mybsf.org

AP/Class Staff Bulletin

April 2022

MyBSF
Need to Know
Inspiration
Archive

A Clear “Why” on Re-Registration for People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided

The past few years have brought about many changes, and this year one of those changes was the transition to MyBSF 2.0. We appreciate your patience as you have navigated the changes with us, and we are excited about the increased capacity the new system gives BSF to continue reaching more men, women, and children with in-depth Bible study. However, these changes also bring about new ways of doing some of the procedures we have done in the past, including the way we do re-registration. As these changes are rolled out, we want to equip you with some clear “whys” behind the changes and give you some points to consider as you read through this bulletin and navigate re-registration in your class.

As in previous years, our goal in registration is to prepare for the study to come. This year, to help facilitate registration, all current members will be automatically registered unless the member designates otherwise. Amid all the complexities of the new system, automatic registration seemed the simplest way to ensure we do not miss re-registering anyone who wants to attend BSF. This enables us to prioritize people over procedures. And yet, we still value the accountability BSF studies offer. Therefore, consider the following as your class prepares for re-registration:

  • This new system allows classes to manage their database and their people.
  • Each class faces its own unique set of complexities, including space and the number of Group Leaders needed.
  • While everyone is automatically re-registered, please continue to have the same shepherding conversations with class members that you have had in the past to discern who may or may not be able to attend PPKD. Group Leaders should provide a list of those in their groups who do not intend to return to your CA.
  • There may be situations where a class staff determines not to enroll or place an individual into a group for the new study year. For instance, if a class member has not attended for an extended period of time, you are no longer able to reach that individual, or other factors which lead the class staff to determine a person will likely not participate in BSF the following year. In these cases, CAs have the ability to go into MyBSF and inactivate those individuals so they will not be enrolled in a group.
  • We encourage you to remove anyone who has indicated they will not return, as well as those explained in the bullet above before placing your groups for the new study year.

As a staff, prayerfully discern the best process for your class and your capacity for next year. Please read the helpful document linked to the MyBSF section of this bulletin for some simple and helpful suggestions. Also linked here: Re-Registration Communication Process. You will also find templates for training your leaders, and communication to your leaders and class members.

Many articles in this bulletin refer to the MyBSF 2.0 Reference Guides, which are currently being revised to incorporate the features described in these articles. Thank you for your patience!

Happening Soon

  • Global Zoom for AP/TLs/D-OTs of BSF In-Person Classes | Save the date!
    • On Tuesday, April 26, you will have the opportunity to hear from Hollie Roberts, Executive Director and Joyce Newhall, Chief Officer – Ministry Development on meeting options for People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided.  Please plan on joining us by attending one of the 30-minute Zoom meetings scheduled at
      • 6:30 am CST
      • 12:00 pm CST
      • 6:30 pm CST
    • AP/TLs/D-OTs will receive an email soon containing links and further information. 
  • Mid-April: The following new features will appear in the next update to MyBSF: Next study/Pre-Registration of Adults and Children; Identify Auditor and Access Financial Data in MyBSF.org for Audit; Meeting Options and Class Calendar for the next study year are available. 
  • April 28: Embedded Video Conferencing using Zoom (New Process)

Prayer Requests

Launch Prayers 

  • Praise God who is our strength and help
  • Thanksgiving to God for providing needed class staff and leaders 
  • Launch: Kingdom Divided communications and logistics to be effective and clear and for excitement to grow in class leaderships for this event
    Click Here for More Prayer Requests

    Praise God for: 

    • using BSF to reach many people and places. 
    • our Risen Savior! 

    Pray for: 

    • members and leaders to invite adults and children to register for our next study. 
    • patience in waiting on God’s timing in calling Area Personnel and Class Staff to serve Him for the next study year. 
    • the joy of the resurrection to overtake members of BSF classes and inspire them to share the gospel with those around them. 
    • our leaders who need a visa to travel for Launch.  Pray that we locate a U.S. advocate to work with the U.S. Embassies. 
    • those needing visas to travel to Launch to continue to trust God and that His peace will replace any fear. 

    MyBSF

    The MyBSF 2.0 Reference Guides mentioned in the articles below will be updated as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience!

    Re-Registration Communication Process

    Use this document to communicate registration information to your class members so that your database accurately reflects who is planning to participate in the next study: Re-Registration Communication Process.

    Registration for People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided

    Class Members   

    • Soon, members can locate the Register page in the Navigation menu on the left (click 3-line menu icon), and confirm adult and child (their own) registration and submit any placement comments (optional). 

    Note: Class Staff and ALs can decline registration for the next study year on behalf of a member in MyBSF. See the updated CA, AL, D-AOT BSF 2.0 Reference Guide for instructions. 

    Class Staff  

    • Submit a Change Request for changes in Class Staff positions (CA, CS-PS, CS-SP, D-AOT). If the position starts immediately, remove any group assignments and any roles that no longer apply. (For example, if a GL is becoming an STL, first remove the leader from Discussion Group, then remove the GL role designation.)

    Leaders  

    • Class Staff may remove leader role designation for non-returning leaders at the end of the study. After the leader role designation is removed, non-returning leaders will automatically become members and can follow self-registration instructions. 

    Children  

    • For programs in-person and online, all preschool children and students must be registered by their parent/legal guardian. This means that every parent/legal guardian will need an account in MyBSF. 
    • See Parental Permission and Child Registration article in this section.

    Registration Q&A  

    Will current waitlisted CMs remain on the waitlist in the system during automatic registration?

    All active members (placed, waitlist, unassigned) will be automatically registered for PPD and remain in the same status they were in – those with a placement status of “waitlist” would remain as “waitlist” and registered. 

    Will CAs be notified when members/students register themselves online?  

    • All active adults are automatically registered for the next study.  
    • Adults have the option to decline registration for themselves and/or their own children for the next study on the Registration page of MyBSF.  
    • CAs will not be “notified” when someone declines registration, but there is a Registration page, viewable to Class Staff, ALs, ACSs that shows the registration status of each member and child in the class which notes who has declined registration for the next study. 

    How do you register members for the next study from the Join Requests tab in MyBSF?

    Currently, you can add members to your class from the Join Requests tab and update their placement status to Waitlist. When the new features are released, click the “Add” button in Join Requests to select which study to add them to. If the next study is selected, the member will appear on your Registration page, but will not appear on your Manage Members page until the current study is over.

    Unassigned and Leader-in-Training Designations: 

    UGL, UCL, GLT, and CLT designations are no longer needed due to the flexibility of the new system. Previously, those positions meant they were not assigned to a specific group — now GLs and CLs without groups/classrooms will show up on the Leader Attendance for Class Day. They can be added to a discussion group or classroom when they lead in another leader’s absence and then be removed from the group leadership when not leading.

     

    Placement Information for TL Report 

     Turn the Placement Information for TL Report into a table for easy use in placement.  

    1. Export report to Excel. (Note: Each meeting is listed on a separate sheet.) 
    2. Delete any unneeded columns. 
    3. Delete top 5-6 rows (BSF branding) before the Header row. 
    4. Select Insert > Table > check box for “My table has headers.” 

    Turning the report into a table makes it sortable by column headers such as Age, Group Leader, Denomination, Special Accommodations, etc., which may help for placement for the next study. 

    Leader Resources 

    Please make sure that leaders have received and are aware of the Reference Guides and Job Aids for their unique role available on MyBSF in their Resource Library. Leader Support has received questions from leaders that are answered in their Reference Guide or Job Aid. 

    Placement Comments and TL Notes

    • Placement Comments
      • In MyBSF, Placement Comments are used by the member to provide placement information to staff during registration. 
      • Accessible and may be edited by member, Class Staff, ALs and Asst. CSs 
      • Located on a member’s user profile (for members it is also on their Registration page) and on Placement Information for TL Report 
      • Class Staff: There is not a notification of when a member has added a Placement Comment, so refer to the Placement Information for TL Report for updates.  
      • The comments that were previously in the Placement Comments section from class.bsf did not migrate over, but can be found on the old Placement Report for TL that CAs were asked to download from class.bsf as part of the pre-pause checklist.
    • TL Notes  
      • Not accessible by members 
      • Previously accessed by the TL and STL in class.bsf. In MyBSF, accessible and may be edited by Class Staff, ALs and Asst. CSs. 
      • All TL Notes from class.bsf migrated over to MyBSF.
      • Located on member’s user profile in MyBSF, but not viewable by the member and does not appear on any report. 
      • Use the old Placement Report for TL from class.bsf to add helpful information to the TL Notes, if desired. 
      • Work together as staff to determine how and when the TL Notes will be used. 

    Parental Permission and Child Registration

    The Preschool and Student Programs (Children’s Program) are changing from a Registering Adult model to a Parental Permission model. This change eliminates adjustments required for Online Student Programs and co-locating classes (where a men’s class and a women’s class meet at the same HC) which improves accessibility to students of all ages.  

    What stays the same? 

    • Any BSF Adult may bring preschool children and students to BSF as long as that program is available. For the Preschool/Student programs, a BSF Adult (now replaces RA – Registering Adult) is defined as any class member who is registered in a BSF class/Satellite which meets at the same time and location as the Preschool/Student Program. 
    • The parent/legal guardian or BSF Adult will be required to escort the child or student to and from the program. The To-The-Door policy remains. 

    What changes? 

    For programs in-person and online, all preschool children and students must be registered by their parent/legal guardian. This means that every parent/legal guardian must have an account in MyBSF. 

    • A BSF Adult is not required to register a student in an online SP. A parent/legal guardian (whether BSF member or not) must register a student in an online SP.
    • If the parent/legal guardian is a class member, registration is completed through MyBSF OR through the printed newly revised Child Registration (I 104) form.  
    • If the parent/legal guardian is not a class member, the parent is asked to complete the Child Registration (I 104) form (which includes parental permission to allow a BSF Adult to bring a child) in one of the following ways: 
        1. Printed form provided by CA or CS 
        2. Digitally from Foxit (formerly called eSign Genie)

    Important: Using either option 1 or 2 for registering a child for a non-class member, Class Staff will create a user profile (Account Holder) on behalf of the parent in MyBSF and add the child to the adult profile. 

    Included in the new registration process/form is the permission to attend on Zoom (if applicable), release for use of photo/video, and dual registration (if desired). 

    Note: BSF no longer collects the street address of children. This information is not required. Should you need to report suspicion of child abuse, provide the appropriate authorities all information you have for the child.  

    For more information and instructions, see CS-PS, Asst. CS-PS BSF 2.0 Reference Guide, CS-SP, Asst. CS-SP BSF 2.0 Reference Guide, and the CA, AL, D-AOT Reference Guide. 

    Meeting Option Designations

    Soon, you will be able to designate your meeting options in MyBSF.org. Remember that in MyBSF, your class is a collection of “meetings.” The Base Class Meeting, Leaders Meeting, and Satellite Meetings are types of meetings. 

    Your meeting options are: 

    1. Online = all the groups in this meeting meet only online; Church remuneration = Other  
    2. In-Person = all the groups in this meeting meet only in-person, unless unexpected weather, etc.; Church remuneration = Standard rate of 25% (or other agreed upon rate)   
    3. In-Person and Online = applies only to a meeting where groups meet in person part of the time and online part of the time for the same meeting. Church remuneration = Standard rate of 25% (or other agreed upon rate); This means:
      • Groups must meet in–person at least once each month 
      • Groups must set an in-person and online meeting schedule in advance for the entire study year  
      • Example: a meeting meets 3 times a month online and once a month in-person.  

    Note: This designation does not apply to a Base Class Meeting that has both online discussion groups and in-person discussion groups. To maintain a presence in the local community, this class meeting should be designated as In-Person with a Satellite meeting containing the online groups. For example, the Base Class has in-person groups/classrooms meeting at the HC at a given day and time, and online groups/classrooms meeting at a different or the same day/time. The online groups/classrooms would be placed in a Satellite.

    Note: All current meetings for your class will display as “in-person” until you edit this option.

    Each class should determine the meeting designations for each meeting in their class and: 

    1. Edit your class meetings to select the appropriate meeting option
    2. If your Base Class has online groups that meet at a different day/time than the Base Class, create the online groups as a Satellite Meeting(s).
    3. If your Base Class is only meeting online, edit the Church remuneration per above.

    See the updated CA, AL, D-AOT BSF 2.0 Reference Guide in your Resource Library for instructions on how to edit this meeting option.

     

    Satellites for Online Student Programs

    To provide a way for students or parents to find an online student program in Find a Group on bsfinternational.org: 

    Classes can create a Satellite meeting which includes only children’s classrooms. Currently this option would be for a class that has an online student program but does not have any online adult groups that meet at the same time. 

    The CA, AL, D-AOT BSF 2.0 Reference Guide provides instructions for how to designate a Satellite as “Child only.”

    Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) and Year-End Reporting

    Soon, you’ll be able to assign the internal auditor in MyBSF. See the CA, AL, D-AOT BSF 2.0 Reference Guide for instructions.

    Once assigned, Auditors will have access to the financial data entered into MyBSF to conduct their audit and will submit the ICQ in MyBSF for the class.

    Need to Know

    Be sure to read across all positional buttons related to your class.

    Changes Coming to Your BSF Zoom License

    New Zoom process coming this month! 

    BSF has a new contract with Zoom requiring that we build online meeting functionality in our websites.  This contract is effective April 28. This will require that Class Staff log in to MyBSF.org instead of Zoom to host a BSF meeting.  This shift from Zoom Pro licenses to BSF Host Licenses provides better control over access to online meetings and more security for our BSF community. What does this mean for BSF in-person classes? 

    • Online meeting access is now through MyBSF.org – not through Zoom (no need to access the Zoom app to manage BSF meetings). 
    • Current Zoom Pro licenses from BSF will be discontinued and new BSF Host Licenses will be issued.   
    • BSF Host Licenses will be assigned (no longer requested) based on role through MyBSF.org to:  
          • CA and SP CS in DW, EW, and EM classes  
          • CA only in DW classes with a Preschool program only 
          • D-OT 
          • These leaders can see their BSF Host License on their profile page. 

      The online meeting links to host or join BSF meetings will start with https://meet.mybsf.org. Current Zoom links https://zoom.us will no longer work. 

          • The designated license holders will click the Calendar icon on MyBSF to access the Host or the Join links.
          • All leaders access the Join links in MyBSF. 
          • No need to send meeting links to leaders, but the Join link can be shared if needed.
      • BSF Host Licenses are authorized only for official BSF meetings. They are not used for personal meetings. Suggested alternatives for non-BSF meetings: 
          • Create free Zoom account with a personal email address. 
          • Use a different video conferencing provider. 

        Note: Some Zoom tools will not be available right away (e.g., polling). We will continue to work to bring more features to our online meeting platform over the study break. 

        Additional training and helps will be located in the Resource Library.

        Class Staff Training

        We are excited for even more leaders to train on MyBSF Learning this year.  All SP ACSs and SP CLs will receive training through MyBSF Learning to prepare to serve in the Student Program.   

        Because of this large increase in additional users of MyBSF Learning, new Class Staff (STLs, CAs, AOTs, and D-AOTs) are encouraged to complete the foundational learning courses for their new role (for the next study year) as soon as possible, with the exception of new SP CSs.      

        New SP CSs for People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided will receive their training at the June Student Program Launch, along with all other SP CSs. Any SP CSs, including those who are new, who cannot attend the Launch will be enrolled in SP CS Foundational Learning after Launch.

        Start Planning for Launch: Kingdom Divided!

        We encourage your team to begin preparations for your local Launch event. As a reminder, this event should be scheduled before the first Leaders Meeting of the study year. Schedule your Launch for three hours. One hour each for:  

        1. A vision-casting video from Executive Director, Hollie Roberts (with discussion) and study overview 
        2. Role-specific training 
        3. Fellowship   

        Online classes may choose to host a 90-minute event that includes video discussion, study overview, and role-specific training if leaders watch the video beforehand and schedule fellowship for another time.  

        All training and videos will be provided in July. Begin preparing for this event by setting a date for your class, making facility arrangements, and communicating with your leaders as part of the 2022-2023 class calendar.   

        Locate a meeting space that will not require additional payment, such as the host church for your BSF Class or the host church for your Leaders Meeting. Your space needs will be similar to your LM needs. You will need one larger space for all leaders to gather and smaller rooms or spaces for role-specific training (AL, CL, GL).  If there are fees for tech support, ask leaders to view the videos before the meeting.  

        During the three-hour local Launch:  

        • The class leader (TL, STL, D-OT, D-AOT, OT, or AOT) will lead the study overview. 
        • Class Staff will facilitate role-specific training for their respective teams (AL, CL, GL, OGL). 
        • Study overview and training resources will be provided. Please refrain from creating content for this meeting.  
        • AP are welcome to attend a local Launch but will not need to facilitate.   

          We are excited to see you launch your new study year with Launch: Kingdom Divided! Continue to check the bulletin each month for more information.   

          New Levels in the Student Program

          Beginning with People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided there will be four levels of age-appropriate Leader Guides (CL) and Discovery Guides (student) in the Student Program. Each provides an age-appropriate learning and discovery experience in God’s Word. 

          Curriculum Level  Description 
          Lower Elementary (LE)  Youngest students – characterized as early readers or non-readers (typically: 5-8 years old) 
          Upper Elementary (UE)  Maturing and confident readers (typically: 8-11 years old) 
          Middle School (MS)  Young adolescents (typically: 11-14 years old) 
          High School (HS)  Older adolescents (typically: 14-17 years old) 

          What’s In a Name?

          Students! Students are in the new name for the School Program. The program formerly known as the School Program will now be called BSF Students or Student Program. There will be a transitional period when you can expect to see both the new and old names.  

          BSF Member Support

          BSF Member Support is recruiting volunteers for the next year’s study. For more information please read Support Agent Information. 

          Host Church Facility Agreements 

          BSF is blessed to partner with many churches that host our BSF classes.  As the number of host churches has grown, the number of churches requesting facility use agreements has also grown.

          HQ conducted an audit of the facility use agreements that were requested last year and has put the most commonly requested provisions into the attached form facility use agreement: Facility Use Agreement.  Please note that BSF classes do not offer to provide Facility Agreements or Certificates of Insurance – rather we respond to these requests with the following information:

          • If your host church requires a facility use agreement,  please present this form.
          • Open the form and insert the applicable dates and the applicable contribution amount where noted.

          Any changes to the form requested by the host church must be reviewed and processed through HQ before the agreement can be finalized.

          Begin now – before the end of the current study year.  Once you have received a signed agreement from the host church, please submit it to HQ together with your class number and name of your TL and CA.  Please send questions, any proposed revisions and signed agreements to finance@bsfinternational.org.

          RD Open Position

          BSF is seeking the person the Lord is preparing to be the next Regional Director to serve the Women’s Area Teams of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. If you or someone you know is living internationally or has international background with TL or AP experience, is fluent in Mandarin and/or Cantonese, and would like more detailed information, please see the BSF Careers page https://www.bsfinternational.org/careers.  We appreciate your prayers as we trust God to fill this vital position.

           

          Zoom Process Change for AP and OAP

          An email was sent on April 5 with the following important information on Zoom:

          BSF has a new contract with Zoom requiring that we build online meetings into our websites – MyBSF.org and BSF Online. This contract is effective April 28. This means a change in the current process for AP and Class Staff Zoom Licenses within the next month.  

          To give AP and OAP needed Zoom access to lead and shepherd classes we will soon provide: 

          • Outlook 365 licenses and a BSF AP email for each Area Personnel
          • New Zoom Pro licenses for each area team member through our BSF Zoom account
          • Training located and accessed through an alert on your AP MyBSF.org home page with:
            • Information on How AP use Zoom in MyBSF.org 
            • Information on How BSF leaders and members use Zoom in MyBSF.org
          • OAP will access information on how BSF Online leaders and members use Zoom in the Need Help? Button on BSFonline.org

          Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

          Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

           

          Launch 2022 

          There is no registration fee to attend Launch 2022. However, BSF will incur substantial costs to produce the event and host more than 1,900 attendees. All Leader Event contributions made on bsfinternational.org will directly offset the costs of Launch 2022.  

          Please make the following announcement to increase members’ awareness of all Leader Event contributions. We will include a PPT slide and Social Media posts to use in conjunction with this announcement: 

          Class Announcement – By TL / OT / D-OT  

          For the first time in more than two years, BSF leaders from around the world are gathering in one place again! We are grateful for the opportunity and eager to be together. 

          Over six days, more than 1,900 BSF leaders will participate in a Leader Event called Launch 2022. Some who will attend are people who serve in my role or who supervise BSF Student Programs. Others are those who serve as area leaders. All will gather to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired for the upcoming study People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided and the newly redesigned BSF Student Program. Launch 2022 will happen June 20-25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas.  

          BSF covers all expenses to attend. However, if you would like to participate by giving to send leaders from around the globe, you can do that through the BSF website.  Simply go to bsfinternational.org, click on Give, and look for the option called Leader Events. Thank you! 

          Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

          Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

          Placement for People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided

          Decisions regarding placement are best made prayerfully and together as a Class Staff. Use the philosophy detailed in the TL/STL Manual to guide you but allow for flexibility. These considerations are intended to guide your thinking but are not prescriptive.  

          Placement is a key area of leadership in the class entrusted to the entire Class Staff as a team. 

          For helps on using the Placement Information for TL Report, see the MyBSF section. 

           

           

          Finance Reports for April and May

          Please submit a separate Finance Report on the Transactions page of MyBSF for April and May – do not combine reports. Submit your April report on time to enable quick completion of the May report after Sharing Day.  

          Reminder: April Online Giving will be uploaded April 21.  May Online Giving will be uploaded May 9.

          Attendance Record Keeping for the Class File

          The Adult and Children’s Attendance Records mentioned in the Records Retention schedule of the manual must be retained for 7 years.  

          Since December, attendance should be taken for adults and children in MyBSF. For the first part of the year before the MyBSF transition or for any other attendance discrepancies, retain a paper or digital copy of these attendance records in the Class File. If all attendance for the Matthew study year has been entered into MyBSF, a separate paper or digital copy is not needed for the Class File. 

          Starting in People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided, attendance records for adults and children are taken and maintained in mybsf.org and will not be retained in the Class File. 

          Certificate of Insurance

          When a COI is requested by your host church, email finance@bsfinternational.org with the following information: 

          • Class #
          • Official Church name (indicate class, leaders meeting or Satellite location)
          • Church address (street # /name, not P.O. Box)
          • Church city/state/zip
          • Church contact name
          • Church contact email or fax (please update or confirm yearly)

          COIs are sent directly to the requesting host church. They are automatically reissued each year using the church information provided the previous year. Please keep information on host church locations and contacts up-to-date to avoid processing delays.  

          Note: CAs must be the point of contact for requests for COIs.

          Deceased Members

          If you become aware of a class member who is deceased, please contact privacy@bsfinternational.org or Leader Support on MyBSF. We will remove the record from the Inactives list which will ensure the member record is no longer available in Find a Person. 

           

           

          Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

          Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

          CL Training: BSF Student Program

          All SP CLs must complete approximately 6 hours of training before the next study year – People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided. The training includes independent learning and instructor-led training. This training is separate from the class level Launch: Kingdom Divided and the first Leaders Meeting. 

           Independent Learning (3 hours): CLs access learning coursework through MyBSF Learning in July, August, or September. The course provides: 

          • Step-by-step instruction on their role 
          • The Leader Guide Introduction 
          • One lesson of the new curriculum  

          CSs and ACSs can track CLs progress through MyBSF Learning. 

          Instructor-Led Learning (3 hours): CLs are trained by their CS/ACS after completing their independent learning and before the first Leaders Meeting. This training is held in-person OR online. 

          • Two training tracks are available: CLs Leading In-Person and CLs Leading Online. CSs choose the training track according to the needs of their class. CSs can share or delegate training responsibilities with their ACS. Content for each track includes:  
              • CL’s personal preparation 
              • Class preparation 
              • Lesson presentation 
              • Co-leader collaboration 
              • Classroom management skills  

          Both tracks equip CLs to lead the first week of class in-person or online. 

          We thank the Lord for SP CLs and value their service. We are so grateful for their commitment!  

          Choose the training date for a half-day of team training in collaboration with your Class Staff, then cast vision to your CLs for the value of this training. Launch your local team into the redesigned BSF Student Program as you learn, grow, and prepare to start class together. Watch for more information to come! 

          Sign-up for SPCS/SPACS Global Training

          Sign up for the final School Program Children’s Supervisor/Assistant CS Global Training on April 21, 2022! This trimester’s training is all about how to Live Differently! Identical training sessions will be offered. Sign up for the time that works best for your schedule.  

           

          Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

          Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

          Launch 2022 

          There is no registration fee to attend Launch 2022. However, BSF will incur substantial costs to produce the event and host more than 1,900 attendees. All Leader Event contributions made on www.bsfinternational.org will directly offset the costs of Launch 2022.  

          Please make the following announcement to increase members’ awareness of all Leader Event contributions. We will include a PPT slide and Social Media posts to use in conjunction with this announcement:

          Class Announcement – By TL / OT / D-OT (OT/D-OT please share with GLs and ALs to share with members.)

          For the first time in more than two years, BSF leaders from around the world are gathering in one place again! We are grateful for the opportunity and eager to be together. 

          Over six days, more than 1,900 BSF leaders will participate in a Leader Event called Launch 2022. Some who will attend are people who serve in my role or who supervise BSF Student Programs. Others are those who serve as area leaders. All will gather to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired for the upcoming study People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided and the newly redesigned BSF Student Program. Launch 2022 will happen June 20-25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas.  

          BSF covers all expenses to attend. However, if you would like to participate by giving to send leaders from around the globe, you can do that through the BSF website.  Simply go to bsfinternational.org, click on Give, and look for the option called Leader Events. Thank you! 

          Attendance Record Keeping for the Class File

          The Adult and Children’s Attendance Records mentioned in the Records Retention schedule of the manual must be retained for 7 years.  

          Since December, attendance should be taken for adults and children in MyBSF. For the first part of the year before the MyBSF transition or for any other attendance discrepancies, retain a paper or digital copy of these attendance records in the Class File. If all attendance for the Matthew study year has been entered into MyBSF, a separate paper or digital copy is not needed for the Class File. 

          Starting in People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided, attendance records for adults and children are taken and maintained in mybsf.org and will not be retained in the Class File. 

          Deceased Members

          If you become aware of a class member who is deceased, please contact privacy@bsfinternational.org or Leader Support on MyBSF. We will remove the record from the Inactives list which will ensure the member record is no longer available in Find a Person. 

          For BSF Online: contact BSF Member Support and request the account be removed. 

           

          Changes Coming to Your BSF Zoom License

          New Zoom Process coming this month! 

          BSF has a new contract with Zoom requiring that we build online meeting functionality in our websites. This contract is effective April 28. This will require that Class Staff, leaders, and members log in to BSFOnline.org instead of Zoom to host or join a BSF meeting. This shift from Zoom Pro licenses to BSF Host Licenses provides better control over access to online meetings and more security for our BSF community.

          What does this mean for BSF Online? 

          • Online meetings are accessed through BSFOnline.org – not through Zoom (no need to access the Zoom app to manage BSF meetings). 
          • Current Zoom Pro licenses from BSF will be discontinued and new BSF Host Licenses will be issued.  
          • BSF Host Licenses will be assigned (no longer requested) based on role through BSFOnline.org to:  
              • Online Trainers 
              • Assistant Online Trainers 
              • Online Group Leaders 
              • Leaders can see their BSF Host License on their Profile page. 
            • The online meeting links to host or join BSF Online meetings will start with https://meet.mybsf.org. Current Zoom links https://zoom.us will no longer work. 
                • Leaders must log in to BSF Online to host BSF meetings by clicking the Start meeting button on the My Training or My Group page. 
                • Leaders join meetings in the same way: using the Join meeting button on the My Training page/ 
                • Members join meetings by using the Join meeting button on the My Group page. 
                • Leaders and members may also find these links on their My Calendar page. 
              • BSF Host Licenses are authorized only for official BSF meetings. They are not used for personal meetings. Suggested alternatives for non-BSF meetings: 
                  • Create free Zoom account with personal email address 
                  • Use a different video conferencing provider 
              • NOTE: Some Zoom tools will not be available right away (e.g., polling).  We will continue to work to bring more features to our online meeting platform over the study break. 

              More information can be found by clicking the Need Help? button and accessing Support articles there. 

              BSF Online Next Study Registration

              BSF Online members are automatically registered for the next study.  OGLs have shepherding conversations with their members to invite them to remain in the group or free them to switch groups if another day or time works better. Help us make sure the database accurately reflects only those who are planning to return for the next study.

              Start Planning for Launch: Kingdom Divided!

              We encourage your team to begin preparations for your local Launch event. As a reminder, this event should be scheduled before the first Leaders Meeting of the study year. Schedule your Launch for three hours. One hour each for:  

              1. A vision-casting video from Executive Director, Hollie Roberts (with discussion) and study overview 
              2. Role-specific training 
              3. Fellowship   

              Online classes may choose to host a 90-minute event that includes video discussion, study overview, and role-specific training if leaders watch the video beforehand and schedule fellowship for another time.  

              All training and videos will be provided in July. Begin preparing for this event by setting a date for your class, making facility arrangements, and communicating with your leaders as part of the 2022-2023 class calendar.   

              During the three-hour local Launch:  

              • The class leader (TL, STL, D-OT, D-AOT, OT, or AOT) will lead the study overview. 
              • Class Staff will facilitate role-specific training for their respective teams (AL, CL, GL, OGL). 
              • Study overview and training resources will be provided. Please refrain from creating content for this meeting.  
              • AP/OAP are welcome to attend a local Launch but will not need to facilitate.   

                We are excited to see you launch your new study year with Launch: Kingdom Divided! Continue to check the bulletin each month for more information.   

                Class Staff Training 

                All SP CSs, SP ACSs, and SP CLs will receive training through MyBSF Learning to prepare for serving in the Student Program. Because of this large increase in additional users of MyBSF Learning, new Class Staff are encouraged to complete the foundational learning courses for their new role (for the next study year) as soon as possible.

                We are excited for even more leaders to train on MyBSF Learning this year.          

                BSF Member Support

                BSF Member Support is recruiting volunteers for Next Year’s Study. For more information please read Support Agent Information.

                RD Open Position

                BSF is seeking the person the Lord is preparing to be the next Regional Director to serve the Women’s Area Teams of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. If you or someone you know is living internationally or has international background with TL or AP experience, is fluent in Mandarin and/or Cantonese, and would like more detailed information, please see the BSF Careers page https://www.bsfinternational.org/careers.  We appreciate your prayers as we trust God to fill this vital position.

                Zoom Process Change for AP and OAP

                An email was sent on April 5 with the following important information on Zoom:

                BSF has a new contract with Zoom requiring that we build online meetings into our websites – MyBSF.org and BSF Online. This contract is effective April 28. This means a change in the current process for AP and Class Staff Zoom Licenses within the next month.  

                To give AP and OAP needed Zoom access to lead and shepherd classes we will soon provide: 

                • Outlook 365 licenses and a BSF AP email for each Area Personnel
                • New Zoom Pro licenses for each area team member through our BSF Zoom account
                • Training located and accessed through an alert on your AP MyBSF.org home page with:
                  • Information on How AP use Zoom in MyBSF.org 
                  • Information on How BSF leaders and members use Zoom in MyBSF.org
                • OAP will access information on how BSF Online leaders and members use Zoom in the Need Help? Button on BSFonline.org

                Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

                Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

                Launch 2022 

                There is no registration fee to attend Launch 2022. However, BSF will incur substantial costs to produce the event and host more than 1,900 attendees. All Leader Event contributions made on bsfinternational.org will directly offset the costs of Launch 2022.  

                Please make the following announcement to increase members’ awareness of all Leader Event contributions. We will include a PPT slide and Social Media posts to use in conjunction with this announcement:

                Class Announcement – By TL / OT / D-OT  (OT/D-OT please share with GLs and ALs to share with members.)

                For the first time in more than two years, BSF leaders from around the world are gathering in one place again! We are grateful for the opportunity and eager to be together. 

                Over six days, more than 1,900 BSF leaders will participate in a Leader Event called Launch 2022. Some who will attend are people who serve in my role or who supervise BSF Student Programs. Others are those who serve as area leaders. All will gather to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired for the upcoming study People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided and the newly redesigned BSF Student Program. Launch 2022 will happen June 20-25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas.  

                BSF covers all expenses to attend. However, if you would like to participate by giving to send leaders from around the globe, you can do that through the BSF website.  Simply go to bsfinternational.org, click on Give, and look for the option called Leader Events. Thank you! 

                Booking Travel for June Launch 2022

                Ticketing for Launch 2022 has started! If you registered to attend Launch, you should have received an email on March 21 with instructions to book your airline tickets. Email travel@bsfinternational.org if you did not receive this email. Include your full name, leadership position as of June 1, and your class number.

                Deceased Members

                If you become aware of a class member who is deceased, please submit a ticket using the gold “Need help?” button or email privacy@bsfinteranational.org to request that the account be removed.

                Inspiration

                Thank you, Bryan Carter 

                Bryan Carter, pastor of Concord Church in Dallas, is stepping down from the BSF Board of Directors as his three-year term on the Board concludes in May. 

                With such a great demand for his time and energy at his church, the Dallas community, and beyond, we are grateful for his contribution to BSF and its Board, and the impact he has had on the ministry, its leaders, and its members. 

                Regardless of where the Lord calls us in the various seasons of our lives, we’re reminded of what Dr. Carter shared at our Summit in 2019, “The Church is unstoppable!” 

                 

                Please Share Your Stories!

                Please share stories about God’s work in the lives of class members and students or children here: Stories from the Field to bring glory to God and to encourage His people! 

                Archive