I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE MY TALENTS WITH YOUR CONGREGATION!

Every person has some sort of ability or talent that they can use to glorify God. The problem is that many are not using that talent or have become ashamed of their talent. It reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Each one of the men was given a portion of the master's wealth to invest. But each one of the men was not given the same amount. Why? The reason being that they all did not possess the same ability to handle the responsibilities given.

We have abilities that God wants us to use. But not all of us have the same talents. God does expect us to use these abilities to further the gospel of peace into the world. I feel that it is very important for me to get out there and use mine.

Here are some of the areas that I know I can assist you in your growth process:

1. Spiritual Growth - This is a seminar on the different levels of spiritual growth that we all go through. And it teaches us to watch out for the pitfalls that will hinder that growth. Also, how to recognize these different levels in your church family. And how to help everyone grow to the ultimate level of our ability.

2. Ministry Development - Many congregations have struggles developing different programs of work. This program helps the congregation to look for and develop the talents that each member has and use that ability to evangelize their community. Developing programs such as: Outreach; Youth Ministry; College Ministry; Senior Ministry; Visitation Programs, Foreign and Domestic Missions and etc.

3. Personal Evangelism Seminar - We give the congregation the understanding that Personal Evangelism is not as difficult as once thought. We share tools, i.e., door knocking, DVD ministry, home bible studies, correspondence courses, and etc. Confidence is key in developing these types of evangelism.

4. Financial Seminar - With a B.A. in Economics and experience as an Accountant for a Bank, I will share with your members the simple ways to help organize their finances from balancing a check book to getting out of debt.

5. Community Outreach - This is a "how to" seminar. We take a look at your community and the events, demographics and needs, then develop ideas and a game plan to reach out with the gospel. Some of the possibilities include but are not limited to; Fair booths, community meals, panty/food banks, advertising an event, youth rallies, campus ministry, and etc. Also included in this seminar are ways to look beyond the normally used outreach programs and create ways to get into places that others have not thought about.

6. Solving Congregational Problems - The saddest event in a congregation's history is when problems arise that lead to a division. But if you were to investigate the root of this problem it seems to be an inward struggle. I heard a preacher once say, "It is not the woodpecker that destroys a house but the termites from within." If we would continually inspect for "termites" in the church, then we might be able to rid the varmints before they destroy. This is why I am putting together a team to come in to your congregation and inspect for termites and help rid you of your problem before it gets too severe. We only come in to mediate the situation in the absence of elders.

7. Marriage and the Family - This seminar is aimed at the newly married, engaged couples and those of college age (18-25). This program will set out the Biblical guidelines to marriage, and how to handle some of the major difficulties that couples face, i.e.; birth control, children, the in-laws, financial issues, communication and etc. I am not a marriage counselor (even though I have done marriage counseling), but having been married for over 16 years and raising 2 children, I have the experience to discuss how to overcome rocky points. How couples can head off problems before they surface.

8. Church Growth - A seminar on different ways to grow the congregation. This is not just numerical growth but more importantly spiritual growth (which leads to numerical growth). This series of lessons combines the outreach with solving internal problems. Also, it dives into the development of church organization, programs, and the essential elders and deacons. The minister's responsibility to the growth process as well as each member's responsibility.

9. Youth Events - One area that I enjoy, is speaking to young people and teens. We need to encourage our youth to remain faithful to God. I speak on topics such as "The Three D's: Dating, Dancing, and Drugs," "Overcoming Discouragement", "Teaching Teens Outreach", "Leadership Training (Boys only)" "Remaining Pure in an Impure World" among others.

10. College Events - I was a Campus Minister for over 6 years. I know that this area of work is being neglected in many areas of the country. Some churches have a major university in their back yard and either are unwilling or unknowing to start the work. There is a misunderstanding about Campus work. Some think it is all play. I am here to tell you that it is very hard work and needs the total support of the leadership of the congregation. But with a successful organized work you can reach hundreds if not thousands. I love to speak to college students many who are coming to your Bible Studies not because they have to but because they want to. They are searching for the truth.

If you would like me to come to your congregation then please contact me at smellchristlike@gmail.com. God's continued blessings as you minister to those around with the message.