Pursuing Potential with Central Baptist

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Note: Please check back on this page often as the group progresses. Reading assignments will expand as we move through the chapters! Thank you for your interest in journeying through Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation with Central Baptist. Below you will find a reading strategy, group schedule, and reflection assignments. All dates are Thursdays, beginning at 7PM.

Reading Strategy

Kingdom Potential CoverPursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation is a wonderfully insightful book. The reading strategy laid out below may be helpful while reading the book. If you need to order a copy, click or tap the cover image to be taken to Barnes and Noble's web-site.

Read the “executive summary” after reading the chapter

Bullard begins each chapter with a summary of what’s to come. While the points made in this section contain a wonderful chapter synopsis, when read prior to the body it can be less than helpful. When read following the chapter, however, it can help readers focus on Bullard’s main points.

Don’t spend too much time on the coaching breaks

The “Coaching Break” section, found in the middle of the chapters contain some thought provoking questions – but too often break up the pacing of the chapter. Skim through these, and if there is a question you find particularly provocative take the time to jot down a reflection. Otherwise, glean what insights you can and move on in the text.

Highlight the quotables

There are quite a few turns of phrase, and even entire paragraphs, where Bullard produces jewels of clarity. Highlight these. They are often his main points.

Group Schedule

Aug 7

Reading Assignment

  • Chapters 1 & 2

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time with the “Coaching insights” sections. Did you find any of the questions posed in those sections particularly thought-provoking.
  2. Write down two things in the chapters which you found particularly helpful.
  3. Write down one thing which you found particularly challenging.

Aug 14

Reading Assignment

  • Chapters 3 & 4

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time reflecting on who in our congregation fits into the roles defined in Chapter 3 – “pastoral leadership,” “passion,” and “position.”
  2. Work through the ten "Congregational issues for Generative Dialog . Give a score for the congregation, and come prepared to interact with these issues in the group.

Aug 21

Reading Assignment

  • Chapter 5

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time pondering Bullard’s “car” image. Which of Bullard’s passengers is currently “driving” Central Baptist Church?
  2. Consider Bullard’s “stages of congregational development.” In which stage is Central currently dwelling?
  3. After reading “Intervention at the Various Aging Stages” spend some time with the following:
    • Using your answer from question 2, use Bullard’s description to devise a current “formula” for Central Baptist.
    • Again, using Bullard’s criteria, devise a “redevelopment formula” for Central Baptist.
    • What gifts, talents, or passions can Central use to help pursue redevelopment?

Aug 28

Reading Assignment

  • Chapters 6 & 7

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time with the “Coaching insights” sections. Did you find any of the questions posed in those sections particularly thought-provoking.
  2. Ponder the freedom that exists for Central Baptist.  Are there "invisible fences" which attempt to keep people from pursuing ministry opportunities?
  3. Explore the "Signs your congregation has met the collaboration challenge."  Which of these do you feel Central has met?  Which of them do we still need to pursue?
  4. What was a your first reaction to the "pray and share triplets?"  If you related your response to "people in the car" from Bullard's automobile image, which one would best represent your reaction?

Sep 4

Reading Assignment

  • Chapters 8 & 9

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time with the “Coaching insights” sections. Did you find any of the questions posed in those sections particularly thought-provoking.

Sep 11

Reading Assignment

  • Chapter 10

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time with the “Coaching insights” sections. Did you find any of the questions posed in those sections particularly thought-provoking.

Sep 18

Reading Assignment

  • Chapters 11 & 12

For Reflection

  1. Spend some time with the “Coaching insights” sections. Did you find any of the questions posed in those sections particularly thought-provoking.
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