Category Archives: Uncategorized

Failure IS an Option—Just Not the Final One

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Since there’s more reading than usual today, let’s ease you in with a nice movie clip, from the movie October Sky. There’ll be another clip later on, but for now, think about this:  • What relation do you see between … Continue reading →

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Sharing the Gift

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When have you felt “left out”? Choose any kind of situation you like. What could you have offered that you felt wasn’t being asked for or wanted? On the other hand, when have you been the one who kept your … Continue reading →

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So Simple, Even a Small-Group Leader Can Do It

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Carl Simmons

…and for that matter, so concise that small-group leaders will actually read it. And if they do, they’ll come away with a framework that can be easily transferred within any small-group ministry. Jim Egli and Dwight Marable. Small Groups, Big … Continue reading →

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Follow ME?

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about a time when you had to do something brand-new that you thought you already understood—for instance, a move to a new town, a new job, or a new church. What skills and experiences were you able to use … Continue reading →

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But What Does God WANT Me to Do?

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Trust in the LORD, and do good;     dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD,    and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD;     trust in … Continue reading →

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Sharing the Vision

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about a time when you couldn’t “see the big picture”—a painful time that something positive came out of, or a promise you had to wait for, for example. How did you handle the waiting? And what was it like … Continue reading →

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Letting God Unwrap Your Gifts

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Some of us have known what we wanted to be since we were very young. For most of us, however, our dreams have been changed over the years, maybe even much later in life than we expected. And for many … Continue reading →

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Pieces of Pick Up Your New Life

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Carl Simmons

(Not to fear: This is the standard Friday Lay It Down feature. However, in this case it’s rudimentary thoughts for the final week/chapter…. because we’re not just called to lay things down, after all….) Just as we’re here because we’ve … Continue reading →

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Josh Hunt: All About Making Groups Grow

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Here’s another Other Voice I should’ve gotten to sooner…. Josh Hunt is a prolific author, speaker, and overall enthusiast of  growing small-groups and Sunday School classes, and it’s not hard to catch his enthusiasm once you’ve been around him. Trust … Continue reading →

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Can I Pray for You?

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Over the last several Wednesdays, we’ve been exploring  what it takes to develop a God-given vision. We’re a point this series now, or will be soon, when it’s time to share what God’s been putting on our hearts, so others … Continue reading →

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