Audio Workshops

Cost per CD: $10.00

Most of these workshops have workshop notes that are available upon request through email attachments. After purchasing your CDs contact us to request notes.

301 The ABF Philosophy: Catch the Vision for Midsize Groups (75 min.)
I also like to use the phrase “Creating Spiritual Neighborhoods within the Church” when describing this workshop. This workshop will explain the ABF philosophy including big picture issues of ABFs/midsize groups, distinctive features, the six objectives of ABFs and other key issues including small group options out of midsize groups. Also available on DVD #401 & #400 (6 Objectives)

302 Developing Leadership Teams in Your ABFs (49 min.)
This workshop describes what a midsize group leadership team is, what it does, who serves on it, and what issues need to be addressed within individual ABF's. Also available on DVD #402.

303 Characteristics of a Healthy ABF (60 min.)
This workshop will share some key ingredients of a healthy ABF or midsize community. A major emphasis will be on developing a good teaching ministry and good group life.

304 Principles to Grow ABFs (60 min.)
Lets start first with characteristics of an ABF that can grow including group attitudes, organization issues, space, etc. Then we will present some practical ideas on how to grow these midsize communities.

305 The Role of the Community (Class) Leader (49 min.)
The community leader (working with a leadership team) plays a vital role in building a vibrant midsize community. This workshop will address essential qualities of a class leader, a survey of leadership styles and the basic responsibilities of this position. Also available on DVD #405.

306 Developing an Adult Teacher Training Program (60 min.)
This workshop will give an overview of different training programs which churches are using. It will also address the potential different elements that can make up an effective teacher reproducing system.

307 Developing the Lesson (55 min.)
This workshop will review key educational principles, give ideas on choosing topics to study and then focus on building a lesson including determining the "big idea" of the lesson, teaching aims, the four parts every lesson should have, proper outlining, etc. Also, available on DVD #407. (This Workshop cooresponds with Section 3 of the ABF Teaching Course along with workshop #309.)

308 Overseeing the ABF Ministry: Managing the ABFs for Growth (60 min.)
The ABF Coordinator is responsible to manage, cast vision, start new ABFs, and build the overall ministry. This workshop will address these areas plus, planning regular leadership meetings with class leaders and teachers.

309 Educational Principles that Affect Lesson Planning (58 min.)
This workshop will share several principles that a teacher should be familiar with while preparing Bible lessons. Topics will include the teaching-learning process, learning styles, adult age group characteristics and an overview of various teaching methods. It is a natural prerequisite to the workshop "Developing the Lesson" - #307. Also, this training is available on DVD #409. (This Workshop cooresponds with Section 3 of the ABF Teaching Course)

310 Ideas for an ABF Newsletter (35 min.)
One of the best ways to build a "group spirit" in your ABF is have someone develop a class newsletter. This workshop will discuss samples of newsletters, 10 key tips for a quality newsletter, and ideas of what to put in it.

311 How to Plan and Promote Socials in Your ABF (60 min.)
Socials can be an important part of building a successful midsize community. This workshop will discuss the different purposes for socials (they are not just to have fun!) and how they add to the group life. We will also discuss how to have a balanced social schedule that is sensitive to the different needs of the group. The role of service projects and outreach events as a part of the schedule will also be addressed.

312 Developing a Fervent Sharing & Prayer Time in Your ABF (60 min.)
One of the most important aspects of developing good "group life" in a midsize group is valuing the sharing and prayer time. Some ABF leaders do not appreciate the spiritual and relationship bonding potential of this part of the group meeting. This workshop was recorded in a round-table discussion setting.

313 Turning Classes into Communities (60 min.)
Do you just attend a class or are you a part of a community? This workshop will look at characteristics of each. It will also address key issues and elements to building a “community feel” and “belonging” within midsize groups, plus the importance of a strong group identity.

314 Making ABFs Thrive (45 min.)
Why have some churches built a strong Adult Bible Fellowship (midsize groups) ministry while others have struggled? What are key leadership issues to consider when implementing this ministry model? This workshop will also address “eclecticity” in adult ministries today which could mean that an ABF or a small group might not be for everybody.

315 Developing Leaders as we Lead our Ministries (60 min.)

As a leader of any ministry (i.e. an ABF, small groups, men’s or women’s ministries), our job is not only to build a successful ministry, but also to equip and develop the ministry skills of group members and to purposefully develop and reproduce leaders.

316 Ten Deadly Diseases of Midsize Groups/ABFs (45 min.)
In this workshop the ABF Doct or diagnoses common problems and/or challenges that ABFs can struggle with. Many groups struggle with issues yet never understand root causes. Also available on DVD #416.

317 The Great Midsize vs. Small Groups Debate - Small Group Options within Midsize Groups (72 min.)
This workshop will first address the differences between midsize groups and small groups and why BOTH are valuable. Then several models of how churches are building small groups or small group principles out of midsize groups will be presented. Also available on DVD #417.

318 Strategies for Coaching ABFs and their Leaders (70 min.)
This workshop will give tips on coaching leaders along with an overview of how to develop coaches to oversee groups within your ministry. Issues to be addressed are what to look for in a coach, how to train and manage them, coach responsibilities, etc. Also available on DVD #418.

319 The “Hub” Meeting: Experiencing Community and Spiritual Growth Experiences in Midsize Group Meetings (47 min.)
This workshop will overview the basic elements in a group meeting schedule,  the four issues that must be addressed to prepare for the meeting, plus some other practical advice in building great midsize group meetings. Also available on DVD #419.

320 One-on-One Disciple-Making Seminar ($15.00 on 2 CDS – 40-45 min. each)
This seminar will give a big picture overview of discipleship including a working definition of discipleship, the four phases of discipleship and the three pillars of discipleship. Participants will be challenged to pray for someone, possiby in their ABF, at work, one of their children, etc., to begin to intentionally disciple.  Also available on DVD #420.