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AMONG PROTESTANT PASTORS:Does your church regularly evaluate discipleshipprogress among your congregation?1% not sureAMONG THOSEWHO ANSWERED “YES”97% agree congregation is56%NOmaking significant progress intheir spiritual development43%Yes60% satisfied with the state ofdiscipleship in their churchAMONG THOSEWHO ANSWERED “NO”89% agree congregation ismaking significant progress intheir spiritual development37% satisfied with the state ofdiscipleship in their churchvictory or failure from distorting the perspective of reality.”“How people really grow is at the heart of thespiritual development.– Pastors of churches with 49 attendees or fewer are the leastTransformational Discipleship research and the booklikely to somewhat agree (23 percent) they are satisfied with theTransformational Discipleship written by Eric Geiger, Michaelstate of discipleship and spiritual formation in their church.Kelley and Philip Nation,” McConnell said. “Churches andMcConnell pointed out the Transformational Discipleshippastors with a passion for discipleship produce disciples. Whileresearch also generated the Transformational Discipleshipthis is a work of the Holy Spirit and not a formulaic approach,Assessment (TDA), a comprehensive tool to help churchesthere is a great deal that can be learned by studying thosegain a better understanding of the spiritual health ofindividuals who are experiencing growth.”their congregation and the effectiveness of their methodsThe pastor survey also revealed demographic differences byage, region and church size:– Pastors of churches with more than 250 attendees are theof discipleship. Information on TDA and the entireTransformational Church emphasis can be found atTransformationalChurch.com and tda.lifeway.com. nmost likely to strongly agree (67 percent) they consistently hearreports of changed lives at their church, and pastors identifyingthemselves as evangelical are more likely (49 percent) to stronglyagree than self-identified mainline pastors (42 percent).– Pastors age 65 and over are the most likely to strongly agree(53 percent) and the least likely to somewhat agree (39 percent)Methodology: The phone survey, conducted in August 2011, sampledrandomly selected Protestant churches. Each interview was conductedwith the senior pastor, minister or priest and responses were weighed toreflect the geographic distribution of Protestant churches. The completedsample of 1,000 phone interviews provides a 95 percent confidence that thesampling error does not exceed 3.2 percent. Margins of error are higher insubgroups.that their congregation is making significant progress in theirFacts and Trends SBC 20127

The ExchangeEd Stetzer, president of LifeWay ResearchCommands and privilegesOne of the most basic commands – and perhaps one ofthe greatest privileges we have – from Christ is that we“make disciples.” In Transformational Church, the bookI coauthored with Thom Rainer, our research revealedthe need to change the scorecard of how a church measures success.The numbers of people converted, attending, serving and givingare still important and should be measured, but we must value themeasurements that include changed lives, missional engagement andleadership development. In a sense, we need an expanded scorecard.In the Transformational Discipleshipresearch project, Protestant churchdisciple and plan for growth. Yes, you readattendees across North America werethat right, plan for growth. Too manyasked about their spiritual development.leaders are satisfied with maintenanceThe purpose was to identify the issuesmode. They don’t want to rock the boat.that facilitated their spiritual maturity andAs we stated in Transformational Church,to measure how that maturity happened.a church should not be like a carouselChurch leaders, more specifically pastors,with bright lights and upbeat music withwere interviewed as well. The viewpeople moving but no one going anywhere.gained from pastors (as you can see inA church is called to make disciples, notan article in this edition of F&T) is theypromote complacency.believe transformational discipleship isFollow Ed Stetzer’s thoughtson Twitter @EdStetzer.His blog is available atEdStetzer.com.I would challenge church leaders to be theit. After reviewing the research, let mefirst in line to measure their own spiritualsuggest three steps to help in the process ofmaturity by some objective measures.transformational discipleship.From the Transformational Discipleshipresearch, eight attributes of discipleshipdiscipleship in their church. Some maywere discovered that diagnose wherethink this to be unspiritual. But, as I’veyou stand in spiritual maturity. Considersaid often, facts are our friends. Beforetaking the Transformational Discipleshipa growth plan can be plotted, you mustAssessment* (TDA) and ask some keyfirst know where your people are in theirleaders to do it with you. Use it as a timespiritual development.for personal development in your faith andSecond, your course for growth must bebased on an informed view of discipleship.8Finally, lead by taking people with you.taking place but had few ways to measureFirst, leaders must objectively assess* Go online to TDA.LifeWay.com and take theTransformational DiscipleshipAssessment with leaders of your church.Start with a biblical portrait of a healthydeveloping a sense of what is next in thefuture of your church. nNew Orleans SBC 2012

PREPAY AND SAVE BIG!!!Call800-436-3869 and learn how you can save 30-70%!!Your one-stop worship resource!Stop by the LifeWay Digital Church booth for aFREE 10 GIFT CARD(while quantities last) and to learn more about how toPREPAY AND SAVE!

Is your church acreatureof theword?When the gospelis rightly declaredand applied toGod’s people, thechurch becomes“a creature of theWord.”Matt Chandler,Eric Gieger& Josh PattersonAvailableOctober 2012COME VISITB&HPUBLISHINGGROUP ATBOOTH 100ABHPublishingGroup.com

The Gospel Project Bible studycurriculum focuses on JesusLifeWay Christian Resources’ new Bible study,The Gospel Project, draws its focus fromThe Baptist Faith and Message.In the last sentence of the Scripture section, the BF&M states:“All Scripture is a testimony to Christ who is Himself the focus of divinerevelation.”According to Trevin Wax, managing editor of The Gospel Project, thisserved as the starting point for the new three-year age-wide curriculum,the first LifeWay has introduced in more than a decade.“The main emphasis is Jesus Christ, who He is, and what He has donefor us,” said Wax. “It’s centered on how all of the Bible tells us this oneover-arching story of redemption about what God has done to save us“ The main emphasis isJesus Christ, who He is, andwhat He has done for us.”– Trevin Waxthrough the work of Jesus Christ.”This approach has stirred the curiosity of more than 9,000 churchesthat have signed up for a free download of the curriculum’s first quarterlessons.In March, LifeWay hosted dozens of bloggers, authors andpastors during a live webcast with well-known pastors MattChandler and J.D. Greear.This event resulted in some online buzz about The GospelProject as several writers provided live-blogging coverage.Seated, left to right: J.D. Greear,Matt Chandler, Ed Stetzer andTrevin WaxFacts and Trends SBC 201211

During one point of the webcast, the event was one of the most populartopics on Twitter.Led by Wax and General Editor and LifeWay Research President EdFollow @Gospel Projecton Twitter.Stetzer, The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under asingle Christ-centered curriculum.“The goal of The Gospel Project is to provide a theologically drivenstudy that points people to Jesus,” said Wax. “The Gospel Project showsGo by The Gospel Project boothin the exhibit hall to learn more.Samples of the new LifeWayBible study are also available atGospelProject.com.that the gospel is central to our daily lives. Not that it just saves us, butthat it also sustains us.”Over a three-year plan of study, each session immerses participants –adults, students and kids – in the gospel through every story, theologicalconcept and call to missions from Genesis to Revelation. Separate studyplans have been written for adults, students and kids to provide theproper focus and depth appropriate for each age group.For example, The Gospel Project for Kids follows achronological timeline of Bible events, while The GospelProject for Students focuses on biblical theology, apologetics,missions and the overall story of Scripture.Video segment from thekids’ curriculum12New Orleans SBC 2012

Also, in the kids’ version of the curriculum, short videos andaccompanying music tell the Bible story each week. Wax said this helpschildren learn memory verses by heart. Other activities and craftshighlight the details and storyline truth of each lesson, while parentresources help families discuss lessons at home.For students and adults, the curriculum’s scope and sequence buildsupon the basics of a systematic theology, within the framework of abiblical theology, said Wax.“In other words,” Wax said, “we show how we get our doctrines, ourtheology, our application and how we get that from the biblical storyline.It’s important for us to know the biblical storyline because that’s whatthen helps us understand what our mission is as believers.”Wax said the first question curriculum writers asked when approachingbiblical text was, “What does this text teach us about God?”“The first question can’t be, ‘What’s the moral of the story?’ Becausewe’ve approached the Bible that way for years, by the time they’re in sixthgrade, kids are conditioned to think the Bible is a set of loose morality“ .we want every story we tellto answer, ‘What does thistell us about God?’”– Trevin Waxtales and that it’s really about them. Instead we want every story we tellto answer, ‘What does this tell us about God?’”Wax said this makes for a vitally important difference in approach.“We have to make sure we don’t get the cart before the horse in mattersof application and study. That’s what we mean by theologically driven –we’re starting with God because He’s the starting point.”Frank Page, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committeepresident said, “I’m excited about LifeWay’s new in-depth Bible study,The Gospel Project, that will help our people understand how Jesus tiesthe entire Bible together. Resources that lead adults, students and evenkids through theological and missional concepts can only strengthenSouthern Baptists’ effectiveness in reaching the world for Christ.”Bible study resources will be available in multiple formats, such as printand downloadable, as well as e-reader and mobile app formats.Go by The Gospel Project’s booth in the exhibit hall to learnmore. Samples of the new LifeWay Bible study are also available atGospelProject.com. nFacts and Trends SBC 201213

A look inside:The Gospel ProjectActivity sheet for learnersSession launch pageSession launch page14New Orleans SBC 2012

Clear, step-by-step teaching guidesSection for journalingPersonal study guideDiscussion pagesPersonal study guideCall to respond with a pause & reflect sectionFacts and Trends SBC 201215

Geigerchampionschurchesby Russ Rankin16New Orleans SBC 2012

Eric Geiger wants to helppastors become heroes.“My dream is that we wouldbless and serve church leadersmoved from an organization into more ofGeiger said his vision for the divisiona movement that serves churches reallyhinges on the actual name of the churchwell.”resources division.LifeWay’s church resources division“We are more passionately embracingso well, they will become heroes withindevelops strategies, products, programswhat being the church resources divisiontheir area of ministry and influence,” saidand services that help churches disciplemeans,” he said. “We exist for the church.Geiger, vice president of LifeWay’s churchpeople of all ages. This comprehensiveThe church does not exist for us. And itresources division (CRD), who has beenassignment is addressed by providingis a high honor and privilege to serve andat LifeWay about six months.provide resources for the church. And it’sPrior to joining the LifeWay staff,Geiger, 36, served eight years as executivepastor of Christ Fellowship Miami, achurch that grew from 1,200 to 8,000 insignificant that we are a division – a part“ In the near future I envisionCRD coming alongsideof the whole of LifeWay. We aren’t thechurch resources organization.”Even though LifeWay has a rich historyattendance under Geiger’s leadership aschurches to create things thatof providing transformational products,an organizational architect.specifically align with whatGeiger said his desire is to become“Making the transition from churchleadership to LifeWay has been bothdifficult and exciting,” Geiger admitted.is going on in the teachingministry of that church.”“Anyone who has served in a healthy– Eric Geigerchurch setting knows how difficult it is toleave. It is a special environment.“But at the same time, it’s exciting tothink about serving churches on sucha broad level,” he said. “We’re seeingchanges at LifeWay as we havethat “better listens to churches, knowschurches and designs products andservices for churches.”“This will mean listening on a macrolevel – being aware of how the Lordresources in Bible study, worship, childrenand student ministries and total churchhealth and growth.Geiger said that since coming toLifeWay, he has “been blown away bythe incredible level of intelligence,breadth and depth of skill in specializeddisciplines among our team. We havecontent editors who are just geniuses.We have people in publishing whounderstand theology, the church andbusiness all wrapped up together – that’sa very unique skill-set.”Facts and Trends SBC 2012more of a “church focused” divisionis moving in churches as a whole andhearing their needs,” he said. “At thesame time listening at the micro levelwould be equipping churches by helpingthem craft and create what would besthelp them in their individual context ofministry,” he said. “In the near future Ienvision CRD coming alongside churchesto create things that specifically alignwith what is going on in the teachingministry of that church.”Geiger said he is confident in thefuture, to a large degree because of thefocus, talent and ministry conviction17

CRD leaders ongoals, structurefound within the division and acrossLifeWay.“I want to get to a point where pastorsand church leaders see LifeWay not merelyas a provider of materials and productsthey ‘should’ use,” Geiger said. “I want usto reach a point where they are thankingWith Eric Geiger’s arrival as LifeWay’s newestvice president, LifeWay’s church resourcesdivision has been reorganized to better reflectthe way most churches are organized – by agegrouping and ministry.As part of this reorganization process, Geiger has named seven leaders toa directional leadership team that reports directly to him:leadership development or more time in Kids ministry – Lance Howerton Student ministry – Ben Trueblood Young adult ministry – Linda Osborne (interim) Adult ministry – Faith Whatley Worship – Mike Harland Discipleship – Michael Kelley Leadership – Todd Adkinssermon preparation – we are stepping inFacts and Trends had the opportunity to hear these leaders share what they areGod that LifeWay is meeting this needbecause it equips them and frees them upto focus on their ministry.“I want pastors to have the assurancethat whatever is before them in theirministry context – whether it beand serving them well and adding deepvalue to their church,” Geiger said.Geiger earned a doctorate in leadershipand church ministry from The SouthernBaptist Theological Seminary inLouisville, Ky., and is the author orco-author of several books, includingthe newly released TransformationalDiscipleship and Simple Church, a bestselling book on church leadership, whichhas just been released in paperback. nthinking about their work, their vision and involvement in their own churches.Facts and Trends: What is the goal of your department?Kelley: We serve churches in their mission of making disciples by providingtrustworthy content and specialized services. The discipleship team will custombuild trustworthy content according to a church’s structure, individual mission andgoals so a church might truly live out their overall mission of making disciples.Adkins: We want to provide comprehensive leadership development and trainingopportunities to churches, their staff, volunteer leaders, and the people they serve.Howerton: Our goal is to provide life changing resources and events. We want toserve the churches well in their mission of making disciples.Trueblood: Our goal as a student ministry area is to serve churches in theirmission of making disciples. We see it as a great privilege and responsibility to beable to partner with student pastors and volunteer leaders as they pour into thelives of students.Follow Eric Geiger onTwitter @RealEricGeiger.His blog is available atEricGeiger.com.18Harland: LifeWay Worship exists to serve churches in their mission of makingdisciples. We often say we do not make music; we make disciples. Music is not ourmessage; it is just our language.New Orleans SBC 2012

“ We see it as a greatprivilege and responsibilityto be able to partner withstudent pastors andvolunteer leaders asthey pour into the livesof students.”– Ben TruebloodLance HowertonF&T: How will this neworganizational structurehelp LifeWay connect withchurches?Ben Truebloodany question about young adult ministry.Really simple.Adkins: I believe we will serve churchesbetter by providing simplicity, clarityF&T: Eric Geiger said,“We exist for the church.The church does notexist for us.” What is onestrategy you have for yourdepartment to demonstratethis to churches?Whatley: Because our new structureand customization. Complexity doesn’tis more aligned with how our churchesserve anyone well and being uncertainorganize their ministries, it is muchin knowing what tool to use in a givenclearer who churches can contact atsituation wastes valuable time and energy.LifeWay with needs or questions. OurBeing able to design or customize variousmaking it easy for the church. Many120 employees in adult ministry areresources adds value and is really icing ontimes, that will mean it’s harder for usmaking calls to churches, creating deeperthe cake.– but in the end, if we are serving therelationships with church leaders inchurches of all sizes.Osborne: With this new structure, achurch simply has to call Threads withFacts and Trends SBC 2012Howerton: The new structure putseverything for kids under one team. ThisKelley: We want to always be aboutchurch that’s how it should be.Osborne: The Threads team enjoysallows for synergy in every area of kidsmaking connections with churches. Eachministry.month we call churches who we have had19

Linda OsborneFaith WhatleyMichael Kelleythe privilege of serving through resourceswe are equipping the church. Her needslot of positive feedback from studentand events. Direct feedback fromcome first.pastors and leaders as they sign up forchurches helps us serve them better.Howerton: More than anything wewant to know churches and churchleaders. If you attend CentriKid campsyou know we spend time each week withgroup leaders to hear how we can servethem better.Whatley: In all we do, we want to makeit easier on her (the church). We arehaving more intentional conversations onhow we accomplish this for the church.Harland: The question we want to askourselves e

Transformational Discipleship written by Eric Geiger, Michael Kelley and Philip Nation,” McConnell said. “Churches and pastors with a passion for discipleship produce disciples. While this is a work of the Holy Spirit and not a formulaic approach, th