Youth and Discipleship Declares January 16, 2011 Bible Emphasis Sunday
In their desire to focus attention back on the Word of God, Youth and Discipleship has designated January as a month of prayer, fasting, and Scripture engagement.
One of the primary focuses will be the designation of Sunday, January 16, 2011, as Bible Sunday. In partnership with the American Bible Society, a 40 Day Bible Sunday Experience kit has been provided for each pastor, through their state/regional Director of Youth and Discipleship. This kit includes resources which will enable to pastor to celebrate Bible Sunday. The focus of the program this year is discovering the heart of God with regard to the issues of poverty and justice.
ABS President Lamar Vest says, “All around the world, the issues of poverty and justice have moved ‘front and center’ in conversations oinside and outside of the church. As you journey through The Least of These, you will discover that poverty and justice have always been on the heart of God. We are pleased to provide for you a variety of tools to launch you church’s Bible Engagement event. We are giving you these key resources to help you begin a new season fo connection with God through His Word, and reflection on God’s heart for the poor and oppressed.’”
Each pastor is requested to look through the kit provided and select a Bible Advocate to champion Bible engagement in their church. State Directors are securing the names of these designated Bible Advocates for further follow up.
To assist pastors and church leaders with this emphasis, there is an E3 brochure on line at the cogyouthanddiscipleship.org website, along with other resources for Scripture Engagement, including a variety of sermon resources.
The International Youth and Discipleship Director, Tom Madden, states, “In the midst of all that is going on in our world at the moment, my heart aches for a generation of children and young people who seem to know less than ever about the greatest book of all time. Bible Sunday is designed as a wake-up call. I believe those pastors who join us in challenging and soliciting a generation to return to the Word are going to experience revolutionary change and my prayers are that you will do everything possible for your congregation.”
For further information about this emphasis, go to www.cogyouthanddiscipleship.org or call 423.478.7229.
