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Small Blessings
by Erica BeckerSometimes it is the little things that bless our lives the most: Walking past a bakery shop in the morning Falling asleep to the sound of rain The sun warming your face Your favorite pajamas A really good book A scripture Wildflowers Chocolate A warm cup of coffee in the morning This charming book is a sweet reminder of all we have to be thankful for. And you will be delighted by Erica Becker's whimsical art as it enhances the mood that each little blessing inspires. Take a moment to breathe in the blessings in you life. Slow down. Enjoy the moment. Take time to be thankful for your small blessings.
Small Business Big Pressure: A Faith-Based Approach to Guide the Ambitious Entrepreneur (Morgan James Faith)
by Darryl W. LyonsSmall Business Big Pressure is the only book written by a small business owner for the small business owner that truly addresses the unique pressures faced daily by small business owners. Darryl is an entrepreneur, from a family of entrepreneurs, who has spent years advising entrepreneurs and small business owners. In Small Business Big Pressure, his unique perspective is evident.
Small Catechism
by Martin LutherThis is an older text that the local Lutheran church is using. This is the shorter of the two Catechisms by this author.
Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250
by Karl VatersDo you lead a small church? Big churches get all the love. Articles, books, conferences—they mostly feature leaders of large congregations. Yet big churches are a small part of the ecclesial landscape. In fact, more than 90 percent of churches have fewer than 200 people. That means small churches play a big part in what God is doing. Small Church Essentials is for leaders of these smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church. Based on the popular six-hour lecture that Karl Vaters delivers to church leaders across the country, Small Church Essentials will affirm small church leaders and show them how to identify what they do well, and how to do it even better. Readers will: Be assured that leading a small congregation does not make them ministry failuresCome away inspired to lead with passion, regardless the size of their churchHave field-tested principles for leading a church in their contextPossess new metrics for biblically measuring vitality in small churchesHave a toolkit of resources to use in their everyday ministryKarl Vaters has been a small church pastor for 30 years, is the author of The Grasshopper Myth: Big Churches, Small Churches, and the Small Thinking that Divides Us (2013), and travels extensively to churches and conferences to speak about leading a small church well.If you are pastoring a small church, this book will be a breath of fresh air. It will affirm your calling while giving you fresh tools to help you lead. It will help you: Stop believing lies about small churchesLead your church to fulfill the role only small churches canUnderstand your congregation&’s strengths and weaknesses Turn around a dying or unhealthy churchIdentify good trends and bad in church and culture
Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250
by Karl VatersDo you lead a small church? Big churches get all the love. Articles, books, conferences—they mostly feature leaders of large congregations. Yet big churches are a small part of the ecclesial landscape. In fact, more than 90 percent of churches have fewer than 200 people. That means small churches play a big part in what God is doing. Small Church Essentials is for leaders of these smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church. Based on the popular six-hour lecture that Karl Vaters delivers to church leaders across the country, Small Church Essentials will affirm small church leaders and show them how to identify what they do well, and how to do it even better. Readers will: Be assured that leading a small congregation does not make them ministry failuresCome away inspired to lead with passion, regardless the size of their churchHave field-tested principles for leading a church in their contextPossess new metrics for biblically measuring vitality in small churchesHave a toolkit of resources to use in their everyday ministryKarl Vaters has been a small church pastor for 30 years, is the author of The Grasshopper Myth: Big Churches, Small Churches, and the Small Thinking that Divides Us (2013), and travels extensively to churches and conferences to speak about leading a small church well.If you are pastoring a small church, this book will be a breath of fresh air. It will affirm your calling while giving you fresh tools to help you lead. It will help you: Stop believing lies about small churchesLead your church to fulfill the role only small churches canUnderstand your congregation&’s strengths and weaknesses Turn around a dying or unhealthy churchIdentify good trends and bad in church and culture
Small Congregation, Big Potential: Ministry in the Small Membership Church
by Lyle E SchallerKindle EditionThere are many questions that leaders of small-membership congregations ask themselves about their church's future. Lyle Schaller suggests that two in particular should rise to the top of the list. First, what's the right size of for a church? Is the small congregation averaging two or three dozen people at worship a legitimate order of God's creation? You bet it is, says Schaller. Second, should these congregations make their plans on the basis of few resources and fewer options, or should they see themselves as possessed of pools of talent and expanding possibilities? If you are convinced that the former is true, then this book is not for you. If, however, you are among those who believe that small-membership churches are distinctive places of Christian witness and service, spreading the gospel and living in service to the world in ways that other, larger churches are not, then this book is for you. In it you will find the right questions to ask as you seek to lead a small-membership congregation, and solid, practical guidance for doing so.
Small Graces: The Quiet Gifts of Everyday Life
by Kent NerburnIn twenty elegant pieces, writer, sculptor, and theologian Kent Nerburn celebrates the daily rituals that reveal our deeper truths. A companion piece to Kent Nerburn?s book Simple Truths, Small Graces is a journey into the sacred moments that illuminate our everyday lives. Through the exploration of simple acts, he reminds us to chart a course each day that nourishes the soul, honors the body, and engages the mind. Small Graces asks us to observe life?s quiet rhythms, the subtle shifts in perception and changes in light, the warm comfort of family voices; to feel the blessing of birdsong, the solitude of a falling leaf, the echo of footfall in snow-covered woods. By inviting us to recognize the hidden power of the ordinary, Small Graces reveals the mystical alchemy of the mundane made profound by the artistry of a well-lived life.
Small Group Dynamics for Dynamic Group Leaders
by Billie DavisMost work in the field of Christian leadership has focused on the leader and techniques of management and control. Effective Christian leadership begins with the focus on people and God's purpose for them. With the model of Jesus and His disciples as her starting point, Billie Davis has provided a tool for developing a small group ministry in which members’ strengths and gifts are used to help one another in the biblical sense of Body. Applying an age-level and intercultural approach, Davis examines the structure of groups, how the group influences learning and spiritual development, and the roles people take within groups. Each chapter has self-directed learning exercises and a bibliography of current resources to enhance the reader’s experience.
Small Group Leadership as Spiritual Direction: Practical Ways to Blend an Ancient Art into Your Contemporary Community
by Heather Parkinson WebbDon’t just LEAD a small group, DIRECT it. Members of your small group look to you for answers. They bring their raw questions and intimate needs to you, looking for wisdom and understanding. How can you encourage your group to consider the Holy Spirit’s voice? “Spiritual direction is an ancient art of being with another person in relationship with God,” writes author Heather Webb. This time-tested practice requires that you remain attentive and open to divine interactions you might otherwise miss. Field-tested through the author’s years of experience, Small Group Leadership as Spiritual Direction will help you: - Avoid common small-group pitfalls - Take on difficult questions - Speak God’s words into others’ lives - Deepen your group’s desire for God The exciting discipline of spiritual direction allows you to create a space in which the Holy Spirit can move among your group. As you begin to discern Christ’s call in the lives of others, you will see your ministry with a new perspective and uncover new ways to direct your group, not just lead it.
Small Group Qs: 600 Eye-Opening Questions for Deepening Community and Exploring Scripture
by Laurie PolichJust what small group leaders need to get their youth started in a meaningful discussion. This flexible and adaptable resource for youth workers contains 600 questions including 50 complete Bible studies specifically designed to help groups get acquainted, get deep, get spiritual, get into topics, and get into the Word. Leader’s hints, exercise options, and fun, helpful tips are included. Features include: * 600 ready-to-go small group questions for equipping small group leaders * Perfect for youth workers, camp counselors, Sunday school teachers, student leaders, or volunteers * Leader’s hints, exercise options, fun and helpful tips * Flexible and adaptable--ideal for both junior high and high school groups
Small Group Strategies: Ideas and Activities for Developing Spiritual Growth in Your Students
by Laurie Polich Charley ScandlynMeet students where they are. With Small Group Strategies, you can effectively guide students in your small group toward the most important relationship they will ever have—a lifelong relationship with Christ. Respected authors Laurie Polich and Charley Scandlyn offer 30-plus years of collective youth ministry experience to these proven ideas, which offer: •a strategic approach to small group ministry •hundreds of ideas to reach students at every level •practical applications that foster spiritual growth Meet your students where they are in life. You have the heart. You have the vision. Here are the ideas you need to make it happen.
Small Groups for the Rest of Us: How to Design Your Small Groups System to Reach the Fringes
by Chris SurrattMost churches in America struggle to have a significant percentage of their adult attendance in small groups. According to recent research done by Lifeway Research, only "33 percent of churchgoers attend classes or groups for adults (such as Sunday school, Bible study, small groups, or Adult Bible Fellowships) four or more times in a typical month. Fourteen percent attend two or three times a month." Life transformation happens best within the context of community, so if a church is going to be intentional about discipleship they have to develop on-ramps to small groups that reach people on the fringes and beyond. If we continue to offer small groups to the normal church attenders, a majority of the people who show up to church are never reached. Pastors, church staff and small group leaders are trying to figure out how to make small groups work in their church and they don't know how. Small Groups For The Rest Of Us gives them practical, proven strategies on moving people from the fringes into biblically based communities.
Small Groups with Purpose: How to Create Healthy Communities
by Steve GladenThe author shares the biblical strategy, the secrets, the failures, and the lessons behind the remarkable growth of church leadership through small groups strategy.
Small Is Big, Slow Is Fast: Living and Leading Your Family and Community on God's Mission
by Hugh Halter Mike Breen Caesar KalinowskiYou don’t need to have the talents of a rock star or the wisdom of Yoda to effectively and naturally live a life on mission with God. And you do not have to add a big list of new activities to your life! Instead, it is the everyday ordinary things done with greater gospel-intentionality…slowly over time…that make all the difference. Biblical and super practical, Small Is Big, Slow Is Fast helps readers respond to Jesus’ call to each of us to be a missionary right where we live—in our own families and neighborhoods. It shows you step by step the essential elements that create environments for organic kingdom growth and multiplication. Whether you’re looking to lead your own family or are taking first steps toward starting a church that has discipleship and mission at its core, you will discover the secret to starting out small and going (seemingly) slower—and not feeling guilty about it. And you’ll be encouraged to trust that when you lay the right foundations, multi-plication will occur and will always be “faster” and more successful in the long run.
Small Matters: How Churches and Parents Can Raise Up World-Changing Children (Exponential Series)
by Greg Nettle Santiago Heriberto MelladoChildren have always been close to the heart of God and as followers of Jesus it is our responsibility to protect, nurture, and pass our faith to children. In Small Matters: Why Children are Such a Big Deal, authors Greg Nettle and Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado offer a model of discipleship that encourages parents to raise up the next generation to be deeply committed to and in love with Jesus. When we awaken to the fact that children between the ages of four and fourteen are the most likely to make a decision to follow Jesus, and that the discipleship that children receive forms their future, it will transform the way we view children, invest in them, reach out to them, teach them and ultimately, empower them to be disciples of Jesus. In recent history the church has embraced a model of discipleship that encourages parents to “Bring your children to us and we will disciple them. And, by the way, we would love it if you would help.” This model is ineffective as much as it is unbiblical. It is imperative that the church today shifts to a new model of discipleship that encourages parents to “Disciple your children as your primary responsibility. And, we (the church) would love to help.” Because our world is becoming more and more sensitive to the needs of children, a reflection of the heart of God, it provides those of us who follow Jesus with an unprecedented opportunity to disciple children in our homes, in our churches, in our communities and throughout the world. Now more than ever people are willing to invest in the cause of children through new church planting, equipping children’s ministries, child sponsorship—all of which are committed to holistic child development.
Small Miracles for Women: Extraordinary Coincidences of Heart and Spirit
by Yitta Halberstam Judith LeventhalEach and every woman is special and unique, yet as women we all share a common bond through our collective experiences of loving and learning. And sometimes fate steps in to miraculously change the lives of women in unforgettable ways, affecting them as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, lovers, and friends. Could they be messages from a higher power? Whether these miracles come during times of difficulty or celebration, they represent extraordinary opportunities to explore the wonders life has to offer. One of the most popular books in the Small Miracles series, this beautifully repackaged and expanded volume collects more than 50 inspirational, unforgettable, and even divine stories of coincidence experienced by women from all walks of life.
Small Miracles from Beyond: Dreams, Visions and Signs that Link Us to the Other Side
by Yitta Halberstam Judith LeventhalFrom the New York Times–bestselling authors of Small Miracles, a collection of real stories evidencing our connection to loved ones who have passed on.This uplifting addition to a bestselling series will provide insight and solace to readers through inspiring true stories that demonstrate the soul's immortality. In their eighth compilation, Halberstam and Leventhal move beyond their earlier focus on our mortal world to examine the other side: death and the afterlife. Rich in miracles and extraordinary events, these incredible tales show how the connections forged with our loved ones exist through eternity—and how their intercession with us on earth continues long after they have passed on.
Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most
by Amy Julia BeckerAlmost every day, one of Amy Julia’s children says something or asks something that prompts her to think more carefully: “Why Mommy crying?” (Marilee, when the family learned a young boy had died of cancer); “Booful, Mommy” (“Beautiful, Mommy,” as Penny proclaimed just as Amy Julia was looking in the mirror and critiquing her post-pregnancy body in her head); “What lasting mean?” (William, when he heard a song in church about God being an everlasting God). These conversations deepen her relationships with her children, but they also deepen and refine her own understanding of what she believes, why she believes it, and what she hopes to pass along to the next generation. Small Talk is a narrative based upon these conversations. It is not a parenting guide. It does not offer prescriptive lessons about how to talk with children. Rather, it tells stories based upon the questions and statements Amy Julia’s children have made about the things that make life good (such as love, kindness, beauty, laughter, and friendship), the things that make life hard (such as death, failure, and tragedy), and what we believe (such as prayer, God, and miracles). Amy Julia explores three parts—body, mind, spirit—as she moves in rough chronological order through the basic questions her kids asked when they were very young to the intellectual and then spiritual questions of later childhood. It invites other parents into these same conversations, with their children, with God, and with themselves. Moving from humorous exchanges to profound questions to heart-wrenching moments, Amy Julia encourages parents to ask themselves—and to talk with their children about—what matters most.
Small Things with Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor
by Margot StarbuckMargot Starbuck is back with as much passion and energy as ever. In thirty brief chapters, she invites you to choose the adventure that fits who you are in authentically loving those around you. Yes, she knows: just the thought of adding something more to your life sounds exhausting. But here's the fantastic truth she's discovered in her own journey: "We don't have to add lots more overwhelming activity to what we've already got going. The regular stuff of our lives—the commute to work and the potlucks and home improvement projects and errands and play dates—are the exact places in which we express and experience God's love for a world in need." With a list of resources, a study guide and a six-week "Adventure Challenge," as well as plenty of stories and hilarity from Margot's own life, Small Things with Great Love will open your eyes to the people around you and the huge impact you can have on them through small acts of love. "Small things happen when I learn the name of my daughter's school bus driver," Margot writes. "Small things happen when I listen to the dreams of a woman who lives in a group home on my block. Small things happen when I risk crossing a language barrier even though I look really stupid doing it." And small things add up to big adventures and surprises, for you and others. The biggest surprise of all might be how powerfully God can use you, right in the midst of your walking-the-dog, paying-the-bills, doing-laundry life, when you're living out his love. Do the first small thing by opening these pages--and let the adventure begin!
Small Town Justice: A Riveting Western Suspense
by Valerie HansenDANGEROUS SECRETS Back home in Serenity, Jamie Lynn Henderson's determined to prove her brother was framed for the town sheriff's hit-and-run death years ago. But as she encounters dead end after dead end, Jamie Lynn discovers someone will go to any lengths-even murder-to bury the evidence. Her only hope of staying alive long enough to uncover the truth is Shane Colton, the late lawman's wary son. Shane's world was shattered by one senseless act that he can't forgive. But somehow he is drawn to protect the lovely woman trying to free her brother from prison. If they don't work fast, Jamie Lynn's single-minded quest might lead them both into the killer's trap.
Small Town Secrets
by Sharon MignereyEVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE. . . Finally back on her feet after a nasty divorce from local cop Foley Blue, Lea Webster was getting ready to adopt the baby she'd always wanted. But Foley was stalking Lea and his once-idle threats were escalating to violence. Her cries for help went unheeded--no one wanted to cross the town's favorite son. Then Zach MacKenzie moved in across the street, and Lea found herself irresistibly drawn to his protective strength and quiet faith. Yet Foley's jealousy built dangerously, threatening Zach's freedom and Léa's safety. And she had to wonder whether their newfound love--and trust in each other--would be enough to save them both.
Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace
by Anne LamottFrom the bestselling author of Stitches and Help, Thanks, Wow comes her long-awaited collection of new and selected essays on hope, joy, and grace.Anne Lamott writes about faith, family, and community in essays that are both wise and irreverent. It's an approach that has become her trademark. Now in Small Victories, Lamott offers a new message of hope that celebrates the triumph of light over the darkness in our lives. Our victories over hardship and pain may seem small, she writes, but they change us--our perceptions, our perspectives, and our lives. Lamott writes of forgiveness, restoration, and transformation, how we can turn toward love even in the most hopeless situations, how we find the joy in getting lost and our amazement in finally being found.Profound and hilarious, honest and unexpected, the stories in Small Victories are proof that the human spirit is irrepressible.
Small on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church
by Lewis A. ParksSmall on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church is a joyful andhonest look at the kingdom-enriching characteristics of smallcongregations. Lewis Parks demonstrates how to see and build upon thosestrengths. His premise is not better/worse. Instead, Parks shows us howlife in a small congregation is profoundly significant and the importantrole these churches play. This book includes clear instructions on howleaders can streamline ministry to maximize the unique and powerfulcontributions small churches make in their communities. This book isinspiring and practical, a refreshing point of view for the church andchurch leaders."Small on Purpose reimagines what it means to be acongregation of ninety, sixty, or thirty by not focusing on size. Iespecially appreciate Lewis Parks’s attention to why ‘soul care’ iscritical for congregations under 150 as a means of discipleship andoutreach. Parks sees soul care as a countercultural act that createsmeaning for many who are seeking family-like relationships. This bookchallenges all congregations to take seriously the small things they aredoing—like soul care—as a compelling way to move into the future." —F.Douglas Powe Jr., Managing Director for The Institute for CommunityEngagement, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC; author of NewWine, New Wineskins and Not Safe for Church from Abingdon Press"LewisParks writes with pitch-perfect tone about the life of small churches.He appeals to the experience of smaller congregations as gatheringplaces of worship and service. There he sees signs of the Spirit moving,of tradition revivified through song and word, of pastoral care sharedacross a congregation. Above all, he offers transformative words andperspectives with which small churches can claim their distinctivewitness." —Thomas Edward Frank, University Professor and Chair of theDepartment of History, Wake Forest College, Wake Forest University,Winston-Salem, NC"In a time when the culture is becoming moreand more individualistic, Lew Parks strikes a chord for the great valueof the gathered community of faith that is strengthened week by weekthrough their faithfulness to the gospel and to one another. Gather inyour small church and read this together. Your life and your communitywill be enriched." —Bill McAlilly, Bishop, Nashville Area EpiscopalOffice, The United Methodist Church
Small, Strong Congregations: Creating Strengths and Health for Your Congregation
by Kennon L. CallahanCreate a small, strong congregation is dedicated to advancing God's mission. The twenty-first century is the century of small, strong congregations. More people will be drawn to small, strong congregations than any other kind of congregation. Yes, there are mega-congregations; Their number is increasing greatly. Nevertheless, across the planet, the vast majority of congregations will be small and strong, and the vast majority of people will be in these congregations."With uncommon wisdom Kennon L. Callahan--today's most noted church consultant--moves ahead of conventional thinking and in Small, Strong Congregations offers his unique vision of the church of the future.This important book chronicles the emergence of a vast number of congregations that are questioning the bigger-is-better notion in church membership. These congregations are deliberately small, active, and happy in their dedication to creating strong church communities that advance God's mission. Step by step, Kennon Callahan shows pastors and other church leaders how they can develop the values and specific qualities helpful to shape and strengthen their own small congregations. Written to be a hands-on guide, Small, Strong Congregations offers practical suggestions for creating mission and service, compassion and shepherding, community and belonging, self-reliance and self-sufficiency, worship and hope, teams and leaders, space and facilities, and giving and generosity. This wise resource is filled with illustrative examples that show clearly how myriad small churches have created solid, vigorous congregations.
Small-Group Workbook: A Yearlong Bible Study Companion
by Daniel Sung HyunGather a study group and explore the entire Bible in one year Studying the Bible with others helps you open yourself up to greater meaning and reflection than studying alone. This small group workbook guides Christian men through the entire Bible every week for one year. Together, you'll explore prompts, questions, activities, and prayers that lead you from Genesis to Revelation. Written for men—Find thoughtfully curated discussion topics that focus on what it means to be a man of faith. Easy to manage—The readings are only a few pages long, paired with a schedule to fit every chapter of the Bible into 52 weeks. Opportunities to engage—Each week includes suggested passages to read, a short devotion, questions and exercises for the group, and a prayer to close each session. Get to know the Word in a new light and strengthen your relationship with Christ with this group Bible study for men.