Christian Churches, denominations, groups Books
Zondervan Fear Is Not the Boss of You
Book Synopsis
£18.04
Zondervan Costly Obedience
Book SynopsisThough we often hear about the gay problem today, there is an even deeper problem in the church today--one that we often overlook. The call to follow Christ is a call to costly obedience for all, not just for gay Christians. Far too often, the church has elevated homosexuality above other sins and required a costly obedience from gays that it is unwilling to demand of others. And yet, the answer is not to weaken the demands of obedience. Instead, gay Christians who make the difficult choice to align their lives with the biblical view of sexuality are a gift to the church, reminding all of us that spiritual growth and maturity is costly. There is a price to pay in following Christ and devoting our lives to the call of the gospel, and it is one that we all must pay--gay and straight Christians alike.Through the stories and struggles of gay Christians who are reorienting their lives around the costly obedience required to follow Christ, Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets call thTrade ReviewChristians almost universally agree that we are called to love our nonheterosexual (LGBTQ+) neighbors. Yet the widespread perception is that we're doing a poor job of it, first and foremost because we do not listen. Informed by first-of-its-kind research among those followers of Christ who often call themselves 'celibate gays,' this book is essential reading for church and parachurch leaders concerned about the integrity of their ministries and the witness of their congregations and organizations. This book can inform and guide church leaders toward deeper empathy and more effective ministry in a truly marginalized portion of the communities that they serve (and the much larger circle of those who care about them). At a time when the church is on trial before a watching secular world--and often regarded as a bastion of hatred and homophobia--this book offers real solutions and challenges. You will not be disappointed. * Stanton L. Jones, professor of psychology, Wheaton College *Costly Obedience makes a significant contribution to broader LGB research by considering often neglected aspects of diversity at the intersection of sexuality and religion/spirituality. Sound research on chosen celibacy and/or mixed-orientation marriages is almost nonexistent in the professional literature. This kind of rigorous and reflective study is long overdue! In their scholarship, Yarhouse and Zaporozhets give voice to the lived experience of courageous persons who are negotiating the worlds of faith and same-sex attraction, often caught between a suspicious general culture and an agitated Christian community. In the end, this research narrative speaks to both, calling for deeper understanding of persons who have been largely denied or overlooked. Even more, Yarhouse and Zaporozhets help us understand that we all need to know these colleagues, friends, and family members. Their experience speaks to us. * Stephen P. Stratton, professor of counseling and pastoral care, Asbury Theological Seminary *Following nearly two decades of research, Mark Yarhouse and his colleagues have brought to light a growing body of believers who identify as gay, experience enduring and stable same-sex attractions, and firmly believe that same-sex behavior is morally impermissible. They are highly religious and desire to carry their faith into all aspects of their lives. In this newest work, Costly Obedience, a simple question echoes throughout: 'Is there a place for these individuals within the church?' The authors answer in the affirmative but point out that the church has not always been well prepared to assimilate these fellow believers. Throughout these pages the reader will learn much about this group, but more importantly he or she will be presented with a challenge that goes beyond merely 'accepting' celibate gay Christians into the church community. These believers offer a fresh perspective and model a costly obedience often lacking in today's Western church. This important book will have value not only to pastors and lay leaders but to the church at large, as parishioners seek to create the kind of community that models a costly obedience for all. * Michael Lastoria, professor emeritus, Houghton College, coauthor of Listening to Sexual Minorities *In a culture that views sexual activity as a right, the idea of choosing celibacy because another value, namely, one's faith, supersedes that right is unthinkable. Yet celibate gay Christians believe this is what God has called them to do, and they have chosen to obey--despite the cost. Yarhouse and Zaporozhets help us to better understand these Christians, the path they walk, and the sacrifices they make, all for spiritual gain. This willingness to enter into the submission and suffering of Christ for a deeper experience of grace stands in stark contrast to the cheap and easy faith for which too many of us settle. What a beautiful, and hard, testimony this costly obedience is to the church. * Janet B. Dean, associate professor of psychology, Asbury University *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Gay “Problem” When conservative Christians talk about homosexuality and people they know who are gay, they believe that the way to move forward is to have gay people become straight. They immediately think of “reorienting” gay people. But there is another reorientation that has to take place as well, one in which today’s church is reawakened to the call of costly obedience, one that is lived out by all followers of Christ. This means the church will also have to change, reorienting toward a different vision of community and discipleship. Gay Christians are being used by God today to reorient the church to this call. Part I: Reawakening the Church to Radical Discipleship Chapter 1: American Dream Christianity The church has adopted an “American Dream” Christianity, one that largely believes the answer to the “gay problem” is either transformation or celibacy---as if either of these options are easy! The casual attitude toward these difficult choices has alienated gay Christians and caused them to feel that the church is demanding of them things that are not required of other followers of Christ. We need to grasp that the call of discipleship is costly, and it is costly for all believes. Obedience to Christ places serious demands on the lives of every Christian, gay and straight alike. The crisis in the church today is not just homosexuality, it is recapturing a more biblical understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Chapter 2: The Shame Script - Change and Get Married! Most Christians wear their faith like an accessory as men and women seek personal fulfillment through falling in love, advancing in their careers, pursuing utmost pleasure, and investing in the relationships they find most gratifying. Self-centeredness permeates the western church, and it is largely ignored, even met with approval at times. The church’s solution to the gay problem is to promote marriage. Gays in the church feel that they are not full members until they have proven they have been healed by getting married. At the same time, the church condemns the gay person only to smile upon the straight person whose sexual sins are more socially acceptable. This hypocrisy alienates gay people and leads them to despair. Chapter 3: The Inclusive Script - Accept Who You Are Progressive churches subscribe to the gay script. This script says that a gay orientation necessitates having an active gay relationship based on a hermeneutic of love. These churches emphasize Christ’s condemnation of Pharisaical moral standards, those that affirm self-centered religiosity while marginalizing sexual minorities. Their acceptance of gay relationships is a reasonable extension of American Dream Christianity: if straight people can have their faith and pursue pleasure too, then gay people should as well. Progressive churches rightly realize Christ would condemn the hypocrisy rampant in most churches. But rather than calling all Christians up into sacrificial obedience, however, they appeal to inclusivity and invite gays to enjoy the fruit of American Dream Christianity. This is a compelling script for gay people because it meets legitimate needs for identity and community, and it will continue to be the most compelling script if the church does not change. Chapter 4: The Third Way Gay Christians feel forced to choose between two scripts imposed upon them: the gay affirming script and the local church’s shame script. When gay people feel unwelcomed because of attractions they did not choose and an orientation they are unlikely to change, they feel they have no choice but to depart from their convictions altogether, which is ultimately a departure from orthodoxy. As the culture war rises and both communities launch truth grenades from one side to the other, the casualties are the sexual minorities caught in the crossfire. To affirm casual Christianity for straight people and deny it to gay people is
£13.99
Zondervan Preaching Gods Word Second Edition
Book SynopsisLearn to develop and deliver a biblical sermon that connects with today''s audiences.Preaching God''s Word is a user-friendly and practical homiletics textbook that integrates hermeneutical principles and stresses the importance of a strong exegetical foundation. It teaches you how to understand your audience, develop powerful applications, use illustrations well, and communicate effectively.Preaching God''s Word addresses: How to develop and preach a biblical sermon Common issues with biblical preaching and how to avoid them Unique challenges and opportunities of preaching from specific biblical genres New Testament preaching Old Testament preaching Whether you are a student who is new to preaching or a veteran looking to brush up on your skills, you will benefit from this hands-on approach to preparing, developing, and delivering the sermon
£25.65
Zondervan Hero Maker
Book Synopsis
£20.90
Zondervan Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian
Book SynopsisThe Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History gives you what it promises: the essentials.Following a brief introduction that outlines the key events of the New Testament era, there is a chapter devoted to each century of Christian history beginning with the year 100 and ending roughly at the year 2000. Each chapter flows chronologically featuring: A brief overview, highlighting the main threads and issues running through the relevant century Key historical developments explained Thematic connections between centuries Color-coded sidebars on Persons, Ideas, or Events Persons: key figures either within or without the Church who have impacted Christian history significantly or who otherwise deserve special mention Ideas: important Christian books, as well as heresies, doctrines, or political movements Events: world-historical occurrences such as battles, natural disasters, invTrade ReviewBackhouse describes the history of official Christendom “from above,” but crucially, he also tells the story of the numerous movements renewing Christianity “from below.” No history of the church is complete that does not give time to these radical reforming men and women. A brilliant and beautiful book! * Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer International; senior pastor at Emmaus Rd, Guildford; author of Dirty Glory *Rich, concise, and built for our most dynamic leaders (who will never darken the door of a seminary), this short volume is Backhouse’s latest masterpiece tool for the local church. If locally-deployed church planters knew their history, they would be far less likely to repeat its mistakes. * Graham Singh, executive director of Church Planting Canada, rector of St. Jax Montreal *The Zondervan Essential Companion to Christian History is visually captivating---every page a joy to behold. But what makes this book so special is how Stephen Backhouse tells the Christian story. Facts and stories about saints, martyrs, heretics, monks, and missionaries fill the pages. This is a history book that reads like an adventure novel. * Richard Beck, professor at Abilene Christian University, author of Unclean and Stranger God *This book is well-named. It is indeed an essential companion to those entering into the study of church history. It gives students an outstanding way of orienting themselves, putting the towering figures of history into their social and theological contexts. It is full of helpful detail without being overwhelming, and it is written in a clear and engaging style, which draws the student in, teaching without daunting them. * Jane Williams, assistant dean and tutor in theology, St. Mellitus College *This gathering together of snapshots from two thousand years of church history refreshingly lets each century tell its own part of the tale; and Stephan Backhouse is a brilliant guide through the bewildering twists and turns. * David Benjamin Blower, Nomad Podcast, writer and musician *This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for a compact yet remarkably comprehensive summary of Christian history. It includes a welcome emphasis on a global perspective, as well as highlighting the role of women in relation to many of the key developments in the church. It comes highly recommended. * Lucy Peppiatt, principal of Westminster Theological Centre *Table of Contents1. Introduction: Servants and Leaders: 0-100 AD 2. Love and Courage: 100-200 AD 3. Martyrs and Heretics: 200-300 AD 4. Establishment and Resistance: 300-400 AD 5. East and West: 400-500 AD 6. Centres and Margins: 500-600 AD 7. Soldiers and Missionaries: 600-700 AD 8. Monks and Emperors: 700-800 AD 9. Conversion and Culture: 800-900 AD 10. Green Shoots, Dead Branches: 900-1000 AD 11. Popes, Kings, and Peasants: 1000-1100 AD 12. War and Peace: 1100-1200 AD 13. Empire and Wilderness: 1200-1300 AD 14. Humility and Power: 1300-1400 AD 15. Church and State: 1400-1500 AD 16. Expansion and Consolidation: 1500 -1600 AD 17. Reform and Revival: 1600-1700 AD 18. Reason and Revolution: 1700-1800 AD 19. Progress and Preservation: 1800-1900 AD 20. Sacrifice and Invention: 1900-2000 AD
£24.13
Alfred A. Knopf God An Anatomy
Book SynopsisAn astonishing and revelatory history that re-presents God as he was originally envisioned by ancient worshippers—with a distinctly male body, and with superhuman powers, earthly passions, and a penchant for the fantastic and monstrous.[A] rollicking journey through every aspect of Yahweh’s body, from top to bottom (yes, that too) and from inside out ... Ms. Stavrakopoulou has almost too much fun.”—The Economist The scholarship of theology and religion teaches us that the God of the Bible was without a body, only revealing himself in the Old Testament in words mysteriously uttered through his prophets, and in the New Testament in the body of Christ. The portrayal of God as corporeal and masculine is seen as merely metaphorical, figurative, or poetic. But, in this revelatory study, Francesca Stavrakopoulou presents a vividly corporeal image of God: a human-shaped deity who walks and talks and weeps a
£30.40
Baker Publishing Group So Whats the Difference
Book SynopsisHow does orthodox Christianity differ from other faiths? In a straightforward, noncritical comparison, Ridenour explores the basic tenets of twenty worldviews, religions, and faiths.
£17.00
Baker Publishing Group Revitalize
Book SynopsisPastor, Bible teacher, and Gospel Coalition leader combines timeless biblical principles with specific examples and practical insight, giving pastors and leaders in struggling churches hope and strategies for revitalization.
£21.01
Baker Publishing Group Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Women
Book Synopsis
£18.99
Baker Publishing Group 15 Characteristics of Effective Pastors
Book SynopsisThe church finds itself in a period of great diversification and multiple expressions. In the midst of great change, we have become confused about what really makes for healthy and authentic pastoral leadership. What are the basic and common characteristics necessary for pastors to be effective? How can lay people understand the pastoral call more fully and partner better with pastors for the health of their church? Here Mannoia and Walkemeyer examine the foundations of pastoral effectiveness and bring together nine experienced pastoral leaders to discuss the basic characteristics that exist in effective pastors. Regardless of context or personality, ineffectiveness in pastors and subsequent ill health in churches is often not the result of a lack of calling, but instead is the result of misappropriated efforts to find success. Let''s help those who are called to be good stewards of their call. And let''s help churches have a chance to be healthy under the leadership of effective pasto
£23.00
Baker Publishing Group The Five Star Church
Book SynopsisThis insightful book reveals how you can pursue Christian excellence and uphold the Lord's command to "honor one another above yourselves," offering tips, tools, and the inspiration you need to build a top-quality church that people will flock to and participate in.
£20.90
Baker Publishing Group The Power of Vision Discover and Apply Gods Plan
Book SynopsisAward-winning author George Barna helps church leaders uncover God's vision for their ministry so they know where they're headed and can minister authentically and authoritatively.
£20.19
Baker Publishing Group Retrieving History
Book SynopsisExamines the ways early Christians related and transmitted their history--apologetics, martyrdom accounts, sacred biography, and the genre of church history proper--helping readers understand how Christian identity is rooted in the faithful work of preceding generations.Table of ContentsContentsMapTime Line1. Invitation to the Past2. Ancient Historical Writing and the Rise of Historical Literary Forms3. History as Apologetic: Harnessing a Usable Past4. Martyrology: Remembering the Martyrs' Noble Example5. Hagiography: Martyrdom as Discipleship in Early Christian Biographies6. Ecclesiastical History: The Story of the Church7. Conclusions and TrajectoriesIndex
£30.11
Moody Publishers Spiritual Leadership Principles of Excellence for
Book Synopsis
£14.99
Moody Publishers Long Before Luther
Book Synopsis
£13.25
Moody Publishers Business Of Ministry The
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Moody Publishers The Masters Plan for the Church
Book Synopsis
£15.99
Paulist Press Penal Issues in Canon Law
£31.34
Vida Publishers Historia de la Iglesia Cristiana
Book Synopsis
£12.99
United Church Press A Little One Shall Lead
Book Synopsis
£21.33
Pilgrim Press I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church
Book Synopsis
£16.10
Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City A Century of Holiness Theology The Doctrine of
Book Synopsis
£26.99
Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City Foundations of Church Administration Professional
Book Synopsis
£31.49
Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City A String of Hope Inspiration from Korea
Book Synopsis
£10.99
Nazarene Publishing House We Believe Articles of Faith for the Global
Book Synopsis
£11.39
Holy Trinity Publications The Field Cultivating Salvation 1 Complete Works
Book SynopsisThis newly translated volume of the writings of the Orthodox spiritual teacher Ignatius Brianchaninov offers a vision of a life that flows from following Christ.
£19.94
BMH Books Ordinances
Book Synopsis
£9.56
Tan Books & Publishers Inc. A Brief Catechism For Adults A Complete Handbook
Book Synopsis
£17.48
Tan Books Catechism of the Council of Trent
Book Synopsis
£37.46
Zurich House Publishing Go Tell This Is Your Moment
Book Synopsis
£18.95
Zurich House Publishing Go Tell Companion Workbk
Book Synopsis
£8.18
Zurich House Publishing Soft Hard Sides of Leadershi
Book Synopsis
£18.95
Higherlife Development Service The Forgotten Baptism
Book Synopsis
£19.76
Higherlife Development Service Blueprint
Book Synopsis
£13.25
LifeWay Christian Resources Pastors Wedding Manual Updated Edition
Book Synopsis
£16.14
B&H Publishing Group Complementarity
Book Synopsis
£28.98
Random House USA Inc Christendom
£16.78
Thomas Nelson Publishers Wisdom for the Way Large Text Leathersoft
Book SynopsisAre you looking for more strength, balance, and insight in your life? These are a by-product of wisdom and provide us with the ability to cope with all extremes of life--the highs and the lows. Beloved pastor Charles R. Swindoll understands that the more we learn about God''s wisdom, the more strength we gain to handle the questions and the tension in our lives.In a world full of busyness and uncertainty, Swindoll offers insights for daily living and how to apply his teachings in practical, relevant, and encouraging ways. Wisdom for the Way is a 365-day collection of some of Swindoll''s most meaningful insights, as taught on his radio show, Insight for Living, in bite-size daily readings.With 365 days of meditations from the book of Proverbs, Swindoll shares wise words for busy people on topics such as contentment, character, work, and worship. Both men and women will enjoy:Brief, meaningful devotions that give releva
£17.99
1517 Media Atlas of Christian History
£21.31
Little, Brown & Company Home Run
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Cedar Fort ChristCentered Intentional Parenting
£999.99
Cedar Fort Whom Say Ye That I Am
Book Synopsis
£15.57
Cedar Fort The Heart of Our Covenants
Book Synopsis
£21.78
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Catholic New Hampshire Images of America Series
Book Synopsis
£19.99
History Press New Mexico Mission Churches Landmarks
Book Synopsis
£18.69
Tyndale House Publishers Christians in the Age of Outrage
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Tyndale House Publishers The Church Revitalization Checklist
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Tyndale House Publishers How to Launch a New Church Site
Book Synopsis
£14.24
