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Small on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church
by Lewis A. ParksSmall on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church is a joyful andhonest look at the kingdom-enriching characteristics of smallcongregations. Lewis Parks demonstrates how to see and build upon thosestrengths. His premise is not better/worse. Instead, Parks shows us howlife in a small congregation is profoundly significant and the importantrole these churches play. This book includes clear instructions on howleaders can streamline ministry to maximize the unique and powerfulcontributions small churches make in their communities. This book isinspiring and practical, a refreshing point of view for the church andchurch leaders."Small on Purpose reimagines what it means to be acongregation of ninety, sixty, or thirty by not focusing on size. Iespecially appreciate Lewis Parks’s attention to why ‘soul care’ iscritical for congregations under 150 as a means of discipleship andoutreach. Parks sees soul care as a countercultural act that createsmeaning for many who are seeking family-like relationships. This bookchallenges all congregations to take seriously the small things they aredoing—like soul care—as a compelling way to move into the future." —F.Douglas Powe Jr., Managing Director for The Institute for CommunityEngagement, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC; author of NewWine, New Wineskins and Not Safe for Church from Abingdon Press"LewisParks writes with pitch-perfect tone about the life of small churches.He appeals to the experience of smaller congregations as gatheringplaces of worship and service. There he sees signs of the Spirit moving,of tradition revivified through song and word, of pastoral care sharedacross a congregation. Above all, he offers transformative words andperspectives with which small churches can claim their distinctivewitness." —Thomas Edward Frank, University Professor and Chair of theDepartment of History, Wake Forest College, Wake Forest University,Winston-Salem, NC"In a time when the culture is becoming moreand more individualistic, Lew Parks strikes a chord for the great valueof the gathered community of faith that is strengthened week by weekthrough their faithfulness to the gospel and to one another. Gather inyour small church and read this together. Your life and your communitywill be enriched." —Bill McAlilly, Bishop, Nashville Area EpiscopalOffice, The United Methodist Church
Journey 101: Knowing God, Loving God, Serving God: Steps to the Life God Intends (Journey 101)
by Carol Cartmill Ben Simpson Michelle Kirby Jeff KirbyDaily Readings adds dimension to Journey 101 , a three-part basic faith study designed to teach what it means to know, love, and serve God. Daily Readings is the perfect companion resource for the program that provides short devotional readings, Scripture, prayer, and stories.
The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2024: Planning Sermons for Every Sunday of the Year
by Charley ReebThe local pastor’s go-to resource for weekly sermon planning.The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2024 is lectionary-based and follows the calendar year (January - December). It includes special days like Maundy Thursday and Ash Wednesday, and indexes for scriptures and themes, to assist preachers with non-lectionary sermons.Each entry begins with a preacher-to-preacher prayer for preparation, then moves to the key feature: a commentary on one or more texts for the week, exploring themes and storylines, theological reflections, and thoughts about how the text and topic relate to our lives today. Also included are ideas for bringing the text to life--stories, illustrations, ideas for further reading, questions the preacher might pose to the congregation, and suggestions for a ‘call to action’ in response to the message.Finally, for the preacher’s ongoing enrichment, the Annual includes excerpts from new books on preaching and homiletics. This helpful resource is written by every-week preachers who aim to come alongside you, offering a reliable starting point for your sermonic planning, writing, and delivery.
Are You Fired Up or Burned Out?
by James W. MooreHave you ever felt a little bored, tired, or stressed about your lifeand even your faith? Haven’t we all? This "world weariness" can happento anyone. Yet Jesus came that we might have exciting, joyful, abundantlife! The question is… how?In Are You Fired Up or Burned Out?best-selling author James W. Moore explains how to move from fatigue tofavor. In short, encouraging, and practical chapters, you will learnhow to Recognize-Remember-Relax: Recognize your fatigue limit Remember your priorities Relax your soul in GodToday's busy world may bring a tiredness that cansettle on the human spirit. Struggling through hectic, frenzied,stressful lives, we scrape and scramble toward something that leavesus...empty...and feeling cheated, let down, and bone weary. God doesn’twant it to be that way for us. Find out how, with His help, you can stay excited,exhilarated, fulfilled, and truly fired up about life.
Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church: 2006 Edition
by Thomas E. Frank"Commissioned by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for use in United Methodist doctrine/polity/history courses." This in-depth analysis of the connection between United Methodist polity and theology addresses ways in which historical developments have shaped--and continue to shape--the organization of the church.This revised edition incorporates the actions of The United Methodist General Conference, 2004. The book discusses continuing reforms of the church's plan for baptism and church membership, as well as the emergence of deacon's orders and other changes to ordained ministry procedures. The text is now cross-referenced to the Book of Discipline, 2004, including the revised order of disciplinary chapters and paragraph numbering. Denominational statistics are updated, along with references to recent works on The United Methodist Church and American religious life.
Thank God Its Thursday: Encountering Jesus at the Lord's Table As If for the Last Time
by William H. WillimonThank God It’s Thursday is the prequel to bestselling author Will Willimon’s highly successful, Thank God It’s Friday. Following the book of John, Will Willimon focuses on the Jesus’ teaching of his disciples prior to his own death but also before their own hour of decision. The climax of the Gospel is when Jesus pours out his life on the cross—surely an enactment and demonstration of the power of God’s self-sacrificial love.So to sustain and fortify his followers for the difficulties ahead, Jesus prepares them by teaching and offering sacraments of self-giving,, through which they (and we) experience the grace and presence of the risen Lord. This book can equip Christians to face their hardships as they humbly serve with the promise of God's abiding presence already made good by his outpouring of sacrificial love. Written with the clarity, depth, and insight that are Will Willimon's trademark, this book offers afresh the challenge and grace of the message of the Resurrected One.
Go BIG with Small Groups: Eleven Steps to an Explosive Small Group Ministry
by Bill Easum John AtkinsonMost churches that begin small groups find that within a couple of years two things happen - the number of small groups has dwindled in size and few if any of them have birthed other small groups. So, the only way most churches keep small groups going is by reinventing them over and over, usually with the same people. The authors of this book know God has much more in store for these churches. Bill Easum and John Atkinson have both led congregations in which small group ministry proved crucial to the church’s growth. Both know the pitfalls that endanger all attempts to center a congregation’s life around small groups. More importantly, they understand how to make small groups growing, self-reproducing centers of Christian discipleship.
Heaven on Earth: Realizing the Good Life Now
by Chris Seidman Joshua GravesSo often, our view of the good life is the busy, exhausted, driven, and unhappy life. But what if there was a different way to live--now, not when we get to heaven, but now? A short list of "blessings" called the Beatitudes is Jesus’ declaration of what "the good life" is, and an invitation to immerse ourselves in it. If we understand the Beatitudes, we realize they are less about what we do and more about what God is doing--what God values, how he operates, and what’s he’s up to in our (actually his) world. Authors Seidman and Graves offer a practical guide to changing our course to realize the good life now.
Introducción a la vida y teología de Juan Wesley AETH: Introduction to the Life and Theology of John Wesley Spanish
by Hugo MagallanesThe Holy Spirit movement in eighteenth century England gave rise to a religious revival that gave birth to the family of churches we know today as the wesleyans. Thus, by his importance as the genius organizer, it is essential to know the life and thought of one of the pillars within the Wesleyan movement: John Wesley.In this book - of a very simple and yet profound way- Dr. Magallanes offers us the most basic traits of the social-religious context in which Wesley lived in the England of the eighteenth century, aspects that influenced the family development of his character and spirituality, the education and training received in Oxford, experiences that awakened in Wesley his passion for evangelization and the doctrine of the holiness of heart and life that characterized the movement.
Spirit Speech: Lament and Celebration in Preaching
by Luke A. PoweryThat the Holy Spirit is present in preaching is something we take for granted. How the Spirit is present is a question we seldom ask. Luke Powery suggests that we fail to ask that question to the detriment of our preaching. Drawing on the tradition of African American preaching, he locates the Spirit’s activity in the sermon in two primary places; First, in celebration, the joyous acceptance of God’s gifts to the church and to the world. But equally as powerful is the expression of lament, the lifting up of our sorrow, grief, and suffering. In these two experiences the Spirit plays the decisive role, enabling the preacher to lay the congregation’s joys and sorrows at the feet of the living God, and announcing God’s presence in both our celebration and our lament.
Jesus Revealed: The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John
by Matt RawleDiscover Jesus' character through the "I Am" statements in Jesus Revealed by pastor and author Matt Rawle.Light. Bread. Shepherd. Life. The Gospel of John uses these and other symbols to paint a picture of who Jesus is. Through the I Am statements Jesus describes himself with rich images, showing us that he is both fully human and fully divine and calling us as his followers.In Jesus Revealed: The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John, author Matt Rawle explores the "I Am" statements in John as works of art that resonate throughout the Gospel and all of Scripture. He shows how these words point beyond themselves to the deep mystery of Jesus Christ. Join Matt on this journey and experience the profound truth at the heart of the "I Am" statements: that Jesus is light and life, and he calls us to himself and offers us the hope of resurrection. Chapter topics include:1. I am the bread of life (John 6:48)2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)3. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11)4. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)5. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)6. I am the true vine (John 15:1)Components for the six-week study include a book, comprehensive Leader Guide, DVD/Video sessions featuring Matt Rawle.Praise for Jesus Revealed"Matt Rawle, the master of discerning connections between Christ and culture, turns now to explore with us how Jesus pioneered how to know the heart of God via the most basic icons of his own culture. Symbols in stories matter, and Matt guides us into Jesus’ with aplomb, wisdom, and joy."- James Howell, Senior Pastor, Myers Park United Methodist Church"Reading Jesus’ “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John can be mystifying, yet much like the gospel writer himself author Matt Rawle is able uncover a deeper meaning from these powerful metaphors. Jesus Revealed invites the reader to step into the ordinary work of God’s extraordinary creation. Calling out the artist within, readers will find their own stories inside these powerful declarations – illuminating a Jesus we’ve always known but perhaps never fully embraced. Jesus Revealed is a must-read for anyone ready to discover the inexhaustible experience of God’s profound love."- Rachel Billups, Pastor and Author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce
Nuestra Fe: A Latin American Church History Sourcebook
by Justo L. Gonzalez Ondina E. GonzalezSpanning more than 500 years, this illustrated book covers the rich history of Christianity in Latin America. The authors use an analytical framework as they describe the institutional religious history for the period covered in that chapter, providing the context to look at other concurrent though non-institutional developments within Christianity. Each section includes sources that look at the way Christianity manifested and continues to manifest itself in the life of Latin American society, including its women, its enslaved and indigenous populations, and the modern-day marginalized sectors.
Around the Year in Children's Church: 52 Programs for Kids Ages 3-7
by Lisa Flinn Barbara YoungerHoly days and holidays, special times and ordinary time, the celebration of the church year adds spiritual meaning and depth to our lives as Christians. Around the Year in Children’s Church is a resource created to help children understand and celebrate the entire liturgical year from the first Sunday of Advent through Kingdomtide. Around the Year in Children’s Church is filled with fifty-two active, hands-on programs. Each featuring a simple Christian message related to the season of the church year or a particular holiday; a Bible verse; a story; a prayer; a time for sharing; a snack; and a musical activity, a craft, or a game. The programs are structured to last from thirty-five to forty minutes. An additional activity is included for those who want to extend Children’s Church to a full hour. Supplies and set-up are kept to a minimum, and the easy-to-use format makes it just right for today’s busy teacher.
A Second Resurrection: Leading Your Congregation to New Life
by Bill EasumFor many congregational and denominational leaders, the goal for churches experiencing declining worship attendance is to turn those congregations around. The “turnaround church” is one that has stagnated or is in decline. The old trends are reversed, new members are added, and everyone rejoices in this story of a congregation restored to health and vitality. But what if the metaphors of decline, stagnation, and loss of health just aren’t getting to the problem? What if the situation is much worse than what those ways of describing it imply? What if the congregation is spiritually dead?The only solution is resurrection. Churches that have lost their sense of mission, that exist only to provide fellowship for the “members of the club,” that expect their leaders to focus solely on ministering to the members’ personal spiritual needs; these churches have died to the purpose of the New Testament church, to make disciples of Jesus Christ. They cannot be turned around; they must come to life again. The key to that resurrection is leaders who are not afraid to diagnose the problem for what it really is, and who realize that resurrection is what being a Christian is about. The goal of this book is to guide the leaders of these churches through the painful, yet ultimately life-giving work of leading a church to new life in the Spirit. If you want to find new life for your church, read on . . .
Out of the Depths: Out of the Depths
by Emily Flemming Greta SmithThe Out of the Depths series addresses common pastoral crises in a faithful, encouraging, and factual manner that provides support to parishioners in crisis beyond the initial pastoral conversation. These inexpensive 64-page booklets can be given out to parishioners when they bring their recent diagnosis, crisis, or trauma to the pastor as a way to continue to provide care throughout the difficult season. Each booklet begins with a thoughtful consideration of the topic at hand, which is followed up by 30 brief devotions. These devotions are designed to be manageable in an overwhelming time, encouraging, and honest. This Sexual Assault edition features devotions from Emily Flemming, United Methodist clergywoman. The Out of the Depths booklets are essential care resources to be given out by pastors, Stephen Ministers, and congregational care teams.Key Features: Written by metal health professionals and pastors to help the reader process their trauma both psychologically and theologically. Includes accessible material describing the dynamics of the crisis situation and typical reactions, which provides the reader with a sense of grounding and direction through increased knowledge. The thirty short devotions creates a sense of companionship and hope in a difficult and lonely time. Knowing they are sharing a resource written by mental health professionals and pastors with personal experience provides pastors a trustworthy source of information. Easy for pastors/churches to keep in stock and distribute as needed, serves as a tangible reminder of the faith community's care.
What Makes a Hero?: The Death-Defying Ministry of Jesus (What Makes a Hero?)
by Matt RawleWhat Makes a Hero? offers us an image of what it looks like to be victorious over trials and temptations. Looking at pop culture heroes and others through the lens of faith, Matt Rawle shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. In keeping with his theme "Pop in Culture," the book examines how good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and overcoming adversity are fundamental to how Christians understand salvation. Heroes help us discern the good, fight for what’s right, define identity, execute justice, spark revolution, and save lives.Rawle enters the Gospel story to tell quite a different victory story—one obtained through humility, obedience to the cross, and an empty tomb. How does Jesus redefine what it means to be a hero?Additional components for a six-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide, a DVD featuring Matt Rawle, a Worship Resources Flash Drive, and youth and children resources.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Barbara P. FergusonWhat does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does it relate to my life? Genesis to Revelation, a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible, will strengthen your understanding and appreciation of the Scripture by helping you engage on these three levels. Newly revised, these Abingdon Press classics are based on the NIV translation and are presented in an easy-to-read format. Each of the volumes includes thirteen sessions.Study the books of Jeremiah and Lamentation, beginning with some reference articles and timelines to help better under Jeremiah, and then moving through Lamentations. Some of the major ideas explored are: speaking for God, desire for revenge, being angry with God, covenants, human nature, what to hope in, and power. The meaning of the selected passages is 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.The Leader Guide includes the additional information you need to lead: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.
The Bible Year Pastor Guide: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days
by Magrey deVegaThe Bible. 365 days. You. Yes, you! Not the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Yes, the goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. Think about a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since The Bible Year has it all mapped out for you day by day. Plus, you’ll also get summaries of key themes and ideas to help you better digest and understand your readings. So you’re not just reading verse after verse, you’re enriching your spiritual life, developing a deeper faith and forming a closer connection to God and to each other. The Bible Year is also a wonderful way for small groups or even individuals to grow closer to God, while providing a common thread that will promote new and deeper friendships among members. The Pastor’s Guide supports pastors in creating a churchwide program built around The Bible Year. It includes aids for sermon prep and ideas for integrating the program with church seasons and calendar year, as well as tips for gathering study groups, ideas for involving children and youth, and how you can use a shared journey through Scripture to bring your congregation together. The Bible Year product line includes a devotional for each church member, a leader guide for small group breakout sessions, and a pastor’s guide.Daily Bible goals start here! Praise for The Bible Year When it comes to read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year programs, The Bible Year is a game changer. Packed with devotionals, discussion guides, and resources for pastors, this beautifully written book makes journeying through Scripture less daunting and more rewarding. It’s the perfect companion for those who wish to read through the Bible for the first time or those seek to go deeper in their study of Scripture together with others. – Ryan P. Bonfiglio, Director of the Candler Foundry and Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Candler Theological Seminary With a pastor’s devotion to God and the people he serves, deVega has structured a truly helpful guide for reading the Bible in the span of a year. The thoughtful format is well designed to encourage steady progress in reading, and provoke thoughtful reflection. Brief section summaries allow the reader to stay on top of the larger story line, and thoughtful questions and blank spaces support a meditative encounter. This book is a welcome gift for anyone who wants to grow in faithfulness and devotion. – Melody D. Knowles, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary
American Methodism Revised and Updated
by Russell E. Richey Kenneth E. Rowe Jean Miller Schmidt Ashley BogganThe essential guide to American Methodism revised and updated through 2020.Four of Methodism’s most respected teachers give us a vivid picture of 260 years of Methodist experience in America. The revised edition updates the Methodist movement’s story through 2020, including the social, political, economic, technological, and global disruptions that cause faith communities and denominations to pull apart.American Methodism Revised and Updated begins with the explosion of evangelical Pietism and revolutionary Methodism, the First Great Awakening, as an independent nation was formed.It then highlights key 19th century themes and Methodist contributions, such as spreading scriptural holiness through missions and literature, planting tens of thousands of Sunday schools and churches by Circuit Riders, the pivotal Methodist schism between abolitionists and enslavers, the innovative building of schools and hospitals into the next century, and the revivalism of the Second Great Awakening.Finally it explores the movements of 20th century Methodism, including the expansion of home and foreign missions, the Methodist drive for Prohibition, the decision for nationwide reunification on the cusp of World War II, reunification with the United Brethren during the Vietnam War, the Methodist ordination of women during the 1950s, Black Methodist leadership in the 1960s Civil Rights movement, and the liturgical renewal or reformation of worship (ancient and future).
It Is Easy Being Green!: 60 Bible Stories & Crafts with the Earth in Mind
by LeeDell SticklerIt Is Easy Being Green features sixty exciting craft projects that children will enjoy making while learning about the Bible and building their faith. Simple "green" crafts accompany a related Bible story Bible stories. Teachers will enjoy clear, step-by-step instructions, along with a materials list featuring green or recycled products. It Is Easy Being Green utilizes many wonderful artistic mediums through which children can express their creative side and explore their faith in a group setting. This ready-to-use book provides a hands-on, fun way of bringing God’s Word to children and can be used in a variety of settings, including Sunday school and mid-week.
The Places You Go: Caring for Your Congregation Monday through Saturday
by Urias BeverlyTo be effective, pastors must minister in a variety of settings. Each setting--whether hospital room, jail, nursing home, funeral home, or even in the pastor's study--is different. Each setting brings its own unique dilemmas and rules. The pastor's authority will vary according to the setting as will the expectations of the pastor by the staff and parishioners in each setting. The pastor must be comfortable in a variety of settings in order to build Christ-centered relationships, but comfort comes only with familiarity and some settings can be intimidating or even frightening. Bailing a parishioner out of jail in the middle of the night presents challenges to ministry as does helping parishioners plan their loved one's funeral after a suicide. Context matters, and Urias Beverly gives the reader concrete steps and illustrations on how to artfully minister in a variety of common settings as well as how to cope with the dilemmas pastors face in facilitating ministry in these settings.
Christian Believer Study Manual: Knowing God with Heart and Mind (Disciple Ser.)
by J. Ellsworth KalasThe study manual guides daily reading in Scripture and in the Book of Readings. It encourages daily prayer while providing space for taking notes for use in weekly group discussion.Each lesson includes an explanation and commentary on the doctrines being studied, raises questions for reader reflection and written response, and suggests ideas for additional reading and study.The Christian Believer program focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand, through the use of words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30-week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.
The 19: Questions to Kindle a Wesleyan Spirit
by Carolyn C. MooreWesley’s historic questions have been asked of those considered for full connection (ordination) since as early as 1784, the first Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, presided over by Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke. The questions also have a broader Wesleyan context. Many of these questions were originally used with the people Wesley called "Helpers," lay men and women to whom Wesley gave responsibility for leadership in the Methodist societies. They were class leaders, stewards, local preachers and travelling preachers. The questions addressed topics Wesley believed to be essential for persons responsible for leading others in discipleship and mission in the world.The nineteen questions cover topics from faith in Christ to spiritual practices to debt. The questions around commitment to the rules of the Church have a contemporary urgency in this season of division. Building from her blog on the 19 Questions, Are You Going On To Perfection, at www.artofholiness.com, Carolyn will thoughtfully unpack each question in a historical and personal way.
Loving and Serving Others: The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission and Service (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. Loving and Serving Others: The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission and Service involves offering ourselves in purposeful service to others in need, making a positive difference even at significant personal cost and inconvenience to our own lives. We serve.
The Rewritten Life Leader Guide: When God Changes Your Story (The Rewritten Life)
by Jessica LaGroneThe Rewritten Life, based on author Jessica LaGrone’s popular Namesake Bible study, is perfect for any small group looking for a powerful and practical biblical study designed for today’s busy groups. Six readable chapters explore the transformational power of God through the stories of people in the Bible whose lives—and names—were changed forever by God. As you meet Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Naomi, Daniel, Peter and an unnamed woman, you will discover how God rewrote their stories giving them new names and identities that were in line with God’s call on their lives. In her own dynamic and engaging teaching, LaGrone connects the biblical stories to our own lives, showing us that God wants us to be just as intimately involved in rewriting our stories so that we may become and do all that God has planned for us—all for God’s glory. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans with discussion questions and multiple format options, as well as other leader helps.