As a pastor who’s always looking for new ways to engage with our community, I’ve found that hosting a Trunk or Treat event is one of the most effective outreach strategies we’ve ever done. We weren’t just looking to fuel up kids with lots of sugar… we wanted something MEANINGFUL and centered on our main mission of making disciples. SO we decided to try something a bit different with our event, and we used the “Candy Thru the Bible” Trunk or Treat Planning System. Personally, I think it’s a game-changer!
This planning system provided us with everything we needed to host a successful, Gospel-centered event. It included detailed theme ideas for our church trunk or treat, creative candy suggestions tied to Bible stories, volunteer training materials, and effective follow-up strategies. The best part? It made the whole process so much easier and more organized. We were able to focus more on connecting with our guests and sharing the love of Jesus in a fun, creative way.
If your church is considering hosting a Trunk or Treat, I highly recommend checking out this resource. It’s been a fantastic tool for us, helping to attract hundreds of visitors and create meaningful connections with families in our community. Plus, it ensures that the Gospel message is front and center in all we do.
Ever felt like making family Bible time a regular thing feels a bit daunting? I totally get that. Between juggling schedules and keeping everyone’s attention, it can be tough. That’s why I created the Family Bible Time Sheets — a super manageable way to bring the Bible into your family routine without the overwhelm.
Here’s What’s In My Family Discipleship Time
I am no expert on 20 different ways to do this… but here’s what I’m doing, and I’d invite you along. 🙂
If you are looking for a plan that will let your family have a structured time with God without making it a planning nightmare, you’ll love this. Imagine… over the next year, your family will:
Sing and learn 24 beautiful hymns.
Memorize more than 170 uplifting Bible verses.
Dive into 119 Catechism Questions that get everyone thinking.
Discover inspiring tales of Christian heroes.
Learn and pray 12 powerful prayers from history.
Family Discipleship Time features
Hymns: There’s something special about singing together. It’s fun, and it plants deep truths into our hearts through melody.
Scripture Memorization: It’s like stocking up an arsenal of guidance and wisdom that’s always with you.
Catechism: These Q&As are a neat way to spark conversations about faith and what we believe.
Christian Heroes: Their stories aren’t just exciting — they show us faith in action, through real lives from history.
Historic Prayers: Connecting with prayers from the past ties us to the vast family of believers through the ages.
How It All Works
Here’s the cool part: the Family Bible Time Sheets link right up to YouTube Playlists we’ve put together at NewStart Discipleship. Each playlist matches perfectly with your weekly themes, so you can hit play, listen, discuss, and learn together. No prep needed!
Meet the Minds Behind these Family Discipleship Resources
It’s not just me on this! I teamed up with Dr. Matt Friedeman — he’s not only a pastor but also a dad to six amazing kids who are now grown and serving God. We both know the hustle of family life and the deep desire to pass on a strong faith to our kids. So, we crafted these sheets to make that as easy as possible for you.
The plan is Dr. Friedeman’s, from his book Discipleship In the Home. You can check out my review of that book here. The implementation and tools are mine. Personally, I think it’s a great synergy.
So, ready to give it a go? Let’s make faith a vivid part of our family life, one little step at a time. Your dinner table is about to get a whole lot more interesting! 😊
I’m not one of those people who make it a mark of pride NOT to have one of the greatest productivity tools in the modern era. If you don’t have one, I’m fine with you getting one.
I’m an early adopter on most tools for productivity. I’m not anti-smart-phone, and I even think it can be a valuable for things like sermon prep, and discipleship training.
Of course, most of the pastors I know have one. But too often, we use it for games & checking sports scores… or pornography. (But how to fight porn on your smartphone is another matter.)
I’ll admit, it takes a bit of personal discipline not to make it a huge time-waster. But it’s worth it. I waste a little time here and there on news, but almost none at all on games or other entertainment… because it’s a tool, not a toy.
The problem with careless smartphone use
But you’re not careful, you’ll get up in the morning saying, “Let’s seize the day” and then… find yourself responding to emails, doom-scrolling through social media, or deep in the rabbit holes of YouTube an hour later? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s almost like our smartphones are using us more than we’re using them.
But fear not! Here are some practical ways to reclaim your life from your digital boss.
Understand the Cost of Smartphone Solutions
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s talk about what’s at stake. It’s not just about wasted time; it’s about how it affects our mood, our relationships, and even our sleep. We’ve got to start by acknowledging that our non-stop connectivity can lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of being constantly overwhelmed.
Notifications Off: Go into your settings and turn off all non-essential notifications. You’ll be amazed at how this reduces the urge to check your device. Use Do Not Disturb: This feature isn’t just for meetings or sleeping. Use it during family meals or while you’re engaging in focused work.
Be Intentional with Apps
Declutter Your Home Screen: Keep only the essential apps on your home screen. If you have to search through folders to find social media apps, you might think twice before opening them. Set Time Limits: Many phones now offer features that track your usage and let you set limits on how long you can use certain apps.
Charge Outside the Bedroom
This one is a game-changer. Charge your phone in another room at night to avoid the temptation to check it before bed or as soon as you wake up. Instead, you could use a good old-fashioned alarm clock to wake you up!
Have Real Interactions
Make a conscious effort to choose face-to-face interactions over digital ones. Nothing online can truly replace the depth and satisfaction of a real-life conversation. Why not call a friend instead of texting them? Better yet, meet them in person if you can!
Use Technology to Beat Technology
App Blockers: Use apps designed to help you stay off your phone. Tools like Forest, Freedom, or Stay Focused help you focus on what’s real. Set Specific Times for Checking Your Phone: Rather than checking your phone intermittently throughout the day, set specific times for this purpose. Maybe once mid-morning, after lunch, and late afternoon.
Reflect and Unwind Without Screens
They say that blue shifted light (like you see on screens), is bad for melatonin production (which helps with feeling sleepy, and rest quality.) So your screen time at night may actually be causing you to sleep poorly!
Instead of unwinding with Netflix or social media, try reading a book, praying, having a conversation with your wife, or taking a walk. Engaging in screen-free activities can definitely improve your mental well-being and sleep quality.
“Your smartphone should be a tool for your convenience, not a conduit for stress. By setting boundaries, being intentional, and engaging more in the real world, you can ensure it stays that way.”
Concluding Thoughts
Turning these ideas into habits won’t happen overnight, I know. But the benefits are well worth the effort. Each small step to reclaim your time and focus from your smartphone is a stride toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
OK, your turn:
How do you plan to adjust your habits, and what do you hope to gain from it?
As a father of seven children, passionately committed to making disciples right from my own home, I find Dr. Matt Friedeman’s book “The New Discipleship In The Home” not just timely but essential. I was first introduced to it in a seminar class taught by the author. It was impactful, excellent material, so I re-read it with my wife, and we began to try to implement the principles.
Friedeman, a seasoned pastor with over 30 years of ministry experience and a father to six children, brings an authentic, hands-on approach to discipling within the familial setting which resonates deeply with me.
American culture is struggling on so many levels. In this culture, the call to bring discipleship back into the home feels increasingly urgent.
The hard truth is this: The culture and the school are definitely planning to disciple your children for you… but into something other than a follower of Christ.
Even the church (by itself) isn’t enough. It’s going to take our own efforts as well. Friedeman masterfully underscores the importance of this task, making a compelling case for the home as the primary ground where faith and character are sown and nurtured. His practical insights and personal anecdotes, drawn from both his rich pastoral experience and his own family life, provide a roadmap that is both inspiring and attainable.
Dr. Friedeman begins by setting a foundational view of the home as not merely a retreat from the world but as the first and most impactful arena of spiritual development. He emphasizes that discipleship at home isn’t about perfect parenting but intentional parenting—making deliberate choices each day to guide our children toward Christ. This perspective challenges and encourages me as I navigate the joys and trials of raising a large family, striving to be intentional in how we cultivate faith and character in our children.
Structure and content overview
The book is structured around practical strategies and profound truths, tailored to equip parents to take up the mantle of making disciples in their homes. One of the most striking aspects of Friedeman’s approach is his encouragement of Scripture memory and the everyday life aspects of discipleship. His scriptural insights are not just theological. They are intensely practical, making disciple-making practical for modern families.
Each chapter of the book serves as a standalone workshop on different aspects of home-based discipleship, ranging from establishing daily rituals that foster spiritual growth, to handling the digital age’s impact on family dynamics. Friedeman doesn’t shy away from tough topics like discipline and technology, addressing them with wisdom and balance, acknowledging the complexities while providing clear, biblical guidance.
What sets this book apart is its unwavering commitment to the notion that discipleship starts with the heart—both the heart of the parent and the heart of the child. Friedeman’s call to parents to model Christ-like behavior is both a challenge and an encouragement. His reminder that our children do not just need our teachings but our transparent, authentic examples speaks directly to my own experiences as a father striving to reflect Christ’s love and discipline to my children.
The Appendices: A practical gold mine of resources
The practical appendices, including discipleship tools and resources, enhance the book’s utility, making it a valuable handbook for any parent serious about their calling to disciple their children. These resources are not just theoretical but tested in the crucible of real family life, offering proven strategies for fostering faith that lasts.
What it inspired in my home: Dinner table devotions for families
One of the greatest things about the book is the practicality of how to do family devotional time. Dr. Friedeman focuses strongly on family Bible time at the dinner table. I created resources that help with that, and you can find out more about how to do family devotions at the dinner table here.
Get the free audiobook
I loved the book so much, I reached out to Dr. Friedeman, and asked if I could produce an audiobook of the content. He graciously gave me permission! So I created it, and you can download it for free right here:
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “The New Discipleship in Home” by Dr. Matt Friedeman is a vital resource for parents who, like myself, yearn to cultivate a home where discipleship is woven into the very fabric of family life. Friedeman’s empathetic tone, combined with his depth of knowledge, experience, and practical advice, makes this book more than just a read—it’s an invitation to transform our homes into the most fundamental ground for discipleship. It is a journey I am eager to continue in my own home, inspired by Friedeman’s example and fortified by his insights. This book is more than recommended; it is a resource I will return to repeatedly as I walk the path of discipling my own kids.
“Perfectionism is not the same thing has striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.” (Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection)
I’d say yes… and where she says “preventing us from flight” – I’d add “sometimes just preventing us from ACTION… preventing us from starting and finishing.”
Perfectionism will keep you from doing TONS of worthwhile things.
Strategies to deal with Perfectionism Procrastination:
Strategy #1: Identify unrealistic expectations.
What are unrealistic expectations I have right now?
I can get many things done before I leave?
I must always be on time?
I can’t make a mistake?
Chaos doesn’t happen to me?
No one will have a different idea?
I can do it all?
How could I cut my unrealistic expectations down by 50%?
What weakness do I have in this area, and how can I admit it to someone right now?
Strategy #2: Create an anti-perfectionism mantra.
A mantra is a short phrase that is loaded with meaning to you, that you can employ to remind and calm your negative emotions in a short time.
“I am loved and accepted by God, even with my imperfections.”
“I’m not perfect, but I’m growing.”
“God has never looked at me and been mad about me doing the best I can.”
“Jesus loves me just like I am, and he loves me so much, he won’t leave me this way.”
Or, you can find someone else’s mantra. Here’s my favorite: “Anything worth doing is worth doing imperfectly.”
Leonard Cohen wrote one that contains these lyrics: Ring the bells that still can ring / forget your perfect offering / there’s a crack in everything / that’s how the light gets in.” (Leonard Cohen, “Anthem”)
You could also create a physical mantra, and action that has deep emotional significance to you. Say “I’m putting down my desire for perfection so I can fly.” While you say this, physically mime taking the “20 ton shield” and lay it to one side.
Strategy #3: Identify the false dichotomies.
A dichotomy is an “either-or” statement. A false dichotomy is an either-or that ignores other actual choices.
Perfectionism thrives on false dichotomies.
For instance:
Either I must be the best and most involved dad, or I should give my children up for adoption.
Either I must be the best pastor who never fails, or I must avoid everything and binge watch Netflix.
Either I must ___ or I must ____.
Identify your false either/or that is leading to your procrastination. Give the fake version, then counteract it with this:
“Actually, a third option would be to take this imperfect action now: __________, because anything worth doing is worth doing imperfectly.”
What strategies have you found helpful that you think should be added to this list?
If you’re interested in a Christian-based course on training new habits into your life, check out www.habitsmaster.com.
Many Christians wonder how they can find God’s will for their life, or God’s “calling,” as it is sometimes called. It’s really much simpler than most think. They are waiting for a dramatic moment… but it isn’t always.
I had a professor in college that always said that God’s call on your life would usually come in 3 types of calls:
1. The Call of the Burning Bush
Picture Moses, tending to his father-in-law’s flock in the wilderness, when suddenly, he encounters a bush ablaze, yet not consumed by the flames. This dramatic, unmistakable sign from God (Exodus 3:1-10) not only captures Moses’ attention but also marks a pivotal turning point in his life and the destiny of the Israelites.
Just like Moses, some of us might experience God’s calling as a clear, undeniable directive—a burning bush moment. This type of calling leaves little room for doubt; it’s a dramatic, life-altering encounter that redirects our path towards a specific mission or vocation God has ordained for us. It’s the kind of call that, once received, compels us to step out in faith, even into the unknown, because the certainty of God’s voice leaves us with no other option but to obey.
2. The Call of the Burning Heart
Not all divine callings come with the drama of a burning bush. For many, it’s more akin to the experience of Timothy, who, as Paul notes, aspired to a leadership role within the church (1 Timothy 3:1). This is the call of the burning heart—a deep, inner conviction, a desire planted within us by God Himself.
This type of calling grows within us over time, fueled by our passions, talents, and the opportunities God places in our path. It’s a gentle nudging, a warmth in our soul towards a particular ministry, cause, or vocation. The burning heart is God’s way of guiding us through our desires, aligning our passions with His purposes, so that what we do in His name brings joy both to Him and to us.
3. The Call of the Burning House
Finally, there’s the call of the burning house. This calling emerges not from a dramatic encounter or a passionate desire within, but from the urgent needs we see around us. It’s akin to noticing a house on fire with people trapped inside and feeling compelled to act. This call is about responding to the cries of a broken world, recognizing that God’s love compels us to move towards those in need.
This type of calling is vividly illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where the Samaritan’s response to the injured man wasn’t prompted by a direct divine encounter or a personal passion but by the immediate and pressing need in front of him. The call of the burning house is a reminder that sometimes God’s calling is found in the simple act of responding to the needs around us with compassion and love.
In discerning God’s calling for our lives, it’s crucial to remember that His ways are manifold and His guidance tailored to the intricacies of our individual journeys. Whether through a burning bush, a burning heart, or a burning house, God calls each of us to participate in His redemptive work in the world. The key is to stay attentive, open, and responsive to whatever form that calling may take, trusting that He equips those He calls. As we step out in faith, may we find assurance in the promise that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
Here’s a story for you about finding God’s calling for your life:
William Booth and Finding God’s Calling for Your Life
William Booth was given the title “The Prophet of the Poor.” He is best known today as founder and first general of the Salvation Army. He became burdened for the poor in the cities of England, and began serving the poor and having nightly open-air meetings for evangelism. The Salvation Army, as his group came to be called, dispensed “soap, soup, and salvation” across the great cities of England, and beyond.
When asked about why he began serving the people near him instead of going elsewhere for his mission, he said, “”I seemed to hear a voice sounding in my ears, ‘Where can you go and find such heathen as these, and where is there so great a need for your labors?'”
Later in life, when the salvation army had spread across the Atlantic Ocean to the United states, a national gathering of salvation army workers took place. General Booth was too sick to come and speak, so instead he sent a telegram across the ocean. When it was received, the speaker rushed to the front of the room and announced to the large gathering that the great general William Booth had sent them a message to share with the conference. The room fell silent, and the telegram was opened. It contained only one word. Others.
Not self, others! General Booth was truly a man who lived loving his neighbor as he loved himself.
After he died, 150,000 people came to view his body, and 40,000 people, including Queen Mary, were in attendance at his funeral. It was a remarkable end for a man who was born poor, and served the poor all his life.
William Booth Quote: “Not Called, Did you Say?”
Here’s an excerpt from a sermon he preached, calling Christians to consider God’s calling on your life in light of the Bible:
“‘Not called!’ did you say? ‘Not heard the call,’ I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father’s house and bid their brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish his mercy to the world.”
Powerful, Isn’t it?
If you want to hear more about Christian heroes and share it with your kids, please check out this post about family discipleship, or download the free audiobook on discipling your children here.
Pastors, would y’all help me test drive something?
It’s totally free from my end, although you do have to be a subscriber to ChatGPT4 to use it.
I Made An AI Sermon Prep Tool
I programmed a custom GPT called Sermon Illustrator that is designed to help me brainstorm and source illustrations based on a topic OR passage of Scripture.
I’d love for you to try it on whatever you’re preaching this Sunday, and give me feedback on how it works for you and how you think it could be improved.
Why I Built It:
As a pastor myself, I understand the challenge of constantly finding fresh, relevant illustrations. Sermon Illustrator has not only broadened my own horizons but also sparked creativity in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Now, I’m eager to see how it can support you in your sermon preparation.
Here’s how It Works:
* You ask “I need illustrations for [passage/topic]”
* If it’s not sure what topic you want, it will ask a follow up.
* It analyzes the passage/topic, and suggests 14 types of illustrations, with 2 short suggestions under each. (Stories, Science, Testimonies, Sports, Studies, History, Metaphors, Literature, and more)
* If you want more information about one of the suggestions, you ask “tell me more about ___”
* It will give you more info, with source citing, or “for further study” suggestions.
* It will ask if you want a sermon graphic created for that illustration, that you can add to your powerpoint.
Let me show you a demo in this Youtube video:
Try It Out:
Give Sermon Illustrator a test drive for this Sunday’s sermon and share your experiences. Your feedback is invaluable and will be instrumental in refining and improving this tool.
I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts on its utility, any improvements you believe are necessary, and how it aligns with your sermon preparation process. Your insights will play a crucial role in shaping this tool to better serve pastors and their congregations.
Thank you for considering this invitation. I look forward to hearing your feedback and stories of how Sermon Illustrator has impacted your sermon planning and delivery.
We’ve been talking about how to beat procrastination. Today, we’re going a little different direction by talking about “wisdom procrastination.”
Wisdom procrastination is when you have a deep-seated resistance to doing a thing because it isn’t compatible with your passion & skills.
Yes, this is different than just laziness. (We’ll talk about actual laziness later.)
Some of the world’s most successful people have become successful by discovering what areas they can make the greatest contribution, and then deliberately unloading other tasks and responsibilities to those who love to do them, and are skilled at them.
There’s an old joke about Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft. The joke was that he was made so much money, that if he saw $1k on the sidewalk, it would not be worth it for him to stop, lean down, and pick it up… he would literally LOSE MONEY by taking 3 seconds to pick up $1,000!
Sometimes, when you are delaying a task, it may be because you instinctively recognize that you aren’t the right person to do it. Perhaps you do not have the correct skills. Perhaps you are not passionate about that activity. Perhaps learning how to do it would take too long.
I’d encourage you to stop viewing this type of procrastination as evil, and start viewing it as wisdom!
What if, instead of beating yourself up about these things, you chose to view your time as so valuable that you cannot afford to use it doing things which others could:
Do faster and more efficiently than you could?
Do better and more skillfully than you could?
Do with more joy than you could?
So how would we go about dealing with this type of procrastination?
The next time you come to a problem, stop thinking “how can I overcome this problem?” Instead, think “Who could help me overcome this problem?”
This will create a mindset where you are able to delegate a task, or hire someone more effectively.
Pick a project where you’ve been procrastinating. Ask yourself:
Who could help me overcome this problem?
Who has the necessary skills?
Who would already know to tackle this?
Who do I know that has been successful at this?
Then, ask that person what they would charge to tackle the problem for you, and you move on to the part of the project that you do better than anyone else.
For instance, for my mini-course on “Brain Tricks that Finally Defeat Procrastination,” rather than doing the design, I turned the content over to a virtual assistant in Pakistan, who did a much better job than I could do, did it faster than I could, and I moved on to create more value in other areas!
In our journey to guide new believers through the transformative path of discipleship, one of the first and most crucial steps is getting them plugged into the Word. But let’s face it, the Bible can be overwhelming for newcomers. Where do they even start? Genesis? The Psalms? Revelation?! Well, worry no more!
I recently came across a gem of a resource that I can’t help but share with all of you: a Bible reading plan specifically designed for new believers, dubbed “The Best One That I’ve Ever Found.” And let me tell you, it lives up to its name.
This plan really is quality. It’s made with the understanding that new believers should start their journey in the New Testament, focusing on Jesus and the core gospel message. It focuses on highlights from the Bible, ensuring that newcomers are not lost in the weeds but are instead captivated by the most impactful stories and teachings that speak directly to their hearts.
What makes this plan stand out is its simplicity and focus. It doesn’t just throw a Bible at the new believer and say, “Good luck!” Instead, it guides them through a thoughtful path that highlights the life of Jesus, the teachings of the apostles, and the foundational stories that every Christian should know.
As pastors of small churches, we know the importance of personal touch and guidance in our ministries. This reading plan aligns perfectly with that ethos, providing a structured yet flexible approach to Bible reading that we can recommend confidently to our newest brothers and sisters in faith.
So, why not incorporate this into your discipleship pathway? It could be the tool you’ve been looking for to help new believers fall in love with the Word and find their footing in their new faith journey.
Until next time, keep shepherding those entrusted to your care with wisdom, love, and the right tools at your disposal.
Hey small church pastors, if you’re on the lookout for some awesome discipleship tools without spending a dime, you’ve got to check out this page I stumbled upon: “The Best Free Discipleship Tools for Pastors”. It’s packed with resources straight from a pastor with over 20 years in the game. From a Bible reading checklist to free training sessions, it’s a goldmine for anyone looking to deepen their discipleship efforts. Don’t miss out on this one!
