By Staff, Baptist Message
STATEWIDE – The Sunday habits of church members have been changing ever since many Sunday Blue Laws were repealed in the 1980s.
“Blue laws” (initially a derisive term meaning “uppity laws,” coined by people who disagreed with their intent) kept many businesses closed on Sunday, as a way of encouraging church attendance.
When businesses were allowed to stay open, sporting events started taking place on Sundays.
A response to attendance options is just one way that churches have changed.
Bruce Raley, director of leadership and evangelism training and events at LifeWay Christian Resources, plans to discuss 15 trends that impact churches’ education ministry, in his upcoming eight-stop tour of Louisiana to talk with ministers of education and others with similar ministry positions, including pastors.
The April 16-19 event is to be in Swartz, Ruston, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Pineville, Lafayette, Covington and Gonzales. See www.lbc.org/MEtour2012 for complete information.
The no-cost event includes lunch, supper or light refreshments, depending on the time of day and location. Pre-registration is needed for proper planning of meals and snacks.
“Bruce has such a national outlook on what God is doing in Christian education throughout the nation,” said Jeff Ingram, the adult ministry strategist in the evangelism/church growth team at the Louisiana Baptist Convention. “He’s shared this information in other venues, and it’s been well-received.
“This tour is scheduled to bring church and denominational leaders together for a time of learning and fellowship,” Ingram continued. “We can learn something new about how to be effective in reaching, teaching and ministering to people through Christian Education – particularly Sunday school and small groups.”
Please RSVP for your date and location at www.LBC.org/MEtour2012. Please email Jeff.Ingram@LBC.org orSean.Keith@LBC.org if you have questions.