Denominational Concerns
Showing 301–350 of 853 results
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That They May All Be One
$24.00Add to cartMore than twenty-five revered pastors, theologians, and ecumenists contributed essays for this volume. These writings celebrate what it means to live in unity and communion in the twenty-first century and stress the importance of ecumenism in working for mission and justice.
Among the many noted contributors are Jane Dempsey Douglass, Michael Kinnamon, Samuel Kobia, Setri Nyomi, Ofelia Ortega, Gradye Parsons, and Iain Torrance.
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Reading Scripture As Wesleyans (Student/Study Guide)
$18.99Add to cartJohn Wesley boasted that he was a “man of one book,” but he was also a thoughtful student throughout his life and an author of many books. As breath gives life, John Wesley inhaled and exhaled the words of Scripture, shaping his thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior. And like our eighteenth-century ancestor, the Bible is central to us for continued faith formation. In this invitation to Scripture, the general editor of the Wesley Study Bible and biblical scholar, Dr. Joel Green, summarizes Wesley’s understanding of key themes and topics of key books of the New Testament. Using brief excerpts from Wesley’s writings (in updated language), Dr. Green explains the importance of Wesley’s thinking as it directly applies to everyday life and faithful practice. Each chapter ends with questions suitable for private devotion or group settings, to help you apply your study to daily living.
This book will be your trusted companion to the Wesley Study Bible as you love God with a warmed heart and serve God with active hands.
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How God Takes Our Little And Makes It Much (Student/Study Guide)
$12.99Add to cartContents Include:
1: God Takes A Reluctant Shepherd And Makes A Bold Leader: The Story Of Moses
2: God Takes A Harem Girl And Makes A Heroine: The Story Of Esther
3: God Finds The Lost And Celebrates With Joy: The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, And Lost Son
4: God Takes A Fisherman And Makes A Disciple For All People: The Story Of Peter
5: God Takes Our Little And Makes It Much: The Story Of The Church
6: God Takes Mere Sinners And Makes Us More Than ConquerorsAdditional Info
Here is Jim Moore at his best, telling the heart-warming stories as he teaches us about the Bible. In this 6-session, video-based study, Dr. Moore uses key Scriptures that distinctively shape us as United Methodists. There are two sessions from the Old Testament and four sessions from the New Testament. Each session also lifts up and uses core terms and life application topics taken from the Wesley Study Bible to help you grow as a faithful follower of Jesus as you practice your faith in everyday life.This study can be used with a DVD (sold separately), in which Dr. Moore introduces the Scripture and tells why it is important for you.A leader’s guide and DVD are also available.
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This We Believe (Student/Study Guide)
$18.99Add to cartFor John Wesley, the Bible is the joyfully consistent testimony of God’s never-ending grace and ever-seeking love. Likewise, studying the Bible is more than merely knowing what Scripture says; it is also about living every day as a child of God.
Beginning with the Core Terms found in The Wesley Study Bible, Bishop Willimon systematically lays out key Wesleyan tenets of faith so that you will have a fresh way to hear God’s voice, share in God’s grace, and become more like Jesus Christ.
This book can be used as an eight-week, small-group study. A Leader Guide is also available.
Let this book be your trusted companion to The Wesley Study Bible as you grow to love God with a warmed heart and serve God with active hands.
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Close Encounters Of The Jesus Kind Leader Guide (Teacher’s Guide)
$17.49Add to cart*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Grief –Luke 7:11-17
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Resentment –Luke 7:36-8:3
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Fear –Luke 8:26-39
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By God’s Distance –Luke 9:51-62
*Jesus Is Close To Those Seeking The Estranged –Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
*Jesus Is Close To Those Learning From The Estranged –Luke 10:25-37Additional Info
This 6-session Bible study explores the Lectionary readings from the Gospel of Luke for Lectionary 10 – 15 (Year C). Groups already doing a Lectionary-based Bible study may find this study an interesting complement to their existing Bible study programming. Explore close encounters with Jesus. -
Close Encounters Of The Jesus Kind Learner Guide (Student/Study Guide)
$8.49Add to cart*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Grief –Luke 7:11-17
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Resentment –Luke 7:36-8:3
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By Fear –Luke 8:26-39
*Jesus Is Close To Those Estranged By God’s Distance –Luke 9:51-62
*Jesus Is Close To Those Seeking The Estranged –Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
*Jesus Is Close To Those Learning From The Estranged –Luke 10:25-37Additional Info
This 6-session Bible study explores the Lectionary readings from the Gospel of Luke for Lectionary 10 – 15 (Year C). Groups already doing a Lectionary-based Bible study may find this study an interesting complement to their existing Bible study programming. Explore close encounters with Jesus. -
Beyond Accessibility : Toward Full Inclusion Of All People In The Body Of C
$23.95Add to cartA church has built an accessibility ramp and perhaps refitted its restrooms to accommodate a wheelchair. Now what? This new resource by a noted author of several books on people with disabilities offers a theological and practical approach for congregations, with clear, targeted strategies for full inclusion of all members, recognizing and using the gifts that each member brings to the congregation’s life together.
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Proclaiming The Great Ends Of The Church
$28.00Add to cartProminent Presbyterian pastors and leaders address each of the Great Ends of the Church in sermons that both challenge and uplift readers.
For decades the Great Ends of the Church, a historic listing of ways Presbyterians have understood the role of the church, has helped to establish church directions in mission and ministry. The Great Ends of the Church are (1) the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; (2) the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; (3) the maintenance of divine worship; (4) the preservation of the truth; (5) the promotion of social righteousness; and (6) the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.These sermons focus the church’s understandings of its purpose and inspire us to dedicate ourselves to the church’s work in the world. This is a book that every Presbyterian should know and is ideal for study by church groups and sessions.
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Historical Dictionary Of The Reformation And Counter Reformation
$225.00Add to cartThe Protestant Reformation of the 16th century has traditionally been viewed as marking the onset of modernity in Europe. It finally broke up the federal Christendom of the middle ages, under the leadership of the papacy and substituted for it a continent of autonomous and national states, independent of Rome.
The Historical Dictionary of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation provides a comprehensive account of two chains of events-the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation-that have left an enduring imprint on Europe, America, and the world at large. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries on persons, places, countries, institutions, doctrines, ideas, and events.
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Mission After Christendom
$37.00Add to cartIn 1910 Protestant missionaries from around the world gathered to explore the role of Christian missions in the twentieth century. In this collection, leading missiologists use the one hundred year anniversary of the Edinburgh conference as an occasion to reflect on the practice of Christian mission in today’s context: a context marked by globalization, migration, ecological crisis, and religiously motivated violence. The contributors explore the meaning of Christian mission, the contemporary context for mission work, and new forms in which the church has engaged–and should engage–in its missionary task. From these essays, a vision of twenty first-century mission begins to emerge–one that is aware of issues of race, gender, border spaces, migration, and ecology. This renewed vision gives strength to the future of shared Christian ministry across nations and traditions.
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Transforming Preaching
$25.95Add to cartAt once a “travel guide” and a vision for the future, this series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change. It analyzes our present plight, sketch a positive way forward, and point to the seeds of change – those transformative practices already at work renewing the church. What church models can help point us toward transformation? What are the essential tools? What will give us strength, direction, and purpose to the journey?
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Hebrews Leader Guide (Teacher’s Guide)
$17.49Add to cart*Who Is Jesus? (Part 1) Hebrews 1:1-14
*Who Is Jesus? (Part 2) Hebrews 2:5-18
*What Did Jesus Do? Hebrews 4:14-5:10; 9:24-10:1; 10:10-18
*What Is Faith? Hebrews 11:1-40
*How Shall We Live? Hebrews 12:1-17; 13:1-19
*What If Faith Fails? Hebrews 4:12-13; 5:11-6:12; 10:19-29Additional Info
The Letter to the Hebrews is one of the more sophisticated new testament writings, with the author connecting the Old Testament passages to the present concerns of the community of faith. This study takes 5 big questions based in the text and challenges participants to explore them thoughtfully together. -
Organization Of The United Methodist Church
$18.99Add to cartAn indispensable guide for all United Methodists-especially pastors, lay leaders, church council members, confirmation and new member candidates and their instructors, and seminarians-this book is presented in a practical, down-to-earth manner for easy use by both individuals and classes, clergy and lay. It highlights the functions and connectional relationships within the organization, beginning with the local church and continuing through connectional organs in districts, annual conferences and their agencies, jurisdictional conferences and their agencies, the General Conference, the general agencies of the Church, and the Judicial Council.
Bishop Tuell discusses the Church’s unique polity and gives a frank assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. At the same time he paints the image of a worldwide connectional communion that is organized to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to its Wesleyan heritage. -
Nearness Of God
$26.95Add to cartWhat distinguishes Christian ministry from other “helping professions”? While many books tell clergy how to run a capital campaign, handle conflict, and lead a vestry, this book helps pastors, chaplains, and lay professionals appreciate the spiritual depth of their calling and reminds them that Christian ministry is Christ’s ministry working through them.
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Enriching Our Worship 5
$21.95Add to cartThis unique new service book includes liturgies for blessing and healing as related to childbearing and childbirth. It includes prayers, Scripture readings and hymn suggestions organized around the blessing of a pregnant woman; loss of a pregnancy; repentance and reconciliation for an abortion; difficult decisions, unexpected or unwanted pregnancy, loss of a child, termination of pregnancy, infertility, sterilization, and adoption.
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War Peace And Nonresistance (Reprinted)
$24.99Add to cartGuy Hershberger made a significant contribution to the development of peace theology in the (Old) Mennonite Church. Perhaps the greatest service of this book is to explain clearly the centuries-old doctrine of nonresistance as understood by Mennonites in the mid-1900s.
Although nonresistance was held as a doctrine since the early days of Anabaptism in the sixteenth century, Hershberger helped expand the concept. Many of the new ideas that Hershberger posed were explorations of the social implications of nonresistance. Particularly as Mennonites assimilated into society, their neighbors pressed them with questions about social responsibility.
At the time when Hershberger penned this volume, nonresistance and nonconformity were intimately linked. Together they formed the two primary distinctives of the Mennonite Church at mid-century.
As nonresistance and nonconformity faded into the background, peace and justice took their place. Today, peace and justice as a rubric is spoken of as the primary distinctive in the Mennonite Church. Unlike the doctrines of nonresistance and nonconformity, which were founded on peculiarly biblical logic, peace and justice may be touted as ideals by even secular groups. In this vein, Hershberger’s clear delineation of the differences between biblical nonresistance and liberal pacifism will be of particular interest to contemporary readers.
Convictions about peace seem oddly out of place in a world where dictators rule with an iron fist and terrorists snuff out innocent lives in pursuit of a cause. We can thank God that Hershberger joined his voice with other faithful leaders who pointed to a better way. May we too be stewards of the charism of peace which Jesus gave to his disciples.
For more about the life and thought of Guy F. Hershberger, take a look at War, Peace, and Social Conscience: Guy F. Hershberger and Mennonite Ethics
Available as a print on demand book.
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Way Of The Cross In Human Relations (Reprinted)
$24.99Add to cartIn this classic book, Guy F. Hershberger examines one of the most challenging aspects of human relations-how people relate to each other, and the responsibility we have toward others.
In the book Hershberger critically examines the theology and practice of the medieval church and the Reformers, the Anabaptists, social gospel advocates, social action groups and fundamentalists, along with a look at business, labor, and race relations, the ethics of various professions, the responsibility of the state and the role of community, family, and individuals. All are brought under the searchlight of Christian discipleship.
Through it all Hershberger concludes that the way of the cross applies to the world we live in today-the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide sufficient power for the redemption of all humankind.
For more about the life and thought of Guy F. Hershberger, take a look at War, Peace, and Social Conscience: Guy F. Hershberger and Mennonite Ethics
Available as a print on demand book.
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Children And The Theologians
$49.95Add to cartConnects theology with the practice of ministry in new ways.
Connects historical themes with modern research about the meaning and development of children.
A magisterial theological survey that sheds new light on the various ways children have been viewed.
Provides a historical and theological rationale for the Godly Play project.The long story of children in theology is told via analysis of some twenty-five theologians, grouped according to six historical periods. Each account examines what a particular theologian thought about children and the experience it was based upon. Four themes that have shaped our attitudes about children in the church emerge from this history, ambivalence, ambiguity, indifferences, and grace. The result of this study is to promote a healthier church, which will respect and utilize the distinctive gifts of children. In so doing, theologians will be better able to help clear the way for grace in the postmodern church.
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Conversations With Scripture The Gospel Of Luke (Student/Study Guide)
$21.95Add to cartWell-known, active, and respected Anglican author and scholar, presenting his second contribution to the Conversations with Scripture series
Designed for adult formation programs in Anglican group settings or for use by individuals
Study and reflection questions included
Beautifully designed interior with margin glosses, pull quotes, and boxes -
Another Brush With God
$34.95Add to cartIntroduces readers to a more advanced level in icon development, exploring more complex imagery and skills
Step-by-step instructions for painting icons, from original drawings through finished product
Includes eight full-color plates of the author’s original iconsThis is the sequel to the author’s previous work, A Brush with God, for advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced iconographers. It presents greater detail and instructions for creating entirely new icons. One major feature of the new book is the full-page sketches that artists can photocopy and use as the basis of their own icons, providing a unique and much-requested resource.
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Many Parts One Body
$28.95Add to cartProperty issues will be major topic of debate at 2009 Episcopal General Convention
Clear, concise information on the legal structure and governance of the Episcopal Church
Debunks misinformation about Episcopal governance promulgated on conservative blogs and publications
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Living Our Beliefs (Revised)
$13.00Add to cartYou can believe anything and be a Methodist, just so long as you’re sincere.
Such a misperception has deep historical and cultural roots.
Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace the United Methodist way.
“Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced,” writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. “The authenticity of beliefs lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the world.”
Living Our Beliefs is essential reading for new members, confirmation classes and small group studies.
As one reviewer says, “Bishop Carder invites us to both understand and live our beliefs. With deep understanding of Wesley’s teaching, he inspires us to practice what we preach. That is the United Methodist way.”
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Just Us Or Justice
$22.99Add to cartWesleyan theology and African American theology have both become fixtures on the theological landscape in recent years. While developing along parallel tracks both perspectives make claims concerning justice issues such as racism and sexism. Both, however, perceive justice from a particular vantage that focuses on just-us (just our community). Hence African American theology has not seriously studied John Wesley’s stance against slavery or his work with the disenfranchised. And Wesleyan theologians have largely ignored the insights of African American theology especially in regard to certain injustices. To get beyond the “just-us” mentality, the author lays the foundation for a Pan-Methodist theology, which will draw from the strengths of African American and Wesley theologies.
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Prayers For An Inclusive Church
$22.95Add to cartThe author has prepared a special American edition of his book, first published in the UK, to conform to the calendar of the Episcopal Church.
Prayers are appropriate to conclude the Prayers of the People in the Eucharist
Includes a scriptural index keyed to the lectionary readings
Includes 3 Eucharistic prayers, Eucharistic preface, general confession, and post-communion prayer for each season in the church year.
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Introducing The Lessons Of The Church Year (Revised)
$35.95Add to cart3rd edition of a known and trusted guide to Scripture for pastors, deacons, and lay people.
Thoroughly revised and updated to the Revised Common Lectionary by an Episcopal and Lutheran scholar and church leader, author of many books.
A one-volume resource with multiple uses: sermon preparation, public reading of scripture, sermon discussion groups, lectionary Bible study, Christian education planning, bulletins, and web sites.
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Week That Changed The World
$17.95Add to cartThis devotional for Lenten and Easter meditations is a synthesis of the four gospel accounts of the eight days of Jesus’ passion and resurrection.
Uses the popular and contemporary TNIV translation
Includes maps, notes, and user guide
Preface by Robert Webber, noted evangelical scholarBeginning with Palm Sunday, the gospels record every day of Jesus’ life up to the time of his death and resurrection. These eight days are unparalleled in the canon of Scripture for their narrative power, their detail, and their focus. A unique synthesis of the four gospel accounts of the passion and resurrection of Christ is provided in this seamless and elegant narrative account of the Easter events, including every detail mentioned in all four Gospels, but without any unnecessary repetition or distracting references.
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Discovering Christian Holiness
$39.99Add to cartIs Wesleyan-Holiness theology still relevant for the twenty-first century? Does Wesleyan-Holiness theology-as a vital, experiential, living and breathing theology-still exist?
This study of the doctrine of Holiness examines its biblical, historical, and theological foundations, as well as the importance of the holiness life in the twenty-first century.Written with solid biblical evidence and historical insight, Discovering Christian Holiness will supply you with an understanding and awareness of holiness and its breadth, depth, and practicality.
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Gospel In The Global Village
$21.95Add to cartIn this second book by Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori, she explores issues and challenges of deep concern to the Episcopal Church, the wider Body of Christ, and the world at large. Arranged thematically, her essays reflect on the travel, issues, people, and passions that have driven the first three years of her episcopate. She places particular emphasis on the Millennium Development Goals, plus the turmoil within the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church in the United States.
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Anglican Psalter : The Psalms Of David
$48.00Add to cart“Previously titled “”The New St Paul’s Cathedral Psalter”” this new edition with its new name reflects its wider purpose of resourcing parish churches in their regular worship. Use of the “”Psalms”” in worship is growing since the introduction of the Common Worship lectionary and Psalter has placed renewed emphasis on them. Here, using Coverdale’s translation of the “”Psalms”” from the “”Book of Common Prayer””, the very best of Anglican chant is married to texts that have been used to sing the transcendent glory of God in temple, synagogue and church for three thousand years. At the same time, the “”Psalms”” are ruthlessly honest in their portrayal of conflicting human emotions. Many psalters have excised the verses that speak of vengeance, hatred and anger, yet as CS Lewis wrote, these are the same feelings we find in our own hearts so here they are retained, to be included or omitted as local preference or the occasion dictates. It includes work by renowned composers past and present including Elgar, Parry, Stanford, St
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Doctrine In Experience
$57.99Add to cartA fresh way to look at the ministry of The United Methodist Church.
United Methodism is often accused of having an incoherent theological center. By examining the history and salient features of the church, this book says that United Methodist theology is actually appropriated from its experience as a missional corporate body. This allows United Methodist to do theology in new ways and to better adapt to its multivalent contexts.
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All Shall Be Well
$26.95Add to cartApproaches emotional and vocational wellness from a faith perspective, unlike majority of general-market wellness books.
Uses established and well-recognized CREDO model as framework.
CREDO has established partnerships with the Presbyterian Church and othe rmainline denominations.
This relevatn, timely, and substantive book addresses the CREDO approach to wellness.Chapters explore the theology of wellness and identity, core values, creativity and passion, renewal, emotional health, spiritual practices, balance, transformation, and fitness.
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Days Of Grace
$15.95Add to cartAuthor is recognized for using Benedictine wisdom to cope with the challenges of chronic illness.
Using the metaphor of pilgrimage, this book invites readers to reflect on living with illness. The heart of the book is a collection of thirty meditations, followed by a reflection, a short prayer, and a suggested spiritual practice. The meditations voice the difficulties and the challenges of living with illness, and call the reader toward a deepening understanding, compassion and generosity. While the meditations intend to offer comfort, they are also written from the conviction that God invites us to grow even in these circumstances. When living with chronic, terminal, or progressive illness, discovering a way to pray can be quite a challenge. These thirty meditations provide a welcome means with practices inspired by the psalms.
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Heaven In Ordinary
$31.99Add to cartGeorge Herbert (1593-1633) is one of English spirituality’s most treasured voices and, with his contemporaries Lancelot Andrewes Izaak Walton and Nicholas Ferrar, he epitomises the best of the 17th century Anglican tradition – learned, holy and self-effacing. Before settling down as a country parish priest – a calling that was cut short by his early death aged 39 – he was a complex character who led a varied life in politics and academia. His inner tensions resulted in memorable writing and a rich spirituality. Here, Philip Sheldrake explores themes in Herbert’s work that stand out as most important: his deep biblical and liturgical roots, his Christ-centred spirituality, his emphasis on the importance of the everyday, his strong sense of place, his understanding of discipleship, his approach to prayer, and, his spirituality of service. Richly illustrated with excerpts from his poetry, prose and letters, this volume offers a comprehensive study guide to one of the most loved poetic voices.
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Unleashing The Word
$22.99Add to cart1. A Final Word To Preachers
2. Caring For The Flock
3. Developing A Preaching Plan
4. Fishing Expedition Sermons
5. Going Deeper
6. Ideas For Advent And Christmas
7. Preaching With Purpose
8. Preparing God’s People To Do The Work Of The Ministry
9. Rethinking “Prophetic” Preaching
10. Sermons To Strengthen The Church
11. The Worship Planning Team
12. Three Critical Ingredients
13. Using Video In Preaching And Worship
14. Weddings And Funerals
15. What Do Do If
16. Writing The SermonAdditional Info
Imagine announcing a new series of sermons and seeing worship attendance increase by 1,000 people on the first Sunday of the new series. Or consider a pastor developing sermon plans two to three years out. What kind of pastor sits in a bar with a notepad just looking for ideas for sermons? Or has as his aim to preach the best prepared, best researched sermons his congregation has ever heard? All of these and more explain part of the reason the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people to over 10,000 in just thirteen years.In Unleashing the Word, Adam Hamilton helps pastors and church leaders consider the purpose, planning, and execution of excellent preaching. He offers detailed descriptions of the sermon planning, writing and preaching process behind one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. He includes numerous personal anecdotes and enough sermon ideas to keep the average pastor busy for years! Finally, after you have read how sermons are planned and prepared at the Church of the Resurrection you can watch the included DVD which features four full-length sermons and other resources to help you apply what you’ve read in the book. If you only buy one book on preaching this year, this is the book you must buy!
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Conversations With Scripture The Gospel Of Mark (Student/Study Guide)
$21.95Add to cartMarcus Borg is one of the most well-known and respected authors in religious publishing
The newest entry in the only Bible study series written from a uniquely Anglican perspective
Designed for adult formation programs in parish group settings or for use by individuals
Study and reflection questions included
Beautifully designed interior with margin glosses, pull quotes, and boxes -
Political Grace : The Revolutionary Theology Of John Calvin
$33.00Add to cartIn this exploration of Calvin’s political thought, Roland Boer treats Calvin as a biblical scholar and political philosopher, showing us elusive aspects of Calvin’s Institutes. Boer investigates Calvin’s careful thinking in the Institutes as well as in his biblical commentaries, pursuing Calvin’s understanding of political freedom. Calvin argued for a greater freedom for the faith than theologians had imagined but then stepped back from the most radical implications of this call. Boer also explores Calvin’s views on grace with the eye of a careful interpreter, and suggests what we might find in Calvin’s political thought if we took the Bible, grace, and freedom as seriously as Calvin did.
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Church Rituals Handbook
$15.99Add to cartAccent the participation of the whole family of faith by discovering the meaning and blessing of holy rituals!
The Church Rituals Handbook provides pastors with a meaningful tool for the services they perform as shepherds of the flock of God. Covering a wide array of services, from less common rituals to the more known practices, this updated and expanded edition gives pastors immediate practical helps to service preparation. This helpful resource includes: instructions, an order of service, suggested hymns, Scripture readings and ecitations for:
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Reception of Church Members
The Sacrament of Baptism
Marriage
Installations
Includes Calls to Worship, Offertories Ideas and Prayers and lesser known rituals
John Wesley’s Covenant Service
A Service of healing
Service of Reconciliation
Seasonal services including Advent, Easter, and Christmas -
Defenseless Christianity
$12.95Add to cartEntering a field of ongoing controversy, this book dares to offer a new model or vision-defenseless Christianity-for understanding Anabaptism, both present and past. The authors contend that an Anabaptism defined as defenseless Christianity should be seen as a nonviolent Christian movement with a world-reconciling theology even though some first-generation Anabaptists were not pacifists.
Since a prime characteristic of Anabaptism is the call to shape Christian practices within the story and life of Jesus Christ, the authors describe Anabaptism in a way to speaks to every Christian, whether or not they belong to one of the historic peace churches. The authors believe that the defenseless Christianity of historic Anabaptism has much to offer contemporary peace churches as well as the Christian church as a whole.
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Story Of Holy Island
$20.00Add to cartKate Tristam is a well-known island resident whose talks on the history of Lindisfarne hold visitors spellbound. A historian and a priest in the Church of England, she is ideally qualified to tell the remarkable story of this captivating place. From its misty beginnings as part of the mainland in the Stone Age right up to the present day, this popular history covers: its formation as an island, the Roman and Anglo-Saxon eras, the influence of Columba and Iona, Lindisfarne’s own apostle, Aidan, the making of the Lindisfarne Gospels, Cuthbert, Cedd, Chad and Aidan’s other followers, Hilda and the community at Whitby, Bede and the monastic tradition, the coming of the Vikings, the Benedictine years, the dissolution of the monasteries, and more.
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Our Watchword And Song
$69.99Add to cartThis study of the growth of the Church of the Nazarene traces the denomination s doctrinal roots to the English Reformation and then explores the church’s historical, intellectual, and doctrinal development.
Giving special attention to the church s distinctive belief in entire sanctification and emphasis on education, the authors colorfully retell the story of the church from its humble origins in Pilot Point, Texas, to its expansion into an international community reaching the world through a warm-hearted faith.
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Labour Of Obedience
$35.00Add to cartThis important study of key Anglican Benedictine Communities in the first half of the 20th century provides a vital record of how the Anglican Communion dealt with an issue that was as divisive in its day as today’s disputes over sexuality and women bishops, and explores the origins of the influential Anglican Papalism movement. It was the heyday of Anglo-Catholicism in the Church of England. Religious life was flourishing for the first time since the Reformation. The first shock came when the Abbot of Caldey, a flamboyant character noted for luxurious tastes, and his monks went over to Rome. Nashdom – the great Benedictine community to which Gregory Dix belonged and, in many ways, the ultimate expression of Anglo-Catholicism – threatened to do likewise over the crisis of the Church of South India where the very idea of priestly ordination and identity was being challenged. Thanks to Archbishop William Temple the crisis was averted, the monks of Nashdom stayed and the scene was set for Anglican Papalism to enter the stag
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Prayer Book Guide To Christian Education
$36.95Add to cartA Christian educator’s one-volume guide for how to teach week by week according to the ethos and tradition of the Episcopal Church ethos while still connected to experience and faith in daily life. This guide to education and formation is based on the Book of Common Prayer, the cornerstone of Anglican liturgy and theology. Keyed to the Revised Common Lectionary, all activities and lessons are structured on the seasons and lessons for Years A, B, and C. The Guide stresses the major themes of baptismal theology and shows how teachers, parents and children can live the liturgical cycle in its Christian formation ministries at church and at home.
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Romans Leader Guide (Teacher’s Guide)
$17.49Add to cart1. What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Romans 3:9-31
2. Saved By Grace . . . Isn’t That Too Good To Be True?
Romans 5:1-11
3. If What I Do Doesn’t Save Me, Does It Matter How I Live?
Romans 6:1-23
4. Where Is God When We Suffer?
Romans 8:18-39
5. How Can I Keep From Singing?
Romans 10:1-21
6. What Does God Want From Us?
Romans 12:1-21Additional Info
Lead your group into informed and enlightening conversation on the book of Romans. This Leader Session Guide contains all the content from the Romans Learner Session Guide, plus these unique elements, designed to help leaders prepare to engage participants in conversation:*Before You Begin: Helpful tips to use as you prepare to lead the session.
*Session Overview: Detailed description of key themes and content covered in each of the four contexts (Historical, Literary, Lutheran, Devotional). Highlighted parts of the Session Overview provide a kind of “quick prep” for those wanting to do an initial scan of the key session themes and content.
*Key Definitions: Key terms or concepts that appear in the Session Overview.
*Facilitator’s Prayer: Helps the leader center on the session theme and leadership task
*Bonus Activities: Optional activities included in each of the four sections of “Join the Conversation”. These can be used by the leader to expand the core session.
*Tips: Helpful hints, instructions, or background content to help you lead.
*Looking Ahead: Reminders about preparation for the next session.This is a 6-session study.
For additional preparation assistance, try the Romans Session Prep DVD.
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John Leader Guide (Teacher’s Guide)
$22.99Add to cart1. What Is Jesus’ Relationship With God?
John 1:1-18
2. How Is It Possible For Us To Be In Relationship With God?
John 3:1-21
3. What Does It Mean That Jesus Is The “Bread Of Life”?
John 6:25-59
4. Who Can See Jesus?
John 9:1-41
5. What Does It Mean That Jesus Is The “Resurrection And The Life”?
John 11:1-44
6. What Does It Mean To Be A Disciple Of Jesus?
John 13:1-35
7. How Does Jesus Want His Disciples To Relate To The World?
John 17:1-26
8. How Does Jesus’ Relationship With His Disciples Continue?
John 20:11-31Additional Info
Lead your group into informed and enlightening conversation on the book of John. This Leader Session Guide contains all the content from the John Learner Session Guide, plus these unique elements, designed to help leaders prepare to engage participants in conversation:*Before You Begin: Helpful tips to use as you prepare to lead the session.
*Session Overview: Detailed description of key themes and content covered in each of the four contexts (Historical, Literary, Lutheran, Devotional). Highlighted parts of the Session Overview provide a kind of “quick prep” for those wanting to do an initial scan of the key session themes and content.
*Key Definitions: Key terms or concepts that appear in the Session Overview.
*Facilitator’s Prayer: Helps the leader center on the session theme and leadership task
*Bonus Activities: Optional activities included in each of the four sections of “Join the Conversation”. These can be used by the leader to expand the core session.
*Tips: Helpful hints, instructions, or background content to help you lead.
*Looking Ahead: Reminders about preparation for the next session.This is an 8-session study.
For additional preparation assistance, try the John Session Prep DVD.
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Romans Learner Guide (Student/Study Guide)
$8.49Add to cart1. What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Romans 3:9-31
2. Saved By Grace . . . Isn’t That Too Good To Be True?
Romans 5:1-11
3. If What I Do Doesn’t Save Me, Does It Matter How I Live?
Romans 6:1-23
4. Where Is God When We Suffer?
Romans 8:18-39
5. How Can I Keep From Singing?
Romans 10:1-21
6. What Does God Want From Us?
Romans 12:1-21Additional Info
Open Scripture and join the conversation around the book of Romans with this Learner Session Guide. Each session opens with a gathering prayer and focus activity. From there, participants open Scripture and explore a key passage from the book of Romans. Using the text, participants then join the conversation around that passage, focusing on literary, historical, Lutheran-theological, and devotional readings. Each session ends with prayer and opportunities for extending the conversation, which include optional “homework” assignments and enrichment activities that allow participants to continue their study and conversation between sessions.This study is 6 sessions in length.
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Jesus The Bible And Homosexuality (Expanded)
$23.00Add to cartIn this revised and expanded best seller, evangelical theologian and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Jack Rogers makes a biblical case for equal rights for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Throughout history, he observes, Christianity has moved towards ever greater openness and inclusiveness. Today’s church is led by many of those who were once excluded: people of color, women, and divorced and remarried people. He argues that when we interpret the Bible through the lens of Jesus’ redemptive life and ministry, we see that the church is called to grant equal rights to all people. Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality describes Rogers’ own change of mind and heart on the issue, charts the church’s history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about people who are LGBT, refutes the conventional wisdom about the texts that are often used against people who are LGBT, and presents ideas for how the church can heal itself and move forward again. A fascinating combination of personal narrative, theology, and church history, this book is essential reading for all concerned with the future of the church and the health of the nation.
The revised and expanded edition also includes:
* A new preface with ‘stories from the road’ as a result of Rogers’s two year book tour in support of the first edition,
* Updates on recent developments within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
* A new chapter that examines God’s radical welcome for all who have faith as revealed in Scripture,
* A new appendix that maps the recent progress toward LGBT equality in major U.S. denominations, and
* A study guide for group or personal reflection.
