The Inside Track e-newsletter January 2007

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Picture of Andy Lie Out of the Comfort Zone

As leaders, it's all too easy for us to focus so much on our own need for help that we lose sight of what motivates volunteers to serve. Andy Lie is a very busy volunteer at church, at his children's school, and in community activities. And like all of us at times, Andy was feeling burned out.

He shares how he was feeling, and what brought the spark of excitement back into his service. His story is invaluable insight into the minds of those we lead, and a timeless reminder of what motivates them. Read more.

“I always watch how God is working through the various e-newsletters and mailings I get. This has been one of the most valuable Inside Track mailings I've ever received! Every article is so pertinent to our current needs—it is awesome.”

- Pat Dunavant,
Silver Spring, MD

How are we doing? Send us your thoughts!

Special Community Impact Issue
Don't miss the articles below by Wendi Hammond and Krista Petty
on the best ways to equip the people in your church to minister outside your church.

Photo of Wendi Hammond Transformational Community Service
Wendi Hammond reminds us that ministry in our communities isn't just about being salt and light to the world; the service can transform the spiritual lives of those who are serving. But how can we make sure that the ministries we enter into have that transformational potential on our people? Read more.

Photo of Krista Petty Aiming Hearts
Krista Petty was part of the team that built the community impact ministry at a large church. Now she's building it into the DNA of a new campus for that church. She shares the 3 key steps to establishing ministry to the community as part of a church's basic culture. Hint: Don't underestimate your volunteers! Read more.



Feature Length Films and Shorts Larry Shallenberger says that we frequently focus on the feature-length ministry opportunities. But there is a lesson we can learn from the animated shorts that filmmakers often use. Why should we care, and how can it possibly help us? Read more.	Are We Really Listening? Are we really listening? Can we be sensitive to a volunteer's underlying feelings about serving in a particular area, especially when we have our own agenda for his or her service? Don Simmons shows how to get past our own blinders to equip people properly. Read more.	Knowing Nothing Is Everything Steve Argue says that knowing youth ministry isn't the same as knowing our particular teenagers. They are each different, unique, special, and worth knowing. So why does he suggest that what we need to cultivate is a posture of knowing nothing with our youth and volunteers? Read more.


Children's Ministry Applications "I've heard a lot about volunteer applications for children's ministry and wanted to know more about the application and what should be included." Read our consultant's response.	CVC Live, and Improved Resources We're delighted to announce our 2007 workshop tour, Increase Ministry Involvement. We'll be opening in 13 different cities in April. Also, we've just added a dozen new resources and improved over 50 more! Read more.	Tapping Unused Resources We stress that all believers are called to be ministers. Unfortunately, a significant number of believers are routinely overlooked! Can you afford not to use all your resources? Read more.