We came across this excellent application of Christian principles into writing online recently.

What biblical principles should guide Christian bloggers? I am increasingly thinking about this question because maintaining the mission and reputation of the institution I lead increasingly requires me to respond quickly and frequently to questions, assertions, and criticisms from the unjuried world of the blogosphere.

I. Christian Communication Must Be True

II. Christian Communication Must Be Provable

• Dependable Sources
• Verifiable Claims
• Responsible Allegations

Read the full article, by Bryan Chapell on The Gospel Coalition (TGC)

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards have opened for nominations.

The aims of this program are to:

1. Acknowledge & highlight the achievements of young Australians (those up to 28 years of age).
2. Educate the general public with examples of youth achievement.
3. Encourage & motivate young Australians at all levels in their chosen field of endeavour.
4. Develop a sense of pride in being an Australian.
5. Build self-confidence through rewards for excellence.
6. Provide role models & mentors for our youth by highlighting their achievements and the pursuit of excellence.
7. Develop and encourage leadership and life skills in young Australians.

See their video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sArKoKuwGQ

What might be of particular interest  for people is the Saward Dawson Service and Volunteering Award, "applauding young community service workers and volunteers who are dedicated to the needs of others. They offer friendship, hope, education, support and inspiration to those who need it most..." http://www.awardsaustralia.com/YAA_vic_criteria.php

Other awards are:

1. Harcourts Leadership and Innovation Award
2. BASF Science and Technology Award
3. Academy Graphics Regional Achiever Award
4. Rent the Roo Sports Award
5. Victorian Government's Small Business Achievement Award

Nominate someone now! http://www.awardsaustralia.com/YAA.php

Looking through dozens of Church Management Systems? Trying to plan for an option that will see you through for the next few years (and you should be, as a minimum!)?

We've now put together a comprehensive Selection Guide for Church Management Systems.

This guide will help you through the entire process from selecting a team to do the research, to deciding and covering some basic overviews.

The Director of Ministries George Buchanan has written up about the latest CCCVaT initiatives

Click here for PDF

In a small group setting, a great way to get into a passage of the Bible is to take people through a passage without any verse markings, headings or other external information. 

Basically you get those in your group to come up with your own sections, and key concepts and themes.

Aim

• To help people to really think about and wrestle with what a passage is saying

How to setup the document

1. Select a passage of Bible (e.g. Galatians 1) and view it on Bible Gateway (http://www.biblegateway.com)
2. Click "page options" and unselect footnotes, verse numbers and headings to get just the text.
3. Copy this into Word document.
4. Use the paragraph settings to make the lines double spaced.
5. Set the margins to fairly wide margins (the idea is to get space to write lots of things, so, be generous).
6. Print a copy of this for every person in your group

Run the study

1. Everyone needs 3 different coloured pens/pencils/textas
2. Read out the passage together
3. Get everyone to use their first colour pen, and circle/underline etc. repeated words. Give them 5 or so minutes to do this.
4. Go around the group and ask them what repeated words they got.
5. (the idea is to get an understanding of what the main concepts are in the passage)
6. Get everyone to use their second colour pen, and break the passage into sections. Give them 5 or so minutes to do this.
7. Go around the group and ask them what their sections were and why they stopped and started their sections where they did.
8. Get everyone to use their third colour pen, and note down the big themes of the passage. Give them 5 or so minutes to do this.
9. Go around the group and ask them what their themes were, and why they thought that was the theme

Notes

• Best for about a chapters worth of content
• Very little preparation needed
• Might take about half an hour

Let me know how you go or if you have any other queries in the comments below!

The four-year-old who says, “I can do it by myself” has a lot in common with the typical pastor.

Pastors are notorious for their lone ranger approach to ministry. It’s what I call the number one failure of 90 percent of pastors. They prefer to go it alone.

Even Jesus needed a buddy. “He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘So, you men could not keep watch with me for one hour?’” (Matthew 26:40)

Read the full article: http://pastors.com/the-number-one-failure-of-90-percent-of-pastors/

Introducing the biggest event on CCCVaT’s 2013 Calendar

SHINE

Shine is the sequel to 2011 event IGNITE

• Ignite my faith
• Ignite my purpose
• Ignite my calling

It’s about making your FAITH SHINE!

SHINE with be held at Phillip Island Adventure Resort on Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th April.

Competition for new iPad!

CCCVaT hosts 2 different styles of conferences, one for leaders and pastors and one for the congregation of all Churches, which are hosted on alternate years.

The 2013 event SHINE is for the congregation of all Churches.

The survey conducted after IGNITE revealed that many participants found the term ‘conference’ confusing, as a conference carries the connotation of intense intellectual discussion and study, which was not the objective of IGNITE

The objective of IGNITE and SHINE was and is to INSPIRE.

Accordingly we are holding a competition to find a more appropriate terminology than 'conference' for this event.

The competition is now closed. The winner will be announced at the 25th Special General Meeting.