A vision for Africa & the local poor
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP)--The idea of a transformational church is nothing new to James Gailliard. It's just business as usual. "Transformation comes by making daily adjustments that make you look more like Jesus," said Gailliard ...
Legalism vs. grace: Pastor recaps JBS
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP)--At East End Baptist Church, January Bible Study is a big event. "I get more people who start off the year in January Bible Study (JBS) than any other time," said Mark Croston, senior pastor of the Suffolk, Va., congregation.
Small groups key to spiritual growth
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP)--Genuine personal transformation best takes place in a small-group setting. People rarely change in large groups because large groups don't offer opportunities for intimate relationships with others.
‘Great Expectations’ viewed by 10,000-plus
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP)--David Francis and Bruce Raley had high hopes for "Great Expectations." They weren't disappointed.
In Mich., Beth Moore goes out on a limb
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (BP)–In a region where thousands are out of work and struggling, it might appear ironic for nearly 7,500 women in Grand Rapids, Mich., to sing praise songs. Yet the two-day conference indeed provided a spiritual lift via the messages of Bible teacher and author Beth Moore and praise and worship led by […]
Cowboy church the setting for western-themed VBS
WHITNEY, Texas (BP)--Kids in everyday cowboy boots didn't ride their horses to "Saddle Ridge Ranch" in Whitney, Texas. Most came in pickup trucks or SUVs. 
But, regardless of their transportation, could there be a more appropriate setting than Open Range Cowboy Church in Whitney for a western-themed Vacation Bible School curriculum?
The church's rural setting, barn-shaped sanctuary and rodeo arena (its version of a family life center) made it hard to tell where the decorations for Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS left off and the church's regular decor began.
Cowboy Church hosted VBS July 5-9 for about 120 children from pre-K through sixth grade. While the church didn't have VBS for the youth, the teenagers served as "ranch hands" for the children.
Cowboy Church children's team director Ronna Rightmer, who served as VBS director, gave last-minute instructions to the teens: "Make sure you interact with the kids at all times. Help with snack, with crafts, and help the kids that may have trouble paying attention. Be sweet to them!"
Australian-themed VBS reached 2.9M in ’09
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Just like a boomerang that returns when it’s thrown, LifeWay’s “Boomerang Express” Vacation Bible School curriculum returned, bringing new Christians and church prospects with it since the summer of 2009. “Vacation Bible School consistently returns a statistic that says the number of professions of faith made by those attending VBS equals about 25 […]
RESOURCE: VBS to hit The Big Apple
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–As the song says, “Start spreading the news.” LifeWay Christian Resources’ VBS 2011 is gonna be a part of it — New York, New York! Vacation Bible School 2011 will go on a “Big Apple Adventure.” Set in the city known as the crossroads of the world, VBS organizers say kids will discover […]
VBS at ‘Saddle Ridge Ranch’ previewed
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Despite the onset of snow and ice, nearly 900 VBS leaders came to Nashville with summer on their minds. Vacation Bible School for 2010, themed "Saddle Ridge Ranch," was the focus of two VBS preview events sponsored by the VBS area of LifeWay Christian Resources ...
Women’s Forum offers ideas to leaders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Opposition, cultural trends and supernatural faith were among the topics set before 600 women at this year's Women's Leadership Forum sponsored by the LifeWay Women ministry of LifeWay Christian Resources.
