Fresh Ideas for Discipleship & Nurture

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Living the Christian life is a seven-day-a-week occupation, but how can a once-a-week Sunday school class reinforce that?

At Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Ellensburg, Washington, James Powell's unique idea not only helps people focus on living their faith during the week, but it also has:

• livened up the adult Sunday school program,

• given incentive for people to arrive on time,

• acquainted them with what fellow class members do for a living.

Dr. Powell, adult Sunday school director, gathers all the adult classes together for a 15-minute opening session each Sunday. Each week a different person presents the tools of his or her trade and a spiritual truth they illustrate.

One Sunday logger Paul Maurer demonstrated the use of his chain saw and double-bitted axe. Emphasis: sharp tools work most effectively. Truth: God's Word is sharper than a two-edged sword (or a double-bitted axe!)

Another week a violinist played three pieces—a beginning piece, an intermediate number, and an advanced score. Emphasis: becoming skilled requires practice. Truth: to become skilled in handling Scripture, Christians must practice by continually reading and studying the Bible.

Yet another time, a doctor showed how to use surgical tools. Emphasis: every profession has a set of tools. Truth: a Christian's tools are prayer and God's Word.

"Not only does this give adults a chance to be in a teaching role," says Powell, "but it also provides real-life illustrations of spiritual truths."

Powell meets with the speaker beforehand to think through the possible applications and the aspect of the job that best illustrates the truth.

The talks have caught the imagination of the classes. "A number of adults and college students have suggested new ideas or volunteered ...

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