May 13, 2010

Happy Thursday! In this week’s newsletter, we’re tackling a couple of tough topics—how to focus ministry efforts on the one who is lost rather than on the many who are already involved, and the benefits of having authentic accountability with a friend or mentor.

Whether you’re a young adult or a young adult leader, you’ll benefit from both of these articles. And as always, don’t miss the other things happening on our site and around the Web.

Focusing on the Tough One —Lead

by Jim Johnston

“As leaders of young adults in churches, many of us spend a majority of our time focused on numbers, not individuals,” says Threads director Jim Johnston in “Focusing on the Tough One.” Johnston continues, “I don’t believe that’s completely a Jesus-focused thought process. To be sure, He spoke truth to the masses, He fed them, and Scripture tells us He had pity on the multitudes. Yet, most of His ministry was focused on the individuals who were lost. He focused on them each day.”

Get Real: Authentic accountability can change your life —Life

by Jason Chatraw

God never intended for us to live our lives in isolation. Whether your relationship with God is solid or shaky, everyone is a work in progress. Having authentic accountability with a trusted friend or mentor can foster a deeper, more genuine relationship with Christ through transparency and honesty with others, and that leads to transformation. Click here to read Jason Chatraw’s article “Get Real.”

On Our Site

• Threads staffer Jason Hayes is back with another leader tip of the month video. This month’s video answers the question, “What if my small group/Bible study group has differing levels of spiritual maturity?”
• Don’t miss our newest video resource, “By Definition,” a visual word study of Romans 3:23-24. Download “By Definition” for use in your personal Bible study, small group, or corporate worship time. Available in HD.

Around the Web —Newsworthy

• The Abide blog tour continues this week with reviews from Zach Nielsen, Ben Reed, Pete Wilson, and Frank Turk.
• More research is out from the LifeWay Research study of Millennials.