Summer: Invigorating FaithSearch
Ministry
Growth! That's what we often associate
with summer. Crops grow toward harvest. Our lawns–and too many
weeds–grow relentlessly. This will also be true for the ministry
of FaithSearch during the summer of 2009. A couple
of significant projects and some upgrades are in the works.
First, we are developing a youth curriculum
focusing on the historical reliability of the New Testament
records. During the past two years we have seen a revival
of interest in the Gospel with evidence by junior and senior
high school groups and leaders. Students are growing up
in a society that questions the validity of Christian faith
and they desperately need to be better prepared to give reasons
for believing. As time and resources permit, Dr. Bierle will
be teaming up with a high school teacher and the FaithSearch
staff to develop this material.
 |
| The new FaithSearch online
store is available anytime. Ordering ministry resources
and making online donations is simple and quick. Visit shop.faithsearch.org. |
Second, Dr. Bierle will update the FaithSearch
"Friend to Friend" evangelism training curriculum
for the local church. Out of print for awhile but never out
of mind, this material in eight-lessons can be life-changing
for all Christians-especially those who are afraid, inexperienced,
or have negative stereotypes about sharing their faith.
In addition to print materials, PowerPoint®
slides and video vignettes, FaithSearch will also
provide the needed training for effectively equipping an entire
congregation for lifestyle outreach in their community.
You may have already noticed some of the
new things at our Web site. First, Director of Communications
Rick Wattman, has installed a new online Store. The new store-available
at shop.faithsearch.org-allows us to efficiently provide current
ministry resources at any time, taking advantage of current
online tools.
Rick has also installed a feature that
provides the opportunity for visitors to view DVDs on our site.
Right now, online visitors can view the entire DVD of Dr. Bierle's
presentation entitled "Revealing the Fingerprints of God."
This message articulates evidence for the existence of an infinite
and personal God. Other titles will periodically be made available,
as well as promotional and sample videos.
 |
| This study in contrasts demonstrates
the history of reinvention at FaithSearch. What was
once a "chalk talk" (1986, at left)
is now a sophisticated, transferable media presentation
(sample slide, above). The message-the
Gospel with evidence-hasn't changed; only its method of
transmission. |
The number of visitors to our Web site
has shown steady growth for the past three years, and we
will continue to upgrade our online presence and add new features.
As an example, this summer FaithSearch will initiate
new interactive features to give added interest and value for
return visitors to the site. The first of these will be a Blog
regarding ministry activities and ideas. Available 24/7,
the entire staff will be able to contribute to the FaithSearch
Blog, but Director Rick and staffer Jason Gudim will be the
primary overseers. Future plans include providing content in
multiple languages; online training; and much, much more.
As good stewards of the privilege God has
given FaithSearch to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, we also recognize the periodic necessity to reinvent
our ministry, in a way, in order to experience renewal and
demonstrate vigor. Pray for us as we do that this summer.
< Back to HTML Table of Contents
>
