A Prepared People

by Kathy Sanders, Director of Strategic Resources and Projects

In 2017, I had a sense that change was coming, and Lighthouse groups must be prepared to be ready to facilitate the change. 

One of the first steps we took after GameChangers and LifeChangers, two key leader development courses taught by Graham Cooke, was to write Fireside Chats for GameChanging Truths. What was the purpose of these true, practical, everyday stories, you might ask? I’m glad that you did.

Having a sense that a harvest was coming, Lighthouses needed to move out of the same way of doing things that Aglow had done for 50 years. It was great and produced much fruit, but soon, a harvest of new souls would be upon us – that is even closer now – and each Lighthouse needed to know the talents, gifts, and passions in those who attended the meetings. The hope was that breaking down the structure of the meeting room into, perhaps, a circle instead of rows of chairs, and going through a Fireside Chat rather than having a monthly speaker, just might be the catalyst needed to break down barriers and build relationships amongst the group.

If your group has never processed through a Fireside chat, here is a link to the packet of 12 different stories we did Fireside Chat Packets – Year 3 – Aglow Store You can find the packet and two others in the Aglow store for purchase or read through them and print them out for free Fireside Chats – Aglow International or go through them interactively Fireside Chats – Aglow International Resources (The majority of the Chats are translated into French, Spanish, and Portuguese and some in Japanese!)

Each Aglow group is part of the Ecclesia planted in a community in your nation. As you go through a Fireside Chat, the questions are designed to provoke thoughts, leading to actions and solutions for challenges in your community or nation. God has placed your Aglow group there with a purpose for a purpose. A harvest of new souls is coming, and perhaps, yes, just perhaps, God has plans for your Aglow group to use the Tools for Harvest prepared by Aglow to be used to disciple these new Christians. What an honor! What a joy!

So, if this is the first time you are hearing about Fireside Chats, go ahead and jump in with both feet. You will be so grateful that you did.

Here are a few of the titles. You might start with this one Go Ye Into All the World or The Lighthouse – A Gift of God to the Community.

Now that you know what Fireside Chats are and where they are, have fun exploring in this new year!

Be Prepared! Kathy Sanders, Director of Strategic Resources and Projects

Coming in February, a list of the Tools for the Harvest Aglow has prepared.