1 Introduction Boots On The Ground2 Rock Star

Core Leaders

VOL 6 ISSUE 1 | COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY

3 Meant to Grow

4 In Between Times5 MakeItQuick

6 New and Improved

7 Elevate Exclusive8 WhaaatSharing the Truth about Jesus

9 Trending Now

P1

B O OT S O N T H E

G R O U N D

Boots hit the ground recently in Community Bible Study classes all across this country and around the world Leaders stepped forward to connect guide and love adults students and children The frontline of CBS engaged to lead others into the transforming Word of God There are some things only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can do Only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can create relationships and generate an environment where people comfortably study The Bible together Only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can build trust and discuss the truths of Scripture

In Colossians Paul writes that the Good News changes lives from the first moment the truth of grace is understood Only one form of change really matters Only through Jesus Christ are hearts changed and then nurtured by the transforming Word of God ldquoBoots on the groundrdquo lead the way

P1

Be real Let your faith growth and pitfalls show Others will be impacted by your journey

Value the study Never underestimate the importance of completing your lesson thoughtfully and completely

Enjoy who you are Be yourself without comparisons or apology God chose you to lead this group and He knows what Hersquos doing

Be teachable God will reveal insights to you as you read and study Share and learn in Leaders Council and your core group

Understand that legalism kills Love members as they are with openness and mercy People are drawn to Christ because of His grace and forgiveness

Let them talk Group members learn more when they wrestle through questions together Encourage all to share Speak truth in love and understanding Give them time to think Be comfortable with moments of silence

Trust the work of the Holy Spirit Guide your group let The Word teach and then patiently wait for the Holy Spirit to change lives

Every core leader desires a group that is connected and growing Even with several weeks under your belts donrsquot let up on your commitment to lead well Employ some of these tips to keep the energy going

excerpted from ldquoRock Solid CBS Leader Prioritiesrdquo Community Bible Study Student Ministry P2

ldquoAs leaders our job is not to merely preside over something or to preserve something from demise but to figure out what God wants done and lead people from here to there ndash to know that for Godrsquos glory we are moving forwardrdquo ndash Bill Hybels

1Pray

that God will increase your

territory (I Chronicles 410)

4Design

invitations or cards that class members and

leaders can give to others

8Ask Core

Leaders to host group members

and their friends in their homes to introduce CBS

6Challenge

leaders and class members

to a time period of prayer

7 Compete

between core groups to invite

the most friends oracquaintances

5 Be sensitive to who is in your community and

plan a visitorrsquos day that will welcome

them

ATell stories on

this day of transformed lives Choose individuals who are the most

typical

BBe

certain the teaching is

dynamic

CServe

refreshments and allow interaction

D Have

greeters wear colored

t-shirts

3 Create

a short dynamic presentation to use in opening or before lecture to challenge

your class to invite others

(Consider using the video ldquoYour Moverdquo available on

wwwskitguyscom)

9Have an

opening night dinner to kick off year in September

or January

Ask those already registeredattending

to bring a friend

2 Take time

at a retreat or in LD group to

brainstorm on how to grow

As leaders it is our job to pray and seek the growth of our class So many in our communities need to be touched by the Word of God Here are some ideas on how to promote

growth in your class

P3

P4

IN BETWEEN TIMESHave you ever noticed that some of the best times with family and friends are often the times in-between big activities - the moments over meals just hanging out talking listening laughing together

The same idea applies to CBS leadership the time in-between meetings and classes is so often the most valuable Thats not to say that class Leaders Council and meetings arent importantmdashtheyre critical They are the key components of running a CBS class

Yet so many new ideas encouragement and insights come to life while were eating lunch or standing in the middle of the hallway chatting It happens all the time

Because CBS leaders are most often in separate homes neighborhoods and places of employment reaping the benefits of lsquoin-between timersquo is much more difficult Rather than miss out on the goodness of organic spontaneous conversations slow down on class days and on other days create opportunities to be together when you are not on task Relationships are deepened and lives are shared in the more impromptu less calculated arenas of life Servants Teams need these moments Leadership Development Groups need these moments as do Leaders Councils

The best leadership teams understand the value of lsquoin-between timersquo They have the wisdom and courage to be intentionally unstructured from time to time knowing that the occasional meal together stop for coffee or spur of the moment conversation will ultimately lead to being more effective and impactful

Adapted from ldquoThe Hubrdquo a publication of The Table Group

ldquoSometimes you will never know the value of

a moment until it becomes a memoryrdquo

-Dr Seuss

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

P1

B O OT S O N T H E

G R O U N D

Boots hit the ground recently in Community Bible Study classes all across this country and around the world Leaders stepped forward to connect guide and love adults students and children The frontline of CBS engaged to lead others into the transforming Word of God There are some things only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can do Only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can create relationships and generate an environment where people comfortably study The Bible together Only ldquoboots on the groundrdquo can build trust and discuss the truths of Scripture

In Colossians Paul writes that the Good News changes lives from the first moment the truth of grace is understood Only one form of change really matters Only through Jesus Christ are hearts changed and then nurtured by the transforming Word of God ldquoBoots on the groundrdquo lead the way

P1

Be real Let your faith growth and pitfalls show Others will be impacted by your journey

Value the study Never underestimate the importance of completing your lesson thoughtfully and completely

Enjoy who you are Be yourself without comparisons or apology God chose you to lead this group and He knows what Hersquos doing

Be teachable God will reveal insights to you as you read and study Share and learn in Leaders Council and your core group

Understand that legalism kills Love members as they are with openness and mercy People are drawn to Christ because of His grace and forgiveness

Let them talk Group members learn more when they wrestle through questions together Encourage all to share Speak truth in love and understanding Give them time to think Be comfortable with moments of silence

Trust the work of the Holy Spirit Guide your group let The Word teach and then patiently wait for the Holy Spirit to change lives

Every core leader desires a group that is connected and growing Even with several weeks under your belts donrsquot let up on your commitment to lead well Employ some of these tips to keep the energy going

excerpted from ldquoRock Solid CBS Leader Prioritiesrdquo Community Bible Study Student Ministry P2

ldquoAs leaders our job is not to merely preside over something or to preserve something from demise but to figure out what God wants done and lead people from here to there ndash to know that for Godrsquos glory we are moving forwardrdquo ndash Bill Hybels

1Pray

that God will increase your

territory (I Chronicles 410)

4Design

invitations or cards that class members and

leaders can give to others

8Ask Core

Leaders to host group members

and their friends in their homes to introduce CBS

6Challenge

leaders and class members

to a time period of prayer

7 Compete

between core groups to invite

the most friends oracquaintances

5 Be sensitive to who is in your community and

plan a visitorrsquos day that will welcome

them

ATell stories on

this day of transformed lives Choose individuals who are the most

typical

BBe

certain the teaching is

dynamic

CServe

refreshments and allow interaction

D Have

greeters wear colored

t-shirts

3 Create

a short dynamic presentation to use in opening or before lecture to challenge

your class to invite others

(Consider using the video ldquoYour Moverdquo available on

wwwskitguyscom)

9Have an

opening night dinner to kick off year in September

or January

Ask those already registeredattending

to bring a friend

2 Take time

at a retreat or in LD group to

brainstorm on how to grow

As leaders it is our job to pray and seek the growth of our class So many in our communities need to be touched by the Word of God Here are some ideas on how to promote

growth in your class

P3

P4

IN BETWEEN TIMESHave you ever noticed that some of the best times with family and friends are often the times in-between big activities - the moments over meals just hanging out talking listening laughing together

The same idea applies to CBS leadership the time in-between meetings and classes is so often the most valuable Thats not to say that class Leaders Council and meetings arent importantmdashtheyre critical They are the key components of running a CBS class

Yet so many new ideas encouragement and insights come to life while were eating lunch or standing in the middle of the hallway chatting It happens all the time

Because CBS leaders are most often in separate homes neighborhoods and places of employment reaping the benefits of lsquoin-between timersquo is much more difficult Rather than miss out on the goodness of organic spontaneous conversations slow down on class days and on other days create opportunities to be together when you are not on task Relationships are deepened and lives are shared in the more impromptu less calculated arenas of life Servants Teams need these moments Leadership Development Groups need these moments as do Leaders Councils

The best leadership teams understand the value of lsquoin-between timersquo They have the wisdom and courage to be intentionally unstructured from time to time knowing that the occasional meal together stop for coffee or spur of the moment conversation will ultimately lead to being more effective and impactful

Adapted from ldquoThe Hubrdquo a publication of The Table Group

ldquoSometimes you will never know the value of

a moment until it becomes a memoryrdquo

-Dr Seuss

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

Be real Let your faith growth and pitfalls show Others will be impacted by your journey

Value the study Never underestimate the importance of completing your lesson thoughtfully and completely

Enjoy who you are Be yourself without comparisons or apology God chose you to lead this group and He knows what Hersquos doing

Be teachable God will reveal insights to you as you read and study Share and learn in Leaders Council and your core group

Understand that legalism kills Love members as they are with openness and mercy People are drawn to Christ because of His grace and forgiveness

Let them talk Group members learn more when they wrestle through questions together Encourage all to share Speak truth in love and understanding Give them time to think Be comfortable with moments of silence

Trust the work of the Holy Spirit Guide your group let The Word teach and then patiently wait for the Holy Spirit to change lives

Every core leader desires a group that is connected and growing Even with several weeks under your belts donrsquot let up on your commitment to lead well Employ some of these tips to keep the energy going

excerpted from ldquoRock Solid CBS Leader Prioritiesrdquo Community Bible Study Student Ministry P2

ldquoAs leaders our job is not to merely preside over something or to preserve something from demise but to figure out what God wants done and lead people from here to there ndash to know that for Godrsquos glory we are moving forwardrdquo ndash Bill Hybels

1Pray

that God will increase your

territory (I Chronicles 410)

4Design

invitations or cards that class members and

leaders can give to others

8Ask Core

Leaders to host group members

and their friends in their homes to introduce CBS

6Challenge

leaders and class members

to a time period of prayer

7 Compete

between core groups to invite

the most friends oracquaintances

5 Be sensitive to who is in your community and

plan a visitorrsquos day that will welcome

them

ATell stories on

this day of transformed lives Choose individuals who are the most

typical

BBe

certain the teaching is

dynamic

CServe

refreshments and allow interaction

D Have

greeters wear colored

t-shirts

3 Create

a short dynamic presentation to use in opening or before lecture to challenge

your class to invite others

(Consider using the video ldquoYour Moverdquo available on

wwwskitguyscom)

9Have an

opening night dinner to kick off year in September

or January

Ask those already registeredattending

to bring a friend

2 Take time

at a retreat or in LD group to

brainstorm on how to grow

As leaders it is our job to pray and seek the growth of our class So many in our communities need to be touched by the Word of God Here are some ideas on how to promote

growth in your class

P3

P4

IN BETWEEN TIMESHave you ever noticed that some of the best times with family and friends are often the times in-between big activities - the moments over meals just hanging out talking listening laughing together

The same idea applies to CBS leadership the time in-between meetings and classes is so often the most valuable Thats not to say that class Leaders Council and meetings arent importantmdashtheyre critical They are the key components of running a CBS class

Yet so many new ideas encouragement and insights come to life while were eating lunch or standing in the middle of the hallway chatting It happens all the time

Because CBS leaders are most often in separate homes neighborhoods and places of employment reaping the benefits of lsquoin-between timersquo is much more difficult Rather than miss out on the goodness of organic spontaneous conversations slow down on class days and on other days create opportunities to be together when you are not on task Relationships are deepened and lives are shared in the more impromptu less calculated arenas of life Servants Teams need these moments Leadership Development Groups need these moments as do Leaders Councils

The best leadership teams understand the value of lsquoin-between timersquo They have the wisdom and courage to be intentionally unstructured from time to time knowing that the occasional meal together stop for coffee or spur of the moment conversation will ultimately lead to being more effective and impactful

Adapted from ldquoThe Hubrdquo a publication of The Table Group

ldquoSometimes you will never know the value of

a moment until it becomes a memoryrdquo

-Dr Seuss

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

ldquoAs leaders our job is not to merely preside over something or to preserve something from demise but to figure out what God wants done and lead people from here to there ndash to know that for Godrsquos glory we are moving forwardrdquo ndash Bill Hybels

1Pray

that God will increase your

territory (I Chronicles 410)

4Design

invitations or cards that class members and

leaders can give to others

8Ask Core

Leaders to host group members

and their friends in their homes to introduce CBS

6Challenge

leaders and class members

to a time period of prayer

7 Compete

between core groups to invite

the most friends oracquaintances

5 Be sensitive to who is in your community and

plan a visitorrsquos day that will welcome

them

ATell stories on

this day of transformed lives Choose individuals who are the most

typical

BBe

certain the teaching is

dynamic

CServe

refreshments and allow interaction

D Have

greeters wear colored

t-shirts

3 Create

a short dynamic presentation to use in opening or before lecture to challenge

your class to invite others

(Consider using the video ldquoYour Moverdquo available on

wwwskitguyscom)

9Have an

opening night dinner to kick off year in September

or January

Ask those already registeredattending

to bring a friend

2 Take time

at a retreat or in LD group to

brainstorm on how to grow

As leaders it is our job to pray and seek the growth of our class So many in our communities need to be touched by the Word of God Here are some ideas on how to promote

growth in your class

P3

P4

IN BETWEEN TIMESHave you ever noticed that some of the best times with family and friends are often the times in-between big activities - the moments over meals just hanging out talking listening laughing together

The same idea applies to CBS leadership the time in-between meetings and classes is so often the most valuable Thats not to say that class Leaders Council and meetings arent importantmdashtheyre critical They are the key components of running a CBS class

Yet so many new ideas encouragement and insights come to life while were eating lunch or standing in the middle of the hallway chatting It happens all the time

Because CBS leaders are most often in separate homes neighborhoods and places of employment reaping the benefits of lsquoin-between timersquo is much more difficult Rather than miss out on the goodness of organic spontaneous conversations slow down on class days and on other days create opportunities to be together when you are not on task Relationships are deepened and lives are shared in the more impromptu less calculated arenas of life Servants Teams need these moments Leadership Development Groups need these moments as do Leaders Councils

The best leadership teams understand the value of lsquoin-between timersquo They have the wisdom and courage to be intentionally unstructured from time to time knowing that the occasional meal together stop for coffee or spur of the moment conversation will ultimately lead to being more effective and impactful

Adapted from ldquoThe Hubrdquo a publication of The Table Group

ldquoSometimes you will never know the value of

a moment until it becomes a memoryrdquo

-Dr Seuss

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

P4

IN BETWEEN TIMESHave you ever noticed that some of the best times with family and friends are often the times in-between big activities - the moments over meals just hanging out talking listening laughing together

The same idea applies to CBS leadership the time in-between meetings and classes is so often the most valuable Thats not to say that class Leaders Council and meetings arent importantmdashtheyre critical They are the key components of running a CBS class

Yet so many new ideas encouragement and insights come to life while were eating lunch or standing in the middle of the hallway chatting It happens all the time

Because CBS leaders are most often in separate homes neighborhoods and places of employment reaping the benefits of lsquoin-between timersquo is much more difficult Rather than miss out on the goodness of organic spontaneous conversations slow down on class days and on other days create opportunities to be together when you are not on task Relationships are deepened and lives are shared in the more impromptu less calculated arenas of life Servants Teams need these moments Leadership Development Groups need these moments as do Leaders Councils

The best leadership teams understand the value of lsquoin-between timersquo They have the wisdom and courage to be intentionally unstructured from time to time knowing that the occasional meal together stop for coffee or spur of the moment conversation will ultimately lead to being more effective and impactful

Adapted from ldquoThe Hubrdquo a publication of The Table Group

ldquoSometimes you will never know the value of

a moment until it becomes a memoryrdquo

-Dr Seuss

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

What do Leadership Development time and speed dating have in common They both strive to make the most of a short amount of time Let this link take you to seven Leadership Development sessions for Core Leaders that will hone their skills as shepherds These trainings are ordered to parallel the weekly progress of both the Core Leader and the group Each can be completed in 10 minutes

MakeItQuick

P5

P6

1A retreat on the intriguing subject of emotional intelligence This material will challenge your leaders as it blends the Word of God with the knowledge and skills to be more sensitive to the needs of others Outlines activities and PowerPoint are all included Use the material for a one or two-day retreat Leaders will be closer and better tuned to those they shepherd Click Here

2New material on Margins The margins in life have to constantly be managed Three new videos featuring Rick Hale Teaching Director of the Roswell NM Evening Class help to define our problems and give practical tips to bring our lives into balance Use the videos and the accompanying handout for a retreat or for Leadership Development time Yoursquoll be glad you did Click Here

ldquo U s i n g E m a i l t o R e s o l v e C o n f l i c t rdquoD AW N G R I F F I N

Conflicthellipwho embraces conflict as a hobby Who cheers when faced with the opportunity to experience conflict Who knows just what to say to make it go away Really no one

One of the most important steps in making peace with others involves getting together to share forgiveness and arrive at a reasonable solution Face to face communication is the best option for resolving conflict The message being communicated is received through body language tone of voice and the selection of words These elements of communication working together are important for relaying feelings and attitude especially when there an atmosphere of tension

The use of email is rarely a good tool for resolving conflict If you know that your emotions are running high or if your email exchanges have gone back and forth more than three times this signals that the conflict is too tough to solve using email Ask to meet face-to-face or to connect by phone If you are in conflict with someone yoursquove never met personally strive to have a phone conversation

If there is not an option to meet face-to-face or by phone and email is the only communication tool you have consider these guidelines

- Compose the email first without filling in the email address Send only when you havere-read your email and prayed for peace in the situation

- Email the message to yourself to review Send only when you believe the email will helpand not enflame the conflict

- Be generous in determining the other personrsquos intentions Intentions are invisible andimpossible for you to fully know Consider overlooking the offense

- Express your desire for their best interests to be served and let them know why yourrelationship is important to you

- Be sure to communicate your ldquoheartrdquo not just your position on the conflict at hand

Godrsquos Word lays out a clear path to resolve everyday conflicts The ldquoConnecting thru Conflictrdquo Workshop currently being presented at the ldquoMake the Connectionrdquo Leadership Conferences is providing CBS leaders with the steps guaranteed to glorify God in our conflicts We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about this important topic at upcoming CBS Leadership Conferences

To learn more about living on the path of peace you can order our recommended resource directly from the CBS Leadership Resource Store Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande Click Here

P7

P8

Dream Big Think Small Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time ndash Jeff Manion

How do you build a life of significance In Dream Big Think Small Jeff Manion challenges you to explore the spiritual prescription of steady faithfulness This book is filled with inspiring stories and insightful biblical teaching Manion helps you understand the principles of perseverance intentionality and discipline that will result in your spiritual health within your marriage and family in the quality of your work and in a more authentic ability to honor God with your life

Pray and Play Bible for Young Children ndash Group Publishing

Watch children fall in love with Godrsquos Word Fourteen bible stories spring to life with beautiful illlustrations child-friendly language and fun play that helps children enjoy and remember Included with each story are 3 full pages of faith-building activities songs games crafts and prayers just to name a few

Designed for preschool and primary ages

The Red Sea Rules 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times ndash Robert J Morgan

Using the Israelites story in Exodus 14 as an example Robert Morgan offers ten sound strategies for moving from fear to faith Life is hard It is certain that we will face difficulties and that God will allow them as He allowed the Israelites to become trapped between Pharaohs rushing armies and the uncrossable Red Sea But just as certain is the fact that the same God who led us in will lead us out As The Red Sea Rules makes comfortingly clear He is in control

Leadership Development TeamAmy BakerHelen BradickDawn Griffin Rick HaleKristine MacDermottJenny Shropshire

The Leadership Development Team can be reached with comments or questions at leadcommunitybiblestudyorg

Elevate is a publication of the Leadership Development Team of Community Bible Study Elevate is designed and published exclusively for use of Community Bible Study leaders The views expressed by authors cited in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Community Bible Study

1 What are our optionswhen we plan a leaders

retreatRetreats can be presented by a single speaker

or a group of leaders The videos from the 2017 Teaching Directors Conference are available on Fisher and

can provide theme and content The Leadership Development website has complete retreats (speaking outlines PowerPoint and activities) that include some that are

NEWLY produced Retreats can be held prior to the start of class or during the fall or winter months Formats range from half-day to overnight Feel free to include fun along with the learning Seize this time together to

build relationships

2 We are a one day class with some new challenges How do we get our leadersto stay for LD time Are there any creative ways to use our time more

efficiently And how do we replace the fellowship time that is now missingFirst consider moving your LD time to directly after the lunchlive teaching time Then have the remaining elements of Leaders Council follow LD time A reminder from the TD that all leaders have committed to participating in all of

Leaders Council can also be helpfulSecond ldquomany hands make light workrdquo is applicable to a one day class Core Leaders can help Children and Youth Leaders with clean-up Assignments made ahead of time for set-upclean-up for Core Group settings is also helpful And sticking to the schedule for your day starting on time for each segment encourages efficiency in the time givenFinally to increase fellowship among leaders look for opportunities where leaders can share things about themselves Personal testimonies during LD time or using the personal questions from Home Study Questions for discussion during LD luncheons can help to knit relationships among the leaders Also see the article in this issue of Elevate

titled ldquoIn Between Timesrdquo for ideas

S H A R I N G T H E T R U T H A B O U T J E S U SOne of the great joys as a follower of Christ is sharing the good news of our Lord and Savior with others Romans 116 says I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes Every leader in CBS should be equipped to tell others how to have a personal relationship with

Jesus Christ

A new tool is available on Fisher that describes several ways to share these important truths Choose the approach that best fits the person and situation Search within the resources on Fisher for Sharing the

Gospel Bring all leaders together during LD time to discuss and review

P9