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Growing A Healthy Church
by Dann Spader Gary Mayes"Sheep swapping", "shuffling of the saints"- Whatever you call it, many churches are growing only because Christians transfer from one church to another. What's more, many churches aren't growing at all. The problem, according to authors, Dann Spader and Gary Mayes, is that too many church calendars are filled with outdated, mediocre programs that have become more of a burden than a blessing. That, coupled with the fact that these programs minister almost exclusively to Christians, leaves little for the non-Christian "seeker" to get excited about. Growing a Healthy Church is not a list of trendy new programs for your church agenda. It is a journey of rediscovery. Spader and Mayes look closely at the four stages of spiritual growth in relation to outreach. Using the innovative "M-level" system, these gifted men show how a church can minister to all individuals regardless of their levels of maturity in potential service. This helps eliminate the mistakes of forcing new Christians into service that may overwhelm them or may leave the mature Christian unchallenged. Proven successful through SonLife and churches who have used this system, this resource will help you focus on the simplicity of Christ's ministry, enabling you to build an effective discipling strategy for your church.
Growing A Healthy Church
by Dann Spader Gary Mayes"Sheep swapping", "shuffling of the saints"- Whatever you call it, many churches are growing only because Christians transfer from one church to another. What's more, many churches aren't growing at all. The problem, according to authors, Dann Spader and Gary Mayes, is that too many church calendars are filled with outdated, mediocre programs that have become more of a burden than a blessing. That, coupled with the fact that these programs minister almost exclusively to Christians, leaves little for the non-Christian "seeker" to get excited about. Growing a Healthy Church is not a list of trendy new programs for your church agenda. It is a journey of rediscovery. Spader and Mayes look closely at the four stages of spiritual growth in relation to outreach. Using the innovative "M-level" system, these gifted men show how a church can minister to all individuals regardless of their levels of maturity in potential service. This helps eliminate the mistakes of forcing new Christians into service that may overwhelm them or may leave the mature Christian unchallenged. Proven successful through SonLife and churches who have used this system, this resource will help you focus on the simplicity of Christ's ministry, enabling you to build an effective discipling strategy for your church.
Growing in Christ (Experiencing Christ Together)
by Brett Eastman Dee EastmanOur world these days is so hectic, so complex. Where do we turn for wisdom and guidance in navigating the ins and outs of life? There are many voices to listen to and many examples to follow, but we really need look no further than the Author of Life, Jesus. He taught and lived a way of life that was purposeful and pleasing to God. These six sessions will show you the value and the nature of a life of discipleship, as modeled by Jesus.Experiencing Christ Together helps your group explore the five biblical purposes that make up a high-impact Christian life —fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism, and worship. Jesus perfectly lived out God’s purposes for his life, and he taught his followers how to do the same. As you walk in the footsteps of those first disciples by listening to and watching Jesus through these studies, you and your group will be transformed. One small group leader put it this way: “The Experiencing Christ Together series has motivated me more than any other Bible study that I have ever been to. This Bible study gets to the heart of the matter—my character in Christ—and that has created action on my part.”
Growing in Christ While Helping Others Participant's Guide 4
by John BakerA Program for Implementing a Christ-Centered Recovery Ministry in Your Church Alcoholism - Divorce - Sexual Abuse - Codependency - Domestic Violence - Drug Addiction - Sexual Addiction - Food Addiction - Gambling Addiction and many more! There is a way the church can help the hurting move beyond their wounds to experience the healing and forgiveness of Christ. Since 1991, more than 200,000 people have participated in the Celebrate Recovery programs offered at more than 3,500 churches, prisons, and rescue missions. Drawn from the Beatitudes, Celebrate Recovery helps people resolve painful problems in the context of the church as a whole. Newly updated, the kit includes: •1 20-minute DVD introductory guide for leaders •1 leader’s guide •1 of each participant’s guide (4 total) •CD-ROM with 25 lessons •CD-ROM with sermon transcripts and reproducible promotional materials •4-volume audio CD sermon series “And then there’s pastor John Baker, the founder of Celebrate Recovery… Big John and I shared something in common. We used to drink too much. And our hearts changed, and then we quit. That is a tried-and-true formula. The problem is government is not good at changing hearts. But people like John Baker have been good about it and successful doing that.” —President George W. Bush on Celebrate Recovery and its founder, John Baker, at the Faith- Based and Community Initiatives Conference, March 3, 2004.
Growing in Christ While Helping Others Participant's Guide 4: A Recovery Program Based on Eight Principles from the Beatitudes (Celebrate Recovery)
by John BakerThe Celebrate Recovery Participant's Guides are essential tools for the personal recovery journey. In the seven lessons in Guide 4: Growing in Christ While Helping Others, you will work through the final two principles on the road to recovery. More than just maintenance, these principles will help you prevent relapse and give you the necessary tools to help others in their recovery process.7 Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination. Bible reading and prayer in order to know God and his will for my life and to gain the power to follow his will.8 Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words. "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires" (Matthew 5:10).By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the four Participant's Guides you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking, restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God, and find freedom from life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits. All the scriptures have been updated to the new NIV 2011 version.
Growing in Christ While Helping Others Participant's Guide 4: A Recovery Program Based on Eight Principles from the Beatitudes (Celebrate Recovery)
by John BakerThe Celebrate Recovery Participant&’s Guides are essential tools for the personal recovery journey. In the seven lessons in Guide 4: Growing in Christ While Helping Others, you will work through the final two principles on the road to recovery. More than just maintenance, these principles will help you prevent relapse and give you the necessary tools to help others in their recovery process.8 Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination. Bible reading and prayer in order to know God and his will for my life and to gain the power to follow his will.9 Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words. "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires" (Matthew 5:10).By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the four Participant&’s Guides you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking, restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God, and find freedom from life&’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits.All the scriptures have been updated to the new NIV 2011 version.
Growing In Christian Morality
by Julia Ahlers Barbara Allaire Carl Koch Kathleen Crawford HodappWhat does religion have to do with my life? How do I know right from wrong? The course Growing in Christian Morality offers a Christian vision for answering these questions. Decision-making, wise judgment, justice, wholeness, honesty, and respect are themes that this one-semester course makes real for tenth- and eleventh-grade students. The full-color student text contains a variety of stories, cases, and quotes from young people that help students relate the concepts to their own experience. The readable, engaging text and the reflection activities and sidebars will keep students interested in learning about Christian morality.
Growing in Grace: The Practice of Intentional Faith Development (The Fruitful Living Series)
by Robert SchnaseSince the publication of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, these five practices have helped hundreds of congregations understand their mission, renew ministries, and stretch toward fruitfulness and excellence for the purpose of Christ. Now, each of the five practices has been broken out into 4-week small group studies that provide an honest, practical, and winsome guide to the spiritual journey. In Growing in Grace: The Practice of Intentional Faith Development we do the soul work that connects us to others, immerses us in God's Word, and positions us to grow in grace and mature in Christ. We learn in community.
Growing In Love: Student Text
by HarcourtThis Christian book teaches children about love, life, Christianity, celebrating life, attractions and temptations by quoting bible verses and stories.
Growing in Patience
by Lisa O EngelhardtMany of us are impatient; the responsibilities and hardships of life seem to try our patience at every turn. And sometimes, it’s the little things that make us snap. However, scripture tells us that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). With those wise and hopeful words in mind, Growing in Patience presents positive, productive, and spiritual ways to deal with impatience. After all, patience must be nurtured. It is a virtue we must prayerfully ask for from God and then—by God’s grace—seek to put into practice each day.
Growing in Prayer: A Real-Life Guide to Talking with God
by Mike BickleA practical, effective strategy for incorporating prayer into everyday life As the founder of the International House of Prayer, Mike Bickle has devoted his life to understanding and practicing the principles and power of prayer. In Growing in Prayer he combines his biblical study with his extensive experience on the topic to give you the tools you need to develop a stronger prayer life through a passionate commitment to your relationship with God. Start today! God is waiting to hear from you. He doesn&’t just love you, He really likes you and enjoys listening to you when you pray even in your weaknesses. You can be confident that your prayers are valuable to God and will make a difference in your world.
Growing in Prayer
by Janet Kobobel Grant Luci SwindollThe Women of Faith Bible Study Series helps you turn the laughter and lessons of Women of Faith conferences into a journey of growth shared by special friends. Whether or not you've attended a conference, you will appreciate the bonds that form as you join with other women linked together in friendship, prayer, joy, and faith. Each study will also lead you to a deeper love of the Bible and a greater appreciation of the power of God's Word. Each session included six sections: - A Moment for Quiet Reflection - Knowing God's Heart - Friendship Boosters - Just for Fun - Praying Together - Making It Real in Your Own Life. The leaders' guide that's included makes it easy to facilitate weekly Bible studies that will nurture your knowledge of Scripture and your sense of God's presence in your life.
Growing in Prayer Devotional: A 100-Day Journey
by Mike BickleWhat would your world look like if you prayed every day? Every believer who sincerely desires an intimate relationship with God must discover the transformational power of prayer. This one-hundred-day devotional, inspired by Mike Bickle&’s best-selling book Growing in Prayer, will give readers daily inspiration, knowledge, and guidance to help them cultivate deeper intimacy with God through prayer. Each day contains a quote on prayer from a classic Christian author, a passage from a chapter in Growing in Prayer for reflection, a Scripture verse or reference, a prayer starter, a suggestion for practical application of the principle being taught, and lines for journaling. This devotional will help energize a prayer life that has become routine, stale, or nonexistent and will be a welcome resource for believers who desire to grow in prayer.
Growing In The Prophetic: A Balanced, Biblical Guide to Using and Nurturing Dreams, Revelations and Spiritual Gifts as God Intended
by Mike BickleMike Bickle combines biblical balance and passionate faith to draw readers into new spiritual levels of relationship with God. This revised edition discusses Bickles's involvement with the International House of Prayer and TheCall. Having lead a church where prophetic gifts have been practiced for over 20 years, Bickle offers practical and sound advice to pastors, leaders and lay people. Learn how to integrate prophetic ministry into the life of your church.
Growing into God
by John MabryFor many people, the word mysticism conjures up occult, secretive rituals held after midnight in some dark cave. But true mysticism isn't at all sinister or secretive, says author John Mabry, an Anglican-rite Congregational minister. In fact, mysticism is at the heart of an authentic Christian life. It is nothing more and nothing less than the pursuit-and enjoyment-of union with God, which is the goal of all Christian spirituality. Christian mysticism is the discipline of growing the soul into God-shedding illusory identities, deepening prayer, seeing God in all things, and acting as Christ in the world. Mabry's great passion is to bring theology to everyday life by explaining complex ideas in everyday language that anyone can understand and find useful. In Growing into God, he "demystifies" mysticism, providing a friendly and accessible entry point to some of the teachings, practices, and experiences of the Christian mystical tradition. Mabry explores the classic mystical journey, which begins with the Awakening of a unitive consciousness that experiences everything as Divine and interconnected. The journey continues with Purgation, in which we empty ourselves of illusion; Illumination, in which we begin to see God in all things and all things in God; and, finally, Union, in which we marry our lives with God's life. Our hands become God's hands, our lips become God's lips, our touch becomes God's touch, in order to bring help, comfort, and healing to the world.Along the way, and with an entertaining teacher's clarity, Mabry recounts the stories of many Christian mystics, including inspiring quotations. He also enriches each chapter with questions and answers to simplify points as well as experiential practices to help readers embark upon the mystical journey themselves.
Growing into God
by John R MabryFor many people, the word mysticism conjures up occult, secretive rituals held after midnight in some dark cave. But true mysticism isn't at all sinister or secretive, says author John Mabry, an Anglican-rite Congregational minister. In fact, mysticism is at the heart of an authentic Christian life. It is nothing more and nothing less than the pursuit-and enjoyment-of union with God, which is the goal of all Christian spirituality. Christian mysticism is the discipline of growing the soul into God--shedding illusory identities, deepening prayer, seeing God in all things, and acting as Christ in the world. Mabry's great passion is to bring theology to everyday life by explaining complex ideas in everyday language that anyone can understand and find useful. In Growing into God, he "demystifies" mysticism, providing a friendly and accessible entry point to some of the teachings, practices, and experiences of the Christian mystical tradition. Mabry explores the classic mystical journey, which begins with the Awakening of a unitive consciousness that experiences everything as Divine and interconnected. The journey continues with Purgation, in which we empty ourselves of illusion; Illumination, in which we begin to see God in all things and all things in God; and, finally, Union, in which we marry our lives with God's life. Our hands become God's hands, our lips become God's lips, our touch becomes God's touch, in order to bring help, comfort, and healing to the world.,p>Along the way, and with an entertaining teacher's clarity, Mabry recounts the stories of many Christian mystics, including inspiring quotations. He also enriches each chapter with questions and answers to simplify points as well as experiential practices to help readers embark upon the mystical journey themselves
Growing Into Light: A Guidebook In Huna Magic
by Max Freedom LongFirst published in 1955, this book follows on from author Max Freedom Long’s previous publications on Huna magic, here providing the reader with a workbook to strengthen their skills through daily practice.Long offers powerful teachings that are reinforced with exercises and affirmations at the end of each chapter—teachings that were passed down verbally through the ages by Polynesian kahunas, or “Keepers of the Secret,” and preserved by those Long had met. By practicing the lessons in this book, the reader can truly grow in positive spiritual ways.Max Freedom Long is a masterful storyteller and employs many inspiring lessons and true stories that demonstrate the power of Huna at work. Anyone with a general interest in Huna magic will benefit from this powerful book. It represents the next step for those who want to benefit from practical instructions, now at their disposal, and move beyond having a general reading interest in the subject.
Growing Kids with Character: Nurturing Your Child's Potential, Purpose, and Passion
by Hettie BrittzThrough Hettie Brittz’s famous tree metaphors, parents will discover how to let their kids excel at being who they naturally are as they grow in their unique purpose in the world. Author and speaker Hettie Brittz helps readers identify their kids’ natural bent and understand how that affects the parenting journey. Parents will learn how to: • Cultivate each of their kids’ unique way of encountering, following, and worshiping God • Disciple and discipline based on each child’s blueprint • Help their children celebrate God’s individualized design for others Brittz offers tools to parents for recognizing their kids’ God-given personalities, guiding them on their spiritual journeys, and establishing their identity and purpose in Christ.
Growing Love In Christian Marriage Third Edition - Couple's Manual (2-pack): 2012 Revised Edition
by Joan Richard HuntFor use by couples for marriage preparation, either during pre-wedding counseling, with a mentor couple, or independently. The Couple's Edition is built upon four vital marriage themes; "Faith Through Covenantal Commitment,", the foundations, what the couple brings to their marriage; "Power Through Shared Communication, " the basics and skills of communication in marriage; "Love Through Caring Relationships, " the couple, their larger families, and their work; and "Hope Through Life's Journey, " a sneak preview of the years ahead of the couple.
Growing Love in Christian Marriage Third Edition - Pastor's Manual: 2012 Revision
by S. Clifton IvesThe Pastor's Manual is a marriage preparation and ministry resource for pastors and other church leaders for pre-marital counseling and for comprehensive marriage ministries including guidelines for training mentor couples, working with couples in groups, and relationship education for all ages. Includes everything you need to have a comprehensive marriage ministry: The Ministry of Marriage Preparation The Pastor's Role (expectations and perceptions; coaching and problem solving; experiences and attitudes) Theological Perspectives (personal responsibility and christian community; God's purposes for marriage; divorce and remarriage; marriage as vocation and covenant) Basic Goals for Marriage Preparation Ministries (religion, money, and sex; communication skills) Working with Couples First Session (wedding details, assessing the couple's preparation for marriage) Sessions with Individuals (premarital questionnaire responses, surfacing potential disagreements) Additional Sessions (finalizing wedding plans) Nurturing Marital Growth After the Wedding Mentor Couples (selecting and recruiting mentor couples; leadership team; training mentor couples) Marriage Preparation in Groups Comprehensive Marriage Ministries (relationship education for children, youth, and young adults; enrichment opportunities for married couples; support for couples in crisis) An extensive list of "Additional Resources" includes organizations and other marriage ministry programs that may be readily available and can be incorporated into local church and community ministries. Updates for these"Additional Resources, " a "Directory of United Methodist Marriage Ministry" leaders and consultants, a "Training Model" for use of GLCM, and other helps are available at www.marriagelovepower.net.
Growing Older and Wiser: 9 Studies For Individuals Or Groups (LifeGuide Bible Studies)
by Sandy Larsen Dale Larsen®PDF download with a single-user license; available from InterVarsity Press and other resellers.
Growing Pains: How to Overcome Life's Earliest Experiences to Become All God Wants You to Be
by John Loren SandfordFocusing on unresolved issues of childhood insecurity, rejection, anger, frustration, disappointment, and emptiness, this resource gives steps for identifying the root problems and outlines principles for eradicating them.
Growing Peace: A Story of Farming, Music, and Religious Harmony
by Richard SobolThis stunning photo-essay for children is a story of coexistence, focusing on Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families in a Ugandan village who created a Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative and learned to live and work together peacefully.On the morning of September 11, 2001, J. J. Keki, a Ugandan musician and coffee farmer, was in New York, about to visit the World Trade Center. Instead, J.J. witnessed the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. He came away from this event with strong emotions about religious conflict. Why should people be enemies because of their religions? Back home in his village, J.J. was determined to find a way for people who held different religious beliefs to work together. He saw that the neighborhood children, from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families, played with one another without a care about religion. Why not enlist their parents, all coffee farmers like himself, in a cooperative venture around a shared goal? Together they would grow, harvest, and sell their coffee. At the same time, they would bridge religious differences to work and live together peacefully. Here is a rare and timely story of hope, economic cooperation, and religious harmony from an often struggling part of the world. From J.J.'s vision, his community has achieved what many people strive for: a growing peace.
Growing Seasons: Heartfelt Recipes, DIY Style and Décor, and Inspiration to Help You Find Beauty and Wonder in Each Day
by Kristin JohnsPull up a chair and gather in close with entrepreneur and content creator Kristin Johns as she shares her best-kept secrets: mouthwatering recipes, design inspiration, and ways we all can grow, celebrate, and find nourishment in every season of life. Kristin Johns long dreamed of putting together a book of favorite recipes, ideas for interiors, and reflections on faith, family, and love. Growing Seasons is a gorgeously photographed collection of stories, recipes, and inspiration that encourages us to step into each day with courage and authenticity, and to embrace every season of life.Just as each month has its own specific character, each season of life has its own unique challenges and opportunities, all with valuable life lessons to teach us. Walking through the calendar year from January to December, the book’s twelve chapters feature:Kristin’s favorite recipes like Christmas Morning Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls, CeCe’s Famous Cajun Gumbo, a Sunny Citrus Kale Salad and, of course, Kristin’s famous Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipeCreative projects such as Rustic Hand Dyed Linens, DIY Lavender Blue Tansy Skin Serum, and five easy tricks to minimize clutter and maximize coziness at homeFun ideas to entertain and connect with others through Summer Getaway Essentials and a guide to movie night at home complete with homemade pizza and caramel cornWhether you’re looking for adventure or a chill night at home, Growing Seasons will meet you where you are and inspire where you are going.
Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl
by Jennifer Dukes LeeEnter a simpler way of living by unhurrying your heart, embracing the relaxed rhythms of nature, and discovering the meaningful gift of growing slow. We long to make a break from the fast pace of life, but if we're honest, we're afraid of what we'll miss if we do. Yet when going big and hustling hard leaves us stressed, empty, and out of sorts, perhaps this can be our cue to step into a far more satisfying, sustainable pace. In this crafted, inspiring read, beloved author Jennifer Dukes Lee offers a path to unhurried living by returning to the rhythm of the land and learning the ancient art of Growing Slow. Jennifer was once at breaking point herself, and tells her story of rude awakening to the ways her chosen lifestyle of running hard, scaling fast, and the neverending chase for results was taking a toll on her body, heart, and soul. But when she finally gave herself permission to believe it takes time to grow good things, she found a new kind of freedom. With eloquent truths and vivid storytelling, Jennifer reflects on the lessons she learned from living on her fifth-generation family farm and the insights she gathered from the purposeful yet never rushed life of Christ. Growing Slow charts a path out of the pressures of bigger, harder, faster, and into a more rooted way of living where the growth of good things is deep and lasting. Following the rhythms of the natural growing season, Growing Slow will help you:Find the true relief that comes when you stop running and start resting in JesusLearn practices for unhurrying your heart and mind every dayLet go of the pressure and embrace the small, good things already bearing fruit in your lifeAnd engage slow growth through reflection prompts and simple application steps