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Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith (Courage)
by Tom BerlinCourage is the foundational virtue required for the Christian life. But often we wonder if we have what it takes to live the vital life Jesus offers his disciples.In Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith, pastor and author Tom Berlin challenges us to unlock the courage that we already possess as Christ followers. By examining the life of Christ, we will begin to understand what true courage is and how God works in the lives of Christ followers as they exhibit a brave faith. Once we have eyes to hear what Jesus is showing us, once have ears to hear, we can begin to find the remarkable life Jesus offers us.Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Tom Berlin and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
A Will to Lead and the Grace to Follow: Letters on Leadership from a Peculiar Prophet
by William H. Willimon Bryan LanglandsThroughout his time as bishop, Will Willimon has once a week sat down at his computer and tapped out short messages to the churches under his care. Sometimes his intention has been to comfort and console; sometimes it’s been to motivate and inspire. Sometimes he’s written deeply theological meditations on the mystery of the Resurrection; other times, he’s spoken in highly practical terms about what goes into making an effective congregation. Sometimes he wrestles with thorny issues of the day, like religion and politics; other times he lists the things you should do during the first week of a new pastorate. Always he’s brought to the task his trademark humor and insight. This book brings together dozens of these messages, each of them a gem of pastoral advice. If you want to know about the ins and outs, the highs and lows, of being a leader of God’s people, you’ve come to the right place.
Can You Believe in God and Evolution?: A Guide for the Perplexed
by Ted Peters Martinez HewlettNamed a 2007 Book of Distinction by the Sir John Templeton Foundation.The special edition of this award winning book celebrates the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. Since, even before, the publication of Darwin's seminal work on evolution, science and religion have often been at odds. Even today culture wars continue to rage. How can I be faithful to God and fully enjoy the progress of science? Who is Charles Darwin and what did he actually say? Can you believe in God and evolution? Does teaching evolution corrupt our social values? How can you connect science and faith? Can science be a Christian vocation? So how can we interpret the creation story in the Bible?Authors Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett give a balanced discussion of the impact of evolution to help church leaders understand the values at stake. They make the convincing case that Christians can connect their faith in God with a scientific understanding of evolution with integrity
Revelation and the End Times Participant's Guide: Unraveling Gods Message of Hope
by Ben Witherington IIIThe Bible contains passages of great beauty and comfort and some that may strike you as bizarre, bewildering, or even frightening. The Book of Revelation is filled with this rich and perplexing symbolism, yet its message is one of hope for all Christians.Revelation and the End Times unravels God’s message for our time. With his rich knowledge of and provocative insights into the New Testament, Ben Witherington will guide you into a deeper understanding of the truths found within Revelation's often mysterious text, so that you can feel more secure in your faith.
Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches 2012
by National Council of Ch of Christ in USAThe Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches has been published continuously since 1916 and contains information about denominations, churches, clergy, seminaries, and other religious organizations in the United States and Canada. The Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches is the single best, most complete and accurate compilation of essential information about religious organizations in North America.The Yearbook features: statistics of church membership and finances descriptions of denominations listings of denominations by families names, postal and e-mail addresses of church leaders, denominational headquarters, and regional offices, national and regional ecumenical organizations listings of theological schools and Bible colleges statistics of seminary enrollment listings of religious periodicals calendar of religious holidays and festivals listings of sources of religion-related research listings of church archives extensive indexes (including an index of names)
A Miracle of Five Minutes: The Autobiography of Kim Sundo
by Sundo KimIn 1930, Sundo Kim was born at Sunchun, Pyunganbukdo, North Korea. Standing at the crossroads of life and death, he experienced the living God numerous times and decided to become a pastor. In 1970, he was appointed as pastor toKwanglim Methodist Church in Seoul, Korea. Through the ministries of a positive application of the word of a new vision of life, spiritual healing, systematic and creative church administration, and special missions, he invited many souls to God and gave Christians new spiritual energy.
Take Time for Easter
by Peg AugustineThis book for children depicts the traditional Easter story in beautiful four-color illustrations, which will engage children in the story.
Why the Church? (Reframing New Testament Theology)
by Robert W. WallGiven the way many in the West have read the New Testament in the last century, the church might be regarded as an afterthought at best. But at the worst, it can be viewed as an unnecessary, perhaps even problematic, institutionalization of genuine faith especially in our post-denominational context. These perspectives fly in the face of the robust ecclesiological concerns and commitments of the New Testament documents when read as witnesses from, to, and for congregations of God’s people.For Wall, the problem is spiritual because fewer go to find God in church. Why the church? Because this peculiar fellowship of saints, whose loving communion is with the risen One, has been appointed by the triune God as God's herald. With its sacred vocation, every demonstration of the church’s oneness, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity—each eschatological mark enabled and brought to maturity by God’s grace—is the concrete means to address our theological crisis. This book will contribute to New Testament studies but also serve related discussions in theology and church history. Reframing New Testament Theology is a series that fulfills the need for brief, substantive, yet highly accessible introductions to central questions and themes raised by New Testament study.
Immersion Bible Studies: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
by Stan PurdumJourney inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation—the Common English Bible—stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
The Wonder of Christmas Leader Guide: Once You Believe, Anything Is Possible (Wonder of Christmas series)
by Rob Renfroe Ed RobbNo other time of the year captures our imagination as much as Christmas: God coming into the world on a dark winter’s night; a baby’s cry that would change the course of human history; the heavens bursting into song; the certain hope that God will have the last word over our brokenness. This season fills our hearts with the wonder that anything is possible.This year, rediscover the true wonder of Christmas by sharing the love of Christ with others. Each chapter centers on one element of the Christmas story, looking to the Christmas story and the stories of real people today to offer inspiration and ideas for reflecting the light of Jesus at Christmas and throughout the year.The Wonder of Christmas is a four-week all-church study for Advent with resources for all ages. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the study including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Brady WhiteheadStudy the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, beginning with return of the exiles as seen through the eyes of Ezra and Nehemiah, then moves through the story of Esther. Some of the major ideas explored are: the purity of heritage, building community, the importance of sanctuary, taking oaths, leadership qualities, the Book of Esther’s inclusion in the Bible, and the shield of faith.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.
Introduction to Christian Theology
by Justo L. Gonzalez Zaida Maldonado PerezThis book helps beginning theological students grasp the basics of Christian theology. Consciously avoiding the perspective of one school of thought or confessional tradition, the authors provide the reader with a brief, broad overview of the questions and contents of theological study. Their accessible use of language, clear organization, and careful explanation will prove of invaluable aid to those who are getting their theological feet wet for the first time."In the words of its authors, this book offers an introduction 'to the fuller spectrum of Christian theology as it has developed through the centuries.' Few writers address the historical development of the classic doctrines and the contemporary resonance as adroitly as Gonzalez and Perez. The chapter on Jesus Christ, for example, presents concise summaries of the treatments of Christ's person leading up to Chalcedon, while suggesting a need for a multiplicity of images in understanding the work of Christ that liberates the whole person and restores all creation. Beginning students, as a result, are invited into a living theological conversation, where the contested claims of the past have continued relevance in a contemporary era beset by its undervaluing of the body and creation. Broadly ecumenical in tenor, with reference to theologians from nearly every century, the work should appeal to both a popular readership and introductory students in college and seminary. One disappointing aspect of the book is an absence of Latino/a, feminist, and liberation perspectives. For a work that argues for the contextuality of all theology, and from authors whose previous work has been monumental in Hispanic theological education, this lack is surprising."---David H. Jensen, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Religious Studies Review, Volume 29 Number 3, July 2003.
The Concise Guide for Congregational Care: Words to Use in Every Setting
by Melissa Collier GepfordTHE RIGHT WORDS FOR EVERY SITUATION, AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.Pastors and congregational care ministers of all kinds must offer the right words and presence in any place, at a moment’s notice: Words of scripture offering comfort, encouragement, and wisdom. Words of truth providing accurate information. Words of prayer offering connection with God. And a calm, capable, attentive presence. The Concise Guide for Congregational Care is the tool for the task.This easy-to-use book provides words of scripture and prayer, along with important information to share with people in hospitals, care centers, and homes. The full texts of scripture, poetry, and prayers are included, so there’s no more flipping back and forth in your Bible or other books. The small size makes the book easy to carry in your bag or pocket, and appropriate to use in the most intimate settings and sacred moments. Part 1 offers quick reminders of the foundations for care, including key points on theology, boundaries, procedures, and the use of technology.Part 2 provides scriptures, prayers, and other relevant words for times of crisis and events or situations during which people need care. It is organized by situation, including addiction, anxiety, cancer, COVID-19, death, depression, divorce, infertility, sexual assault, and suicide.Part 3 equips you to be a meaningful spiritual guide in important moments beyond crisis care. These include adoption, blessing of a home, graduation, retirement, and many other transitions, milestones, and seasons of life. This section includes words of scripture and prayer for each situation, plus instructions for conducting a simple service of anointment.Melissa Gepford is an ordained deacon in The United Methodist Church and serves as the Intergenerational Discipleship Coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, UMC. She launched Caring Congregation Ministries at churches in Kansas and Nebraska, and is an organizational consultant for The Caring Congregation, which strives to create excellence in church care ministry across the United States.Contributors Laura Berg and Joy Dister-Dominguez provided original prayer texts and helped to shape the scripture selections for this book. Laura Berg is an ordained deacon in full connection in the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has served as a minister of congregational care, hospice chaplain, and chaplain for the fire & police departments of New Smyrna Beach, FL. She co-established a congregational care ministry in her church and has worked with leaders and laity in churches across the U.S. to develop care ministries for their communities. Joy Dister-Dominguez serves as associate pastor at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth, TX, where she oversees congregational care and discipleship and preaches regularly. Joy is an elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church. She is an ICF trained coach and uses those skills to guide leaders and congregations in creating strong, sustainable ministries of care.
A Generous Life: 28 Days of Devotion
by Horizons Stewardship Co IncNot only are humans born to be generous, we are born in the image of a loving and generous God. And sometimes we need a reminder.These 28 devotionals gathered into four weekly themes, inspire the reader to discover the powerful Christian principles of gratitude, prayer, and faith—leading them back to the generous life they were born to live.The daily readings are written by the diverse group of pastors, business and church leaders, speakers, and authors who make up the Horizons Stewardship Team. Each reading includes scripture, a message containing personal stories and anecdotes, and a challenge to inspire the reader toward the discovery of the powerful Christian principles of gratitude, prayer, and faith—all which will lead them back to the generous life they were born to live.
Be Filled: Sermons on the Beatitudes
by Arthur Lee McClanahanBe Filled is a series of sermons about the Beatitudes. Offering an alternative to traditional biblical commentaries, this book contains many stories and illustrations that will spur the preacher's creativity. The Beatitudes are good medicine for a stressed and worried congregation: Don't worry, be happy!
Church Conflict: From Contention to Collaboration
by Norma Cook EveristYou love your work. You love the people--most of the time. They respect you, most of the time. You work together with colleagues, staff, and laity, with energy and enthusiasm, most of the time. But then something goes wrong: a word spoken in anger, a misunderstanding, and things turn sour. What do you do? How do you deal with conflict, whether it be long or short-term, low or high intensity? Conflict is a part of the human predicament, yet it need not define or control your ministry. This book is designed to help the reader ask certain key questions about the nature and scope of the conflict they are experiencing and, based on the answers to those questions, move beyond conflict. The author lays out the variety of responses to conflict, running the gamut from avoidance to accommodation to compromise to collaboration. Written with the real needs of congregations in mind, this book will serve as a reliable guide to all who wish to move through conflict into a more effective and authentic fulfillment of their calling.
On Purpose: Finding God's Voice in Your Passion
by Susan Robb Sam McGlothlin Jevon Caldwell-Gross Magrey deVegaBe part of something more.We are hungry for a sense of purpose, direction, and calling in our lives. That’s as basic an ingredient to the human experience as they come. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to participate in something that has eternal merit and lasting impact. We do not want to live a shallow, hollow existence. We yearn for deeper meaning, for deeper purpose within our lives. We want to be more than we are.In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion, authors Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, and Susan Robb help us see God's purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God's voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God's call. Reading this book and exploring life choices alongside others, individuals will learn how to channel their passions, hear God’s voice, and live the life they were meant to live.To support reading in a group, resources including a full leader’s guide and DVD with four teaching sessions are also available.
Disciplina de La Iglesia Metodista Unida 2016: Book of Discipline 2016, Spanish
by The United Methodist Publishing HouseTranslated into Spanish, The Book of Discipline details the plan by which United Methodists govern themselves, and describes their understanding of what is expected of laity and clergy as we seek to be effective witnesses in the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ. As the product of more than 200 years of General Conferences of the denominations that form The United Methodist Church, the Discipline honors the past and addresses the future.The Book of Discipline includes: Church Law & Polity Our Constitution Our history Our doctrinal standards Our theological task Wesley’s inspiring words And more...
Higher Power: Seeking God in 12-Step Recovery
by Douglas D. HimesRecalling the Christian roots of Alcoholics Anonymous, Higher Power connects classic biblical teaching with contemporary 12-step practice. Each chapter draws inspiration from the Old and New Testaments and the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Higher Powered is an excellent resource for anyone in recover trying to work through each step, from admitting our brokenness to surrendering to God – and through God’s help becoming higher powered.
The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics
by Robert A. GagnonGagnon offers the most thorough analysis to date of the biblical texts relating to homosexuality. He demonstrates why attempts to classify the Bible’s rejection of same-sex intercourse as irrelevant for our contemporary context fail to do justice to the biblical texts and to current scientific data. Gagnon’s book powerfully challenges attempts to identify love and inclusivity with affirmation of homosexual practice.. . . the most sophisticated and convincing examination of the biblical data for our time. —Jürgen Becker, Professor of New Testament, Christian-Albrechts University
Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart
by Becca Stevens Magdalene IncI remember the first day I came home. There were four beautiful women walking out onto the porch to say hello. This was the home I’d almost forgotten about. Thank you, God, for leading me home.Have you ever felt lost?Do you long for a group of friends?Will you ever find your way home?In this remarkable book, the women of Magdalene ask questions that all of us ask, and they share their own joyous, painful, uplifting answers. Inspired by the classic Benedictine Rule, the women have written down 24 rules they live by in the Magdalene community, a place of healing and grace. “Magdalene is living out the call and making something of the Kingdom happen.” -Tony Campolo, author of Speaking My Mind“With honesty and urgency, Becca Stevens and her fellow pilgrims from Magdalene reveal the insights gained on their personal journeys to wholeness.” -Gloria Gaither, Christian recording artist“Magdalene has a tremendous track record of bringing recovery, hope, and independence to women in need.” -Bill Frist, M.D., Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader“In Find Your Way Home there are 24 rules...designed to provoke people into discovering that God loves you as you are right now. And that God loves the possibility within you.” -The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop, Episcopal ChurchMagdalene is a residential community of women who have a criminal history of prostitution and drug abuse. The women live together in a series of Magdalene homes, supporting themselves and each other through the work of Thistle Farms, a bath and body-care business run by those in the program. For more information, go to www.thistlefarms.org.Becca Stevens is the author of Hither & Yon, Finding Balance, and Sanctuary, nominated by Christianity Today as best spirituality book of 2005. Featured on CNN and in other national media, she is an Episcopal priest at St. Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University.
Earn. Save. Give. Devotional Readings for Home: Wesley's Simple Rules for Money (Earn. Save. Give.)
by James A. HarnishJohn Wesley believed money was important as a way of expressing and living out Christian faith. To Wesley, the task was simple: earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can. In this exciting stewardship program, pastor and author James A. Harnish presents Wesley’s concepts and beliefs in plain, useful language, suitable for individuals to grapple with and groups to discuss and act upon. This little companion piece, useful for all church members as they consider their pledge, contains 20 devotions and weekly activities on the topic of commitment. Perfect for enhancing personal or group study and reflection, the devotions and activities are organized to support the program structure and contain family activities.
Five Means of Grace: Experience God's Love the Wesleyan Way (Five Means of Grace)
by Elaine A. HeathJohn Wesley gave the Methodist movement (and all Christians in general) a discipleship pathway to follow. Wesley began with Three Simple Rules (or "General Rules"), and followed this instruction a year later with the Five Marks of a Methodist (or "Character of a Methodist"). Wesley observed the need for continuous renewal of relationships with God and others, so he established a recurring annual process for God’s people to make One Faithful Promise: The Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal. The study by Heath turns to the practices at the center of Wesley’s understanding of spiritual growth: the means of grace.This book/study guides readers through the five means of grace that John Wesley called "instituted," meaning these are spiritual practices in which Jesus himself participated and which he encouraged his followers to do. One of the beautiful aspects of Wesley’s theology is that spiritual practices are seamlessly integrated with practices of loving our neighbors well. This is why Wesley said there is no holiness but social holiness. A life of genuine prayer inevitably leads to a life of hospitality, mercy, and justice. Through this book/study participants will consider how each of the five means of grace help us as communities of faith to pray more deeply and live more missionally as followers of Jesus Christ. These means are the ordinary channels that God uses to draw us into a fruitful relationship. These five means or channels are:1. Prayer2. Searching Scripture3. Receiving the Lord’s Supper4. Fasting5. Conferencing (communion, fellowship)"Surely John Wesley wanted his teachings to be presented in clear and understandable ways. Elaine Heath’s teaching on the Five Means of Graceare simple and engaging with deep truths. Your group will love it!" -Jennifer Cowart (Executive pastor at Harvest Church, a United Methodistcongregation in Warner Robins, GA, near Macon. She co-preaches anddirects Discipleship and Emerging Ministries at Harvest UMC.)"ElaineHeath is one of the church’s great teachers and prophets. With engagingstories and clear understanding of Scripture she invites us toexperience God’s love through ancient practices that we desperatelyneed. I will be using Five Means of Grace with my congregationas an invitation for those seeking a deeper pathway into discipleship."- Rev. Jacob Armstrong, Providence United Methodist Church, MountJuliet TN. "Methodists are followers of Jesus who are guided by a "rule oflife", a set of common spiritual practices that put us in a place wherewe are more likely to experience God’s transforming grace. This briefvolume is deceptively filled with guidance for those who would allow theHoly Spirit to guide them. I am grateful to Elaine Heath, whocontinues to lead us again to the ordinary channels where the streams ofmercy, justice and righteousness flow." - Ken Carter, Resident Bishop,Florida Area, The United Methodist Church and co-author, Fresh Expressions: A New Kind of Methodist Church for People Not in Church
I Bought a House on Gratitude Street: And Other Insights on the Good Life
by J. Ellsworth KalasPopular author J. Ellsworth Kalas has a few things he’d like to share. In I Bought a House on Gratitude Street, Kalas imparts insights gathered over the years through different means - “Some…have come to me by my seeking, some have been shared with me by people of wider experience, and some have been thrust upon me by my mistakes.” With his familiar style, Kalas shares life-lessons on matters of friendship, prayer, sin, and success all through the lens of Scripture.A discussion guide is included for small-group use.
Surviving a Dangerous Sermon
by Frank A. ThomasPreachers increasingly see the need for to deliver sermons that are "dangerous" in a variety of ways, the way they challenge hearers' comfort levels and challenge established powers and hierachies. Thomas helps readers understand those dangers—especially the forces of power and hierarchy that are so intrinsic in our everyday lives and in society as a whole. He teaches how to anticipate and navigate those forces, to open opportunities for dangerous preaching, and to mitigate negative impact on congregants, the preacher, and the preacher-congregation relationships. Surviving a Dangerous Sermon is a logical follow-up to Thomas's previous book, How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon.It equips preachers to say what must be said, in a way that it is heard, so that the sermon has a chance to do its work on human hearts, without negative consequences.