Eddyville Has Selected a New Preacher

In a family meeting Sunday night, July 6, Randell O’Bryan announced that Jeff Finch would be the next preacher at Eddyville, starting Sunday, August 24. Randell thanked the congregation for their involvement and comments. Our last Sunday at Eddyville will be Sunday, August 10. We want to spend this month finishing our work and preparing for the next preacher.

Recently, I read Roy Oswald’s book, Running through the Thistles. He observed that the way a preacher leaves a congregation will be the way he dies. He suggested that if you do not like the way you leave groups, you might want to consider and change.

In another place, I read that there are five steps in dying:
1. “Forgive me.”
2. “I forgive you.”
3. “Thank you.”
4. “I love you.”
5. “Good-bye.”

We are inviting families into our home to evaluate our work together and to say “good-bye.”

I have been given the opportunity to work with another congregation after we finish here. We will announce that congregation in a few weeks.

For the next two to four months, I will have some Sundays available to preach if I am needed at other congregations.

The elders and congregation at Eddyville have been supportive and encouraging for the past year and three months. I could not think of a better place to start interim work. We have enjoyed living in the community. I have been strengthened by the association with preachers in this area of West Kentucky.

We had graduation for our second Learning to Love my Friend(s) class Sunday night, June 22. You can see the picture and names of the participants at the bottom of the page > Interim at Eddyville > .

The outlines of this class are on line with the material to teach: notebook cover and spine, lessons, and graduation certificate > Leadership Classes > .

If you would like to ask questions about this class, please contact me .

Leadership Class Graduation

We completed our God's Great Servants Leadership class with graduation Sunday night.
You can see the graduation picture and names of participants at the bottom of the page > Interim at Eddyville > .

The outlines are now on line with the supplemental materials such as invitation letter, notebook cover and spine, and other material to print books and lead the class: > Leadership Classes > .

If you have an interest in leading this type of training in your congregation, I will be glad to answer any questions you have and advise in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me by phone, e-mail, or in person. > Contact Me > .

I continue to enjoy the work here. The brethren are very cooperative and encouraging. They are actively looking for a preacher. I will be available when they select a preacher -- by November 1 or before.

Leadership Prayers: Prayers for Leaders

1. What kind of petitions are we to give to God for civil leaders? 1 Timothy 2:1
2. Why should we pray for civil leaders and what blessing should we request? 1 Timothy 2:2
3. What is the relationship between my family leadership and the effectiveness of my prayers? 1 Peter 3:7-12
4. What did Paul want included in prayers for him? Colossians 4:2-4
5. What petitions did Paul request in the prayer of the Thessalonians and what would he include in his prayers for them? 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
6. What prayers would you like to see answered for your leaders (government, family, church, business)?
7. What prayers would you like to see answered for you as a leader (of yourself and others)?
8. Bring to God supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for leaders.

For the complete lesson outline (9 pages) > Session 10

Leadership Prayers: Paul’s Prayer for the Church at Colosse; Colossians 1:1-18

1. For what things did Paul give thanks that he had heard about the church at Colosse? Colossians 1:1-8
2. For what things are you thankful that you see in this congregation?
3. What did Paul ask God to give these brethren in this congregation? Colossians 1:9-11
4. How would you like to see God bless this church where you worship?
5. What about God and His blessings moved Paul to be thankful? Colossians 1:12-18
6. What are some blessings you have received and what do you see in God that stirs gratitude in your heart?
7. Thank God for whom (saints and faithful brethren) and for what (faith, love, hope) you observe in this church, as you ask God for spiritual blessings and attributes to be given to you and others, and as you thank God for Who He is and for what He has done.

For the complete lesson outline (7 pages) > Session 9

Leadership Prayers: Jesus’ Prayer of Deathly Sorrow, Agony; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46

1. What did Jesus ask in prayer on the night of His betrayal?
2. How did Jesus feel as He prayed?
3. As a leader, should you expect to always feel comfortable, energized, and happy?
4. What was the immediate answer to Jesus’ prayer? How was He helped during this difficult time? Luke 22:43
5. What happened after this painful prayer? Matthew 26:47 - Matthew 27:50
6. What blessings did Jesus receive three days later? Matthew 28:1-8
7. How are we blessed by this act and example today? Hebrews 12:1-3
8. Ask God to bless you during your painful times of struggle and crucifixion. Thank Him for the new life and resurrection that you have already experienced as a Christian and that you anticipate in the future.
For the complete lesson outline (5 pages) > Session 8

I enjoyed being with the Beattie Road church of Christ in Albany, Georgia, last week for the God's Great Servants workshop. Forty-one men from five congregations participated in the sessions. To see pictures from the workshop, go to my website: Leadership Workshop .

Leadership Prayers: Jesus Prayer for Himself, His Apostles, the Disciples After Them; John 17

1. What did Jesus ask for Himself? John 17:1-5
2. What did Jesus ask for the apostles? John 17:6-19
3. What did Jesus pray for “those who will believe in Me through their word? John 17:20-26
4. How did God, the Father, answer that prayer for Jesus? Acts 7:55,56
5. How were the apostles blessed in their mission? Romans 10:13-18; Colossians 1:23
6. How was Jesus’ prayer for the unity of believers answered in the church in Jerusalem? Acts 2:42-47
7. How do we cooperate in the answer of that prayer today? Colossians 3:1-4
8. Ask God to bless you in glorifying His name, in doing His work, and in making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
For a full class outline (5 pages) Session 7