This is the time of the year when I dream longingly of my golf clubs. I clean them, shine them and practice in the back yard. But back when I did actually have a 12 handicap, I learned a few things:

----Never laugh at a friend's drive if you haven't teed off yet. 

----Never balance your Coke on top of the ball washer.

----Never count your boss's strokes.

----There are no lost balls. 

The truth I learned? I am not really as good as my best successes and I am not really as bad as my worst failures. In fact, my value as a person has absolutely nothing to do with my golf game. (read more) 

That we could possibly eradicate malaria in our lifetime is a challenge too great to ignore. As Ginghamsburg's visual designer, my passion is to offer an engaging visual presence to our greatest initiatives - to tell the story of need in a visibly striking manner. Whether via stage design, a hallway wall mural or a lobby display this involves combining information with inspiration in order to draw the community into the initiative at hand.  I think of this as creating environments to cultivate mission. (read more)

Small groups can be key to the spiritual development of individuals and growth for churches. However, hectic schedules can make it difficult for individuals to meet regularly. Social media and digital tools provide new ways for members to build community, which is exactly why small groups exist. Many of these tools are free and make it easy for members to connect outside regular meetings or to share life even when apart.  (For more about the 6 digital tools - click here.)

Feb/Mar/April 2013 Issue

The May/June/July 2014 issue of Circuit Rider will feature pastors and scholars who believe in the power of Bible study to reshape lives and to create a new generation of leaders in the church. How does Bible study impact your congregation? Send an email to circuitrider@umpublishing.org and tell us how in-depth Bible study has generated leaders in your church. We will select key responses and print enough comments to fill the Holy Conversation page of the upcoming issue. Many other comments will be published at ministrymatters.com/circuit_rider. In fewer than 125 words, send your responses by email to circuitrider@umpublishing.org. Submissions must be made before March 7th to be considered for print. 

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