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Discipling Through a Crisis
One of my joyful memories is praying to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior at the foot of my parents' bed when I was four years old. I didn’t know much at four years old, but I am sure that I trusted Jesus that day, and my life was changed forever.
I have followed Jesus for the past 45 years. He has been perfectly faithful through every moment of every day. As a Christian, I have participated in countless Bible studies that have shaped and helped me mature spiritually. Equally important are the handful of people who have sincerely invested their life into mine. They have walked with me through the good and bad times, taught me about Christian ministry, and helped me to see what God was doing through all things. We call these people spiritual mentors.
One of the great surprises to me in my spiritual formation has been the positive effect crisis moments have had on my journey. Crisis moments are never enjoyable in the moment but are an essential component of the Journey of Grace. God uses them to discipline His children, and oftentimes, they lead to great spiritual growth. When I look back over my 45 years of following Jesus, I can point to the moments of greatest spiritual gain. All those moments happened during times of crisis!
Today, we are living through a global crisis. None of us would have asked for the global shutdown that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to every facet of our lives. At the same time, I see God doing something remarkable through this crisis. The church is being refined. We find ourselves asking one another to define the essentials of being a Christ-follower. I love the fact that what boils to the top is discipleship. When everything we have made church look like is taken away, what is left? Making disciples! Churches have become very small groups scattered throughout the city. In most cases, those small groups are families. It won't always be like this. This unique crisis will end. So the question is, what will we learn from it? I pray that we learn how foundational discipleship is to the life and growth of Christ's church!
This Connections newsletter has key articles that address the issue of "discipling through the crisis." In them, you will find inspiring ideas, useful resources, and encouragement. In these times of challenge and adjustment, even though the church buildings may be closed, remember that God's church, His people, are alive through discipleship!
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Scott Rainey,
SDMI Global Director
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|  | "Others": A Priority for Every Christian
From its foundation, Jesus' second directive found in Matthew 22:39 (NIV)—Love your neighbor as yourself—has been a tenet of the Church of the Nazarene. As a result, in many local congregations, money is specifically earmarked for others and is used to address local, national, or global needs. Read more | |  | "Do you understand what I have done for you?" –Jesus
Parents, you have been ambushed by the coronavirus. What follows could be a relevant family discipling tool for such a time as this. Read more | |
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 | Digital Children's Bible Quizzing in 2020 – A Year You'll Never Forget!
God is walking with us through extraordinary days, and we are thankful to be holding His hand. Every district in the USA/Canada Region has felt the impact of canceled events due to the need for protection through social distancing.
Read more | |  | Crucial and Timely Internet Safety Tips for Families with Children
During this time when children of all ages are directed to use the internet more than ever for education, it is critical for parents to take action to make sure that you and your child know how to use the internet and social media safely. Read more | |
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| | Early bird registration has been extended for the USA/Canada SDMI Leaders' Conference - LC2020
Don't miss out on Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International's special discipleship conference ( LC2020) being held at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Ashville, N.C., September 29 – October 1, 2020. For more information about the speakers, schedule, program, and registration click here!
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| | New VBS Now Available!
With the break in normal activities, it is the perfect time to plan for the day when you can gather all your young adventurers and help them dig into God's Word this summer, with Treasure Quest! Whether you plan to host a one-day event, a full week of VBS, or a summer series for Children's church or Wednesday nights, Treasure Quest will provide a guide to explore the stories of Exodus!
Find out more about this free downloadable resource at nazarene.org/vbs. The Spanish version of Treasure Quest is coming in May.
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| | Custom Mobile App and Small Group Tool Available to Churches
In the last few weeks, many churches have continued to find new ways to use technology for discipleship purposes. Since November 2015, SDMI has had a ministry partnership with Back to the Bible. Recently, Back to the Bible released a new technology platform that is 100 percent free. This tool will allow churches to embed most online streaming platforms — including Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and more — onto the home page of their existing church website. Also, the congregation can comment on the live stream. This tool empowers churches to have discipleship groups as well as communication and reporting functionality. Learn more
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| | Celebrate Baby Day Digitally
Are you looking for a digital way to show young families your support and encouragement? Even in light of social distancing and the church gathering virtually, Baby Day is a great way to celebrate the youngest among us and their parents. Click here for a list of ideas.
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| | Do No Harm: Trauma Informed Ministry
You are invited to join us for this upcoming webinar Thursday, May 7th, at noon CDT. There are people who walk into our churches every week who have experienced more trauma in their daily lives than we could ever imagine. When we come face to face with this, we often feel overwhelmed or inadequate simply because we have a lack of knowledge. This webinar is to help us become trauma informed so we can better show the love of Christ to people who desperately need it.
Click here to learn more and to register for this webinar. If you register, you will receive a link to the recording within 24-48 hours of the live event.
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| | Making the Most of COVID-19
Four Days of Reflection for Christians Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Ângela Moreno
During this time of global crisis, God challenges us to stop and reevaluate life in the light of grace. He challenges us to listen to Him so that we can find renewed life in this time of isolation and quarantine. This special downloadable devotional written by Dr. Ângela Moreno offers you a seat at Jesus' feet. Click here to download your free copy.
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2020
September 29-October 1: SDMI Leaders' Conference ( LC2020)
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