Job Description: Secretary/Office Manager
Related Media(sample 2)
BULLETIN
1. Compile information, prepare and copy bulletin for distribution.
2. Include monthly income/expense statement the first Sunday of each month.
3. Make copies of missionary letters so people stay informed.
4. Keep a file copy of each bulletin.
MUSIC
Select congregation songs, schedule instrumentalists and provide them with a list of the songs so they can be prepared.
VISITOR LETTERS
Prepare and mail letters of welcome to first time visitors.
Sort mail and distribute.
CORRESPONDENCE
Take care of correspondence as needed. Take the initiative in writing missionaries about support increases/decreases, changes in leadership, and other church news unless someone is designated to do this.
MAINTAIN CHURCH CALENDAR
Keep an up-to-date calendar of events to avoid conflicts. This is important so various functions and events are announced well in advance.
PUBLICATIONS
Produce publications such as church directories, annual reports, etc. as needed.
FORMS
Provide forms as needed, i.e., nursery schedule, tape requests, video check-out log, ballots, sign-up sheets for various functions and events, etc.
MEMORIALS
1. Keep records of all memorials.
2. Send a memorial card to the family so they will know about the memorial that was given.
3. Send an acknowledgement card to the one who gives the memorial to the church.
MINUTES
Type minutes of elder, deacon, commission and congregational meetings (if the elders are not doing this themselves). Original is kept in the file and copies made for each elder.
MEMBERSHIP LIST
Maintain a current list of members.
KEYS
Maintain a current list of key holders and provide keys to personnel as needed. Collect keys when people leave.
PETTY CASH
$50 designated for petty cash to be used for office supplies, postage, etc. To reimburse at end of the month, complete voucher and attach all receipts.
MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Be sure office equipment is operational and clean. Call for service as needed.
MAINTAIN OFFICE SUPPLY INVENTORY
Make sure adequate supplies are on hand including, copy paper, copier supplies, tapes, communion cups, letterheads, envelopes, visitor cards, memorial cards, etc.
TELEPHONE CHAIN
Add new people to telephone chain and run updated lists for callers.
COORDINATE VOLUNTEER OFFICE HELP
Coordinate other office help as the need arises.
FILES
Organize and maintain files. Maintain a database of attenders on computer.
SECRETARIAL SUPPORT FOR PASTOR
Be available to help as needed.
PAY BILLS & BALANCE ACCOUNT
Prepare checks for elder's signature so that bills are paid on time. Balance account when statement arrives. Keep elders informed of balance each month.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
Keep office neat and clean.
Related Topics: Administrative and Organization
Missions Commission
Related Media(sample)
Purpose
The Missions Commission shall be responsible for helping to direct the focus of the church to the outreach into the world's spiritual needs through the ministry of home and foreign missions. They shall accomplish this through the planning and implementing of missionary conferences, missions education and missions projects as may be directed by, or for, the approval of the Board of Elders.
Structure
This commission shall consist of an elder, a chairman, and four or more members as necessary to perform its function in the area of missions. Subcommittees shall be appointed as necessary to implement the goals of the Missions Commission. (NOTE: It is desirable to establish "chairs" of progression for training leading to the Commission Chairman.)
Responsibilities
General Areas
1. The assigned elder and the commission chairman will guide the direction and spiritual quality of this commission through guidance, example and prayer.
2. Implement, administrate, uphold and carry out Emmanuel's missionary policy.
Specific Areas
1. EVALUATION OF MISSIONARY SUPPORT LEVELS AND NEW CANDIDATES. After evaluation, recommend missionary candidates and missionary support levels to the Board of Elders, Periodic review of missionary needs and support levels shall be made.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANNUAL BUDGET: Prepare an annual budget of missionary support and other expenditures and submit it to the Stewardship Commission as requested. Includes also a Missions Conference budget.
3. ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL GIFTS: Review and recommend special gifts such as:
a. emergency help
b. homecoming
c. summer short-termers, and
d. various projects
4. PLANNING AND COORDINATION OF MISSIONARY CONFERENCES: Plan schedules, theme and program activities.
5. ADMINISTRATION OF MISSIONS EDUCATION: Coordinate with Christian Education Commission the planning of missions education within the church body.
6. ADMINISTRATION OF HOSPITALITY ACTIVITIES: Encourage and/or coordinate hospitality activities for the church's missionaries when home. Assist in establishing home meetings.
7. ADMINISTRATION OF THE USE OF THE MISSIONARY HOUSE: Schedule missionaries for the use of the missionary house owned by the church.
8. COORDINATION WITH THE WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SUPPORT GROUPS AND MISSIONARY CUPBOARD.
9. PREPARATION OF AN ANNUAL ACTIVITIES REPORT: This will be incorporated as part of the Board of Elder's annual report to the congregation.
10. ENCOURAGEMENT OF MEMBERS TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE SPONSORING FAMILIES PROGRAM.
11. COORDINATION OF MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE: Publish and distribute missionary correspondence by Missionary Update inserts.
12. SCHEDULING, PLANNING, AND COORDINATION OF MISSIONARY FAREWELLS: Includes farewell services, love offerings and refreshments, missionary presentation times, and recommissioning prayers.
13. MAINTENANCE OF MISSIONARY FAMILY PICTURE DISPLAY.
14. INTERVIEWING OF MISSIONARIES TO ASCERTAIN NEEDS.
15. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAITH PROMISE PLAN.
16. COORDINATION WITH THE CHURCH CALENDAR PLANNER FOR ALL COMMISSION RELATED EVENTS.
17. PUBLICITY OF ACTIVITIES AND PLANNED EVENTS.
Areas Needing Approval of the Board of Elders
1. NEW MISSIONARY CANDIDATES TO BE SUPPORTED
2. MONTHLY SUPPORT LEVEL ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
3. SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR FUND RAISING EFFORTS
4. SPECIAL GIFTS FROM MISSIONARY FUNDS: In excess of $500 per item, approval by the Stewardship Commission; in excess of $1000, approval by the Board of Elders.
5. BUDGET EXPENDITURES OUTSIDE OF APPROVED BUDGET: Also includes any expenditures over the established guidelines.
Relationship With Other Ministries
Within the Church
1. OTHER CHURCH DEPARTMENTS: Provide information and encourage other departments of the church in fostering missionary education, understanding, helps, prayer and financial support.
2. THE STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION: Shall negotiate rent and payment directly with missionary families using the missionary house.
3. WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SUPPORT GROUPS: Advise when farewell receptions are to be held so
4. they can assist.
5. FACILITY CARETAKER AND FACILITIES COMMISSION: Advise of special services and set-ups when required.
Outside Organizations
1. Work in harmony with Christian schools and colleges and evangelical mission agencies.
Related Topics: Administrative and Organization, Missions
Missionary Retirement Policy
Related Media(sample)
Sample Bible Church does not consider it part of their responsibility to provide retirement income for their missionaries. This responsibility should be vested with the individual and/or their designated mission agency. Nevertheless, we recognize that many of our missionaries who are currently nearing retirement have no homes and only Social Security to fall back on. This directive elucidates a policy which provides some minimal support for these individuals.
(1) All support for an active missionary will be terminated within three months of retirement, except in cases of special assignment for which it may be extended to one year.
(2) This evaluation requires information regarding the candidates present assets and anticipated retirement income. Evaluation requirements include:
- A letter from the mission agency regarding pension or retirement income for this individual.
- An interview with the missionary regarding his/her financial status. Specific consideration is given to such items as: (a) Savings or retirement accounts; (b) Home or land ownership in the U.S. or abroad; (c) Other considerations which the Missions Commission deems important; (d) Social Security income.
(3) Once a need has been established and funds are available, allotment is subject to approval by the Missions Commission, Elder Board and congregation in the same manner in which approval is obtained in establishing a new missionary account.
(4) Anticipated income from this fund will be limited probably not to exceed 50 percent of their current support.
(5) This Policy is temporary in nature and will provide some relief for missionaries retiring with an income totally incommensurate with present U.S. living standards.
(6) The number of missionaries who will be provided with retirement income will diminish with time. Income from this source will not be available to any missionary who retires more than 15 years from now; therefore, it is expedient that individuals not nearing retirement establish a pension plan of their own, or ensure that their agency has provided them with one.
Related Topics: Administrative and Organization, Missions
Suggested Guidelines for Administering the Lord’s Table
Related MediaGeneral Considerations
The following material is to give ideas for comments when you are called upon to help in presiding over the Lord’s Table.
The Lord's Table is a time for reflective worship, a time which is:
1. A Redeclaration and Testimony—A testimony of one’s faith in Christ portrayed by partaking of the elements.
2. A Remembrance—An act of worship by which we are to remember and count on the worth and meaning of the person and work of our Lord as the source of our salvation both for this life (abundant life) and the life to come (eternal life).
3. An expression of a Relationship—of harmony and oneness of mind in love, values, commitment, and vision that should exist in the body of Christ.
4. But interwoven in all of this, it is to be a Fellowship—a koinonia, a real sharing and participation in the person and work of Christ. We do not mean by this that the Bread becomes the real body of Christ nor that the fruit of the vine becomes the real blood of Christ. What we do mean:
First, we are to be sharing in the reality of who and what Jesus Christ really means to us in all the fullness of His life and work on our behalf—righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; acceptance, significance, and ability to live for the Lord and others.
It is a time when we are, in a very special way, calling to mind what His person, death, present life, and coming again mean to us—reflecting also on how this has and should affect us.
This in no way means that the rest of the time we ignore what His life and death mean to us, but that we take this time as a special opportunity of worship for greater impact on our thinking and living.
Second, as a fellowship it is a sharing together with one another. It is a time when together, as we pass the elements, we are demonstrating our common faith, commitment, concerns, love, devotion to Christ and the ministry and life to which He has called us. When this is not the case, then something is wrong in our lives either individually or corporately.
Third, the observance of the Lord’s Table should also be a time for examination. It should be a time for personal examination and evaluation of our loves, aspirations, values, devotion, relationships, pursuits, and of our lives in general.
For this to be a real fellowship, a time when we really share together in the fellowship of our Lord, there needs to be honest examination and confession for “two cannot walk together unless they be agreed” (KJV, Amos 3:3)
Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:14-22. This not only means that believers are not to partake of things that are pagan because of demonic associations, but it warns us against other forms of idolatry by which we may have fellowship with the world and thus be influenced by the world and its values, pursuits, and lifestyle. This too is a hindrance to our fellowship with the Lord.
In 1 Corinthians 11:28-34 we see the real need for honest examination as a preparation for taking of the Lords supper. Each time we partake of the Lord’s Table, it is to be a time when we truly, following a time of honest-to-God examination and confession, evaluate and partake in the realities of the Savior.
Reflections from 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
Purposes and features as set forth by Paul:
1. It is to Express he Christian Communities’ Relationship of Harmony in the Lord (11:17-22)
2. It is to be done as a Remembrance of the Lord’s Person and Work (11:23-25)
3. It is to be Done as a Remembrance of the Lord’s Person and Work (11:23-25)
4. It is to be a Redeclaration of the Lord’s first and Second Comings (11:26)
5. It has Restrictions and Perils (11:27-34)
Reflections from Luke 22
In the first verses of this chapter and in 22:31, we are reminded of Satan’s attempts to hinder the worship of God and our fellowship with the Lord and with one another. Satan is ever on the prowl seeking ways to get men to either reject the Savior, betray Him or become occupied with other things.
Regardless of this opposition, in verses 7 and following we are reminded of God’s commitment to provide for our fellowship with Him.
22:7 First, there was he Passover which for hundreds of years had spoken of Christ our passover who would be and now has been sacrificed for us, the innocent lamb of God dying for the guilty to bring them to God.
22:8-13 However, regardless of God’s provision, if we are to have meaningful fellowship with the Lord and really relate to what He means to us, there needs to be preparation.
The physical preparation for the Passover forms an illustration of our need to prepare our hearts, to set things in order, that we might properly appreciate, worship, and relate our lives to he Savior.
We need time to examine our concerns, values, priorities, devotion, commitments, sources of trust, use of our gifts, time, money, and so on.
22:14-20 Then, there was he observance of the Passover which was followed by the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
In Verse 14, we are reminded of who must lead us in worship and in our fellowship.
In verse 15, we see how the Lord deeply longs for our fellowship with Him because of His great love and grace. We need to compare John 13:1f. He was willing to die as the Lamb and take the position of a slave to wash our feet that we might be clean and have fellowship with Him.
In verses 16-17, we see the Savior’s expectation and our interim responsibility as His people in His absence—worship and sharing together of His life while both looking back to His death in our place and forward to His coming again for us.
In verses18-20, He instituted the communion or the Lord’s stable as we often call it, that which speaks of His person and work on the cross. Two symbolic elements (the Bread and Cup) and four symbolic acts (breaking, eating, pouring, and drinking).
Note in 22:24 that after the statement about the betrayal (vss 21-23) there is that which forms a warning for all of us. Instead of being prepared and occupied with the Savior and thinking about Him, they were distracted and concerned with themselves and their standing in the Christian community or the kingdom of God—occupied with their own wants and glory—self-centerdness.
Reflections from 1 Cor. 11:20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14-15
The Lord’s Table reminds us of a number of important things:
1. Of our need to worship and focus on the Lord who is our life and our need to live by fellowship with the Him.
2. Of the constant threat to be distracted and drawn away from Him even in the mist of religious activity and instead to be occupied with our own self-centeredness (Lk. 22:24f).
3. Of our privilege to hare with one another in and of the things of the Savior. We are co-laborers and fellow partners in the things of Christ.
4. Of our need to live sacrificially in the light of His life and death as servants of the Lord (2 or 5:14-15).
Basic Procedures
Introductory Comments
Suggested comments and preparation by the presiding elder or pastor in charge:
Invitation: “We would like to invite all who truly know Christ as their personal Savior to partake together in the Lord’s Table.”
Restriction: “The only restriction is that of 1 Corinthians 11:28, that we first examine ourselves for the purpose of confessing any area of known sin that we might each be able to truly respond to the significance and meaning of this very meaningful ordinance.”
Participation: “We ask you to hold the elements until all have been served so we may partake of the elements as one to express our unity in Christ.”
Significance: Review the key elements of the Lord’s Table. In a nutshell, this ordinance teaches the following truths that should be shared as a reminder of the importance and meaning of the Lord’s Table.
1. It portrays the person and work of Christ and His presence in our midst to minister His life to us.
a. In the Bread we see Christ as the Bread come down from heaven, the perfect God-man, God’s gift to solve our sin problem.
b. In the Cup we see Christ as the Lamb of God who came as the God-man to die for our sins.
2. Partaking of the elements portrays our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to continue to live by fellowship with Him—continuing to be nourished by His life.
3. The Bread, which starts out as one loaf, should portray our unity and oneness of mind and heart as fellow believers in Christ. (1 Cor. 10:17).
4. Passing the Bread and Cup portrays our need to minister Christ to one another, and share together in His life.
Examination: Pause for a time of silent meditation for personal examination and confession of known sins in the life in preparation (1 Cor. 11:28-31; 1 Jn. 1:9).
Men come forward: The elder in charge now invites the men who are helping serve to come forward. (They should be seated on a front pew while those leading can make further comment, pray and read Scripture.)
Two men presiding: Two other elders may help preside over serving the Bread and another the Cup.
Sharing the Bread
The elder in charge of the Bread should make a few comments.
1. He may want to make comments concerning the significance of the Bread, read from a passage like 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 and then pray.
2. He then will distribute the plates with the Bread to the men who will serve the people. The men serving should stand up when he turns to get the plates from the table so they will be standing when he gives them the plates. Unless he is needed to help pass the plates, he should stay up front.
3. The men will then serve the people, return, and hand the plates to the person presiding over the Bread, and sit down in the front pew.
4. The person presiding over the Bread will put all the plate(s) down except one, and will serve the other men, the person presiding, and then takes of the Bread himself.
5. After placing the plate on the table, he will turn and face the congregation and invite everyone to partake of the Bread together by saying something like, “do this in remembrance of Him.”
Sharing the Cup
The above sequence is repeated by the person presiding over the Cup.
Closing
Closing comments: One of the elders will then need to make a few final comments on the Lord’s Supper in connection with 1 Corinthians 11:26 or something similar.
Conclude with Song: This portion of the service may be concluded by singing an appropriate hymn. The person leading the song should have the hymn selected prior to the service and make sure the instrumentalist is informed and has the music.
Related Topics: Communion
Pastoral Application
Related Media(sample)
Date: _________________
SAMPLE BIBLE CHURCH
Address
PASTORAL INFORMATION FORM
LAST NAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE INITIAL PHONE NUMBER
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ADDRESS |
CITY |
STATE |
ZIP |
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PRESENT CHURCH |
ADDRESS |
CITY |
STATE, ZIP |
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PRESENT POSITION |
HOW LONG |
AGE OF CHURCH |
NUMBER ATTENDING |
EDUCATION
SCHOOL YEAR(S) DEGREE GRADUATED?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
EXPERIENCE
CHURCH POSITION FROM/TO ATTENDANCE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1. Age: ____________ Marital Status: ____________________________ If Married, number of years: _____________________
2. If married, spouse's full (maiden) name: ________________________________________________________________________
3. Have you ever been divorced? ____________________ Has your spouse ever been divorced? ___________________________
4. Names and ages of children:
5. List your hobbies or special interests:
6. Training and major interests of your spouse:
7. Spouse's attitude toward your vocation:
8. Spouse’s spiritual gifts:
9. Do you have any other vocational or job skills?
10. Physical condition of yourself and your family:
11. Approximate amount of debt owed other than mortgage ________________________________________________
12. Are you licensed? _______ Are you ordained? _______ By what organization? ____________________________
13. Give a brief summary of your conversion experience:
14. Give a brief summary of your call/leading to the ministry:
15. In what cultures (rural/urban/suburb/city/cross-cultural/other) do you work in best?
PERSONAL EVALUATION
1. Which New Testament gifts do you have?
2. What do you perceive your primary task as a pastor to be?
3. To the right of each category, evaluate yourself. On the left, number in order of importance (1=most important, 10=least important) according to your philosophy of ministry:
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Preaching |
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____ |
Counseling |
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Administration |
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____ |
Evangelism |
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____ |
Visitation |
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____ |
Teaching |
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____ |
Dealing with Interpersonal Differences |
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____ |
Discipleship |
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____ |
Building Relationships |
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____ |
Motivating Others |
4. My greatest personal strengths are:
5. My greatest personal weaknesses are:
6. How do you maintain your professional skills?
DOCTRINAL INFORMATION
1. Do you agree with the Doctrinal Statement of Sample Bible Church? ______ If not, explain.
2. The charismatic issue:
3. Divorce, remarriage and eligibility for church office:
4. Lordship salvation:
5. Role of women in the church:
6. Church discipline:
7. Social drinking:
8. Attach your philosophy of ministry: Include your convictions regarding (a) the role of church leaders, (b) discipleship, (c) evangelism, (d) church government, and any other issues you believe are important.
9. Please attach family photograph.
Related Topics: Administrative and Organization, Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership
Worship Commission
Related Media(sample)
Guidelines
1. The Worship Commission shall have the responsibilities for oversight of the entire ministry of worship in the church, which includes the following areas:
a. Ushering
b. Baptisms
c. Communion Services
d. Order of Services
e. Music
2. The role of education (to better prepare the mind and heart of the members for worship).
Structure
1. This commission will be staffed by the following:
a. Church Music Director
b. President of the Choir
c. Head Usher
d. Special Music Coordinator
e. Assigned Elder
f. Members-at-large
2. Commission meetings will be attended by all members with the exception of the members-at-large. These are always welcome to attend also.
3. The commission chairman will be appointed by the Board of Elders.
4. The commission will appoint a secretary who will have the responsibility for maintaining proper minutes of meetings and passing on to the Council of Elders copies of same.
5. The church office is available to type the minutes if they are legibly written.
Responsibilities
General Areas:
1. The assigned elder and the commission chairman will guide the direction and spiritual quality of this commission through guidance, example and prayer.
2. Suggest changes in the form and content of worship which would support the goals of the church as defined by the Board of Elders.
Specific Areas:
1. USHERING: The Head Usher is responsible to lead the men elected as ushers in a planned and well executed ushering program. He should discuss this ministry and seek evaluation from the commission. The Head Usher should actively support the commission and is to make sure the ushering job responsibilities are adequately administered.
2. ORDER OF SERVICE: Provide resources to those who have the responsibility of planning the order of service and provide guidance as to both form and content. Assist as may be needed.
3. CHURCH MUSIC: Supervise all music ministries within the church. Bear responsibility for all music purchases both of printed materials, equipment and instruments. Oversee the maintenance of all musical instruments and equipment owned by the church. Oversee the direction of the Sanctuary Choir and other choirs or groups as needed. Utilize music personnel to the best advantage of the church body. Bear responsibility of the formulation of the music and program budget for submission to the Board of Elders each year.
4. TALENT POOL: Organize a musical talent resource pool and encourage participation of those in this pool in the worship opportunities. Act as a facilitator in organizing special music groups [ie. trios, quartets, ensembles, instrumental and vocal].
5. PREPARATION OF AN ANNUAL ACTIVITIES REPORT: This will be incorporated as part of the Council of Elders' annual report to the congregation.
6. COORDINATION WITH THE CHURCH CALENDAR PLANNER FOR ALL COMMISSION RELATED EVENTS.
7. DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANNUAL BUDGET.
8. PUBLICITY OF ACTIVITIES AND PLANNED EVENTS.
Areas Needing Approval of Council of Elders:
1. BUDGET EXPENDITURES OUTSIDE OF APPROVED BUDGET: Also includes any expenditures over the established guidelines.
2. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN WORSHIP FORM OR CONTENT: The elder serving on this commission will judge what to include here.
Related Topics: Administrative and Organization, Worship
25 Recommended Non-Technical Biblical Resources
Related MediaArranged by Category, with Alternate Choices Given for Certain Categories
Revised 5/2/04
Primary Recommendations
|
Category |
Recommendation |
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1. Systematic Theology |
Moody's Handbook of Theology, by Paul Enns |
|
2. New Testament Theology |
New Testament Theology, by Donald Guthrie. |
|
3. Old Testament Theology |
Old Testament Theology, by Paul R. House |
|
4. Old Testament Survey |
Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey, by Bill T. Arnold |
|
5. Old Testament Introduction |
Introduction to the Old Testament, by Raymond Dillard and Tremper Longman, |
|
6. New Testament Survey |
Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey, by Walter R. Elwell, |
|
7. New Testament Introduction |
New Testament Theology, 4th Edition, by Donald Guthrie |
|
8. Gospels |
A Guide to the Gospels, by W. Graham Scroggie |
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9. Word Studies-New Testament |
Complete Word Study Dictionary, NT, by Spiros Zodhiates |
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10. Word Studies-Old Testament |
Complete Word Study Dictionary, OT, by Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter, |
|
11. Concordance |
NIV Exhaustive Concordance, 2nd Ed, byEdward Goodrick |
|
12. Atlas |
The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands, by Barry Beitzel |
|
13. Bible Dictionaries |
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, by Trent C. Butler |
|
14. Dictionary of Theology |
Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible, by Walter Elwell |
|
15. 1-2 Volume Commentary |
Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, by Kenneth Barker and John Kohlenberger, |
|
16. Bible Background Commentary-OT |
IVP Bible Background Commentary-OT, by John H. Walton, Victor Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, |
|
17. Bible Background Commentary-NT |
IVP Bible Background Commentary-NT, by Craig S. Keener |
|
18. Manners and Customs |
Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs, by Howard Vos |
|
19. Charts and Outlines-OT |
Chronological and Background Charts of the OT, by John H. Walton |
|
20. Charts and Outlines-NT |
Chronological and Background Charts of the NT, by H. Wayne House |
|
21. Charts and Outlines-Theology |
Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine, by H. Wayne House |
|
22. Bible Difficulties |
New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, by Gleason Archer |
|
23. Bible as Literature |
Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible, 2nd Ed, by Leland Ryken, |
|
24. History of Israel |
Kingdom of Priests: A History of OT Israel, by Eugene H. Merrill |
|
25. Church History |
Church History in Plain Language, 2nd Ed, by Bruce Shelley, |
Suggested Alternates
|
Category |
Recommendation |
|
1. |
Christian Theology, 2nd Ed, by Millard Erickson, |
|
Systematic Theology, by Wayne Gruden, | |
|
2. |
A Theology of the NT, Revised, by George Eldon Ladd, |
|
4 |
A Survey of the Old Testament, 2nd Ed, by Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, |
|
11. |
Zondervan NASB Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, |
|
12. |
Holman Bible Atlas, by Thomas Briscoe, |
|
13. |
New Bible Dictionary, 3rd Ed, by I. Howard Marshall, |
|
15. |
New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Ed, by G. J. Wenham, D.A. Carson, et al, |
|
17. |
The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times, by Ralph Gower, |
|
22. |
Hard Sayings of the Bible, by Walter Kaiser, et al, |
|
24. |
A History of Israel: From the Bronze Age to the Jewish Wars, by Walter Kaiser, |
|
25 |
The Story of the Church (The Essential Bible), by Robert G. Clouse, Richard V. Pierard, and Edwin Yamauchi |
NOTES:
a). This list was prepared from my own experience and from consultation with the Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources, 9the Edition, by John Glynn (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2003).
b) All titles were found at either www.amazon.com or www.christianbook.com and the list prices shown came from one of those two sources.
Related Topics: Library and Resources
Committals (at the Grave Site)
Committals for Believers
Number 1
For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world the soul of ___________________, we therefore commit his/her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for that blessed hope when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord, wherefore comfort ye one another with these words.
Number 2
For as much as it has pleased our Heavenly Father in His wise providence to take unto Himself our beloved ___________________, we therefore commit his or her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God in our Savior Jesus Christ who shall change the body of our humiliation and fashion it anew in the likeness of His own body of glory according to the working of His mighty power wherewith He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
Number 3
In the light of these promises God has given us in His Word and in as much as it has pleased the Lord in His sovereign wisdom and purpose to take from our midst one whom we have loved, we now commit her body to its final resting place to await the fulfillment of another promise of Scripture. In 1 Thess. 4:13-18, writing to the Thessalonians church, the Apostle Paul wrote:
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thes. 4:13-18).
These words by the Apostle were written for our encouragement in times like these. Furthermore, they are particularly significant because, when Paul penned these words, there was an inscription in the city of Thessalonica which typically illustrates the absence of hope in the world or in those who are without Jesus Christ. The inscription read: "After death no reviving; After the grave, no meeting again."
Committal for a Child
Number 1
In infinite wisdom and love our Heavenly Father has received unto Himself the innocent spirit of this little child. We therefore tenderly commit the body to its resting place in the sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Number 2
In that it has pleased our heavenly Father, who loaned these little ones to us for this short time, to take them back to Himself, we commit their bodies to the ground. Looking for that blessed hope ;when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Committal for a Temporary Burial
(when the body is deposited temporarily in a vault)
For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to remove from the world the soul of our brother, we lay his body here to rest awhile, then to be buried n the ground, then shall the dust return to dust as it was, but the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Related Topics: Funerals
Funeral Information Form
INFORMATION FORM Full Name: _________________________________________ Maiden Name:______________________ Address: ____________________________________ City, ST, Zip: __________________________ At the completion of my course of life here on earth, I would like my family and friends to use the following information, requests, and suggestions in the plans for my memorial or funeral service. I would prefer (please check the appropriate spaces): __ Memorial Service, burial preceding __ Casket closed __ Funeral, burial following __ Casket open prior to service __ Memorial Service, cremation preceding __ Casket open during service __ Funeral, Cremation following __ Casket open following service __ Interment to be public __ Interment to be private Other instructions or requests: If cremation is chosen, please comment upon what you would prefer be done with the remains? I prefer the Memorial or Funeral Service be held at __________________________ (Please give preference and location of Church, Funeral Home, Cemetery, Base Chapel, or other location.) Memorial Service or Funeral Service Requests: 1. Favorite Hymns: 2. Is their a specific soloist you would like to sing? 3. Favorite Scriptures: 4. Favorite Poetry: (please attach a copy) 5. Personal words to leave: (A brief testimony is often a powerful witness) 6. What Minister(s) would you like to conduct the service? 7. What part would you like each to have? 8. Are there others you would like to participate? (Friends, Associates, Fraternal Orders?) Many loved ones and friends prefer the custom of giving living memorials to a church, a mission organization, school, or charity in lieu of flowers. Please express your preference. Burial: 1. Are you a member of a Memorial/Burial Association? (Please specify names) 2, Do you have burial insurance, a pre-arranged and/or pre-paid arrangements made? With whom? 3. Are you eligible for an American Flag as a Veteran? 4. Do you have a grave plot? (Location:) Do you have a will? Who has copies? Have portions or all of your body been donated to science? (give details): From time to time you may wish to revise this form. Often other friends or family members may also wish copies. Please feel free to call the church for additional blank forms, or feel free to make copies. Please keep this form in a safe place, not in a safety deposit box. Your pastor, a friend or family member may be appropriate. (It is often helpful to give a copy to your pastor, as he will likely be able to better minister when needed.)
Related Topics: Funerals
Suggested Order of Funeral Service
Prelude Begins
Pallbearers seated
Pastor and Participants enter
Prelude Stops
Call to Worship
Solo
Invocation
"Our Loving Eternal Heavenly Father, as we meet this morning to remember our dear friend and loved one, (Name), we ask you to be to us the God of all comfort, and the God of all grace. Give us perspective as we face the reality of death, to grow in our perspective of the truths of life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN."
Obituary/Eulogy
Congregation Hymn
Message
Solo
Benediction
"Our Father in Heaven, in as much as you, in your sovereign love, have called the soul of our loved one and friend, (Name), to be with you, we express our thanks, for the privilege of knowing him. We thank you for the way he impacted our lives, and for your grace through difficult times. We are grateful for your love; You, who sent us the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. You who have prepared a place for all who trust you, and who alone are worthy of our faith, to you we turn for continued strength, continued comfort, continued perspective, continued purpose.
Postlude
Related Topics: Funerals