mybsf.org

AP/CLASS STAFF BULLETIN

February 2021

Need to Know

To stay updated, please read all headings relevant to your class.

Dropbox Showcase Resources 

All Dropbox Showcase resources have migrated to new platforms for easy access. They are posted on Class Staff website downloads. The Genesis Dropbox Showcase and the Social Media Kit may be accessed here: 

Summit 2021 

Summit 2021 will be an interactive, community event designed to unite, inspire, and mobilize your leaders! Class Staff, working with their Area Teams, will determine whether their Class Summit will be online or in-person. If local conditions permit, in-person Summits may meet in host churches, homes, or any other available (no-cost) facility, adhering to local COVID-19 protocols. Classes in the same area may combine online or in-person (if permitted) to give leaders a broader picture of BSF across an area or region.  

More Summit information will be released to and through AP later this spring so that Class Staff and Area Teams can plan the logistics and date of their Summit. Summit (scripts, website links, and other information) will be delivered in early July. 

AP Meeting and TL Institute 

In light of a global pandemic, information about the AP Meeting and TL Institute will not be available until the March bulletin. 

AP Checklist Validation

Please remember to validate the TL Checklist upon each visit to a class. If there is a record for a children’s personnel with a red date or red box, reach out to the class staff and encourage them to complete the necessary screening update before validating. If the class is meeting in-person, please do the same for the regular volunteers. Legally, BSF is required to ensure all regular volunteers and CP leaders are certified annually. Anyone working with children must have the necessary screening requirements in place before serving. TL Checklists must be free of red boxes. 

AP Expense Reports

U.S. AP Only – The U.S. mileage reimbursement rate has decreased from 57.5 cents per mile in 2020 to 56 cents per mile in 2021. Revised U.S. AP Expense Reports are on the AP website. Please use the 2020 version for expenses incurred in 2020 and the revised 2021 version for all expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2021. 

PAUSE on Training

Class Staff training is on PAUSE from February through May for CAs and CSs. In May, look for details to begin to schedule training dates, sign up, and complete pre-assignments for training to begin in June. Contact AP with questions should training needs arise during this PAUSE time frame. 

Announcing BSF 2.0! 

We are excited to announce BSF 2.0 – a refreshing technology update for bsfinternational.org, class.bsfinternational.org, and mybsf.org. 

  • In March, an updated bsfinternational.org website will roll out. You will notice a new layout and refreshed content, upgrades to Find-A-Group with Age added to the JOIN feature, and some changes to the GIVE function. (CAs please note that in anticipation of those registering using JOIN in March, the Age field has been added to your Website Pre-Registration Log.) 
  • In the future, mybsf.org and class.bsfinternational.org will combine into one website located on mybsf.org (aka BSF 2.0). There will be a new look and feel to the lessons page and the lecture upload page. Class management features will be more functional and user-friendly. Leaders will have access to their resources on the site. Members will be able to edit their own profile/member record and register online.  

Training will be available to assist with the navigation and use of BSF 2.0. 

Re-registration for Matthew 

With many classes still meeting online, keep Re-registration for Matthew simple! Consider the following Re-registration plan:  

  • GLs contact (phone call, e-mail, text, etc.) each group member to determine those returning for Matthew. Remember to ask if children registered for this year’s study want to register for next year’s study or if members plan to bring additional children. GLs communicate with the Admin team the adults and children returning so they can be marked in the class database.  
  • Please collect only information that is necessary for contacting members before the start of the next study year (name, e-mail, and phone number). Refrain from collecting complete registration data at this time. All other registration information can be confirmed with members when the GL contacts them with group placement details for Matthew OR entered by the member in BSF 2.0 when it becomes available. 

Class Staffs have the option to keep existing groups together for Matthew. 

Class Calendar for Matthew Study 

To plan your study year for Matthew, the next Class Calendar will be available on March 15th. 

Men’s Field Training Specialist Needed (Contracted role)

BSF is seeking a Men’s Field Training Specialist in a contracted role. Previous TL experience is preferred. Please see the full position description on the BSF website and, if interested, respond with a resume to hr@bsfinternational.org. 

TL Institute 

In light of a global pandemic, information about TL Institute will not be available until the March bulletin.

TL Checklist

Now is a great time to recheck the TL Checklist for any children’s personnel with a red date or a red box. Provide the safest environment possible for our children and students whether meeting in-person or online by keeping the checklists up-to-date.  Legally, BSF is required to ensure all regular volunteers and CP leaders are certified annually. Anyone working with children must have the necessary screening requirements in place before serving. TL Checklists must be free of red boxes. 

PAUSE on Training

Class Staff training is on PAUSE from February through May for CAs and CSs. In May, look for details to begin to schedule training dates, sign up, and complete pre-assignments for training to begin in June. Contact AP with questions should training needs arise during this PAUSE time frame. 

Announcing BSF 2.0! 

We are excited to announce BSF 2.0 – a refreshing technology update for bsfinternational.org, class.bsfinternational.org, and mybsf.org. 

  • In March, an updated bsfinternational.org website will roll out. You will notice a new layout and refreshed content, upgrades to Find-A-Group with Age added to the JOIN feature, and some changes to the GIVE function. (CAs please note that in anticipation of those registering using JOIN in March, the Age field has been added to your Website Pre-Registration Log.) 
  • In the future, mybsf.org and class.bsfinternational.org will combine into one website located on mybsf.org (aka BSF 2.0). There will be a new look and feel to the lessons page and the lecture upload page. Class management features will be more functional and user-friendly. Leaders will have access to their resources on the site. Members will be able to edit their own profile/member record and register online.  

Training will be available to assist with the navigation and use of BSF 2.0. 

Re-registration for Matthew 

With many classes still meeting online, keep Re-registration for Matthew simple! Consider the following Re-registration plan:  

  • GLs contact (phone call, e-mail, text, etc.) each group member to determine those returning for Matthew. Remember to ask if children registered for this year’s study want to register for next year’s study or if members plan to bring additional children. GLs communicate with the Admin team the adults and children returning so they can be marked in the class database.  
  • Please collect only information that is necessary for contacting members before the start of the next study year (name, e-mail, and phone number). Refrain from collecting complete registration data at this time. All other registration information can be confirmed with members when the GL contacts them with group placement details for Matthew OR entered by the member in BSF 2.0 when it becomes available. 

Class Staffs have the option to keep existing groups together for Matthew. 

Class Calendar for Matthew Study 

To plan your study year for Matthew, the next Class Calendar will be available on March 15th. 

Men’s Field Training Specialist Needed (Contracted role)

BSF is seeking a Men’s Field Training Specialist in a contracted role. Previous TL experience is preferred. Please see the full position description on the BSF website and, if interested, please respond with a resume to hr@bsfinternational.org. 

PAUSE on Training

Class Staff training is on PAUSE from February through May for CAs and CSs. In May, look for details to begin to schedule training dates, sign up, and complete pre-assignments for training to begin in June. Contact AP with questions should training needs arise during this PAUSE timeframe. 

Announcing BSF 2.0! 

We are excited to announce BSF 2.0 – a refreshing technology update for bsfinternational.org, class.bsfinternational.org, and mybsf.org. 

  • In March, an updated bsfinternational.org website will roll out. You will notice a new layout and refreshed content, upgrades to Find-A-Group with Age added to the JOIN feature, and some changes to the GIVE function. (CAs please note that in anticipation of those registering using JOIN in March, the Age field has been added to your Website Pre-Registration Log.) 
  • In the future, mybsf.org and class.bsfinternational.org will combine into one website located on mybsf.org (aka BSF 2.0). There will be a new look and feel to the lessons page and the lecture upload page. Class management features will be more functional and user-friendly. Leaders will have access to their resources on the site. Members will be able to edit their own profile/member record and register online.  

Training will be available to assist with the navigation and use of BSF 2.0. 

Re-registration for Matthew 

With many classes still meeting online, keep Re-registration for Matthew simple! Consider the following Re-registration plan:  

  • GLs contact (phone call, e-mail, text, etc.) each group member to determine those returning for Matthew. Remember to ask if children registered for this year’s study want to register for next year’s study or if members plan to bring additional children. GLs communicate with the Admin team the adults and children returning so they can be marked in the class database.  
  • Please collect only information that is necessary for contacting members before the start of the next study year (name, e-mail, and phone number). Refrain from collecting complete registration data at this time. All other registration information can be confirmed with members when the GL contacts them with group placement details for Matthew OR entered by the member in BSF 2.0 when it becomes available. 

Class Staffs have the option to keep existing groups together for Matthew. 

Class Calendar for Matthew Study 

To plan your study year for Matthew, the next Class Calendar will be available on March 15th. 

TL Checklist

Now is a great time to recheck the TL Checklist for any children’s personnel with a red date or a red box. Provide the safest environment possible for our children and students whether meeting in-person or online by keeping the checklists up-to-date.  Legally, BSF is required to ensure all regular volunteers and CP leaders are certified annually. Anyone working with children must have the necessary screening requirements in place before serving. TL Checklists must be free of red boxes. 

Lullaby Playlist

Heidi Ng, a Children’s Leader in New York City, has taken the familiar hymns from the BSF Preschool Program and arranged them into beautiful instrumental lullabies. These peaceful, soothing songs will be a treasure for anyone caring for little ones.  Click here for playlist.

PAUSE on Training

Class Staff training is on PAUSE from February through May for CAs and CSs. In May, look for details to begin to schedule training dates, sign up, and complete pre-assignments for training to begin in June. Contact AP with questions should training needs arise during this PAUSE time frame. 

Announcing BSF 2.0! 

We are excited to announce BSF 2.0 – a refreshing technology update for bsfinternational.org, class.bsfinternational.org, and mybsf.org. 

  • In March, an updated bsfinternational.org website will roll out. You will notice a new layout and refreshed content, upgrades to Find-A-Group with Age added to the JOIN feature, and some changes to the GIVE function. (CAs please note that in anticipation of those registering using JOIN in March, the Age field has been added to your Website Pre-Registration Log.) 
  • In the future, mybsf.org and class.bsfinternational.org will combine into one website located on mybsf.org (aka BSF 2.0). There will be a new look and feel to the lessons page and the lecture upload page. Class management features will be more functional and user-friendly. Leaders will have access to their resources on the site. Members will be able to edit their own profile/member record and register online.  

Training will be available to assist with the navigation and use of BSF 2.0. 

Re-registration for Matthew 

With many classes still meeting online, keep Re-registration for Matthew simple! Consider the following Re-registration plan:  

  • GLs contact (phone call, e-mail, text, etc.) each group member to determine those returning for Matthew. Remember to ask if children registered for this year’s study want to register for next year’s study or if members plan to bring additional children. GLs communicate with the Admin team the adults and children returning so they can be marked in the class database.  
  • Please collect only information that is necessary for contacting members before the start of the next study year (name, e-mail, and phone number). Refrain from collecting complete registration data at this time. All other registration information can be confirmed with members when the GL contacts them with group placement details for Matthew OR entered by the member in BSF 2.0 when it becomes available. 

Class Staffs have the option to keep existing groups together for Matthew. 

Class Calendar for Matthew Study 

To plan your study year for Matthew, the next Class Calendar will be available on March 15th. 

TL Checklist

Now is a great time to recheck the TL Checklist for any children’s personnel with a red date or a red box. Provide the safest environment possible for our children and students whether meeting in-person or online by keeping the checklists up-to-date.  Legally, BSF is required to ensure all regular volunteers and CP leaders are certified annually. Anyone working with children must have the necessary screening requirements in place before serving.  TL Checklists must be free of red boxes. 

Announcing BSF 2.0! 

We are excited to announce BSF 2.0 – a refreshing technology update for bsfinternational.org, class.bsfinternational.org, and mybsf.org. 

  • In March, an updated bsfinternational.org website will roll out. You will notice a new layout and refreshed content, upgrades to Find-A-Group with Age added to the JOIN feature, and some changes to the GIVE function. (CAs please note that in anticipation of those registering using JOIN in March, the Age field has been added to your Website Pre-Registration Log.) 
  • In the future, mybsf.org and class.bsfinternational.org will combine into one website located on mybsf.org (aka BSF 2.0). There will be a new look and feel to the lessons page and the lecture upload page. Class management features will be more functional and user-friendly. Leaders will have access to their resources on the site. Members will be able to edit their own profile/member record and register online.  

Training will be available to assist with the navigation and use of BSF 2.0. 

Re-registration for Matthew 

With many classes still meeting online, keep Re-registration for Matthew simple! Consider the following Re-registration plan:  

  • GLs contact (phone call, e-mail, text, etc.) each group member to determine those returning for Matthew. Remember to ask if children registered for this year’s study want to register for next year’s study or if members plan to bring additional children. GLs communicate with the Admin team the adults and children returning so they can be marked in the class database.  
  • Please collect only information that is necessary for contacting members before the start of the next study year (name, e-mail, and phone number). Refrain from collecting complete registration data at this time. All other registration information can be confirmed with members when the GL contacts them with group placement details for Matthew OR entered by the member in BSF 2.0 when it becomes available. 

Class Staffs have the option to keep existing groups together for Matthew. 

Class Calendar for Matthew Study 

To plan your study year for Matthew, the next Class Calendar will be available on March 15th. 

Prayer: Reflecting Our Dependence on God 

In December, we discussed the 10-minute prayer time in your Online Leaders Meetings (OLM). When you commit yourselves to prayer, you get to see God at work in you and in those that you lead.   

Each week in your OLM, you have the opportunity to cast vision for and model this kind of life-changing prayer. Prayer that encourages, unifies, and focuses on the One who has the power to answer. 

As you reflect on prayer in your OLM, use this month to cast the vision and take the next step to move your leaders to humbly embrace the privilege and the responsibility to pray. 

Strategic Observation: How to Encourage and Develop Your Leaders 

The goal of strategic observation of Discussion Groups or Online Leaders Meetings (OLMs) is to make disciples by encouraging, developing, and identifying. 

Encourage: God is always at work in us and in our groups. Take time to notice God’s work and tell your leaders.  

Develop: When you join, you have an expectation of what you will see and experience. In some visits, you will be pleasantly surprised. In other visits, you will identify areas that need additional training. Incorporate this training into your Leadership Development time or in your debrief time to help your leaders grow in their knowledge and skills. 

Identify: Lastly, encourage someone by giving them the gift of leadership. Watch for those members of the group that care for others, listen well, and share deeply. Use the leader recommendation process to allow more people to experience the blessing of BSF leadership. 

Strategic observations serve to encourage and develop leaders. They are also a strategic opportunity to grow the reach of God’s Word across the globe through BSF by identifying leaders. May you be encouraged as you visit your groups this year! 

Prayer: Reflecting Our Dependence on God 

In December, we discussed the 10-minute prayer time in your Online Leaders Meetings (OLM). When you commit yourselves to prayer, you get to see God at work in you and in those that you lead.   

Each week in your OLM, you have the opportunity to cast vision for and model this kind of life-changing prayer. Prayer that encourages, unifies, and focuses on the One who has the power to answer. 

As you reflect on prayer in your OLM, use this month to cast the vision and take the next step to move your leaders to humbly embrace the privilege and the responsibility to pray. 

Strategic Observation: How to Encourage and Develop Your Leaders 

The goal of strategic observation of Discussion Groups or Online Leaders Meetings (OLMs) is to make disciples by encouraging, developing, and identifying. 

Encourage: God is always at work in us and in our groups. Take time to notice God’s work and tell your leaders.  

Develop: Every group visit is an opportunity to look for leaders’ strengths as well as areas of needed development. Incorporate needed training into your Leadership Development that benefits the entire group. One-on-one debrief time is another opportunity for individual leader development.

Identify: You have the privilege of identifying those being called into leadership. Watch for those members of the group that care for others, listen well, and share deeply. Use the leader recommendation process to allow more people to experience the blessing of BSF leadership. 

Strategic observations serve to encourage and develop leaders. They are also a strategic opportunity to grow the reach of God’s Word across the globe through BSF by identifying leaders. May you be encouraged as you visit your groups this year! 

BSF Online Support – Got Questions? 

Do you wonder how a new leader gets a Zoom license or what to do when you are locked out of your account?   

Click Need help? at the bottom of any page on the BSF Online website. Here you can search articles to get the answers you need. If you still need help, submit a ticket.  Our friendly BSF Online Support Desk is there for you! 

Strategic Observation: How to Encourage and Develop Your Leaders 

The goal of strategic observation of Discussion Groups or Online Leaders Meetings (OLMs) is to make disciples by encouraging, developing, and identifying. 

Encourage: God is always at work in us and in our groups. Take time to notice God’s work and tell your leaders.  

Develop: Every group visit is an opportunity to look for leaders’ strengths as well as areas of needed development. Incorporate needed training into your Leadership Development that benefits the entire group. One-on-one debrief time is another opportunity for individual leader development.

Identify: You have the privilege of identifying those being called into leadership. Watch for those members of the group that care for others, listen well, and share deeply. Use the leader recommendation process to allow more people to experience the blessing of BSF leadership. 

Strategic observations serve to encourage and develop leaders. They are also a strategic opportunity to grow the reach of God’s Word across the globe through BSF by identifying leaders. May you be encouraged as you visit your groups this year! 

BSF Online Support – Got Questions? 

Do you wonder how a new leader gets a Zoom license or what to do when you are locked out of your account?   

Click Need help? at the bottom of any page on the BSF Online website. Here you can search articles to get the answers you need. If you still need help, submit a ticket. Our friendly BSF Online Support Desk is there for you! 

Online Group Leader Recommendation Process

We are prayerfully seeking Online Group Leaders who are called to serve in a global setting. Know someone?

What happens next? 

  1. The BSF Online team receives the recommendation and e-mails the candidate with next steps.
  2. The candidate steps include:
    • create an account in BSF Online.
    • submit an online leader application.
  3. Once the leader application is submitted, the candidate requests an Online Leaders Meeting.
  4. The Online Trainer of the requested Online Leaders Meeting receives notification and contacts the candidate to set up an interview or a Meet and Greet if the candidate is already a leader.
  5. The OGL updates their profile, requests a Zoom license, and sets up their group.

Tips

Levels of Engagement 

When sharing an online School Program between classes, please encourage students to group together in the appropriate level for their age/grade in school. Even when numbers of students are smaller, we’ve learned that students have a much better experience and are more likely to continue when the age range in their class is not too broad. Senior Level students are particularly prone to leave if Junior High students are combined with their level. 

Differences Don’t Have to Divide 

As believers, we are called to pursue unity when differing opinions threaten to divide. So how do we pursue unity as God’s people?   

We can find help in Colossians 3:12-14.  

  • Be Compassionate. 
  • Be Kind. 
  • Be Humble. 
  • Be Gentle. 
  • Be Patient. 
  • Be Forgiving. 
  • AND over all these virtues, Be Loving, because love binds them all together in perfect unity. 

God created us to be different – and has taken us through different experiences.  We will not all share the same view on every subject, but by His grace, we do all share the same Spirit. He makes a loving and peaceful unity among God’s people possible even when perfect agreement is not. 

This is to our Father’s glory.   

When considering what to say or write or do, let’s pray Paul’s words above for our own hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to be our filter. 

Using Breakout Rooms to Increase Connection

Breakout rooms can increase connectedness between members and leaders as they meet in a smaller setting. Breakout rooms can also increase online engagement as the smaller groups prompt active participation. 

Use this tool effectively:   

  • Allow a few minutes for introductions and getting to know each other.   
  • Groups of 3-4 people are recommended for generating multiple creative ideas.   
  • Groups of 2-3 allow for additional sharing and building relationships. This can inspire confidence in those who might not share in the larger group.   
  • Give clear instructions and then copy these instructions into the chat for reference in the breakout rooms. 

As the leader, join breakout rooms to provide clarification, observe, and redirect, if needed. Breakout rooms can be a powerful tool for online connection and engagement. With the latest Zoom update, either host or co-hosts can assign participants to breakout rooms. Use breakout rooms at your next online meeting! 

HAPPENING

SOON

D-OT Orientation 

  • February 22-23, 2021: D-OT Orientation (online)

AP/OAP Training Sessions 

  • March 11, 2021 at 7:00 am CST and 7:00 pm CST

PRAISES

Praise God for:

  • providing classes to participate in the testing of the School Program prototype curriculum. 
  • directing early Summit 2021 logistics. 
  • growth of BSF groups in the Middle East! 
  • BSF’s expanding reach into 140 countries offering the stability and strength of God’s Word applied in the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER

REQUESTS

Pray for:

  • Perserverance – that we do not grow weary or lose heart in our service for the Lord or be tempted toward discouragement, but persevere with patient continuance in well doing (Galatians 6:9- 10) amid new waves of COVID- 19. 
  • Our God who gives endurance and encouragement would give all BSF leaders the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice we all may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6). 
Read More
  • All BSF leaders who are isolated due to COVID lockdowns will experience the presence of God in their lives. 
  • God to provide leadership needed in our men’s classes and School Programs.
  • God’s provision for group leaders for the many Cantonese speakers who are relocating to the UK. 
  • All students, leaders, and staff members involved in the curriculum testing in February – that God will use this test to further refine the curriculum model according to His perfect will.
  • God’s continued wisdom and oversight in Summit 2021 planning and deadlines. In the coming months, protection over health and time for participants in the pre-recorded Summit videos. 
  • Holy Spirit leading and wisdom for HQ staff in decisions and resources for Matthew.
  • In Africa, wisdom as AP support classes through disruptions from COVID and political tensions. 
  • In Toronto, stable enrollment as classes continue online.
  • BSF groups to clearly reflect a passion for Christ and compassion for all people, bringing glory to God and unity in Christ.
  • Continued technology support for and development of BSF websites to enhance the user experience for members and leaders.

Inspiration

BSF in Beirut

The explosion at the port in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4, 2020 was the latest hardship during the ongoing crises of COVID-19, political corruption, and economic downturn in Beirut. Through all of these challenges, however, God used Kamil Aquila Malak to start a new BSF group in Lebanon. Through a friend in Australia in BSF, Kamil connected with five men who wanted to study Genesis.  Despite tremendous challenges, Kamil has been encouraged through God’s Word and these men as they share freely how God is working in their lives. 

Please continue praying for Kamil and his group as they meet to discuss God’s Word in both English and Arabic. To God be all the glory! 

Blessings of BSF Online Leadership

As a young professional and mother of two young children, IkeOluwa began to feel very overwhelmed driving to attend physical meetings, in addition to juggling family and work life. However, this study year, joining BSF Online as an Online Group Leader was much easier on IkeOluwa’s very tight schedule. She can join meetings wherever she is – and she has been challenged, inspired, and encouraged many times through her group’s sharing and especially through her Online Trainer and Assistant Online Trainer.  

In addition, the joy of meeting people of various ages and at least five nationalities to share God’s Word has been a tremendous blessing. It still surprises IkeOluwa to see how God brought this group together as they learn to be free to share with one another. She feels blessed to be used by God to lead this diverse group of people connected by the blood of Jesus!

Middle East Multiplication

When Scott left South Korea to take a new job in Dubai with his wife, his prayer was to start a BSF group like the satellite near Seoul. Little did he know that when he started a new group in Dubai, UAE, that he would return to the U.S. due to COVID. God used Scott to plant a new well of living water where men from the UAE can meet online to study God’s Word from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  

There are now two groups in the UAE – 24 men in Abu Dhabi and 7 men in Dubai. God has also raised up two new leaders for these groups. We rejoice in watching God expand the reach of His Word through these groups!

Encouragement From a New Member

For three weeks, BSF Online Group Leader Patrice had a visitor in her group. Though this was the visitor’s first experience in BSF, she jumped right into the discussion. After three weeks, she wanted to continue in the study. The group was already full, but Patrice felt prompted to open another spot for her.  

In the next discussion, this new member shared a very personal uplifting story of a nearly impossible time in her life and God’s faithfulness to her. Little did she know, her story was exactly what two other ladies in the group needed to hear who were dealing with similar, tough situations. Though Patrice had been praying for these two ladies, she realized immediately that God brought the new member just for them! Later, Patrice was able to share with the new member how God made this divine appointment and how her answer that day touched these two group members in such a personal way. She was thrilled. Patrice looks forward to more God-ordained connections this year and praises Him for His mighty work!