com. For those selected, please devote time in December to fasting and prayer so that the Holy Spirit will lead you to ask the right people. Before you set a specific day and time, try to evaluate the best for all members of your group, realizing it probably won’t be right for everyone. From there, trust God to provide a harvest of people, Matthew 9:37-38.
by Jay Mankus
