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Scripture and the Wesleyan Way Leader Guide: A Bible Study on Real Christianity (Scripture and the Wesleyan Way)
by Scott J. Jones Arthur D. JonesThe Bible was central to John Wesley’s faith and the Christian movement he founded. In Scripture and the Wesleyan Way, you will discover a Wesleyan approach to the Bible and the Christian life through a Bible study using Wesley’s own words.In this study, authors Scott and Arthur Jones use John Wesley’s sermons to illuminate the Bible passages at the heart of Wesley’s understanding of what it means to be a real Christian. Each chapter explores a key Scripture text and one of Wesley’s sermons on it. Through their insightful and engaging study, Bishop Jones and his son Arthur show how the teachings of Wesley address questions that many of us in the twenty-first century still struggle with today.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the eight-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Reconsidering Arminius: Beyond the Reformed and Wesleyan Divide
by Keith D. Stanglin Mark G. Bilby Mark H. MannThe theology of Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius has been misinterpreted and caricatured in both Reformed and Wesleyan circles. By revisiting Arminius’s theology, the book hopes to be a constructive voice in the discourse between so-called Calvinists and Arminians.Traditionally, Arminius has been treated as a divisive figure in evangelical theology. Indeed, one might be able to describe classic evangelical theology up into the twentieth century in relation to his work: one was either an Arminian and accepted his theology or one was a Calvinist and rejected his theology. Although various other movements within evangelicalism have provided additional contour to the movement (fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, etc.), the Calvinist-Arminian 'divide' remains a significant one. What this book seeks to correct is the misinterpretation of Arminius as one whose theology provides a stark contrast to the Reformed tradition as a whole. Indeed, this book will demonstrate instead that Arminius is far more in line with Reformed orthodoxy than popularly believed and show that what emerges as Arminianism in the theology of the Remonstrants and Wesleyan movements was in fact not the theology of Arminius but a development of and sometimes departure from it. This book also brings Arminius into conversation with modern theology. To this end, it includes essays on the relationship between Arminius's theology and open theism and Neo-Reformed theology. In this way, this book fulfills the promise of the title by showing ways in which Arminius's theology—once properly understood—can serve as a resource of evangelical Wesleyans and Calvinists doing theology together today.Editors: Keith D. Stanglin, Mark G. Bilby, and Mark H. MannContributors:Jeremy Dupertuis BangsMark G. Bilby Oliver D. CrispW. Stephen Gunter John Mark HicksMark H. Mann Thomas H. McCallRichard A. Muller Keith D. StanglinE. Jerome Van Kuiken
Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey Through the Gospels
by Magrey deVegaEach Gospel, in its own way, leads us on the Advent journey of preparation for Christ’s coming. Awaiting the Already, originally released in 2015, takes a tour through the four Gospel narratives that announce Christ’s birth or make way for his ministry. Readers will discover what parts of the Christmas story come from which Gospel, recognizing an invitation from each Gospel writer to prepare for a fresh experience of Christ in the past and the future.This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during Advent. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The weekly focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages the readers to engage a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith. The thematic seasonal Bible study series is designed for transformation and for applying the study of the Bible to everyday, practical life experience. It is intended to nurture and encourage faith development and spiritual growth during the season of Advent.
Converge Bible Studies: Three Gifts, One Christ (Converge Bible Studies)
by Katie Z. DawsonScripture tells the story of magi who followed a star in the sky—a light in the midst of the darkness—to find the Messiah. In the gifts that they placed at the feet of the Christ—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—they recognized the intermingling of light and darkness, truth and falsehood, life and death. But more than what the magi gave the child, Three Gifts, One Christ is about what Jesus offers us. Using passages from Matthew and Hebrews, Katie Z. Dawson explores three of Christ’s roles—Jesus comes as the high priest who sacrifices himself for us, the prophet who calls us into the Kingdom and shows us a better way to live, and the Messiah who triumphs over evil and sets us free. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages from the Common English Bible are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.
On The Road to the Cross: Experience Easter With Those Who Were There
by Rob BurkhartThe Easter drama plays out on history’s stage with magnificent and larger-than-life characters. Yet some of the most important lessons of Easter come from those whose names you may not recognize: Simon the Leper, Malchus, the Centurion at the cross, Cleopas, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, and Mary Magdalene offer a unique perspective on one of the greatest events in human history. And yet their stories are often overlooked.On the Road to the Cross allows you to experience Easter through the eyes of the everyday people who witnessed the triumphal entry, saw Jesus drag his cross to Calvary, and cried through Christ’s last words. Each new perspective opens the door to a fresh consideration of Easter and its impact on their lives and ours.
Introduction to Christian Worship: Fourth Edition Revised and Updated
by James F. WhiteJames White’s classic Christian worship text, revised and updated.The book students of worship have read and re-read is now revised and updated for the first time in more than twenty years.Author Ed Phillips, one of White’s graduate students, is joined by practitioners and teachers from emerging generations, who contribute timely and well-researched material from their own areas of expertise. This new content brings the original up to date, filling significant gaps since the original publication on topics like technology, arts, embodiment in and of worship, pluralism and multiculturalism, denominational changes, and changes in the spaces and forms of worship, including worship in the age of pandemics. This new edition will take its place on the shelf of every student, pastor, and leader of Christian worship.
Preaching with Empathy: Crafting Sermons in a Callous Culture (Artistry of Preaching)
by Lenny LuchettiPreachers can find help from many resources to get the text right, the structure right, and the delivery right. Preaching with Empathy aims to help preachers and homiletics students learn to deeply understand and love their listeners, in order to get preaching right. Preachers who profess a love for God, Scripture, and preaching, but who lack loving empathy for the listener, betray their three professed loves and limit their fruitfulness in ministry. This book teaches how to practice preaching in new ways, incorporating a heightened awareness and empathy for the people in the preacher’s community. Author Lenny Luchetti provides immediately useful tools, all based on the foundations of scripture, theology, history, and social awareness. Readers will learn to embody Christ for their congregations, as they empathically love God and humanity.This book is part of the successful Artistry in Preaching series, edited by Paul Scott Wilson. Other books in the series include Preaching as Poetry: Beauty, Goodness and Truth in Every Sermon, by Paul Scott Wilson; Actuality: Real Life Stories for Sermons that Matter, by Scott Hoezee; and Preaching in Pictures: Using Images for Sermons that Connect, by Peter Jonker.
Holding Up Your Corner: Talking about Race in Your Community (Holding Up Your Corner series)
by F. Willis JohnsonHolding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community, equips pastors to respond with confidence when crises occur, lower their own inhibitions about addressing this topic, and reclaim their authority as prophetic witnesses and leaders in order to transform their communities Pastors and other church leaders see, to varying degrees, racially rooted injustice in their communities. Most of them understand an imperative, as part of their calling from God, to lead their congregations to address and reverse this injustice. For instance, preachers want to be preaching prophetically on this topic. But the problems seem irreversible, intractable, overwhelming, and pastors often feel their individual efforts will be futile. Additionally, they realize that there is a lot of risk involved, including the possibility that their actions may offend and even push some members away from the church. They do not know what to do or how to begin. And so, even during times of crisis, pastors and other church leaders typically do less than they know they could and should. This book provides practical, foundational guidance, showing pastors how to live into their calling to address injustice, and how to lead others to do the same. Holding Up Your Corner prompts readers to observe, identify and name the complex causes of violence and hatred in the reader’s particular community, including racial prejudice, entrenched poverty and exploitation, segregation, the loss of local education and employment, the ravages of addiction, and so on.The book walks the church leader through a self-directed process of determining what role to play in the leader’s particular location. Readers will learn to use testimony and other narrative devices, proclamation, guided group conversations, and other tactics in order to achieve the following: Open eyes to the realities in the reader’s community—where God’s reign/kingdom is not yet overcoming selfishness, injustice, inequality, or the forces of evil. Own the calling and responsibility we have as Christians, and learn how to advocate hope for God’s kingdom in the reader’s community. Organize interventions and activate mission teams to address the specific injustices in the reader’s community.What Does ‘Holding Up Your Corner’ Mean?The phrase ‘holding up your corner’ is derived from a biblical story (Mark 2: 1 – 5) about four people who take action in order to help another person—literally delivering that person to Christ. For us, ‘holding up your corner’ has meaning in two aspects of our lives today: First, it refers to our physical and social locations, the places where we live and work, and the communities of which we’re a part. These are the places where our assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs have influence on the people around us. When we feel empowered to speak out about the injustice or inequity in our community, we are holding up our corner.Second, the phrase refers to our actions, the ways we step up to meet a particular problem of injustice or inequity, and proactively do something about it. When we put ourselves—literally—next to persons who are suffering, and enter into their situation in order to bring hope and healing to the person and the situation, we are holding up our corner, just like the four people who held up the corner of the hurting man’s mat.
Head Scratchers: When the Words of Jesus Don't Make Sense
by Talbot DavisSometimes Jesus says things that make you scratch your head. Much of what Jesus has to say is uplifting or inspiring. But let’s face it: Sometimes Jesus says things that are confusing, perplexing, or even offensive. In Head Scratchers, Talbot Davis leads you to understand some of these difficult words. In each chapter, he examines a different statement or brief teaching from Jesus, using the provided biblical and other background to help illuminate the passage in question. Davis not only guides you to understand the passage, but shows you what it means to take it to heart and embrace a new way of life as a result. Starting with a passage we struggle with, Davis opens it to reveal a challenging, hopeful word that will bring the gospel’s transformative power into your life. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help leaders of small groups. Also available when purchasing the book is access to a free video trailer and an audio recording of the author's sermons as another way to experience the weekly message.
Luke Leader Guide: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws
by Adam HamiltonFrom Birth to Resurrection in the Gospel of LukeJesus came to lift up the lowly. Throughout his ministry to his final days on the road to the cross, we find stories of his relationships with ordinary, flawed, and unexpected people. He met, dined, and traveled with people who were not perfect. Many of them were struggling, some were outsiders or even outlaws. Whoever they were, from those he healed to the outlaws with him at his crucifixion, Jesus brought the good news of God’s kingdom to those who most needed to hear it.In Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through a six-week study based on Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.Additional study components include video teaching sessions featuring Adam Hamilton, free downloadable resources for children and youth, and a digital worship and sermon helps.
Just in Time! Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services (Just In Time! Ser.)
by Dr Robin Knowles WallacePart of the "Just in Time" series, this book features ready-to-use lectionary-based worship and preaching resources for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. This helpful resource includes three options for Palm Sunday services including procession suggestions with special emphasis on participation by children. It also includes two suggested services for each lectionary year (A, B, and C), six services for Holy Thursday and three services for Good Friday.Palm Sunday and Holy Week Services Includes ready-to-use Palm Sunday and Holy Week services for worship with multiple worship options for each lectionary year scripture and gives suggested liturgies for each services including those related to Taize. UPSELL: 9781426720451 Just in Time! Special Services; 9780687493371 What Is Communion?; 9781426711510 Communion and United Methodists; Others in the Just In Time Series, Other Communion Resources
Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights
by Ashley Boggan2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. While some things have changed, others haven't.This book tells the story of American Methodist women’s efforts fight for women’s rights, beginning with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and ending with the #MeToo movement. Each chapter documents particular Methodist women and provides the reader with a basic historic context of the time or situation at hand as it shows how Methodist women engaged and fought for women’s equality or women’s rights in American society and American Methodism. The faith of these Methodist women emboldened them to reach beyond their social confines to find political avenues of social justice. As women engaged in mission, they sought to not simply fix social ills but to prevent them from happening again. They addressed the causes of oppression; and by stepping out of their place, made a place for others.
The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem (The Journey)
by Adam Hamilton Church of the ResurrectionTake a Christmas break and sit down with pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton as he guides you through a four-week devotional based on the most joyous event in history. Created for individual use or as a companion to the primary book, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, you’ll find short, reflective devotions combined with Scripture readings and heartfelt prayers. Each daily devotional is designed to draw you in to a closer fellowship with God as you reflect and respond to this Christmas season. The Journey: A Season of Reflections is a great gift idea for family, friends, teachers, and ministry leaders. The Journey: A Season of Reflections, a four-week devotional created for individual use or as a companion to the primary book, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, is a great gift idea for family, friends, teachers, and ministry leaders. You’ll find short, reflective devotions combined with Scripture readings and heartfelt prayers. Each daily devotional is designed to draw you in to a closer fellowship with God as you reflect and respond to this Christmas season. “If you think you know the story of Jesus’ birth, think again! This wonderful book sets us on a journey to the times and characters of Christmas so that we experience the birth of Christ in our lives in a new way.” —Joel C. Hunter, author of Church Distributed
Experiencing Christmas: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
by Matt RawleDiscover how everything changed when God was born. Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things just look, smell, and taste differently during the Advent and Christmas season, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different. Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own. That first noel was when God had eyes to see suffering, ears to hear our cries, and hands to hold those in need, and all of these senses were bundled in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “This will be a sign to you,” the angel told the shepherds, and they traveled to Bethlehem and found a child. What signs do you see during the Advent and Christmas season that point you to the divine?Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Matt Rawle. This book also includes a link to free downloadable teaching resources for children and youth.
Fresh Expressions of People Over Property
by Kenneth H. Carter Jr. Audrey WarrenOur church buildings, synagogues, and other religious places – which once stood as beacons of hope and reverence for its community – have become a burden for the organizations who seek to keep them standing. In efforts to patch leaky roofs and paint over years of wear, leaders are putting more and more money each year into property instead of people. The practices we have fallen into to keep a building running are not only demoralizing to the pastoral profession and the mission of the church, but they also run the risk of violating property tax laws and incurring more debt. What if our properties didn’t have to be a source of pain but one of purpose and profit? Can we as faith-based organizations begin to think collaboratively about how we might further our missions by creatively and intentionally rethinking how we utilize the space we inhabit? In Fresh Expressions of People Over Property the authors reflect on strategies, scriptures, and stories that help leaders faithfully re-imagine their community spaces so that they reflect that God and God’s people value people over property.
Life in the Fish Bowl: Everyday Challenges of Pastors and Their Families
by F. Belton Joyner JR.A solid family life will help pastors focus and attentively minister to the needs of their congregation.Pastors often struggle with conflicting expectations. The most painful of these conflicts is between the expectations of their congregations, and the needs of their families. They must, at the same moment, be available to parishioners and carve out private family time. Belton Joyner knows that often the best therapy for pastors caught in this dilemma is to laugh at it. With humorous illustrations and light-hearted straight talk, he helps pastors understand their own family dynamics, the role their families play in the life of the church, and how to be an effective minister of the gospel AND a responsible spouse and parent, while living in a fishbowl.
Stories of the Kingdom - eBook [ePub]
by LeeDell SticklerJesus was a great teacher. He always used examples of activities the people knew about in order to teach them what He wanted them to know. When Jesus talked about the "Kingdom of God," he used stories of people doing ordinary things to show His listeners what it meant to live in God's kingdom. Included in "Stories of the Kingdom" are four stories that will help children know how to live in God's kingdom: The Sower (hearing God's word and putting it into action), The Good Samaritan (loving your neighbor), The Lost Sheep (our importance to God), and The Forgiving Father (God's unconditional love for us).
Ministerial Ethics and Etiquette: A Classic That Has Guided Three Generations Of Ministers
by Nolan HarmonA classic guide to ethics since 1928. Nolan Harmon studied the ethical codes of conduct of five major denominations and secured the opinions of eighty-six leading pastors. Harmon uses this wisdom to show ministers how to conduct themselves ethically in virtually every phase of ministry, including special occasion rituals.
Will Willimon's Lectionary Sermon Resource: Preaching the Psalms
by William H. WillimonWill Willimon is widely acclaimed as one of the top ten preachers in theworld. In Preaching the Psalms, he provides just whatyou need to begin the journey toward sermons based on the Psalms. This guide will stoke,fund, and fuel your imagination while leaving plenty of room to insertyour own illustrations, make connections within your congregationalcontext, and speak the Word in your distinctive voice. Guidance fromWill Willimon is like sitting down with a trusted clergy friend andasking, "What will you preach next Sunday?" Preaching the Psalmsis part of a seven-volume set that also includes lectionary-basedpreaching resources for Years A, B, and C (2 volumes per year: Part 1and Part 2) of the Revised Common Lectionary. Sermon resources include:1. Readings 2. Theme title3. Introduction to the Readings4. Encountering the Text5. Proclaiming the Text6. Relating the Text
Strength for the Broken Places
by James A. HarnishJames A. Harnish, from the Introduction: “I’m broken. So are you. We’re all broken people who live in a broken world. The critical question is, how do we find strength to put broken things back together again? This book is an invitation to touch the scars that mark the broken places in our lives, in the same way the risen Christ invited a doubting disciple to touch the nail scars in his hands. It is a challenge to explore some of the dark places in our human experience, to uncover the sinister power of sin, and to experience the way the grace of God meets us in our broken places to bring new life.”
El Ministerio de la Palabra Escrita - Ministerio series AETH: The Ministry of the Written Word
by Justo L. Gonzalez Association for Hispanic Theological EducationEl ministerio de la palabra escrita constituye una guía práctica para todas las personas que estén contemplando la idea de escribir y publicar un libro. De una manera amena y entretenida, Justo González nos introduce en el mundo del escritor y las dinámicas de publicación. El autor ofrece en este volumen sus años de experiencia como escritor y editor, y anima al lector a participar en la producción de material escrito para el pueblo hispano-latino con afán de solventar su escasez. This title, translated as "the ministry of the written word" constitutes a practical guide for all who contemplate writing and publishing a book. In a practical, and easy-to-understand manner, Justo González introduces to the world of the writer and the dynamics of publication. The author offers in this volume his many years of experience as the writer and publishing, and encourages readers to participate in the production of material written for the Hispanic-latino American communities where there is a shortage of quality ministerial books.
The Joy Stealers Leader Guide: 5 Obstacles to Hope and Happiness (The Joy Stealers)
by Rob RenfroeWhat's stealing your joy? Are you dealing with marriage problems, painful relationships, disobedient children, health concerns, financial struggles, or just the daily stresses and strains of life? Regardless of our circumstances, it's true that in Christ we have everything we need for joy—the forgiveness of our sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a purpose worth living for, and the assurance of eternity with God. But whether we actually live with joy or allow something to take it from us is a choice each of us makes every day. Living with joy is a decision we make again and again as we're continually faced with joy stealers such as worry, bitterness, guilt, negativity, and bitterness.Pastor and author Rob Renfroe addresses these common joy stealers and suggests how we can overcome them by making five simple yet transformational decisions that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will enable us to have overflowing joy and be a continual blessing to others. A final chapter on living with joy provides encouragement and help for living in the fullness of God's joy each and every day.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the five-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options and a link to downloadable video clips that can be used as lead-ins to group discussion.
A Disciple's Path Daily Workbook: A Guide for United Methodists (A Disciple's Path)
by James A. Harnish Justin LaRosaPrayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness…this is what we commit to when we become members of The United Methodist Church, and it’s a big step. But A Disciple’s Path helps us look beyond membership, presenting an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. Discipleship is ongoing, so the 6-week study is perfect for new-member groups, but also works well in small groups of long-time members. It helps you develop spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life and to the lives of others and the world.The Daily Workbook offers six weeks of daily readings (five per week), Scripture, a message for the day, and prompts for personal reflection.Endorsements"A Disciple’s Path has transformed countless new members into deeply committed disciples – people who are using their gifts, praying in new ways, worshipping regularly and not only when it’s convenient, giving sacrificially of their financial resources, and seeking to be a witness to Christ’s love and light in the world. I am deeply grateful for this resource and recommend it wholeheartedly." Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor of Mount Veron Place United Methodist Church and author of A New Day in the City"A Disciple’s Path has the potential to revolutionize the way we view our participation in the church. Following this ‘path’ can transform us from wanderers into pilgrims." —Dr. Steve Harper, Retired Professor of Spiritual Formation; author of Five Marks of a Methodist and Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition"For churches transforming their invitation to membership into an opportunity for a discipleship journey." — Lovett H. Weems, Jr., author and Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership and Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary "A very useful explanation of the traditional Wesleyan view of Christian discipleship, strengthened in particular by its stress on the balanced approach of the Methodist way." —Dr. Richard P. Heitzenrater, Duke University Divinity School
Yet I Loved Jacob: Reclaiming the Biblical Concept of Election
by Joel S. KaminskyGod's favor towards some serves God's plan for the larger world. The fact that the Jewish people are especially chosen by God is an idea affirmed by both early Christians and rabbis. However, the idea that God would favor one person or group over another is highly problematic in today's democratic and pluralistic society. Being the Chosen is often seen as better ignored or even repudiated by both Christians and Jews. According to Joel Kaminsky, God's larger plan for the world is worked out through the three-way relationship between God, Israel, and the nations of the world. He asserts that we need to reexamine the Bible in light of this matter. What is needed is a better understanding of what the Bible really says about God's choosing. Beginning with the familiar stories in Genesis (Cain and Abel; Isaac and Ishmael; Jacob and Esau; Joseph and his brothers; but also Hagar and Sarah; Leah and Rachel; Isaac and Rebekah), Kaminsky shows how God chooses, how humans participate, what we know from the Bible about God's intentions, and whether God's plan for the chosen people succeeds. The book continues through the Old Testament, asking about the fates of those whom God chooses to favor, those whom God rejects, and those who are neither favored nor rejected. Finally, Kaminsky shows how both the New Testament authors and the rabbis affirmed the Old Testament view of God's election. Each chapter engages modern problems with a theology of election and every chapter affirms the biblical paradox the God's choice in favor of some serves God's plan to benefit all.
Conversations with St. Francis
by James C. HowellIf you were able to talk to St. Francis of Assisi, what would you ask him? “Perhaps,” says James Howell,” the first question I’d want to ask Francis would be something like this: How did you do it? Were you real? How much of your story really happened? And I’m asking because I am wondering how I might do it: could I somehow grab a share of the life you had? The marvel in Francis’s story is that all he did seems entirely doable – but then, at the same time, ridiculously impossible. As I survey the bare facts of his life, it all seems so manageably simple, and yet unquestionably what happened was nothing short of miraculous.”In this spiritually apt look at the life, message, and meaning of St. Francis, Howell invites all of us to pose our most difficult spiritual questions to the saint–and to listen for the questions he asks of us in response.