Better Together

The Tools ETA Has for You – Yvonne Thigpen

Yvonne Thigpen, president of the Evangelical Training Association (ETA), joins the podcast to discuss the variety of training courses, resources, and tools they have available for training lay leaders for ministry in the local church. Find more at https://www.etaworld.org. #NAFWB #BetterTogether

What to Expect at This Year's Convention - Derek Altom & Ryan Lewis

Derek Altom and Ryan Lewis preview the 2024 National Convention and Vertical Three Conference, including what attendees can expect in Tampa and what will be offered for those unable to be there in person.

Pre-Registration for the convention is open through June 21. Find all convention information at https://nafwb.org/convention/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #DoersOfTheWord #v3con24

From Doubter to Disciple – Pedro & Rebecca Garcia

“I was an atheist, but you cannot deny goodness when you are in front of it…period.”

Pedro and Rebecca Garcia share the story of Pedro’s conversion from atheism, including the influence Rebecca had on him through kindness and hospitality.

Pedro is Outreach Director at The Donelson Fellowship. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Conversion #Disciple #Atheism

Making the Handoff From One Church to the Next - Dr. Danny Conn & David Potete

Forty million people in the U.S. have stopped attending church over the last 25 years, with a major reason being that they have moved to a different city.

When Andy and Robin moved to Chicago from Dr. Danny Conn’s church in Pensacola, he immediately contacted David Potete and Northwest Community Church, and they were able to help the couple transition to a church where they were ready and willing to serve. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #TheGreatDechurching #Church

Getting Ready for Convention – Reuben Cason

Reuben Cason, promotional director for NCFWB, will speak in the Tuesday night service at the 2024 National Convention. He reflects on hosting the 2023 convention and previews his sermon, “Do the Word…By Enduring Suffering,” from James 5:7-12.

Find all convention information at https://nafwb.org/convention/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #DoersOfTheWord#James5

The Benefits of Team Preaching - Dr. Chuck Lawless

“You set it up in such a way to say one of our goals as a church is that we want to raise up new leaders; to prepare the next generation of preachers of the word.”

Dr. Chuck Lawless discusses the many benefits for churches and congregants of team preaching, including giving opportunities for younger leaders in the church to find their calling.

Dr. Lawless is Dean of Doctoral Studies and Vice-President of Spiritual Formation and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary. Find more from him at https://chucklawless.com. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Preaching

Getting Ready for Convention – Bob Brown

Bob Brown, pastor of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Lake Butler, Florida, will speak in the Sunday morning service at the 2024 National Convention. He shares some background about himself and previews his sermon, “Doing the Word…By Embracing Trials,” from James 1.

Bob also serves as the convention prayer chairman for the Florida Free Will Baptists, and has created 50 Days of Prayer for Convention. Prayer runs from June 1 until the start of the convention. Download the prayer guide at https://nafwb.org/convention/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #DoersOfTheWord #James1

Innovative Actions One Church Took to Help Its Hurting Community - David Potete

Throughout its 25-plus years of ministry in Chicago, Northwest Community Church has partnered with various agencies to provide services to the community, which has in turn brought people into their building and much-needed funds into the church.

Pastor David Potete talks about the creative ways the church has found to keep the ministries of the church funded through the MINCE approach. For more on MINCE, visit https://nafwb.org/mince/. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Church #Ministry #Outreach #Community

How to Help People Who Struggle with Dementia and Their Families - Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly

“At the end of life, the church as a whole isn’t the best at [caring for the “least of these”]. But it’s hard to deal with something like dementia.”

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares her experience of caring for and ministering to people with dementia, and gives ways the church can help to minister to those affected by it.

Mary Anne authored A Proactive Perspective in Dementia Care: A Relationship-Based Approach, available from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dp7TsE. She is also Executive Director of Veranda Ministries. #BetterTogether #Dementia #DementiaCare

Starting a Good News Club in a Public School Library - Hannah Driggers Matthews

“A public school can be a good partnership for the local church, and Good News Club is a good way to do that.”

Hannah Driggers Matthews describes how any church can start a Good News Club in their local public school, and how it has impacted both the students and those teaching in the club.

Hannah also wrote about her experience in “Good News Goes to the Library” in the April-May issue of ONE Magazine: http://www.onemag.org/library.htm. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #GoodNewsClub #Children #Kids #Outreach