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Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches
by Jason Byassee Matt MiofskyLeaders who are interested in planting or revitalizing congregations often feel discouraged and defeated after leadership conferences, or after reading about the ‘heroes’ of church planting and church growth. "They are amazing," they say. "I can’t be that amazing."But Jesus’ load is easy and his burden is light. When we examine the practices and characteristics of those ‘heroes’, we see striking trends and commonalities. Aspiring church leaders can learn the practices and develop the characteristics that will lead to successful churches. Instead of feeling defeated, new leaders should have a hope-filled sense of what new thing they can do. Authors Matt Miofsky and Jason Byasse carefully researched, interviewed, and profiled successful church-growers across the U.S., and identified 8 characteristics these leaders and their congregations have in common. These pastors are still learning, still figuring out how to do this work and how to faithfully live into God’s call. But for now, how are they doing what they do? What mistakes have they made & learned from? Where have they paid the stupid tax that others should avoid? Each of these ‘heroes’ is painfully ordinary and up front about their flaws. And each can see slightly farther than the rest of us. What do they see that we can learn from?Discover the 8 characteristics, and learn how to adapt them for your own congregation and calling: Believe in miracles and act accordingly Integrate new people quickly Love the local Exist to reach the next person Elevate the practice of giving Work in teams Preach effectively to skeptics Make friends with the denomination
The Wesleyan Way: A Faith That Matters (The Wesleyan Way)
by Scott J. JonesIn this exciting and inspiring new study, Scott J. Jones helps seekers and believers to envision and practice discipleship as a way of life. Presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, Jones invites participants into a deeper, more thoughtful, more active commitment to Christ. This 8-session study helps participants focus on how, through discipleship with Jesus Christ, we become part of God’s work in transforming the world.Each week a different presenter shares their personal faith experience. Presenter include Adam Hamilton, Olu Brown, Felicia Hopkins, Jessica Moffat Seay, Jorge Acevedo, Rob Fuquay and author Scott Jones. Mini-videos conclude each week with an interview or ministry story from the presenter’s home church. Participants then read on their own from the student book and the Bible and then once a week the group comes together to explore what they've read and to view another video.
Wesley One Volume Commentary
by Kenneth J. Collins Robert W. WallThis one volume commentary on the entire Bible was written by more than 40 scholars from the broad range of Wesleyan denominations, including The United Methodist Church, The Church of the Nazarene, The Church of God (Anderson), The Church of God (Cleveland), The Wesleyan Church, The Free Methodist Church, and The Salvation Army. It is the only specifically Wesleyan Bible commentary available and assists pastors in sermon preparation, small group leaders in lesson preparation, and laypeople in Bible study. Joel B. Green, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Fuller Seminary, called this commentary, "The Wesley Study Bible +++." The commentary form will allow for a much greater exploration of Wesleyan themes and theology than a Study Bible ever could.
Daily Bible Study Fall 2020: Encounter
by Gary Thompson Randy CrossA great companion to Adult Bible Studies, Daily Bible Study can also be used as a stand-alone study. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based, and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each lesson includes a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application, and a concluding prayer. Fall Theme: Encounter Acts | Romans | Exodus | Joshua | Nehemiah | Luke | Genesis | Matthew | Revelation | Psalms Unit 1: So That You Can See Spiritual Practice- Simplicity Unit 2: Remember Who You Are Spiritual Practice- Communion | Lord's Supper | Love Feast Unit 3: So In This Place Spiritual Practice- Worship (focus on Thankfulness)
The Future of the United Methodist Church: 7 Vision Pathways
by Scott J. Jones Bruce R. OughThis book offers a renewed vision and practical steps for United Methodists to work together in mission and ministry. These bishops of The United Methodist Church urge congregations to stand together, under God’s grace, to lead others to vibrant faith, steadfast hope, and joyful living. The authors call for a new partnership with God to bring God’s reign to fruition for all God’s people. With concrete guidance about how to create and transform disciples, readers are invited to travel the path that leads to the abundant living that Jesus talked about. This book will also inspire and motivate congregations to work together to be a vibrant presence in their neighborhoods and communities. The Seven Pathways were created by the United Methodist bishops and presented at the 2008 General Conference as a vision statement for the Church. Contributors include: Bishops Sharon Brown Christopher, Gregory Vaughn Palmer, G. Lindsey Davis, Robert Schnase, Scott J. Jones, Hee-Soo Jung, E. James Swanson Sr., Minerva G. Carcano, Thomas J. Bickerton, and Bruce R. Ough. The seven pathways are: Planting New Congregations, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the United Methodist Way, Strengthing Clergy and Lay Leadership, Children and Poverty, Expanding Racial/Ethnic Ministries, and Eliminating Poverty by Stamping out Disease.
The Millennial Narrative: Sharing a Good Life with the Next Generation
by Jaco J. Hamman"A good education will land you a good job," "Be an entrepreneur/Startsomething in a garage or dorm room" and even "Jesus saves" arenarratives that collapsed for the millennial generation (born1982-2002). These narratives, amongst many similar social and religiousones, have lost their meaning and power as millennials question allauthorities and struggle to flourish in a world come of age. With theirneeds for community and success, a strong spirituality, and believingthat their gifts should be recognized and can make a difference,millennials increasingly find meaning and purpose outside the church. Asthey face economic uncertainty, reduced career prospects, unceasingchange, as well as civic, global, and ecological uncertainties, however,a large number of millennials are overwhelmed with feelings of anxietyand depression. Caught between hope and fear, millennials leave thechurch with their values of personal transformation, purpose, community,spirituality, social transformation and ecological awareness.Ironically the church often holds the samevalues. The Millenial Narrative is written for pastoral leaders whowant to welcome millennials, both inside and outside their congregation.The book draws on the wisdom of the prophetic Book of Joel as anarrative worth living into. Drawing on Joel’s three chapters, The Millenial Narrative empowers pastoral leaders to: • Facilitate the work of mourning Millennials arefacing; • Envision a spiritual community that can welcomemillennials; • Introduce a compassionate God that restores and indwells as theSpirit; • Reflect on God’s judgment through the lens of accountability;and, • Support and encourage millennials to be a blessing toothers. In addition, pastoral leaders will receive a sermon outline and material for adult education.
Introducción al culto AETH: La liturgia como obra del pueblo
by Association for Hispanic Theological Education Isaias A. RodriguezIntroduction to Worship (Spanish)
This We Believe Leader's Guide: The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice
by Bishop William H. Willimon Dr M. Kathryn ArmisteadLeader guide for eight-week small group study to help you deepen your understanding of United Methodist core beliefs. This We Believe: The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice by William H. Willimon For John Wesley, the Bible is the joyfully consistent testimony of God’s never-ending grace and ever-seeking love. Likewise, studying the Bible is more than merely knowing what Scripture says; it is also about living every day as a child of God. Beginning with the Core Terms found in The Wesley Study Bible, author Bishop William H. Willimon systematically lays out key Wesleyan tenets of faith so that you will have a fresh way to hear God’s voice, share in God’s grace, and become more like Jesus Christ. Let this book be your trusted companion to the NRSV version of The Wesley Study Bible as you grow to love God with a warmed heart and serve God with active hands. William H. Willimon is Presiding Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama Area, and Visiting Research Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. M. Kathryn Armistead, Ph.D., is an editor at Abingdon Press and a deacon in The United Methodist Church.
All I Want For Christmas [Large Print]: Opening the Gifts of God's Grace (All I Want For Christmas)
by James W. MooreFrom the time the Wise Men came to bring gifts, Christmas has been a time of giving gifts to our loved ones, to the less fortunate, to the church, to favorite charities, to family, to friends, and even to our pets. In the best spirit of Christmas we give and receive Christmas gifts, remembering the greatest Christmas gift of all…God's gift of the Christ Child, God's gift to us of a Savior. As we give and receive Christmas gifts, it is incredibly important to remember that the best Christmas gifts are wrapped in heaven. Unfortunately, sometimes we concentrate so much on the gifts we want to give to and receive from each other that we miss the special gifts Christmas has for us. Christmas has some amazing gifts for us, but the truth is that we need the miracle of God's grace to see them, feel them, hear them, wrap our arms around them, and celebrate them. This study asks a very personal question: "What are the gifts you would really like to receive from Christmas this year?" And that is what this book is all about: our thoughts and ruminations about the amazing, life-changing gifts Christmas has for us! This Advent study has five sessions: one for each Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, a focus for the week, and six daily Bible readings for personal devotional time during the week.
Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens
by Kenneth H. Carter Jr. Kenneth L. CarderDementia diseases represent a crisis of faith for many family members and congregations. Magnifying this crisis is the way people with dementia tend to be objectified by both medical and religious communities. They are recipients of treatment and projects for mission. Ministry is done to and for them rather than with them. While acknowledging the devastation of dementia diseases, Ken Carder draws on his own experience as a caregiver, hospice chaplain, and pastoral practitioner to portray the gifts as well as the challenges accompanying dementia diseases. He confronts the deep personal and theological questions created by loving people with dementia diseases, demonstrating how living with dementia can be a means of growing in faith, wholeness, and ministry for the entire community of faith. He also reveals that authentic faith transcends intellectual beliefs, verbal affirmations, and prescribed practices. Carder asserts that the Judeo-Christian tradition offers a broader lens, defining personhood in relationship to God’s story and humanity’s participation in God’s mighty acts of creation and new creation; thereby contributing to hope, community, and self-worth.Pastors and congregations will be better equipped to minister with people affected by dementia, receiving their gifts and responding to their unique needs. They will learn how people with dementia contribute to the community and the church’s life and mission, discovering practical ways those contributions can be identified, nurtured, and incorporated into the church’s life and ministry.
30 Days of Prayer for Spiritual Stamina: A Devotional Prayer Guide (Elijah)
by Melissa SpoelstraLife is like a roller coaster, and we need spiritual stamina or "staying power" in order to stay true to our faith and calling through all the ups and downs. Prayer is essential for developing spiritual stamina, and this prayer guide is intended to help you strengthen your prayer life and faith through a thirty-day prayer challenge. Within these pages you will find prayer exercises offering instruction in a variety of prayer methods and approaches, including praying in silence, praying out loud, journaling your prayers, and drawing/coloring as you pray. Designed to be used as a devotional companion to Melissa's Elijah Bible study or a separate prayer guide, these prayers will strengthen your faith and increase your spiritual stamina as you draw near to God.The Elijah Bible study components, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).
Broken and Blessed - Preview Book: How God Used One Imperfect Family to Change the World (Broken and Blessed)
by Jessica LaGroneThis mini book with reflections from the Bible study Broken and Blessed traces the Genesis family tree to show us how God can transform and use imperfect families to bring blessing in a hurting a broken world.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, Leader Guide, DVD with six 25-27 minute sessions featuring closed captioning, and boxed Leader Kit.
Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality
by Ashley BogganThe United Methodist impasse over human sexuality has its roots in two dichotomous ideologies of history and theology.This book maps how American Methodists have responded to sexual change since World War II. It argues that the current United Methodist impasse over human sexuality has its root in the existence of two dichotomous ideologies of Methodist history and theology--one liberal and one evangelical, which come to the foreground in discussions of human sexuality. It offers evidence about how these ideologies have sought to reconcile their sexual ethic with sexual change since the birth control movement of the 1920s. In post-WWII America, most Methodists upheld a limited notion of family life and sexuality, one that allowed for the use of artificial contraception within marriage and for divorce. In response to the sexual revolution, liberal-leaning Methodists upheld a new sexual ethic, "the new morality," which peaked with radical new approaches to sex education, a full endorsement of abortion rights, and support of the homophile movement. However, "the new morality" coincided with an increased presence of and a new voice for evangelical Methodists, Charles Keysor and the Good News Movement. Evangelical Methodists critiqued "the new morality" as value-neutral and anti-Scripture. The evangelical desire for a rules-based morality solely reliant on Scripture collided with "the new morality" and led to intense debates over sex education, abortion, and the inclusion of LGBTQ persons within the United Methodist denomination from the 1970s onward. Since 1972, United Methodists have continually debated "human sexuality" at each General Conference, primarily through the advocacy efforts of political caucus groups. This author hopes that an historical examination of how Methodists have confronted sexual change will enlighten current conversations about human sexuality.
Transformation Journal: A Daily Walk in the Word
by Carolyn Slaughter Sue Nilson Kibbey Rex D. MatthewsEveryone is looking for a spiritual discipline that is both relevant to daily life and easy to stick with. Transformation Journal meets this need and more, offering users daily Bible studies and insightful questions that invite reflection and response. Each week highlights a different biblical topic, using brief introductions and a variety of scriptures to give the user a glimpse into what the Bible has to say on each theme. Guiding questions to help users reflect on the experiences and observations of biblical figures and apply the scriptures to their own lives.
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: Revised and Updated (Five Practices Of Fruitful Congregations Ser.)
by Robert SchnaseOver the past ten years, thousands of church leaders have successfully transformed congregations with the principles from the original Five Practices: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. However, much has changed in the world and the Church. Leaders have discovered new ways to implement the Five Practices in settings that were not imagined when the original book was released. This revised and updated edition of the ministry leadership classic includes a significant amount of new material. How are the Practices being used now, in new types of congregations? How has each Practice changed in the last decade? What new issues or concerns do leaders need to consider in relation to each Practice? This revision provides leaders with a 'next step' look at the original practices. Schnase gathered ideas and other content from ministry leaders who have been using the Five Practices, and explains how those ideas work, how leaders adapted the principles to their own settings, and how they expanded them. A new preface redefines 'Congregations' given their evolving nature. When the original book was written, the new forms of Christian community either did not exist or were barely known. The Five Practices are, however, just as essential to the new types of congregations as they were to the traditional church. Since the original book, there is more variety, diversity, and experimentation in worship. The revised Five Practices includes material based on these new forms. Small group study has always been important for intentional faith development. But since the original book, the nature of those groups has transformed to include secular settings and a wide variety of affinities profoundly affecting how faith leaders approach issues of faith development, and in many cases radically changes what they offer in their communities. Imagine the topic of Risk-Taking Mission and Service before Black Lives Matter, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the Trump administration. This new version gives instruction and specific ideas for how we might best serve today’s world.
One Leader Guide: A Small Group Journey Toward Life-Changing Community (One)
by Trevor Miller Nick CunninghamDesigned for use with the One journal and video (DVD or Mp4), The Leader Guide helps leaders facilitate a small group using One curriculum. It contains instructions on how to use the interactive journal and video in each session, as well as additional teaching content from the author.
Not a Silent Night Leader Guide: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem (Not a Silent Night Advent series)
by Adam HamiltonImagine Jesus from Mary’s point-of-view—proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection; travels back in time as she witnesses his life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a stable, Mary’s beautiful baby. This year, experience Advent and Christmas with Mary.This leader guide is designed for group use, along with Adam Hamilton’s book and DVDNot a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem. The leader guide includes everything a group leader needs to facilitate sessions and tailor them to the time and style of each group. The five sessions are based on the book and DVD topics: 1. Beginning with the End 2. The Piercing of Mary’s Soul 3. Amazed, Astounded, and Astonished 4. Mary, Full of Grace 5. It Was Not a Silent Night
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Horace R. WeaverStudy the entire Book of Luke, beginning with a review of Jesus’ birth and boyhood and ending with him experiencing Calvary and resurrection. Some of the major ideas explored are: keys to Jesus public ministry, Jesus being recognized as the Messiah, the life of discipleship, use and abuse of power, and Jesus’s response to difficult questions.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
The Apostolic Congregation: Church Growth Reconceived for a New Generation
by George G. Hunter IIIA church in the heart of Manhattan and a congregation among the Inuit people of Northern Canada would seem to have little in common with one another. Yet in one way they are surprisingly similar: They are both apostolic congregations, churches whose every program exists for the purpose of presenting the gospel to non-Christians, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.What is the secret of churches like these; how have they learned to make evangelism central to everything they do? In studying apostolic congregations around the world, George G. Hunter III has discovered a set of perspectives and practices that they all share. With the passion and insight for which he is so well known, Hunter demonstrates how your congregation can learn to focus on the one thing that most matters: bringing people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Doctrine: Systematic Theology Volume 2
by James Wm. McClendon JR.Christian doctrine, McClendon tells us, is no laundry list of propositions to be believed, but is rather an essential practice of the church. Doctrines are those shared convictions which the church must teach and live out if it is to be the church. The author rejects the prevailing assumptions stemming from the rationalism of the Enlightenment, and redefines theology as a discipline within the context of particular religious beliefs and practices of concrete believing communities. McClendon ties the reading of Scripture to the community's understanding of itself and its own mission.
Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say (Half Truths)
by Adam HamiltonThey are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways.Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. The clichés include: Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Disciple II Into the Word Into the World: Into the Word Into the World (Disciple Ser.)
by Duane A. EwersDISCIPLE II: Into the Word Into the World is the second study in the four-phase Disciple program and is prepared for those who are graduates of Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. This study proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives. The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. This study understands the growing Christian as under discipline in community and in ministry to the world. Into the Word Into the World approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.Commitment and Time Involved 32 week study Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings. Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings.Teacher HelpsThe Teacher Helps provides an outline for an orientation session and process suggestions for each of the weekly group sessions. It does not contain new or additional content for the leader to present to the group. A one-page teaching plan is provided for each session. Weekly group sessions follow a set pattern, with designated amounts of time for each step. Suggestions for group activity are specific and clearly related to the Scripture being studied. Ample questions for use in discussion are included.Specific instructions are included for making weekly assignments to individuals for use of the basic resource library.In the front of the teacher helps is a section of general information on effectively using the study manual, preparing to lead the weekly group meeting, following the proper schedule and procedure, tips for leading discussion, and suggestions for creating and maintaining a caring climate in the study group.Process suggestions in the teacher helps enable full participation by all members of the group as a result of disciplined daily study. A one-page plan for each of the weekly group sessions follows an established schedule and procedure, with an amount of time designated for each section in the plan. Each session plan includes suggestions for group study of a selected passage of Scripture.
Give Up Something Bad for Lent: A Lenten Study for Adults
by James W. MooreWrap your arms around the Good News for Lent.During Lent each year, Christians give up something as an act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. Often it is something like chocolate, knowing that after Easter Sunday they can once again enjoy what they have given up. James Moore challenges readers to take it further—to give up something spiritually that they would be better off not doing. He invites all to seek God's help to focus on eliminating one habit or attitude that is destructive. Imagine giving up envy, jealousy, self-pity, apathy, procrastination, gossip, resentment, or negative thinking, how much better life would be.The forty days of Lent are ideal to use this study and prepare to give up something bad while preparing to fully embrace the Good News of Easter. Study includes seven sessions, one for each Sunday in Lent and Easter Sunday. Each session features a Scripture reference, a personal reading, questions for personal reflection or group study, and closing prayer.
Almost Christmas Devotions for the Season: A Wesleyan Advent Experience (Almost Christmas)
by Matt Rawle Ingrid McIntyre April Casperson Magrey deVegaIn 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon titled "The Almost Christian" in which he encouraged people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We should not be satisfied with being almost Christian but rather strive towards being altogether a Christian.In Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience, author and pastor Magrey deVega leads a group of authors to explore how we can make the same commitment to Christ during Advent, connecting our Wesleyan heritage with the traditional Advent themes of Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.In this book, perfect for Advent, deVega and the other authors break down the barriers that prevent us from experiencing an "altogether" love, hope, joy, and peace in Christ in our lives and in the world around us. They demonstrate the promises God offers to us that makes those longings a reality, inviting us to claim those promises for ourselves this Advent and celebrate an altogether Christmas.The devotional contains 28 daily devotions for the four weeks of Advent corresponding to the themes of Altogether Love, Altogether Hope, Altogether Joy, and Altogether Peace. Written by pastors and other leaders, the devotions celebrate and bring together the season of Advent and the best of our Wesleyan heritage.
Forgiveness Leader Guide: Finding Peace Through Letting Go (Forgiveness)
by Adam HamiltonIn his passionate and life-changing book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Though Letting Go, bestselling author Adam Hamilton shows the same insight that he brought to his popular books Why? Making Sense of God’s Will and Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. In this new book, Hamilton explores forgiveness in our relationship with God, with our spouses or romantic interests, with our parents and siblings, and with others in our lives. This comprehensive Leader Guide, when used with the DVD, provides everything you’ll need to hold a four-session study of Forgiveness with your group. Inside you’ll find session plans, discussion questions, and activities, as well as suggestions of ways to make the study a meaningful experience for any group.