unPlanned tells the story of Abby Johnson. Abby worked for Planned Parenthood as the director of a clinic. One day, very unexpectedly, she was called in to assist with an abortion. Her life was never the same as she personally witnessed the truth behind the lies she formerly believed.

The book is not the easiest read for many reasons. It is not graphic but it is clear on the facts. However, in spite of it all, Abby still calls for readers to look for common ground. Rather than wanting to be “right” or defeat the “other side,” Abby encourages readers to “see the goodness, compassion, generosity, and self-sacrifice on the other side [of the fence].”

What a bold challenge! Listen to the interview by clicking here: Radio Interview: unPlanned w/Abby Johnson

Aired on Bott Radio Network KSIV St Louis January 13, 2012 

Listen to further thoughts by clicking on the following radio interview link with producer Alex Kendrick.  Courageous – Alex Kendrick

(Aired on Bott Radio Network KSIV St Louis January 13, 2012)

Sky is the traditional “Easy VBS.” This year, Group changed up the development approach significantly from last year. If Pandamania wasn’t everything you’ve come to expect, don’t be shy about revisiting this for your church family. It has some very fresh approaches that will help boys and girls to connect with trusting God in everyday life!

The Holy Land Adventure journey takes us on an exciting trip to Babylon as we meet Daniel and experience his world. Regular supporters of LRM know that I really love this approach because it puts kids IN Scripture times and places while still drawing easy applications to life today! 

 Click here to hear the interview: Group 2012 VBS Radio Interview

Interview aired on Bott Radio Network – KSIV St. Louis – December 30, 2011

Click here to hear the interview: Gospel Light SonRise VBS

Interview aired 12/30/11 on Bott Radio Network – KSIV St. Louis.

In the book, Dr. Rainey identifies five stages of a man’s journey through life: boyhood, adolescence, manhood, mentor, and patriarch. At each stage, he examines a man’s responsibilities. It is then the man’s role to seize the moment and take action, stepping up to responsibility and inspiring others in the process. Men must reject passivity and cowardice and embrace courage as God has designed!

Get the book through Lay Renewal or find out more about Family Life at www.familylife.com!

What’s this year’s Holy Land Adventure all about? In 2012, children will have the opportunity to journey to Babylon to witness Daniel’s faithfulness and courage in a foreign land. Through this unique approach, kids will experience the sights, sounds and smells of Daniel’s world. It’s a way for them to interact with the Word of God in a very special way:

• Day 1: Daniel and his friends are taken into captivity. When things change, God is with you!
• Day 2: Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. When you need help, God is with you!
• Day 3: Daniel’s friend survive a fiery furnace. When you are afraid, God is with you!
• Day 4: Daniel has the courage to pray even though it might get him in trouble. When you are lonely, God is with you!
• Day 5: God saves Daniel from the lions. When you are thankful, God is with you!

Each day has links to other passages in the Bible so that children can see incredible connections in the grand tapestry of God’s Word. There are different “Marketplace Shops” to visit each day including a royal animal courtyard, astronomy school (watch out wise men!), hanging gardens nursery, a mosaic studio, and more! 

Once again, Group is also offering Family Faith Builders so kids can bring home a bit of the material and the entire family can grow through the experience in the days ahead. Used with God Sightings wall poster and tiles, Group’s resources encourage kids to look outside of the walls of the church for ways to see and live out their faith.

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Is Accountability a Biblical Phenomenon?

The church is unusual.

The “priesthood of believers” or the “saints called by God to accomplish His ministry” do much of the work. Serving in the church is a very lofty calling. However, (using secular terms) if we consider the bulk of our workforce, that workforce translates into volunteers. Volunteers may have great hearts but sometimes lack full commitment.

Most people want to do their assigned tasks well. They want to serve the Lord. However, given the opportunity to postpone or avoid the accomplishment of their ministry tasks, they typically will. This is the unfortunate result of the sinful nature.

Leaders MUST set up systems to check that God’s goals are being accomplished. In the early implementation stages of the plan, the establishment of precedence is very important. Most workers will take their lead as to whether the process is serious or not based on early reactions to work completed or not completed.

Leaders must lovingly exhort those who are falling behind and enthusiastically applaud those who are working according to the plan. All must understand that the work that is being done is important, significant and essential to the accomplishment of the
master plan.

Accountability is a natural step of the process of implementation.

Peter was called by Jesus Christ to serve as a leader in the Church. However, even Peter was not free to act without accountability. Let’s go back to Acts and spend a moment looking at an example of Peter being brought before other church leaders with some strong criticism.

In Acts chapter 10, we read of a man named Cornelius. He was a Roman centurion – a very powerful man who was “devout and God-fearing.” (In other words, he wasn’t Jewish but he was a follower of the teachings of Judaism.) Cornelius had a vision to send for Peter.

Peter likewise had a vision. However, this vision involved the eating of animals that Jewish dietary law considered unclean. Peter would not violate that law but he was commanded in the dream to not call anything impure that God considered clean. Peter was trying to figure out this vision when he was commanded by the Spirit to go with men to the house of Cornelius. 

Then God moved…

Peter shared and the Holy Spirit filled the household of Cornelius. They were all baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. It was an incredible time of praise and joy!

Then people reacted…

Peter went back to Jerusalem and had to “answer” for what he had done (Acts 11). “Circumcised” believers (meaning they were in outward agreement with the Law) did not agree with Peter going into the house of Cornelius. Although they had heard that the Gentiles had received the Word of God, they were upset that the Law had been “violated.”

In response, Peter related his vision, the vision of Cornelius and the moving of the Holy Spirit when the Gospel was shared. What happened next?

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18

Although we might question the underlying motivation of the circumcised believers, there is truly nothing wrong with what they did. It was important for people to understand what God was doing in and through the early church. We can look back and celebrate this incredible gift of a living and active Word that still speaks.

God gave His Word so that His people may know of His love and His will. It is the story of His historical dealings with His people. The main premise of the Bible is to reveal to us our need for God and His unconditional willingness to meet that need. We are a sinful people, incapable of accomplishing our own salvation. Jesus Christ was the means through which our salvation was granted. The Bible itself is a tool of accountability, exhorting us to press on.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.   Hebrews 12: 1

In the Old Testament, the priests and prophets were God’s accountability agents. In the New Testament, the disciples were accountable to Jesus and to one another. Leaders today are accountable to Jesus and should be accountable to one another.

Implementation will require accountability. On the front end of the planning process, establish time line of accountability. Determine who is accountable to whom and an accepted mechanism for activating that accountability. In most cases, building a system of mutually agreed upon checks and balances initially will keep them from ever having to be used!

We’re talking about the next VBS theme from Group Publishing!

SKY VBS: Everything is possible with God (Mark 10:27) is the theme as kids experience Bible Truths in memorable, life-changing ways.

1. Day 1 tells us the story of a Roman officer who has faith in Christ (Matthew 8:5-13). No matter who you are, trust God!
2. Day 2 celebrates the miracle of Lazarus being brought back to life by Jesus (John 11). No matter how you feel, trust God!
3. Day 3 helps children understand the arrest and trial of Jesus (Matthew 26-27). No matter what people do, trust God!
4. Day 4 brings us to the death and resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 27-28). No matter what happens, trust God!
5. Day 5 wraps things up with Jesus making breakfast on the shore (John 21). No matter where you are, trust God!

Once again, Group publishing has done everything they can to make the VBS as easy as possible. The Director’s Resources, leader manuals and student resources are simple to use and quick to manage. (And who doesn’t love a flying pig!)

The various options are now available to review on LRM’s www.saveonvbs.com web site. You can also check out the alternative Holy Land Adventure “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity.” More on that soon!

Listen to a brief, 12-minute conversation with Tullian as he shares the journey that resulted and a bit of his heart from .

Aired 12/2/11 on KSIV AM St Louis – Bott Radio Network

Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividijian (Please click on the title to hear the interview.)

Publisher Marketing:

Jesus + Nothing = Everything is the equation that Tullian Tchividjian took away from a year of great trial and turmoil. He describes the bitter divisions that soured the beginning of his pastorate at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and the personal anchor that he found in the overwhelming power of the gospel. The book of Colossians forms the basis of Tchividjian’s call for Christians to rediscover the gospel and continually reorient their lives around Jesus and only Jesus. Tchividjian insists that many who assume they understand the gospel fail to actually apply its riches to their lives. He takes particular aim at self-righteousness, which motivates moral behavior by fear and guilt. In contrast, the gospel of grace, with the radical freedom that it brings, provides
the only sustainable motivation for Christians. This book delves into the profound theological truths of the gospel, yet the message is intensely practical–Tchividjian sounds the call for believers to lean hard on Christ in every area of every day.

Bob Rogers, a vice president at Zondervan Publishing, joins us for a discussion of the incredible resources that are available through this cooperative project. [SIDE NOTE from Marty: The DVD for Youth is INCREDIBLE! It's worth watching over, and over, and over again!]

Aired 12/2/11 on KSIV AM Bott Radio Network

The Story Bible (Bob Rogers) (click on the title to hear the interview)