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Ministry in Hard Times
by Bill Easum Bill Tenny-BrittianIn hard times, you can either panic, decline, or grow. Which do you choose to do?This is not a time to tweak your church budget. It is not a time to slash and burn it indiscriminately across the board. Nor is it the time to hunker down in the bunker and wait things out. Now is the time is exercise wisdom and to act strategically. In fact, it's a great time to be the church. People need us to live out our mission as radically as we can possibly imagine.This book will help you make wise decisions about how to weather the economic storm and emerge on the other side of it a much stronger congregation. It’s a simple book with a simple message: you don’t get to choose when you go through hard times, only how you respond to them.
Voices for Good Friday - eBook [ePub]: Worship Services with Dramatic Monologues Based on the Gospels - Year B
by Amanda BurrThese interpretive, dramatic monologues give voice to selected characters from the Gospel of Mark. Presented in a reproducible, copy-friendly format, the monologues provide a creative way to present Good Friday/Tenebrae services and to tell the story of the passion of Jesus Christ. The monologues can be presented as a collective work or can be used individually as sermon helps, Bible study presentations, and in other creative ways in worship settings. It has a central theme and contains a suggested worship service outline. Dialogue and stage directions allow for easy stage setup, short prep time, and few rehearsals.
Questions & Answers About The United Methodist Church, Revised
by Thomas S. McAnallyMcAnally has revised Questions & Answers About The United Methodist Church to update statistics and information throughout the book, along with new frequently asked questions not in the current edition.This book is a useful guide that answers the most frequently asked questions about the beliefs, practices, and history of The United Methodist Church. The information is brief, and is presented in an easy question-and-answer format. It is great for those new to The United Methodist Church or those who want to know more. Great give-away to new members or those interested in joining Gain a better understanding of The United Methodist Church Q&A format creates an easy reference for information and statistics about The United Methodist ChurchAlso available for the first time in Spanish with the title - Preguntas y respuestas sobre la Iglesia Metodista Unida.
Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church (Adaptive Leadership Series)
by Lovett H. Weems JR.Few would argue that many challenges face The United Methodist Church. But what are the core issues and concerns, the ones that must be addressed if the church is to follow God’s leading into the future? Laying aside what can be merely tweaked or adjusted, what must the UMC "reset" about itself? Lovett Weems, one of the most highly-respected interpreters of contemporary United Methodism, suggests that we start with the following: - What will happen now that the increased giving that United Methodists have enjoyed (despite declining membership numbers) has reached a plateau and begun to decline?- Why, with 34,000 congregations and $6.5 billion in annual giving, can’t United Methodists add a net increase of even 1 new disciple of Jesus Christ in a given year?- Why are United Methodist clergy less concerned with reaching young adults than are laity? Why are laity unwilling to make the changes to worship and budgets required to attract these same young adults?- If the percentage of married couples with young children has declined by half since the 1950s, why is that still the group we focus on reaching?- Why are so many mid-sized churches on their way to becoming small-membership congregations?With insight, conviction, and calm resolve, Lovett Weems challenges United Methodists not only to ask these hard questions, but to face up to the difficult decisions they require of us as we continue to seek God’s will for our lives together.
Finding Jesus in His Prayers
by H. Stephen ShoemakerIn this brief but substantive examination of the prayers Jesus prayed, Stephen Shoemaker offers helpful applications of Jesus’ prayers as both a way to better understand Jesus and as a way to use his prayers as a model for our own prayer lives. The book addresses our twin hungers for spirituality and for a deeper grasp of who Jesus was. The author takes seriously the way Jesus prayed and how his prayers open a window to our own experience of God. Included are discussions of: the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), the Prayer of Thanksgiving amid Life’s Reversals (Matt.11:25-26), the Gethsemane Prayer (Mark 14:36), the Prayers from the Cross (Luke 23:34; Matt. 27:46; Luke 23:46), and prayers from John's Gospel (11:41-42, 12:27, 17:11).The author stays close to the text of the prayers (sometimes including his own translations) but explores their meaning in our lives. He uses Abba rather than the English translation “Father” in order to bring the reader closer to Jesus as he spoke the words of each prayer.A study guide is included to assist leaders in using the book with small groups.“Jesus’ prayers are a challenge and a scandal to the ways our culture wants to pray. His spirituality, found in his prayers, is a profound guide to the soul and a remedy to a culture in search of a soul.” --H. Stephen Shoemaker
Don't Make Me Come Up There!: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms
by Kristen WelchA calm moment is a rare find in a mom’s chaotic day. But she needs it. She needs the moment to refocus and refresh her soul. She needs the inspiration to find God in the mess and the mundane that often defines her. She craves the solitude of a moment with the Master to quiet the storms. She needs to laugh and remember why she loves being a mom.Don't Make Me Come Up There! is filled with inspirational and hilarious true-life stories and reflections written by a very human mom. Moms will recognize themselves in the pages of this book written for real, everyday mothers who know what it’s like to catch vomit with one hand while starting a load of laundry with the other (and never confusing the two!). The fifty-two reflections encourage moms to revel in the everyday beauty of their lives and grow closer to God through it all."I couldn’t help thinking of the last time my children had scattered up the stairs and disappeared into a quiet abyss. Initially, I thought they were just delighting in one another’s company, holding hands, and making paper daisies. But that thought lasted for 1.2 seconds before I snapped out of my delusion only to discover my oldest giving her brother a "haircut" and my youngest smearing soap all over the bathroom. . . " from the book
The Wired Church 2.0
by Len Wilson Jason MooreWired Church 2.0 is the go-to guide for church staff and volunteers coordinating multimedia digital technology for worship, the classroom, and marketing. Covering everything from website design and trends in digital media to selecting and training your media team.Wilson and Moore were on the leading edge of media ministry with their 1999 volume The Wired Church: Making Media Ministry. Wired Church 2.0 is the guidebook for a new generation of technology, addressing new multimedia trends, including blogs, podcasts, streaming video, and more. Wired Church 2.0 is a comprehensive how-to book written in an easy-to-understand "dummies' guide" style. Church media coordinators will learn about the technology, costs, methods, and tricks-of-the-trade for producing high-quality web and video elements for worship, education, and marketing. Len Wilson and Jason Moore run Midnight Oil Productions, a cutting-edge media ministry agency based in Grand Prairie, Texas. They have authored several books together, including Design Matters: Creating Powerful Imagery for Worship (2006), Digital Storytellers: The Art of Communicating the Gospel in Worship (2002) and The Wired Church: Making Media Ministry (1999), all from Abingdon Press.
Converge Bible Studies: Who You Are in Christ (Converge Bible Studies)
by Shane RaynorFrom childhood through adulthood, most of us spend a considerable amount of time and energy trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be. And there’s no shortage of people in the world willing to give us their answers to those questions. Who You Are in Christ takes a look at how our faith in Jesus radically changes who we are and our relationships with God, each other, and the world. Using passages from Paul’s New Testament letters, this study explores our identity in Christ as well as how our self-perception affects who we become and what we accomplish when we choose to live according to God’s ways of justice, mercy, and love. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. 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 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.
7 Days of Christmas: A Season of Generosity
by Jen HatmakerWhat is the payoff from living a deeply reduced life at Christmas? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God; a call toward Christ-like generosity.
Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet
by Edward LuceNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An intimate and masterful biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski—President Carter&’s national security advisor and one of America&’s leading geopolitical thinkers—from one of the finest columnists and political writers at work today.Zbigniew Brzezinski was a key architect of the Soviet Union&’s demise, which ended the Cold War. A child of Warsaw—the heart of central Europe&’s bloodlands—Brzezinski turned his fierce resentment at his homeland&’s razing by Nazi Germany and the Red Army into a lifelong quest for liberty. Born the year that Joseph Stalin consolidated power, and dying a few months into Donald Trump&’s first presidency, Brzezinski was shaped by and in turn shaped the global power struggles of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As counsel to US presidents from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, and chief foreign policy figure of the late 1970s under Jimmy Carter, Brzezinski converted his acclaim as a Sovietologist into Washington power. With Henry Kissinger, his lifelong rival with whom he had a fraught on-off relationship, he personified the new breed of foreign-born scholar who thrived in America&’s &“Cold War University&”—and who ousted Washington&’s gentlemanly class of WASPs who had run US foreign policy for so long. Brzezinski&’s impact, aided by his unusual friendship with the Polish-born John Paul II, sprang from his knowledge of Moscow&’s &“Achilles heel&”—the fact that its nationalities, such as the Ukrainians, and satellite states, including Poland, yearned to shake off Moscow&’s grip. Neither a hawk nor a dove, Brzezinski was a biting critic of George W. Bush&’s Iraq War and an early endorser of Obama. Because he went against the DC grain of joining factions, and was on occasion willing to drop Democrats for Republicans, Brzezinski is something of history&’s orphan. His historic role has been greatly underweighted. In the almost cinematic arc of his life can be found the grand narrative of the American century and great power struggle that followed.
The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome (The Magnificent Book of)
by Stella CaldwellStep back in time 2,000 years to visit the powerful Roman Empire. Every page reveals a fabulous treasure and its unique story—from gladiator battles with lions; chariot races for vast cheering crowds; and mock naval ship battles in flooded auditoriums, to mythical tales of magic and monsters; gods and goddesses for every occasion; and wondrous feasts in fantastical gardens. Learn about Ancient Rome&’s fast-food joints, the original multi-tool pocketknife, and how some escaped Pompeii&’s legendary volcanic eruption. DOZENS OF ARTIFACTS: Learn about 36 iconic objects, from a gladiator&’s sword to the original multi-tool pocketknife. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Vibrant, detailed images of the art, objects, people, and icons of Ancient Rome. FASCINATING FACTS: Includes hundreds of amazing facts about Ancient Roman treasures in an easy-to-read Layout that will enthrall amateur historians of all ages. CLASSROOM TO COFFEE TABLE: This beautiful volume is equally at home on a school bookshelf to support student learning as in a living room to be enjoyed by the whole family. COLLECT THE SERIES: More fascinating compendiums for all ages include The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome, The Magnificent Book of Horses, The Magnificent Book of Extinct Animals, The Magnificent Book of Birds, and more!
Growing Love in Christian Marriage Third Edition - Pastor's Manual: 2012 Revision
by S. Clifton Ives Jane P. 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.
Tall Poppy: How to Lead without Losing Your Head
by Holly McKissickIn New Zealand, they have a saying: “Keep a low profile or, like the tall poppy, stand tall and get your head cut off.” While there are risks to standing out, there are also benefits: tall poppies have the best view and are positioned to have the clearest vision of the horizon. Leadership has an up-side but also a down-side, and leaders must attend to both. Tall poppy leadership attracts attention, but it is a mixed blessing. These leaders leave their mark, shape the environment, and prepare the ground for others. Like tall poppies, they have a clear view of the lay of the land, not just for themselves but for their followers. To reap the benefits of being the first to harvest, they risk becoming easy targets for those who are jealous, petty, or have a hunger for power.This practical book helps leaders weigh the costs and benefits of leadership as they assess their own situations. It shows leaders how to move forward through inevitable conflict, while attending to the landmines and hazards of congregational life. After reading this book, leaders will lead with more confidence, be better able to keep the vision and avoid distraction of immediate crises.
Unfreezing Moves: Following Jesus Into the Mission Field
by Bill Easum William EasumPrepares Christian congregations to fulfill their basic function - to make disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ. This book is about helping "stuck" and "unstuck" churches either become unstuck or constantly improve their ministry of making disciples. This book is designed to help church leaders make profound changes in the way they do ministry or constantly practice methodological innovation/improvement to be effective in creating disciples churches.
The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught
by Adam HamiltonThe power and significance of the prayer Jesus taught.Most Christians know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. We pray it often, at different times and in different settings. We remember it as the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. But do we really understand and appreciate the meaning and power of its words, what we ask of God each time we pray it? When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, Jesus gave them this prayer. He likely taught it to his followers often, not just one time. He never intended the Lord’s Prayer to be a museum piece, framed and placed on a mantel or in a display case. It was Jesus teaching God’s people, through his disciples, how to pray.In The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know—and really pray—the Lord’s Prayer. He explores each of its rich lines and their meaning in the Bible, illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. And he teaches us how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life.Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Adam Hamilton and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
The Abingdon Worship Annual 2021: Worship Planning Resources for Every Sunday of the Year
by B. J. Beu Mary ScifresThe Abingdon Worship Annual is lectionary-based and follows the calendar year (January - December). It offers fresh worship planning resources for all who plan and implement weekly worship. Worship leaders "need to offer prayers, prepare an order of worship, select music, and even prepare a sermon. Into that weekly task, we offer this resource to strengthen your ability to lead creatively and prepare consistently." Liturgies and prayers are also included for New Year’s Day, Ascension Day, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve. Using a theme based on the lectionary readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, each week’s offering of prayers and litanies follows a basic pattern of Christian worship: Invitation and Gathering Proclamation and Response Thanksgiving and Communion Sending Forth The Abingdon Worship Annual is a must-have source book offering countless opportunities for planning meaningful and insightful worship.
The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey
by Jason E. Vickers Kenneth J. CollinsWith an eye on serious Christian development, Kenneth Collins and Jason Vickers have arranged this collection of the sermons of John Wesley in terms of the way of salvation in general and the "ordo salutis" in particular. This book contains the sermons that John Wesley approved, in addition to the standard 52 of the North American tradition, organized to correspond to the logic of Christian discipleship and formation. The editors include an outline and short introduction to each sermon detailing its importance and context. Sermons include "Sermon on the Mount," which is key to understanding Wesley’s ethics, "Free Grace," "On Working Out Our Own Salvation," and "The Danger of Riches." The book is designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of Wesleyan practical theology and written in an accessible style that will be appealing to the wider Wesleyan family of churches. Also included are all of the 44 standard sermons of the British tradition.
Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace
by J. Brent BillOn quick observation, the Quaker lifestyle boasts peace, solitude, and simplicity—qualities that are attractive to any believer of any denomination or religion. Yet living a life of faith is not as simple as it may look. In fact, it’s often characterized more by the stumbles than the grace."When someone asks me what kind of Christian I am," says Quaker author J. Brent Bill, "I say I’m a bad one. I’ve got the belief part down pretty well, I think. It’s in the practice of my belief in everyday life where I often miss the mark." In Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker, a self-professed non-expert on faith invites readers on a joyful exploration of the faith journey—perfection not required. With whimsy, humor, and wisdom, Bill shows readers how to put faith into practice to achieve a life that is soulfully still yet active, simple yet satisfying, peaceful yet strong. For anyone who is bad at being good, this is an invitation to a pilgrimage toward a more meaningful and satisfying life . . . one step—or stumble—at a time.
The Starlit Night
by Peg AugustineThe Starlit Night is the engaging story of a family enjoying the Christmas season and learning about the true meaning of Christmas. The Starlit Night not only tells the Christmas story but also promotes family togetherness and Christian sharing by providing five, delicious family-friendly recipes. As the family bakes cookies to hand out to the persons who will hear them carol, the mother tells the story of the birth of the Christ Child. As the cookies are baked, the symbolism of each shape is used to tell the story. Angel sugar cookies relate to the angel’s appearance to Mary and Joseph. Gingerbread donkeys help children imagine the journey to Bethlehem. Manger haystacks remind us of the birth of Jesus. Shepherd’s crooks signify the role of the shepherds. Stained glass stars are used to tell of the visit of the wise men. This book includes recipes for each of the five cookies. Beautiful biblical and contemporary illustrations will portray the essence of the Christmas story.
OMG: A Youth Ministry Handbook
by Kenda Creasy Dean Don C. Richter Roland D. Martinson Amy Scott Vaughn Dayle Gillespie Rounds"Most contemporary young people operate far enough from Moses’ moral compass that it never occurs to them that "OMG" ("oh my God," in teenspeak) has anything to do with the Ten Commandments, much less that it breaks one of them. After all, the phrase is a nearly ubiquitous adolescent throw-away line...Yet Christians should hear the phrase "oh my God" differently. Youth ministers, parents, teachers—anyone who has ever loved an adolescent—know that "OMG" can be a prayer, a plea, a petition, a note of praise, or an unbidden entreaty that escapes our lips as we seek Christ for the young people we love." from the bookUsing six lens the authors detail current practices and tease out underlying questions as youth ministry becomes more self-consciously aligned with practical theology. Contributors include: Kenda Creasy Dean, Mike Carotta, Roland Martinson, Rodger Nishioka, Don Richter, Dayle Gillespie Rounds, and Amy Scott Vaughn.
The One Leader Guide: Reaching the Lost with the Love of Christ (The One)
by Jennifer Cowart Jim CowartWho is "the One" in your life who needs to know God's love? The One, a study of Luke 15 by Jim and Jennifer Cowart will help you discover your "One". As believers, we are called to share the love and message of Christ with those who don’t know him. We mean to share Christ, we really do. But then we get busy with other things—even as the church! But what if a subtle shift in focus could reignite a passion within you and your church for reaching the lost? What if instead of trying to reach “them” you began to focus on simply reaching “the One”—that person in your life who is far from God and needs to know his love? This study explores Luke 15, where Jesus tells three stories about rejoicing when lost things are found—specifically, a lost sheep, a lost coin, and two lost sons. First, we will discover that we are “the One” who is dearly loved and sought after by God, and then we will join together in Jesus’s mission to seek after “the One” in our own lives with intentionality, perseverance, and joy. This study is not about taking people on as a project—no one wants that. It’s about rediscovering the heart of God and his passion for going after those who are far from him.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. In addition, a free digital download includes information for incorporating The One as a church campaign, sermon starters, and more.Additional components for this study, each available separately, include a participant book and video sessions/DVD featuring Jim and Jen Cowart.
What Are We Fighting For?: Coming Together Around What Matters Most (What Are We Fighting For?)
by Thomas J. BickertonWith all the issues facing The United Methodist Church today, there are plenty of theories and opinions about what we should do. Frankly, many of us are weary of the relentless squabbling associated with all the rhetoric. What are we fighting for? This question not only points us to the futility of our disunity but also compels us to consider what we are fighting for—what deserves our greatest intensity and effort as we seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.Thomas J. Bickerton offers a way to move beyond all the discord to a hope-filled future by exploring how we can come together around what matters most so that the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a vibrant part of our lives and witness. He says that fights, feuds, and uncertainties can distract us, leaving us ineffective and mired in mediocrity and decline; but focusing on what matters most causes our ministries to flourish and the church to become a relevant and vital presence in the community and world. With a warm and practical approach, he leads us on a journey of discernment, inviting us to explore: the spiritual problem at the heart of the issues we’re facing, three foundational reminders, guidelines for determining the essentials necessary to make disciples, a motto for working together in the midst of disagreement, and thoughts about the ultimate essential, love.Each chapter includes practical stories of real people and churches who are attempting to stay centered on what matters most as they live out the calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Whether you read the book alone or as part of a group study, you will find the courage to say yes to the things that are worth fighting for and no to the fighting that so easily distracts us.
African American Christian Worship: 2nd Edition
by Melva W. CostenIn this update to her 1993 classic, African American Christian Worship, Melva Wilson Costen, again delights her reader with a lively history and theology of the African American worship experience. Drawing upon careful scholarship and engaging stories, Dr. Costen details the global impact on African American worship by media, technology, and new musical styles. She expands her discussion of ritual practices in African communities and clarifies some of the ritual use of music in worship. In keeping with recent congregational practices, Dr. Costen will also provide general orders of worship suitable for a variety of denominational settings.
Christmas from the Back Side: A Different Look at the Story of Jesus Birth
by J. Ellsworth KalasCHRISTMASFROM A DIFFERENT ANGLETake a look at Christmas from alternative angles. Using an approach similar to his other “BackSide” books, Kalas crafts new insights into the scriptures of the Christmas story by looking at them from the “back side” – ...taking unique starting points...creative re-telling from different views...examining the story through new “lenses”...or looking through the eyes of a not-so-familiar character. Book session titles include: The Scandal of Christmas Three Votes for an Early Christmas Christmas Comes to a Back Fence How the Government Helped the First Christmas Happen Celebrating Christmas in a Hotel Christmas Comes to a Church Christmas and the Impossible Dream
Invitation to Genesis: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study
by Dr Peter EnnsThe Leader Guide provides process guidance for weekly group sessions. The Leader Guide understands the role of leader as facilitator of small-group sessions. Procedures for guiding sessions include: directions for using related video segments, and questions for discussion.This study takes groups into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the interaction between God and very human people - pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah and Joseph.The video reflects the drama of the Genesis stories, first with selected text dramatized by an actor, and then study writer, Peter Enns interviews a scholar to help unpack the meaning and the mystery in the stories.Participants for this Invitation to Genesis do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Genesis a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This eleven-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Sessions: The Beginning...and What Went Wrong Another Beginning: The Flood...and What Went Wrong Another Beginning: Abraham and the Patriarchs Abraham and a Glimpse to the Future The Promise Fulfilled: Isaac Another Beginning: Jacob and the Uneasy Birth of a People Jacob: The Struggle Continues Another New Beginning: Joseph and the Family of Israel The Trek Into Egypt An End and Another Beginning: Israel's Story