THE CHURCH WORKS
HIGHLIGHTINGGOODWORKS!
Editors’ Note
The Church Works
The Apostle Paul reminds us that as children of God, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God made us to be involved in work that glorifies Him and builds up the Kingdom.
In this issue of Preaching & Ministry, we want to highlight just a handful of works being done by God’s people worldwide. We intentionally did not write about brotherhood schools, homes for children, or big events in this issue While we believe that each of these other works is crucial and important, we wanted to highlight some works that are not a part of those categories.
The works highlighted here are a small fraction of the great work being done by God’s people. If you are interested in participating in any of these, please feel free to contact them through the contact information listed.
Our prayer is that you will enjoy reading about these great works. May God help us all to work together for His glory and the building up of the Body
Jeff&Dale
Jeff & Dale editors
MINISTRY LEAGUE: UNITED FOR THE MISSION
By Paul Spurlin | Connections Minister Piedmont Road Church of Christ * LifeinChrist.com
Ministry League is more than a resource hub it’s a Kingdomminded movement rooted in the churches of Christ. Our mission is to equip Christians of all ages with biblically sound tools and experiences that deepen faith, foster unity, and fuel lasting impact for Christ.
We do this through two primary avenues: powerful digital resources and transformative in-person events. Our app and website, supported by faithful elderships, are home to over 100,000 users worldwide and growing. Whether you’re preparing to teach a Bible class, organizing a devotional, or looking for encouragement during the week, Ministry League is designed with you in mind.
But we’re not just digital we’re present Ministry League organizes and supports events across the globe, including youth rallies, leadership summits, mission trips, family retreats, and more. These are not just “get-togethers.” They are spiritually rich, relationship-building experiences where lives are changed and faith is strengthened
A student once shared, “I didn’t know how badly I needed real Christian community until I found it at a Ministry League event. I went home changed.”
That’s what we’re about creating moments of transformation through Christ-centered connection
"I
Inside the app.
⚫ Bible class curriculum for children, teens, and adults
⚫ Leadership and ministry development resources
⚫ A free searchable digital songbook for worship anywhere
⚫ Dozens of podcasts from trusted voices within the church
Fresh content to build up the church in every generation
didn't know how badly
I needed real Christian community until I found it at a Ministry League event. I went home changed."
Let's grow. Let's serve. Let's shine the light of Clogether
Ministry League is designed for the entire Body. We exist to support ministers, elders, deacons, students, parents, and congregations. We believe every member of the church has a role, a gift, and a calling and our goal is to help you live that calling with boldness and purpose. Everything we offer aligns with New Testament teaching and seeks to glorify God, not trend-chase or entertain.
In a world that feels increasingly isolated and disconnected, Ministry League is about bringing people together on purpose, for a purpose. Through every podcast, video, class, and event, we are helping the church thrive by strengthening its members and connecting its leaders.
We believe in collaboration, community, and the power of faithful Christians working side by side. Because when we unite under Christ, we multiply our impact. So whether you ' re a preacher preparing for Sunday, a teen searching for purpose, a parent teaching your
"Easy to read and has led to great discussion with
each other." -TT
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"...send us 12 more, this is the best thing we've seen for new elders." -JS
SOJOURNERS
II is sometimes said that when Chrisitans get
older, they retire from the work of the church Others have something they have always wanted to do yet still want to find a balance between enjoying their “golden years ” and serving their congregations Sojourners travel with a purpose.
The National Evangelism With Sojourners (NEWS) is a mission under the oversight of the Burleson (Texas) Church of Christ. We are a group of Christians who are mostly retired but still desire to do all we can to serve the Lord. Most of us have RVs and we travel to locations around the US and Canada where our goal is souls in everything we
do. We are self-supporting and do not charge the entity receiving our services. A significant part of our goal is to help these works of the Lord’s church to grow spiritually
Each year we serve around 70 congregations of the churches of Christ, children’s homes, church camps, Christian colleges and schools, Bible lectureships and other missions of the church We support Gospel meetings, Vacation Bible Schools, and other activities to help congregations reach their communities We are also involved in physical activities from building and repairing to sewing and crafts. Each “sojourn” is as unique as those who are serving on it. We also provide a variety of programs designed to assist congregations and individuals with day-to-day activities in the Lord’s
Kingdom. The entity provides the materials and the Sojourners provide the labor, often working side by side with other brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, when we complete the work, we make a donation to the work so that we are not a financial burden to them.
The biggest qualification needed to be a Sojourner is a servant’s heart. It would be challenging to find a group of Christians like the Sojourners who come from different backgrounds and experiences, even spiritually, who blend together as one to serve the Lord, His church and to reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ
To be a Sojourner, you need to be a faithful member of the church of Christ with a servant heart There are no fees or membership dues, but we each pay our own way, some with the help of their home congregation or other supporters To stay active, you need to be involved in at least one sojourn a year, usually two weeks Most Sojourners participate in several each year
Twice each year we have workshops where we come together for a spiritual boost as well as to learn more about how to be effective in the mission The first is held at the Central Florida Bible Camp in February, and the second is at our home base of Camp Bee in Marshall, Texas, in October
We are couples, singles, widows, and widowers. Some have small RVs and others motor homes the size of a bus! We pull cars or have electric bikes We do “travel with a purpose ” Yet one of the greatest advantages is traveling throughout this beautiful country and visiting fascinating places along the way! At each workshop, we have an opportunity to sign-up for the next year ’ s sojourns and we may choose to travel to different parts of the country each year. Every day is a new experience meeting wonderful Christians at every turn of the road.
If you feel ours can help your mission, or to apply or learn more, visit our website www.sojourning.org or feel free to email me at cvidac7@gmail.com
Chris Vidacovich Co-Director
Every generation needs a practical, biblical reminder of who we are as God's people. Ira North gave us "Balance" in the last century, and Dale Jenkins now offers "Growing Healthy Churches." His reminder that "the church still belongs to God and He still wants it to grow" calls us to action. This book comes from a servant who has devoted his life to growing healthy churches, sharing wisdom gleaned from decades of faithful experience rather than fleeting gimmicks. David R Shannon. President, Freed-Hardeman University
What L2L can do for you
L2L is the oldest and largest leadership training program used by Churches of
Christ
Since 1968, we have been providing churches tools that they can use to strengthen the local church and improve the retention of their youth.
L2L is for everyone. All ages participate in L2L. From preschool to senior adults, boys and girls, men and women, all have events and activities designed for them. L2L is cross-generational. It does not divide the church, it unites the church.
L2L is Year-Round: we have annual conventions where over 25,000 attend coast-to-coast and around the globe each year.
However, L2L really takes place in the local church. Of the 58 events in L2L, only 6 (like Bible Bowl) take place at convention. Events like Keepers give senior ladies an opportunity to share their life skills and help them model themselves after the godly woman of Proverbs 31. Families read their Bibles together and memorize scripture together. Youth see their grandparents and church leaders do the same event they have chosen. Youth can earn their medals and awards at home for speech, song leading and have them presented on stage at convention to encourage them. What gets rewarded gets repeated.
L2L is the source for top quality Sunday School, youth, and adult training materials and homeschool materials.
Junior Leader has three versions and it is for grades K-5. One thing that makes JL unique is the activities all have three intellectual levels of activities. It allows a classroom of youth of different ages/intellectual levels to be taught together. This is very useful for teachers or parents of youth of different ages. We have over 40 books and materials available
L2L has proven results.
L2L has proven results. Across the brotherhood, we see preachers, youth ministers, elders, deacons, teachers, and ladies' day speakers who are the products of L2L. The retention rate for youth who have participated in L2L is significant. A CEO of a major corporation said, “I would not have my job without my training in L2L. I learned the art of debate and public speaking that I use every day in the business world.” The Christian Universities know L2L produces some of the very best. They awarded 2.2 million dollars in scholarships last year to L2L participants.
Consistency is a key work for L2L.
God’s word does not change, and neither does L2L, whether in the Bible Belt or the West Coast or in India, Romania, S. Korea, or other countries. The L2L logo of the “flying L” is the most recognizable symbol among members of the church of Christ.
Incorporated in 1994, Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort responds to any major disaster in the continental United States by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to congregations aiding disaster victims. In the past 30+ years, the organization has distributed more than $200 million in emergency food and supplies in response to over 400 disasters in 47 states.
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief only works through local congregations of the Church of Christ in or nearby the community or town where the disaster has occurred If there is no Church of Christ in the town, Disaster Relief will contact the nearest town that has a Church of Christ and ask for help. The supplies and other household goods will be distributed by that congregation in the name of the Lord to anyone who has been affected by the disaster, regardless of race, color, creed, or religion
Theorganizationhasfourteenemployees consistingofanofficestaff,awarehousecrew, andfiveassociatedirectorswhotravelacross thecountrygoingtodisastersitesandtelling ChurchofChristcongregationsaboutthework ofChurchesofChristDisasterReliefEffort. Mostimportantlyourunpaidvolunteerworkers andvolunteertruckdrivers.Theyarevital componentstothesuccessofourorganization.
Since its inception, more than 550,000 family food boxes have been distributed. This is 11 million meals for those in need (each box feeds a family of 4 for 5 days). Each of these food boxes includes a New Testament and a handwritten note of encouragement from a member of The Church.
In the past thirty-plus years, CCDRE has responded to disasters resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, ice storms, oil spills, chemical spills, water crises, terrorist attacks, and earthquakes
In recent months, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated parts of six states in the southeastern US while a near record number of tornadoes have caused massive damage across the country. CCDRE has responded with dozens of truckloads of emergency relief supplies to these events. Since Hurricane Helene in September 2024, congregations in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have been aiding thousands suffering from the impacts of this storm. Over $7.5 million in supplies were sent to 72 locations in 19 states in 2024. In addition to the emergency supplies provided, CCDRE has provided congregations new appliances, furniture and bedding to aid those who have no means of rebuilding their lives. In Oklahoma and Los Angeles, CA, multiple truckloads were sent to congregations providing relief efforts for thousands affected by devastating fires
From January through April 2025, more than $2.8 million in supplies have been distributed to 38 locations in 13 states. During May, more trucks were sent to help with tornadoes and floods in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Active relief efforts are continuing in multiple states across the country.
While the benevolent nature of this ministry is a blessing, the greater value is the evangelistic opportunity to reach souls. While the Bible does not ask or require us to measure the number of responses to these efforts, the work of CCDRE is an evangelistic work.
Following Hurricane Katrina and landfall along the Gulf coast, more than 300 baptisms and 1700 restorations were documented after working with CCDRE.
In Center Point, AL, a devastating 2021 tornado left 400+ homes destroyed. In the aftermath of that storm, a small congregation had at least 29 baptisms from reaching out to those in need. Following a tornado in Century, FL, a couple were baptized after years of attempts to study God’s Word with them.
In Houston, TX, a couple was aided by the local congregation following a tropical storm. Bible studies were difficult. They persevered and five years later, the couple was baptized…he was 93 years old!
When Superstorm Sandy stuck the northeastern US coast in 2012, one small congregation with less than 35 members, set up and conducted 104 Bible studies in less than three months after distributing CCDRE supplies to people who knew nothing about The Lord’s Church.
Congregations that, for whatever reason, had grown apart (not doctrinal issues) have worked together in the distribution of supplies after a storm. The members have grown stronger in their own faith and worked together to serve and teach. Other locations, in California following wildfires; Illinois following floods; and Arkansas following a water crisis, congregations have families worshiping with them for the first time.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul writes that he planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase. In like manner, efforts from those planting The Gospel through the tools of CCDRE engage in evangelism. God will give the increase.
To God be the glory!
Fill your life with adventures, not things.
efforts to teach students who register in targeted geographical areas. When a congregation creates a Web Target around their local or mission communities, we will add the students who register in those areas to the congregation’s private student board to be adopted and taught. Congregations with overlapping targets will both be notified when a student registers in the area and can be adopted on a first-come, firstserved basis.
·Advanced Courses – As Students complete their initial study of the Gospel, WBS provides many advanced courses for the further maturation of the student in the understanding of the Bible. In addition, Sunset International Bible Institute has also provided WBS with advanced Christian ministry courses that are available to our online
Bible Curriculum for Congregation’s Education Programs
Mathetis has a three-quar ter “Reaching Series” curriculum to teach Christians how to use Mathetis as an evangelism tool for personal outreach.
· Most of the WBS Advanced Courses are written in a 13-lesson quar terly format for use as Bible class curriculum
· The WBS “Master Series” fits within a year-long curriculum for establishing the foundations of Biblical faith.
The WBS Study Edition Bible
· Conveniently sized and affordably priced Bibles for evangelism and distribution, the WBS Study Edition Bible has 100 pages of easy-to-understand study notes that mirror our correspondence courses.
· WBS offers these Bibles in the New American Standard [1995] Version ($5) and the New King James Version ($8).
· Many congregations use these as their pew Bibles and encourage visitors to take one home and explore the self-guided study in the notes
Many WBS study helpers give these Bibles to their students to assist them in their spiritual journey to know Jesus and obey His Gospel
· We will even mail packets of the magazine to your congregation.
· The latest on tools and news is available to our readers.
· Life-changing stories are shared to encourage our Study Helpers
In-depth Bible ar ticles are included by brotherhood leaders to encourage and edify the church Subscribe today at www worldbibleschool net/action
ACTION! Magazine
• ACTION! Magazine is free to all who subscribe
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7,000+ Bible studies monthly
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WEI offers online courses of increasing difficulty
YEARLONG PLANNING SPIRITUAL FOCUS
Collaboration
WIDOWHOOD WORKSHOP MINISTRY
Neglect in ministry is most often the result of ignorance and inexperience, not a lack of compassion
When we don’t know who is struggling with their circumstances and what those circumstances are, how can we effectively minister to them?
Three weeks after my wife died, I said to myself, “What’s wrong with me?” Although grief was a familiar topic of study in my life up to that point, I was ignorant and inexperienced regarding spousal loss. It’s so personal. It’s devastating! Beginning to reflect on my many years of local church ministry, there were so many brothers and sisters who had lost their mates. I officiated at the memorial services of their beloved mates. Why didn’t I understand what they were going through in their everyday struggle to live with their horrific loss? Why didn’t I see what they needed long-term? Ignorance and inexperience. It wasn’t because I didn’t care.
My loss and its impact caused me to start thinking about what we could do in the church to quit neglecting the widowed and begin ministering to them more effectively. This led to the launch of the Widowhood Workshop Ministry.
Originally, it began with a singular focus on widowhood, the grief and the grind it is early on after the loss of a beloved spouse. I started conducting workshops with that focus. After some experience, it became clear that the ministry and its workshops needed to be about grief generally but with a special session or two about the uniqueness of spousal loss. Widowhood Workshops became Living with Loss Workshops. The name of the ministry remained the same because the greatest loss most people experience is the loss of their spouse. The purpose of the workshops is now twofold: educate and encourage. The workshops educate people about the powerful impact of loss and encourage those dealing with it. In the course of the workshops there is one session that deals specifically with spousal loss.
The
Widowhood Workshop Ministry, which has become my family’s passion project (all 11 members of my family have roles in the ministry)...
In addition to conducting workshops, we also help churches start local widowhood ministries to not only serve the widowed in their congregations but also as outreach into the community. Every community has widowed males and females. We assist them in creatively thinking how best to minister to their widowed neighbors. One major component of that purpose is hosting monthly widowhood fellowships. The widowed typically struggle with social awkwardness. They are misfits in a coupled world. For years they have interacted in public as a couple. They were half of a whole. Now, they are alone everywhere they go. This social experience is unique in that it is exclusively for them. They enjoy a delicious meal. Widowed people often develop eating habits that differ from families or married couples. They don’t cook. Eat irregularly. They don’t eat what most would call a balanced meal. Snack a lot. Having a completely homecooked meal is attractive to them. In these social settings they are meeting other widowed people and building their social networks. Being with other people with whom you share the common bond of loss is comforting, even encouraging. We encourage churches to plan agendas that provide both levity and some practical advice geared to helping them learn about living purposefully with their loss.
Hosting these monthly fellowships is a way of introducing people to Jesus and His church at a time in their lives when they can be receptive to compassionate care that they often don’t experience.
Launching these types of local ministries is not easy. A lot is learned by trial and error. Just trying different things to see what works and seems well received requires significant patience. Churches all over the country are now engaged in these local widowhood ministries. We have been delighted to hear of many conversions occurring as a result of community widows and widowers finding the Lord through these ministries.
If you would be interested in hosting a workshop, email secretary@widowhoodworkshop.com.
If you would like help with launching a local widowhood ministry, contact us. We can send you a file that will prove helpful as well as connect you with some churches that have developed highly successful ministries.
Dean Miller
COMING IN SEPTEMBER
MINISTRY & TECH
