Has God called you into the ministry? Have you always wanted to attend seminary, but can't move because of your job? The Southern Baptist Convention has 6 accredited seminaries. At 5 of the 6 seminaries you can graduate without ever going to the school - 100% fully online! You can earn Associate, Bachelor's or Master's degrees at home.

What are you waiting for? If God has called you, He will equip you - and online seminary is an outstanding option. Here are the schools and degrees you can earn all online:

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (see picture above)

    Associate of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies
    Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies

Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary

    Master of Theological Studies

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

    Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
    Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

    Master of Theological Studies

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

    Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
    Master of Arts in Theology
    Master of Theological Studies

Does your church want to be more effective at reaching women for Christ? 61% of church attenders are women. If your church is going to reach it's neighborhood and nations for Christ - ministering to women must be a priority. Here are 5 keys to a successful women's ministry:

1). You need an active women's leadership team. Bethlehem Baptist Church blogs about the role and responsibility of their leadership team. If all the teaching, planning, and counseling falls on one lady - burnout and discouragement will soon follow.

2). You need Bible studies and discipleship groups geared towards women. Small group settings allow for sharing and developing close friends. The teacher/minister will also discover the real issues/needs sitting on a couch with friends.

3). You need women counselors available at your church. Not all women want to tell a male minister/deacon their problems (nor is that healthy) - here's a good book for women learning to counsel other women.

4). You need women involved in missions - including women-only mission opportunities. If your church does ministry towards people in your community, you'll notice the large number of women or single mothers receiving help. Ladies should prioritize missions towards other women - sometimes men are too prideful to ask or receive help - but a mother wants food, clothes and shelter for her children.

5). You need events, retreats and conferences available for women to attend. There are hundreds of women-only conferences, retreats and getaways for ladies to learn and grow. I attend at least 1-2 conferences a year - I always come home wishing everyone could have been there. Here's a women's conference coming up at First Baptist Moreland:

Women's Ministry Resources:

Biblical Woman
Living Proof Ministries
LifeWay Women
The Woman's Study Bible (coming April 2013)

Who is Zig Ziglar? How did he make a difference in our lives? Ziglar passed away yesterday at 86 years old. He was known as, "America's Motivator." A member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas and served as the 1st vice-president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1984-85.

He was best known for his quotes, speeches and positive books. Here's his website. Here are 5 differences Ziglar made in our lives:

1.) We need a personal game plan for our lives. When you were 10 years old and wanted to be a nurse when you grew up, have you reached your goal? Ziglar always communicated the need for a game plan and how to stay on track. If you're wasting your life, Ziglar's 3 steps to success will help: Will, Skill, Refill.

2.) People love positive messages. If you offer encouragement and hope, you'll always have an audience and friends. Ziglar wanted people to feel better about themselves after they heard, met or read about him. He built others up.

3.) Humor can connect with anyone. Even people who disagree with everything you stand for, they'll laugh at something funny. His simple, down-home humor could bring smiles to any face.

4.) Ziglar became well-known later in his career. He published his first book at 49, after a career in sales. He made mistakes early in his career - going broke 10 times and having to start over. Anyone could identify with him, a poor salesman from Mississippi - who transformed into a successful author and speaker. His first book was rejected by 30 publishers before finally being published.

5.) He wasn't ashamed of his Christian faith in the workplace. When he spoke to millions of business executives and employees, he'd boldly proclaim he's a born again Christian. Never apologized, shared his beliefs in a comfortable manner.

Does your church have a Preteen Ministry? Preteens are 11 and 12 year olds - 5th & 6th graders. Some people call them Tweens - too old for elementary ministry, but a little young for the youth group. This is one of the most important ages in a child's spiritual growth - a church can't clump them with younger children or teenagers.

Here are 5 Secrets to a Successful Preteen Ministry:

1.) You must involve their parents. A 12 year old will want you to believe they're in high school - but they're in 6th grade. A teacher/minister must communicate with mom & dad what's going on. For example, a monthly newsletter, Facebook group for preteen parents, a Googlegroup for preteen parents, or a bulk text message lets mom and dad know what's going on, how they can be involved and events coming up for their child to attend. You cannot rely on the preteens to tell their parents what's happening.

2.) Allow preteens the opportunity to lead. Let them own the ministry - create a cool name (Infusion, Switch, Becoming), they should say the prayers, decorate the room, read the Scripture, give a testimony, lead worship, start the video, plan mission projects, set-up and take-down, clean-up).

3.) Programming should be cutting edge. Every 6th grader I know is on Facebook, Twitter, and carries an iPhone. They don't want to be read a children's picture Bible. Make sure the curriculum/lesson is geared towards 11 & 12 year olds and is up-to-date.

4.) Preteen ministry must be active, fast-paced. If you have 1 hour on Wednesday nights to plan for Preteens, here's a good schedule: Welcome/Hang-out (5 minutes), Game (10 minutes), Testimony/Ministry opportunity at school (5 minutes), Video clip about the lesson (5 minutes), Lesson (25 minutes), Prayer requests (5 minutes), Junk food (5 minutes). You need to come to class over-prepared with multiple changes throughout the hour.

5.) Plan outings and mission projects exclusively for preteens. Do not allow other ages to attend, especially younger children. For example, preteens can have a separate VBS class, drama team, mission projects, Preteen Sunday (a special Sunday when the entire service is devoted to them), Preteen Conference, and the Annual Preteen Kickball Tournament (the most favorite game of all 5th & 6th graders).

Preteen Resources:

LifeWay Preteens
PreteenMinistry.net
Preteen Lauchables
Which Bible Should You Buy your Preteen or Teenager?

Do you have a small group you meet with weekly? Many times we join a church or Sunday School class, but we're still "out there." Still looking to connect, wanting to grow, and seeking more.

Here are 4 reasons you need to join a Discipleship Group:

1.) A D-Group holds you accountable. If there are 12 ladies in your group and only 11 show-up, we're going to know you're missing and you're getting a Facebook message tomorrow morning. You could miss church and Sunday School for 4 weeks and your pastor or teacher never call. No so with a D-Group.

2.) D-Groups are biblical. This is how Jesus made disciples. He gave His time to 12 men (Luke 6:13). We're told in 2 Timothy 2:2 to pour our lives into others. Also, the Great Commission is really all about making disciples (Matthew 28:19).

3.) D-Groups allow you to address immediate needs. One of the "complaints" of traditional church ministry is its slow to change and respond. For example, if your wife is threating to leave you, you might not want to share personal information in a Sunday School or Wednesday night class (around guests and people you really don't know) - but in a small group setting in someone's living room, around people you know - you're more likely to open up and receive immediate help and prayers. The key to openness is members not having gossipy lips. This also allows other people in the group to minister to the person in need - the ability to learn from others.

4.) D-Groups multiply. If you cap your group at 12 (which is the number Jesus used). When 13 or more people begin attending, a new group needs to start. The goal of a D-Group is not to explode to 35 people one Monday night. The focus is on spiritual growth and multiplication. This is biblical evangelism (Acts 2:46-47).

Discipleship Resources:

    Gospel Centered Discipleship
    Multiply
    LifeWay Discipleship

Today is Cyber Monday - which means you need to buy something online. Christians need to read incredible books. Rick Warren says if you're in a rut, you need to read yourself out of it. Here are my "Book of the Year" for the last 5 years.

2008 - Crazy Love by Francis Chan - This book says we need to have an unbelievable love for God, above anything else.

2009 - This Momentary Marriage by John Piper - All married or soon to be married people should read this. The best marriage book available.

2010 - Radical by David Platt - This book says we need to give everything for the Gospel - become totally desperate and dependent on Him.

2011 - Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian - This is Billy Graham's grandson writing about the importance of Christ in everything in our lives. This book reminds us what the Christian faith is all about.

2012 - Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley - The story of North Point Church and Andy Stanley's life and passion for reaching the unchurched. I wish every Christian would read this.

2013 - my predictions...Follow Me by David Platt or The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

Are you looking for a job? Hundreds of resumes are received for every job posted. Even if you're qualified and have a superb resume, your Facebook and Twitter accounts could be killing you - and you're totally unaware.

Here are 4 points you must be aware of when looking for a job:

1.) The companies you apply to are going to investigate your online presence before they call and set-up an interview. A while back First Baptist Moreland was looking to hire a new staff position and someone emailed their resume. I looked them up on Facebook, and easily found party and provocative pictures - within 5 minutes this person had lost their chance for the job. I wasn't even friends with this person - everything you put online is public, even when you think its private, it's not.

2.) Do not make negative posts and tweets. If you complain and gripe about your day - why would an employer want to hire you? What company wants to hire a negative Nell or complainer Carl? Go back over the past year and delete any negative comment or tweet you've ever made. Using foul language is also distasteful and should be removed.

3.) Do not talk about politics or President Obama. The HR manager hiring you might love the political party you're bashing. Tweeting your opinion about everything in the world doesn't help you. No one cares.

4.) Do not criticize your current or former company, your boss, or co-workers. A wise pastor once warned me, "Daniel, if someone ever comes visiting your church and they're criticizing their former church or pastor, you don't want them. Soon you'll be their target."

Here are 3 tips to use Facebook and Twitter to your advantage:

• Include your Facebook page and Twitter page on your resume. For example at the top of my resume I would include: www.facebook.com/DanielAusbun and www.twitter.com/DanielAusbun This shows I have nothing to hide, and actually invite Human Resources to check me out.
• Talk with a positive spirit. Encourage others, provide links to helpful articles, talk about your church involvement and community service - all of these will look favorable to a potential employer. Don't make it appear that you sit around all day playing Farmville.
• "Like" or "Follow" the companies you're applying to. If you want to work for Georgia Power, go "Like" them on Facebook and write on their wall. This shows to the person investigating you that you're interested in their company.
  

If you're serious about treasuring God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11), a good study Bible can help. I use all 3 of these for devotional, sermon, and teaching preparation. Study Bibles have helped me learn God's Word more than any other resource. Here are 3 you need to own:

HCSB Study Bible - this is my favorite Bible translation and study Bible. First Baptist Moreland gives these as gifts and if you fix my car, I'll give you one. The study notes aren't as thorough as the NIV Study Bible, but are outstanding at providing the text in the overall biblical narrative.

ESV Study Bible - this study Bible contains so much info, I still haven't finished learning what's in it. The articles in the back are books in themselves. Even if you don't use the ESV (I don't), you still need to own this resource.

NIV Study Bible - I was saved and raised on this Bible. I believe it has the best study notes of all, it doesn't have the articles and features as the first two. This has been the #1 study Bible for 20 years! I especially love and use the cross reference system.

NKJV Study Bible - a rising star - Its really doesn't have anything the first 3 don't already have. Uses the Strong's numbering system if you use it.

Apologetics Study Bible - not in the Big 3 - but an awesome resource to own. More people want to borrow this Bible from me than any other. The articles and twisted Scripture references share insights to how people misuse God's Word. Parents should give this to their college students.

Need a Bible for your phone? YouVersion Bible App - I use this for my iPhone and have been impressed with all the translations and ease of use - plus it's free!

This came out last month...The Gaither Homecoming Bible - wow, I want someone to buy this for me...

Is Santa bringing your teenager a new Xbox 360? Tomorrow is Black Friday, aka Iron Bowl Eve in Alabama - which is an outstanding day to find a good deal on a new Bible for your preteen.

Here are 4 study Bibles for Santa to consider:

Apologetics Study Bible for Students - the HCSB geared for teenagers. This is the Bible First Baptist Moreland gives to our graduating seniors and the first choice I and our minister of students recommend for parents to buy their middle and high schoolers. When a teacher questions the scientific support of God or the reliability of Scripture - this Bible offers a solid response.

ESV Student Study Bible - this is the condensed and student geared version of the incredible ESV Study Bible. This Bible came out in July 2012 and our minister of students gave one away on a Wednesday night - I wish I had been downstairs to win. This Bible is mainly for high schoolers.

NIV Teen Study Bible - this is my favorite Bible for Preteens (5th & 6th graders). It's a little young for high schoolers - Zondervan publishes a Teen Girls and Teen Boys edition as well. All 3 of these are great for preteens/middle schoolers.

NIV Student Bible - this is the all-time classic of student Bibles. Every teenager had one when I grew up in youth group - my wife still has hers. This Bible was the DC Talk "Jesus Freak" of Christian Music back in 1995. Every home should own one!

Are you about to buy children Christmas presents? The most important present you could give a child is God's Word. Here are 6 Bibles you should consider giving to children:

NIrV Kids' Study Bible - A full text Bible for 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls.

NIrV Adventure Bible - our 1st grade son has this Bible and we love it. It's a full text Bible and has a blue cover for boys. Here it is for girls.

NIrV Discoverer's Bible for Early Readers - recently our Kindergarten to 2nd grade Sunday School teacher asked about a good Bible, and this is the one I suggested. It's a full text Bible.

NIrV Read with Me Bible - we've raised all our children with this picture and story Bible. This is not a full text Bible, about 100 color Bible stories. Ages 4-6 years old.

Read with Me Bible for Toddlers - every 2 and 3 year old should begin with this Bible, we did. Outstanding pictures - about 30 Bible stories.

The Action Bible - Wow! This is my favorite picture Bible for boys! It's comic book style is for 1st to 3rd graders - our 1st grade son (and myself) enjoy reading the 250 stories.

Coming in February 2013 - HCSB Illustrated Study Bible for Kids (boys)