{"id":12450,"date":"2008-12-30T11:12:16","date_gmt":"2008-12-30T11:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2008\/12\/30\/bcltop10resources\/"},"modified":"2008-12-30T11:12:16","modified_gmt":"2008-12-30T11:12:16","slug":"bcltop10resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/content\/bcltop10resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Top 10 Resources for 2008"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another year has come and gone, and we’ve put together a list of 2008’s most popular resources. Our BCL team always works hard to anticipate where your ministry needs are and what kinds of resources will prove most helpful. That’s why a list like this—featuring 10 of everyone’s favorites—is as useful for us as we hope it is for you.<\/p>\n\n

Below is a glimpse of how you and your fellow readers are striving to develop your churches. If you’ve missed some of these, take a look to help you think through ways you might grow in 2009.<\/p>\n\n

The BCL Top 10:<\/p>\n\n

10.<\/strong> Premarital Counseling—Practical Ministry Skills<\/a>\nImprove or launch a premarital counseling program at your church. This pack includes a look at the importance of this kind of ministry, ideas for creative exercises, and issues to address in remarriage. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

9.<\/strong> Spiritual Disciplines for Busy Church Leaders—Practical Ministry Skills<\/a>\nSlow down to keep your spiritual life vibrant. Receive instruction from the likes of Henri Nouwen and John Ortberg. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

8.<\/strong> Blending Worship Styles—Worship Essentials<\/a>\nExplore the biblical case for blended worship and how to do it well. Learn to plan worship in your church that witnesses to the many styles and preferences of God’s people. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

7.<\/strong> Church Website Essentials—Practical Ministry Skills<\/a>\nTips for creating, revamping, and maintaining your site. Make it good-looking, easy to use, and more frequently visited. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

6.<\/strong> Strengthening Small Churches—Training Theme<\/a>\nLearn the unique advantages and limitations of small churches, and the best ways to lead them. Find insights from John Koessler, Chuck Warnock, and others. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

5.<\/strong> Becoming a Great Teacher—Practical Ministry Skills<\/a>\nStrengthen individual teachers and your ministry as a whole. Articles include “How to Prepare” and “Making Your Lesson Memorable.” Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

4.<\/strong> Church Job Descriptions—Best Church Practices<\/a>\nUse these 15 adaptable job descriptions to review the duties that are performed in your church, and create new and needed positions. Help staff and volunteers know what’s expected of them. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

3.<\/strong> A Welcoming Church—Assessment Pack<\/a>\nAssess if your church is the kind that makes visitors want to return. These handouts are adapted from articles by Tim Keller, Leith Anderson, and others. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

2.<\/strong> Building a Culture of Discipleship—Training Theme<\/a>\nIt’s often said (and rightly) that churches should be making disciples, not just converts. Shape your congregation into a place of Christian fellowship and transformation. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for … <\/p>\n\n

1.<\/strong> Usher\/Greeter—Orientation Guide<\/a>\nApparently a lot of churches use ushers and greeters. Who knew? If you haven’t already, use this tremendously popular resource to find tips and training for these critical ministry roles. Click here … <\/a><\/p>\n\n

To check out last year’s top 10, go here<\/a>. Or to see everything that’s available, browse the store<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Another year has come and gone, and we’ve put together a list of 2008’s most popular resources. Our BCL team always works hard to anticipate where your ministry needs are and what kinds of resources will prove most helpful. That’s why a list like this—featuring 10 of everyone’s favorites—is as useful for us as we Read more…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"tax_ctp_authors":[3160],"tax_ctp_books":[],"tax_ctp_categories":[142,154],"tax_ctp_field_guide_subcategory":[],"tax_ctp_field_guides":[],"tax_ctp_format":[131],"tax_ctp_multimedia":[],"tax_ctp_point_editor":[],"tax_publications":[156],"tax_ctp_tags":[3604,3609,3615,3793,4419,5046,5160],"tax_ctp_topics":[],"class_list":["post-12450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tax_ctp_authors-tim-avery","tax_publications-leadership-journal","tax_ctp_tags-church-attendance","tax_ctp_tags-church-growth","tax_ctp_tags-church-membership","tax_ctp_tags-discipleship","tax_ctp_tags-management","tax_ctp_tags-spiritual-formation","tax_ctp_tags-time-management"],"acf":{"scripture_references":null},"yoast_head":"\nOur 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