Friday, January 19, 2007

Internet Lessons - Overview

We are posting one chapter from the workbook each month on the Second Baptist Church of Wheaton website: sbcwheaton.org We will also post a chapter summary on this blog when a new lesson is available at the website. This blog will be used to capture the questions, comments and testimonies from the monthly lessons.

Click on the word "comment" below to ask a question or make a comment regarding the principles set forth in the lesson. While we are encouraging a public dialogue, private emails can also be sent by clicking on the picture of the envelop instead of the word "comment".

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Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The Journey - 01/10/2007

The new year brings with it new possibilities. I'm excited and prayerful. During last fall I became increasingly sensitive to the issues of God's timing and direction. During the summer I reached out for input from my support team but with the exception of the "book discussion" I received a strange collective silence. I wasn't discouraged, just very curious. I sensed that God was "up to something" and wanted my attention. My confidence in the message did not waiver but I felt compelled not to "force" things. I wanted Him to prompt the next moves. In the interim, I expanded the questions following each chapter and decided to characterize the manuscript as a workbook. Calling it a "workbook" instead of a "book" seemed more descriptive of the interactive format I intended. While I continued to edit the manuscript, I chose to delay approaching any additional agents or publishers but instead watched and listened for opportunities and avenues for the unpublished message to go forth.

As we enter 2007 several possibilities have emerged. Conversations are taking place with potential ministry partners about collaboration in communicating the message. The interesting thing is that those conversations will be initiated by individuals other than myself. One of the things I've watched for is whether others would be moved to share the message. I've wanted to see God's activity in others regarding the spreading of the truths He has revealed to me. The partners I'm seeking are church and para-church institutions/organizations that believe in the message, have a constituency with whom to share it and demonstrate a willingness to do so.

In January those conversations will include a Chicago-based Bible Institute, an India-based mission and seminary, a spiritual coach and a national denominational convention. I believe that group study is ideal for cultivating the message. The diversity of the potential partnerships leaves me in awe. We will not be presumptuous but will watch where God leads. Whether formal partnerships emerge or not, I have no doubt that the conversations will be beneficial.

To do's include: 1) Securing copyright permission for the dominate scripture translation used for the quoted scripture verses, 2) Drafting a ministry partner licensing agreement and 3) Developing a logistical strategy for the production and delivery of copies of the manuscript to remote locations (based on the needs of potential ministry partners).

In addition, two potential publishers have been identified that I will target next. January will be a busy month.