Smaller churches are everywhere, from densely populated urban areas to the suburbs, to tiny communities at rural crossroads. With smaller churches distributed so widely across the country, they are positioned for greater influence than their size might suggest.
September 12, 2011
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for September 18) is written by Bruce Stoker, education minister with Memorial Church of Christ in Livonia, Michigan. ____________ Teaching Values (Proverbs 10:1–15:33) By Bruce Stoker As a Boy Scout, I learned orienteering skills for traveling through the wilderness safely and efficiently using a map and compass. We practiced our skills during many meetings and throughout our hometown, and eventually we decided we could handle a cross-country backpacking trip. So we plotted our destination, grabbed a topographical map and our compasses, and headed out for a weekend of hiking without trails.
March 14, 2011
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for March 20) is written by Bruce Stoker who serves as adult education minister with Memorial Church of Christ in Livonia, Michigan. ____________ Leadership Priorities (1 Timothy 4:6-16) By Bruce Stoker It”s a shame we have made worship such a divisive thing within the church. If we can get back to the “heart of worship,” as Matt Redman”s song says, and recognize with him that it”s all about God, then Paul”s directives in 1 Timothy 4:6-16 ought to clarify the priorities of church leaders. When leaders have their priorities straight, division
October 25, 2010
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 31) is written by Bruce Stoker who serves as adult education minister with Memorial Church of Christ in Livonia, Michigan. God’s Comforting Presence (Psalm 63) By Bruce Stoker I suppose wilderness is a matter of perspective. What most of us might call wilderness, Bear Grylls or Les Stroud might call an ideal location for a family picnic (where ants would not only be welcome but also likely on the menu). While I”ve never seen a desert, as a teen I spent several hours lost in a remote, swampy wilderness.
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