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Cross-talk
Last week we talked about creating the atmosphere. Another way of making all people feel important in the discussion is by eliminating what is called “cross-talk.” One of the most effective ways to stymie group discussion is to allow two people to have a personal conversation in front of the group. That is called “cross-talk.” Whatever is said must be addressed to the entire group, not one specific person. For example, if someone says, “Jim, you are missing something here,” you as the leader should kindly remind the speaker that he is not talking to Jim, but to the entire group. If possible, discussion-oriented classes are best conducted when the room is arranged so that everyone can see the faces of the other members of the group. In “cross-talk” situations the speaker almost always looks directly at the person being addressed. When the speaker is addressing the group, eye contact will move from person to person around the circle. That eye contact helps group members to feel important to the group, leading to increased sharing.
Brethren Together
Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-20
“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (v. 15).
Through our years of ministry, we have known many saints who “have addicted themselves to the ministry.” They could be counted upon to make things go smoothly in the church. They were there to teach a class of rowdy juniors, drive a church van, or to clean the facilities (even when no one asked them to do this). When someone was sick, they would take a pot of soup and have prayer with them. These same “saints” would be found knocking on doors inviting families to worship. They put God first and considered it a privilege to serve. Possibly, you may be thinking of someone you know who fills this description! What is the motivating cause of these types of believers? What causes them to consistently and constantly seek to minister to others? They have become “addicted” to serving in Christ's name. May God give us more saints who are addicted to ministry! (James Baker)
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my Guide,
I'll say what You want me to say. — Mary Brown
The best addiction is to be addicted to ministry.
This devotional is the Monday, July 3, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Cooperation in the Church
Lesson 6 - July 9, 2017
Focus Text: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-7
Central Truth: Cooperation is a key attitude of the effective church.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several ways their church can show better cooperation.
Lesson Outline:
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Cooperation by Choice (Acts 6:1-7)
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Cooperation in Ministry (1 Peter 5:1-4)
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Cooperation Through Submission (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Effective Group Discussions
Effective group discussions are most likely to take place when all the members feel they are important to the group. There are many factors that contribute to a sense of importance, but let's mention two here.
- Create an atmosphere in which people feel safe about sharing. Two factors are important here. First, be careful not to “shoot someone down” for their opinion, even if that opinion is theologically not correct. Always thank the person for sharing, first, then try to guide the situation to a presentation of alternate views. For example, you might say, “Many Christians feel exactly as Mary has expressed. What is another way other Christians approach this topic?” Second, leave the discussion in the classroom. Using what someone said in your class in a way that embarrasses them elsewhere is a perfect way to stop future discussion.
- Take time at the beginning of class for people to share about their week, and give updates and prayer requests as desired. Allow new people a chance to introduce themselves. Making sure everyone gets a chance to be heard in the little things will build the atmosphere necessary for all to share about the topic(s) you really want to discuss.
The Power of Unity
Read Nehemiah 4:7-9
“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them” (v. 9).
Dad and I were constructing a deck at our home in Overland Park, Kansas. In compliance with the strict building codes of the city, we had to have some rather significant post holes into which we were to pour concrete, so we rented a powered post hole digger. It really wasn't too difficult to operate in the rich, black soil of Overland Park. However, we once encountered a problem. I could not seem to get the post hole digger to go any deeper and asked Dad what seemed to be the problem. He said, “Deeper? I've been trying to pull up on this thing!” We simply weren't communicating. Thus we weren't working in unity. Working in unity is not only a mark of maturity, it is empowerment for progress. Of course, unity begins with a common focus or goals. A number of things are desirable in formulating a course for common ground: mutual encouragement, a desire to please Christ above all, a desire to touch the lives of others with the gospel, just to name a few. Another significant goal is guarding against the enemy's encroachment upon the work of God. We can do that by maintaining fervency of spirit and dogged desire to please God. (Lonnie Witt)
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before. — Sabine Baring-Gould
This devotional is the Monday, June 26, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
The Maturity of the Church
Lesson 5 - July 2, 2017
PRINTED TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:18-27; Ephesians 4:11-16
Central Truth: The Church becomes mature through the unity of its diverse members.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify ways in which the church works together to become the people Christ desires.
Lesson Outline:
- Maturity Through Caring for One Another (1 Corinthians 12:18-27)
- Maturity Through Serving Together (Ephesians 4:11-16)