mybsf.org

AP/CLASS STAFF BULLETIN

March 2021

Vision

Dear Faithful Leaders, 

The ripple effects of COVID-19 still impact our friends and family daily. On a global scale, loneliness, isolation, depression, and anxiety soar. Now more than ever we need God’s peace that passes all understanding.  

In our study of Genesis, many of you will soon approach the life of Joseph. Joseph was certainly no stranger to suffering, stress, and disappointment. But through it all, the Lord was with him. I wonder who in your life needs to hear the glorious truths of God reiterated through Joseph’s life and circumstances? In this time of social distance and quarantine, how might you personally reach out to invite your friends and loved ones to join BSF? Perhaps you initiate a long-overdue phone call or take time to write a handwritten note. While digital forms of communication are convenient, in these times, a personal touch can be significant. Will you commit to pray for and personally invite those who, like Joseph, are enduring suffering, stress and disappointment? Will you encourage your leaders and class members to do the same? 

“But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” – Genesis 39:20b-21 

For the fame of Jesus Christ in the nations, 

Susie Rowan, BSF Executive Director 

Need to Know

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

Coming Soon: Order your Matthew Book!

You will hear soon about a NEW Matthew Book of lesson materials (Notes and Questions bound together) that class members can order and have shipped directly to their home for a small cost. CAs/ALs will be able to order the Matthew Book for members who cannot access digital or print, or afford printed lessons. More details will be communicated soon.

Momentum Growing For BSF Online

Class Staffs, please use these talking points to cast vision and support of the amazing growth opportunity God has provided for BSF Online! 

  • Did you know that 4.66 billion people have internet access in the world (that’s 59% of the world)! Statistically speaking, there are approximately 1.4 billion Christians with internet.  
  • BSF Online growth is limited only by internet and leadership availability – and the internet is increasing and expanding every day.  
  • So how can we reach these internet users? Will you join us in the recruitment of 1,000 GLs to reach more people with in-depth Bible study? Due to this COVID-19 year with many classes using an online format, BSF is uniquely positioned to transition Group Leaders from BSF classes who normally meet in-person into BSF Online in a unified effort to reach the world with in-depth Bible study which Magnifies God and Matures His people. 
  • Do you know a leader who may feel called to serve through BSF Online?  Click the Recommend an Online GL for Genesis link on the TL home page. 
  • Use our guest login:
    Email:  ogl4bsfonline@gmail.com
    Password: ogl4bsfonline

Building Trusting Relationships Through Collaboration 

We encourage you to watch three micro learning videos on Building Trusting Relationships Through Collaboration. These videos were provided to your AP, and we trust they will equip you as you serve and grow spiritually together. Access these videos: 

Coming Soon – MyBSF Learning

We are excited to share that BSF is expanding digital capabilities to provide improved learning experiences and training support for Class Staff leadership. The MyBSF Learning application will eventually be used for training all BSF and BSF Online Staff and AP positions.    

NEW STLs will be the first to use MyBSF Learning to complete their STL onboarding training including both pre-training assignments and scheduling their live online session.  

The following are important dates and details to prepare for the transition: 

  • April 1 – May 3:
    Newly approved STLs will wait for further training details to be shared in May, at which point they will receive access to MyBSF Learning.  
    IMPORTANT: Please do not share the current STL Training Showcase link with STLs that are approved in Podio after March 31. 
  • April 30:  
    Access to the current STL Training Showcase and scheduling system is no longer available.
    All STLs approved in Podio before April 1 must complete training, including the live online session with a Class Staff Trainer, by April 30. 
  • May 3:
    Launch MyBSF Learning to STLs with applications approved in Podio beginning on April 1. 
  • May 3 – 30:
    PAUSE on STL Training Sessions. Access to pre-training assignments available in MyBSF Learning. 
  • June 1:
    STL Training sessions resume and are scheduled through MyBSF Learning.  

BSF is Hiring!

BSF is currently recruiting for several positions.  Please check the Careers section on www.bsfinternational.org to see the position descriptions and how to apply. 

Global AP Training

The training date has been changed from March 11 to March 25. 

Times remain the same: 7:00 am and 7:00 pm CDT. You do not need to re-register for March 25th unless you want to change your training session time. The link to update your registration or register for the first time is:

https://bsfevents.as.me/GlobalAPTraining

We appreciate your flexibility regarding this necessary date change. We are hopeful that you will be able to participate, but attendance is not mandatory. The pre-watch videos will be released on March 15 to all AP.   

Orientation Update

The April Online Trainer Orientation is now open to Distance Online Trainers and Online Trainers. Note: Dates for the Orientation have been modified slightly.

  • Application deadline (date applications must be approved by): March 19
  • OT Orientation dates: April 12-13 only
    Note: There is no introduction session on March 11 and 13.

AP Conference 

The in-person AP Conference, scheduled for June 2021 in San Antonio, is moving to a Zoom/livestream hybrid event on June 9-10. Plan to hear from Susie Rowan and other speakers together as a group and in small group discussions. More details to come!  

Institute  

The in-person Institute, scheduled for June 2021 in San Antonio, is moving to a Zoom/livestream hybrid on June 11-12. Plan to hear from Susie Rowan and other speakers together as a group and in small group discussions. More details about registration, etc. to come!  

BSF Lessons and Materials for Classes   

Question:

With the shutdown of the BSF Press, how will I receive my BSF material? 

Answer: 

Lessons, resources, and materials formerly printed at HQ for BSF classes will be available digitally through mybsf.org and the BSF app. More information will come soon on ways for members to obtain printed lessons.

The global pandemic enhanced our understanding of the production and delivery of material to our class members. New electronic materials and processes, along with the challenges of an aging press, led the Board of Directors to determine it is prudent and wise stewardship to discontinue our BSF printing operation.

These decisions were based on anticipated long-term changes in operations, plans for the future of this ministry, and our desire to steward God’s provision with great wisdom and care.

We remain committed to improving class member and leader access to materials.

AP, Class Staff, and Leaders: Update Your Mybsf.org Password 

For greater data protection prior to the launch of BSF 2.0, Mybsf.org passwords for AP, Class Staff, and all Leaders must be updated to be 10 characters, including 1 number and 1 symbol (i.e., ! @ > ? *). Please announce this to your class leaders. Passwords must be changed by June 30, 2021. 

AP Helps for Regathering 

The following resources are available if a class or SDG is considering regathering for in-person meetings.    

  • AP Regathering Training (Oct 2020) posted in your Downloads 
  • Genesis Showcase resources  
  • Request for Regathering Form (RRF) for classes to complete and submit to you 
  • AP Meeting Location Change submission to ensure host churches receive remuneration 

Institute   

The in-person Institute, scheduled for June 2021 in San Antonio, is moving to a Zoom/livestream hybrid on June 11-12. Plan to hear from Susie Rowan and other speakers together as a group and in small group discussions. More details about registration, etc. to come!   

BSF Lessons and Materials for Classes   

Question: 

With the shutdown of the BSF Press, how will I receive my BSF material?  

Answer: 

Lessons, resources, and materials formerly printed at HQ for BSF classes will be available digitally through mybsf.org and the BSF app. More information will come soon on ways for members to obtain printed lessons. 

The global pandemic enhanced our understanding of the production and delivery of material to our class members. New electronic materials and processes, along with the challenges of an aging press, led the Board of Directors to determine it is prudent and wise stewardship to discontinue our BSF printing operation.  

These decisions were based on anticipated long-term changes in operations, plans for the future of this ministry, and our desire to steward God’s provision with great wisdom and care.  

We remain committed to improving class member and leader access to materials. 

AP, Class Staff, and Leaders: Update Your Mybsf.org Password  

For greater data protection prior to the launch of BSF 2.0, Mybsf.org passwords for AP, Class Staff, and all Leaders must be updated to be 10 characters, including 1 number and 1 symbol (i.e., ! @ > ? *). Please announce this to your class leaders. Passwords must be changed by June 30, 2021. 

BSF Lessons and Materials for Classes   

Question:

With the shutdown of the BSF Press, how will I receive my BSF material? 

Answer: 

Lessons, resources, and materials formerly printed at HQ for BSF classes will be available digitally through mybsf.org and the BSF app. More information will come soon on ways for members to obtain printed lessons. 

The global pandemic enhanced our understanding of the production and delivery of material to our class members. New electronic materials and processes, along with the challenges of an aging press, led the Board of Directors to determine it is prudent and wise stewardship to discontinue our BSF printing operation.

These decisions were based on anticipated long-term changes in operations, plans for the future of this ministry, and our desire to steward God’s provision with great wisdom and care.

We remain committed to improving class member and leader access to materials.

Need HQ Assistance with LM, SDG, and/or D-SDG Host Church Remunerations? 

Due to COVID-19, if you need HQ assistance remunerating for your Leaders Meeting, SDG, and/or D-SDG host church, please e-mail orders@bsfinternational.org by March 31 so that we can remunerate the host church for the entire BSF study year. Provide the following information: 

  • Class Name and Number
  • Remuneration Amount:
    Leaders Meeting: based upon the number of months at $50 per month
    SDGs and/or D-SDGs: based upon the number of group meetings each month – which may differ monthly based upon enrollment. Please refer to the instructions on the back of the Monthly Receipt/Disbursement Report Worksheet (F 107) for clarification.
    Include all months of the class year up through your last meeting at the facility. If the facility was used for one week of the month, pay for the entire month (no pro-ration). 
  • Church Name/Facility Name/ Payable to  
  • Church Address

Important Review of Procedures & Year-End Reports

Review these sections on Downloads: 

Class Data Management Instructions  

  • Preparing for Next Class Year 
  • Website Pre-Registration 
  • G 110 Notice 

Staff Core Module of the CA Manual 

  • The BSF Class Calendar 
  • Form Retention – Quick Reference 

CA Module of the CA Manual 

  • CA Checklist at the End of Class Year  
  • Year-End Reporting Procedures – Internal Control Questionnaire – Financial Examination 
  • Retention of Records 

As you prepare to re-register for Matthew and end the Genesis study, click here for Revised Year-End Procedures and Reporting with important submission dates for the transition to BSF 2.0. (This information is also posted to your Downloads.) 

AP, Class Staff, and Leaders: Update Your Mybsf.org Password 

For greater data protection prior to the launch of BSF 2.0, Mybsf.org passwords for AP, Class Staff, and all Leaders must be updated to be 10 characters, including 1 number and 1 symbol (i.e., ! @ > ? *). Please announce this to your class leaders. Passwords must be changed by June 30, 2021. 

BSF Lessons and Materials for Classes    

Question:

With the shutdown of the BSF Press, how will I receive my BSF material? 

Answer: 

Lessons, resources, and materials formerly printed at HQ for BSF classes will be available digitally through mybsf.org and the BSF app. More information will come soon on ways for members to obtain printed lessons. 

The global pandemic enhanced our understanding of the production and delivery of material to our class members. New electronic materials and processes, along with the challenges of an aging press, led the Board of Directors to determine it is prudent and wise stewardship to discontinue our BSF printing operation.

These decisions were based on anticipated long-term changes in operations, plans for the future of this ministry, and our desire to steward God’s provision with great wisdom and care.   

We remain committed to improving class member and leader access to materials.

AP, Class Staff, and Leaders: Update Your Mybsf.org Password  

For greater data protection prior to the launch of BSF 2.0, Mybsf.org passwords for AP, Class Staff, and all Leaders must be updated to be 10 characters, including 1 number and 1 symbol (i.e., ! @ > ? *). Please announce this to your class leaders. Passwords must be changed by June 30, 2021. 

Orientation Update

The April Online Trainer Orientation is now open to Distance Online Trainers and Online Trainers. Note: Dates for the Orientation have been modified slightly.

  • Application deadline (date applications must be approved by): March 19
  • OT Orientation dates: April 12-13 only
    Note: There is no introduction session on March 11 and 13.

AP, Class Staff, and Leaders: Update Your Mybsf.org Password  

For greater data protection prior to the launch of BSF 2.0, Mybsf.org passwords for AP, Class Staff, and all Leaders must be updated to be 10 characters, including 1 number and 1 symbol (i.e., ! @ > ? *). Please announce this to your class leaders. Passwords must be changed by June 30, 2021.  

Need HQ Assistance with LM, SDG, and/or D-SDG Host Church Remunerations?  

Due to COVID-19, if you need HQ assistance remunerating for your Leaders Meeting, SDG, and/or D-SDG host church, please e-mail orders@bsfinternational.org by March 31 so that we can remunerate the host church for the entire BSF study year. Provide the following information: 

  • Class Name and Number
  • Remuneration Amount:
    Leaders Meeting: based upon the number of months at $50 per month
    SDGs and/or D-SDGs: based upon the number of group meetings each month – which may differ monthly based upon enrollment. Please refer to the instructions on the back of the Monthly Receipt/Disbursement Report Worksheet (F 107) for clarification.
    Include all months of the class year up through your last meeting at the facility. If the facility was used for one week of the month, pay for the entire month (no pro-ration). 
  • Church Name/Facility Name/ Payable to  
  • Church Address

BSF Lessons and Materials for Classes    

Question: 

With the shutdown of the BSF Press, how will I receive my BSF material?  

Answer:  

Lessons, resources, and materials formerly printed at HQ for BSF classes will be available digitally through mybsf.org and the BSF app. More information will come soon on ways for members to obtain printed lessons.  

The global pandemic enhanced our understanding of the production and delivery of material to our class members. New electronic materials and processes, along with the challenges of an aging press, led the Board of Directors to determine it is prudent and wise stewardship to discontinue our BSF printing operation.   

These decisions were based on anticipated long-term changes in operations, plans for the future of this ministry, and our desire to steward God’s provision with great wisdom and care.   

We remain committed to improving class member and leader access to materials.

Important Review of Procedures & Year-End Reports 

Review these sections on Downloads:  

Class Data Management Instructions 

  • Preparing for Next Class Year 
  • Website Pre-Registration 
  • G 110 Notice  

Staff Core Module of the CA Manual

  • The BSF Class Calendar 
  • Form Retention – Quick Reference  

CA Module of the CA Manual  

  • CA Checklist at the End of Class Year  
  • Year-End Reporting Procedures – Internal Control Questionnaire – Financial Examination 
  • Retention of Records 

As you prepare to re-register for Matthew and end the Genesis study, click here for Revised Year-End Procedures and Reporting with important submission dates for the transition to BSF 2.0. (This information is also posted to your Downloads.) 

Global AP Training

Times remain the same: 7:00 am and 7:00 pm CDT. You do not need to re-register for March 25th unless you want to change your training session time. The link to update your registration or register for the first time is:

https://bsfevents.as.me/GlobalAPTraining

We appreciate your flexibility regarding this necessary date change. We are hopeful that you will be able to participate, but attendance is not mandatory. The pre-watch videos will be released on March 15 to all AP.   

AP Conference 

The in-person AP Conference, scheduled for June 2021 in San Antonio, is moving to a Zoom/livestream hybrid event on June 9-10. Plan to hear from Susie Rowan and other speakers together as a group and in small group discussions. More details to come! 

Creating a Safe Culture 

In BSF we seek to create a place where people from all backgrounds, countries, and cultures gather and feel welcomed. A place where there’s freedom to be different while growing as friends and followers of Christ. In our February Confab, we began the discussion on cultivating cultural safety. This work starts with awareness. Awareness of the potential barriers of diversity in communication, beliefs, cultural values, political views, international backgrounds, and current events is critical. 

Alongside their OAPs, OTs and AOTs growth in their own awareness will help to identify these potential risks in OLMs. We are praying with you that as you become more aware, God will equip you to shepherd your leaders to appreciate the blessing of diversity in your OLM.

Locating Your Resources 

Online AP can find their resources in two places: 

  • BSF Online website Helps and Resources page 
  • Online AP Dropbox

Creating a Safe Culture 

In BSF we seek to create a place where people from all backgrounds, countries, and cultures gather and feel welcomed. A place where there’s freedom to be different while growing as friends and followers of Christ. In our February Confab, we began the discussion on cultivating cultural safety. This work starts with awareness. Awareness of the potential barriers of diversity in communication, beliefs, cultural values, political views, international backgrounds, and current events is critical. 

Alongside their OAPs, OTs and AOTs growth in their own awareness will help to identify these potential risks in OLMs. We are praying with you that as you become more aware, God will equip you to shepherd your leaders to appreciate the blessing of diversity in your OLM.

Locating Your Resources 

OTs and AOTs can find their resources in two places:

  • BSF Online website Helps and Resources page
  • BSF Online Additional Resources Dropbox

Tips

Connect with Potential Leaders

Talking to potential leaders is always the first opportunity to make a personal connection. Enter the conversation curious to learn about the potential leader and ready to listen attentively. The time together should be warm and not business-like. 

Cast vision for the potential that BSF leadership offers. It is an opportunity to build deep and lasting friendships, to grow spiritually, and to be a part of others spiritual growth and the great commission of Jesus Christ! BSF leadership is not for perfect people, or even fully matured people. It is for people who desire to be discipled and matured through the study of God’s Word. 

Mybsf.org Lessons and Lectures

Have your lessons and lectures been out of sync?  

Have you had the wrong lesson appear for the “this week’s lesson” on Mybsf.org? 

Make sure your class calendar always matches the dates you are actually meeting. The current class calendar controls the Genesis lessons and lectures that display on Mybsf.org. 

Resources for Regathering

The following resources are available if you are considering any form of in-person gathering.   

  • Consult with your AP before completing the Request for Regathering (RRF) as well as your host church contact! 
  • Regathering Information (Oct 2020) posted in your Downloads 
  • Genesis Showcase resources 

WhatsApp Privacy Policy Changes in May

  • BSF’s review of the changes to WhatsApp will not impact the privacy or data-sharing of messages or calls among BSF’s members.
  • There is no impact to the privacy of personal messages between BSF members and groups.  These messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted.   

 WhatsApp privacy specific steps users can take:

  1. Limit who can see information about your profile. Select Settings, Account, Privacy 
  2. Enable Two-step verification of your account, which requires a user-generated PIN when registering your phone with WhatsApp and may prevent hackers from gaining access. Select Settings, Account, Two-step verification 
  3. Turn off “Save to Camera Roll” to prevent photos and videos from automatically downloading to your phone. Select Settings, Chats 
  4. Refrain from clicking on a link from a number that you don’t know. 
  5. Refrain from sharing sensitive information over a messaging application.

HAPPENING

SOON

  • Online Orientation Application deadline: March 19

  • OT Orientation dates: April 12-13

PRAISES

Praise God for:

  • providing momentum from this COVID-19 year toward growth in BSF Online! 

PRAYER

REQUESTS

Pray for:

  • God to build community in online and in-person discussion groups, where burdens are shared and encouragement abounds. 
  • wisdom for AP in Africa to support classes through the disruptions from COVID-19 and political tensions. 
  • BSF Leaders to be encouraged by recognizing the BSF Aims being lived out in their classes, especially when they look different than they might have pre-COVID.
  • new opportunities to connect with others so they can discover the life-changing power of studying God’s Word. 
Read More
  • BSF leaders to continue to lead the way in local churches serving and supporting pastoral staff and members well.
  • GLs from in-person BSF and members from BSF Online to answer God’s call to serve in BSF Online leadership, adding 1,000 new Online GLs and resulting in a harvest of 120,000 more members engaged in online, in-depth Bible study. 

Inspiration

Sister Joins BSF Online

Many have a desire for family members to join BSF due to the life-changing power of in-depth Bible study. One BSF Staff member had a sister going through a rough time and she encouraged her to try BSF, specifically BSF Online to fit her busy schedule. She joined in September. When asked recently if she was still attending her BSF Online group. She said, “Yes! I love my group. I love the ladies and my leader is so good. The group talks daily through WhatsApp. I have learned so much! My relationship is so much stronger with the Lord. My husband is even watching, encouraging, and discussing my study with me. BSF has had a huge impact.”  

God is glorified by the lives of BSF members across the world impacted by studying His Word. Today, BSF Online Regional Director Lisa Petersen praises God for the way He has used BSF Online in her own family.