Should good Baptists use non-Lifeway literature?

I talked to a pastor once who said, “I would never use any literature other than Lifeway.” You might not be surprised that I disagreed with him. You might be surprised why.

I think Lifeway is producing better literature than they ever have. I have long been a fan of the Masterwork series. It is written by world-class writers and puts great writing into the hands of your people. Have you seen the new Gospel Project literature? It reads like a best-selling book. Take a look at the NEW Bible Studies for Life Series. It is getting a serious overhaul in the fall and is better than ever. I am still a fan of the tried and true Explore the Bible Series. Walking step by step through the Bible. . . what could be better?

What motivates Lifeway to constantly improve and produce the best literature they have ever produced?

Competition.

Competition makes all things better. It is why the UPS guy moves faster than the person who delivers your mail. And competition is driving Lifeway to produce the best literature they have ever produced.

There is a second reason I think we ought to be open to choosing the best resource, regardless of where they are produced.

There is some great stuff out there. There has never been a better time to be a Bible Study leader.

I am working Ken Hemphill and Auxano Press on a series called non-disposable curriculum. It consists of small books — about the size of Prayer of Jabez. They retail for $4.99 and are available at discounts below that. See www.auxanopress.com The idea is that for about the cost of a typical quarterly you can get a book that people will keep and build a Christian library.

The newest in this series is Pray Like It Matters, by Steve Gaines. Steve is the pastor at Bellevue Baptist in Memphis. This is the church Adrian Rogers and R.G. Lee pastored. Pray Like It Matters is a great book. You would do well to take your whole church through it either on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. Other books in the series include:

• New Testament Survey
• Old Testament Survey
• Connected Community
• Core Convictions

There has never been a better time to teach the Bible. Take full advantage of all that is offered today.