So often a great divide exists between book learning and real life ministry. Even if you were blessed to have taken courses with practical assignments, projects, and other hands-on learning experiences, you undoubtedly still were not prepared for everything you would encounter in ministry. Can you ever truly be prepared?

We need to understand the basics like . . .

• God’s Purpose for the Church to love Him with all our hearts and to love others.
• God’s Design for the Church to function interdependently as a body.
• God’s Heart for the Church that we be Christ-like in both character and conduct.
• God’s Mission for the Church to go and make disciples.
• God’s Power for the Church to accomplish all we do by and through His strength and His resources.

But, how do these principles apply to the particulars in ministry?

The Practicum at TrainChurchLeaders.com seeks to help us examine the connection between what we know about from God’s Word and specific tasks and issues church leaders face. Even still, within the areas being covered in the Practicum can you ever truly be prepared for real life situations?

While learning God’s Word is important (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17) and getting equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12) is needed, no amount of training will ever thoroughly prepare us. Always remember that our backgrounds and education are not the Rock on which we stand. Our knowledge and ability to articulate what we know are not the Source of power by which we effectively serve.

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps. 61:2)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)

Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)

A summer bulletin board theme based on Genesis 8:22 could be about how God keeps His promises.

More Bible Verses Using the Word “Summer”

I found the word “summer” used in the Bible 18 times but not all would make sense for use on a bulletin board.  In addition to Genesis 8:22, here are few that could be used:

Theme:  God’s wisdom and power seen in creation

“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.”  (Ps. 74:17)

For a bulletin board design you could put the words to this verse in a typical summer landscape (i.e., sun, flowers).

Theme:  Signs of His coming

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Lk. 21:28-31)

While this parable told by Jesus references what happens in spring that leads to summer, it has the word “summer” in it. Perhaps it could be displayed right before the summer season begins.  (parable also in Matt. 24:32-33; Mk. 13:28)

Theme:  Learn wisdom from the ant.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” (Prov. 6:6-8)

“Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;” (Prov. 30:25)

The bulletin board could be designed with  an ant mound using a summer backdrop (i.e., sun shining). You could have ants heading into the mound in a path each having a word from Proverbs 30:25  or you could have a picnic table with ants and Proverbs 6:6-8.

Theme:  It just isn’t right. It doesn’t make sense.

“Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.” (Prov. 26:1)

The board could have an obvious summer theme (maybe a picnic table & people in summer clothing with the sun brightly shining, etc.) and snowflakes falling.

Theme:  wise versus lazy … being a good steward

“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” (Prov. 10:5)

This would be a good one to display toward the end of the summer.

Seasonal Activities & Phenomenon for Summer Bulletin Boards

Use your imagination thinking about summer activities to use as backgrounds:

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vacations, the beach, shovels & buckets, sea shells, beach balls, footprints in the sand, butterflies, the sun, butterflies, flowers, watering can, birds & birdhouses, lighthouses, boating/sailing, swimming,  gardens producing fruits & vegetables, ponds with ducks/frogs, bees and other insects, wash lines with clothes hanging on them, seasonal fruit like watermelons, flip flops, picnics, feeling hot/the heat, blue skies, sunglasses, playground, kites, ice-cream cones, frisbees, badminton

An example could be a bulletin board designed with a fishing theme. You could use the following Bible verse.

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19, KJV)

Perhaps you could develop a theme around not forgetting God while on vacation.

Anything dealing with the wonder of God’s creation as observed in this season of the year could be appropriate.

In the U.S. you could have a freedom or patriotic display for Independence Day.

Or, you could feature summer church events like camp or Vacation Bible School.

Some Tips for Designing Your Summer Bulletin Board

• Determine if your lesson theme could be represented using any of the above ideas.

• Think of verses, poems, sayings, or concepts related to summer that could fit your study.

  i.e., “This is the day the Lord has made …” could fit a bright summer background.

• Consider how you can get students involved in making the board.

something they can write on fish, flowers, etc. (i.e., prayer requests); flowers made with students’ hand prints; their footprints in the sand; photos of them on displayed items; students color or paint items to be placed on the board

• Decide if it would be possible to make it three-dimensional or textured.

light-weight objects, real sand, etc.

• Watch for abstracts and symbolism if the board targets young children.

Younger ages are concrete thinkers so a play on words using the sun and Son might not be understood by them but would for older ages.

 Teacher Training Resource with Other Tips: Make Bulletin Boards SUPER

In a previous post we looked at the qualifications in Titus 2 for older women mentoring younger women. Now we turn our attention to the young women and areas for which such a mentoring relationship would be beneficial.

Then they (older women) can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:4-5)

Mentoring opportunities can benefit all younger women whether married or single, with or without children, to help them learn to be godly. However, since Titus 2 specifically refers to young married women with children, this post will focus on mentoring that can be especially helpful for them.

Training women to be good wives as well as good mothers is so important. Children learn respect in the home. Much of it comes through observing the way parents treat one another. Mentoring younger mothers is critical because how a child is reared can affect future generations.

Following are areas or seasons of life for which a mother would especially benefit from mentoring by an older woman.

Maternity

Love for a child begins to develop during pregnancy and continues on through the good and bad times. How do they prepare for the changes a new child brings to the home, their marriage relationship and life in general so they don’t feel resentment or regret?

Obligations

Titus 2 says they should be taught to be “busy at home.” How do they manage work and family life to keep it in balance?

Toddlers & Teens

Loving children at all times seems like a given but there are certain stages children go through that can be particularly trying during which a mentor would be particularly helpful. How do they show love when the child is not acting very lovable?

Husband

Children learn respect in the home, much of which comes through observing how their parents treat one another. How do they demonstrate love and submission toward their husbands, keeping this relationship a priority, when it seems so hard to balance life?

Emotions

Titus 2 goes beyond the “how-to” of being a good wife and mother to inner qualities such as self-control and kindness. How do they learn to react to the stresses of life in emotionally healthy ways?

Relationships

Titus 2 also says older women should teach younger women to be pure. Obviously self-control and purity go together. If a younger woman hasn’t learned self-control, it will be harder to maintain purity in relationships. How do they get to a point where they can turn from temptations, especially when life seems like it would be better otherwise or when they feel like they need an escape from their current realities?

Effectively mentoring young mothers in the above areas will result in:

• Women who become godly, exhibiting the characteristics of the woman in Proverbs 31 of whom it is written that “Her children arise and call her blessed” (Ps. 31:28)

• Women who not only rear children who honor her but also who become lights in the world around them because of the way they live and consequently do not “malign the word of God” (Titus 2:5)

Read More:  Mentoring as a Shepherding Ministry

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women . . . (Titus 2:3-4a)

We hear the Apostle Paul’s exhortation for older women to mentor younger women. They have an experience base from which to pull much wisdom of how they learned to cope with the responsibilities of life. They can teach younger women what they gleaned from both their successes and failings.

But, older women mentoring younger women isn’t just about passing on “how to” be a good wife or mother. They are to also teach them qualities essential to being godly women. That is why Paul puts qualifications on the mentors. The church also has a responsibility to “teach the older women” to be a certain way so they can “teach what is good.” Notice that it is “then” that “they can train the younger women.”

To mentor younger women to “be” who they should be and not merely “do” what they should do takes more than words. It takes a role model, someone who lives what they say, to “train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands” (Titus 2:4-5).

• If young women are to learn to be godly from their mentor, then they need mentors who are “reverent” … consecrated to the Lord.

• If young women are to learn to be submissive from their mentor, then they need to see that reverence in their mentors spill over into “the way they live” in relationship with others. Submission grows out of respect.

• If young women are to learn to be kind and pure from their mentor, then they need a mentor who does not “slander” or demean others through gossip or other negative words.

• If young women are to learn to be self-controlled from their mentor, then they need a mentor who is not “addicted to much wine” or any other vice or bondage.

Do you have, or want to begin, a mentoring program at your church for women? Following are three questions for you to think through to line up what you do with Titus 2.

1) What criteria should be in a mentor?

Remember, more goes into mentoring than passing on life experiences so don’t make it about merely pairing up women based on who has been through similar life experiences. The mentor, according to Titus 2, should display certain qualities. Think through how you will know when an older woman is ready to be a mentor.

2) How will you recruit mentors?

Not all older women are qualified to join in such an endeavor. Think through how you present this opportunity to the older women of your church so you are not in an awkward position of turning some women away.

3) What training should be required of mentors?

Some older women are already godly or “reverent in the way they live” so they might not need as much teaching but should still go through training to remind them of what mentoring is all about. Think through what should be included in that basic plan.

Older women who do not meet the criteria of Titus 2 probably will not drastically change as the result of a few training sessions. Bondages are usually not easily or quickly broken. Think through how you can extend prolonged teaching, perhaps counseling or they themselves being mentored, to help them become more godly.

Read More:  Mentoring as a Shepherding Ministry

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:4)

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts: The word for gifts is charisma, the root word being charis, meaning “grace.” The gifts are not only distributed on the basis of grace (Rom. 12:6) but enable us to dispense His grace in its various forms (1 Pet. 4:10). We call them “spiritual gifts” because they are given by the Spirit.

Same Spirit: The different gifts are given to each person by the same source, the Holy Spirit, as He deems best (1 Cor. 12:11), not on the basis of merit so we have no grounds for comparing or competing with one another.

— Hence, we have different gifts received on the same basis (grace) with the same purpose (to dispense His grace) by the same Spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:5)

Different Ways of Serving: Even people with the same spiritual gift could find themselves serving in different ways from each other.

Same Lord:  Kyrios means master, the one who decides, often used of Jesus (i.e., the Lord Jesus). He is the Head of the church from whom we get our instructions. We are not the ones who should be determining how we serve but rather the Lord.

— Hence, we have different ways of serving all coming under the direction and coordination of the same Lord so we serve the same Master.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Cor. 12:6)

Distinct Effects: The word for working is energema suggesting what has been wrought. The word “works” is energeo from which we get the word energy, putting forth power. Consequently as we use our different spiritual gifts, serving in different ways, God is the One who will bring about distinct effects by His power for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7), not us, so we have no basis for one part elevating itself above the other.

Same God: This references the One True God (theos) who by His very character is sovereign and powerful, a creative God who has every right to use vessels for whatever purpose He chooses (Rom. 9:20-21).

— Hence, though we serve in our differing ways using varying gifts, we are all beholden to the same God to bring the growth as we submit to Him (1 Cor. 3:7-9; Eph. 4:16).

Yes, we are different but notice that we serve in accordance with, because of, and by the same Spirit, Lord, and God.  Could the use of these three different names, if kyrios references the Lord Jesus, be the Trinity at work in the Church? If so, it provides us with a good illustration. Just as they are three distinct, or different, Beings, yet One and the Same, so in the Body of Christ we have different kinds of gifts to serve in different ways to bring about different effects but are united by that same Spirit, Lord, and God working in and through us for the common good. As such, we can be both different and the same in the Body of Christ.

Let’s not get the attitude that they are “just a church secretary” and contribute to feelings of inferiority. After all, they aren’t the pastor or ministry leader, one might think. They don’t have an upfront ministry but merely do behind the scenes work, one might reason.

People who do clerical work often have the spiritual gift of helps and/or service both of which typically are used in behind-the-scenes ministry. To think this makes them less needed? Ouch!

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” (1 Cor. 12:21)

People who do clerical work often are not upfront leaders. They might hold what could be considered a “lesser” position than a church pastor or ministry leader. To think that makes them less important? Ouch!

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. (1 Cor. 12:22-23)

Church secretaries, administrative assistants — anyone doing clerical type of work or assisting church leadership, tend to keep leaders on track, coordinate so much of the ministry in the church, and serve as the first contact of people who call in or stop by the church for help.

• Many pastors would feel lost without this servant. Often this person makes leaders look better than they really are and rarely get the credit.
• Many ministries would be disorganized and floundering without this help. Often people do not stop to think about why things run so efficiently.
• Many people would not have a good first impression if someone wasn’t there to warmly greet and connect them to the help they need. Often we don’t think of how important that is to outsiders.

Are you in this role saying you are “just a Church Secretary”? No way! You are needed, important … indispensable! You might not be told that enough but if faithfully serving, what God thinks of you is what truly matters!

Are you a pastor or ministry leader benefiting from their services with the attitude that they are “just a church secretary”? If so, you need an attitude adjustment! Revisit 1 Corinthians 12 to see this person through God’s eyes and then start showing them more respect, appreciation, and affirmation.

Are you a church member who rarely thinks about how vital behind-the-scenes workers are in God’s work? Maybe it is time to send them a thank you note or better yet express your gratitude in tangible ways now and throughout the year.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another. (1 Pet. 3:8)

In previous posts we’ve asked:

Really? – Since conflict is inevitable is this possible? To that we must reply that it is not only possible but commanded.

What’s that mean? – Are we all supposed to homogenize, letting go of our uniqueness in thinking and ways of doing things? To that we answer that it means just the opposite … coming together with all of our differences in tact to become fuller and better because of it.

That brings us to the next question: How’s that going to happen?

If we look at the context of Romans 12:16 and 1 Peter 3:8, we will come to understand what accompanies “harmony” … coming together in unity with all of our differences rather than letting these conflicts divide and destroy us. Since the ability to be harmonious stems from the way we think, we’ll not only list what we must do but also the perspective we need to get there.

1. Don’t worry about making yourself look good. (“Do not be proud.” – Rom. 12:16)

Perspective Needed: It’s not about “me” but about “us” so I must work toward the effect something has on the other person and all of us, not just me.

Also Read: Phil. 2:3

2. Accept people who aren’t as mature, qualified, trained, intelligent, or on the same level as you. (“Associate with people of low position.” – Rom. 12:16)

Perspective Needed: God did not accept me on the basis of of who I am or what I have done so I must not make others earn my acceptance or approval before I let them into my life.

Also Read: Rom. 15:7

3. Lose your sense of superiority. (“Do not be conceited.” – Rom. 12:16; “be … humble” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: I am who I am because of the grace of God so I should not see myself as better than someone else.

Also Read: Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 15:10

4. Take the high road. (“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” – Rom. 12:17; “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” – 1 Pet. 3:9)

Perspective Needed: If God gave me everything I deserved, I’d be condemned, so I should be merciful to others and not try to even the score.

Also Read: Matt. 18:21-35

5. Learn to be submissive. (“Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” – Rom. 12:17)

Perspective Needed: If Jesus came to serve, so should I be willing to lay aside my agenda for the sake of unity and the greater good.

Also Read: Phil. 2:4-8

6. Focus on being a peace-maker. (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Rom. 12:18)

Perspective Needed: If Jesus went out of His way to seek reconciliation with me, so should peace-making be a priority for me.

Also Read: James 3:14-18; Rom. 14:19

7. Trust God to bring justice to a situation. (“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Rom. 12:19)

Perspective Needed: God’s ways are higher than mine and His timing is best so I must let “it” go when there seems to be no resolution and not take matters into my own hands.

Also Read: Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:9; 2 Thess. 1:4-7

8. Forgive people and treat them well instead of as deserved. (“On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Rom. 12:20-21; “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” – 1 Pet. 3:9)

Perspective Needed: If God loved me while I was still a sinner, so should I extend forgiveness and goodness to those who have done me wrong even if they haven’t apologized.

Also Read: Eph. 4:32

9. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. (“be sympathetic” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: God wants me to love my neighbor as myself so I must seek to empathize with them and understand where they are coming from.

Also Read: Matt. 22:39; Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:25-26

10. Be devoted to one another. (“love as brothers” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: I became part of a family when God adopted me as His own, so I must treat others like they belong and matter to me.

Also Read: Rom. 12:10; Eph. 2:19; Phil. 2:1-2

11. Cut each other a break. (“be compassionate” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: God takes into account that I am human so I should be tenderhearted toward others.

Also Read: Ps. 103:13-14; Eph. 5:1-2

If we apply these eleven principles to our relationships with one another, we will indeed not let conflict divide but rather become better because of it.

We will come together, in harmony, with all of our differences, like the instruments in an orchestra, and together make a beautiful sound to the ears of those around us and to the glory of God.