Religious institutions and organizations Books

Book SynopsisChrist loves the church with an infinite, eternal love that is beyond our comprehension. Unfortunately, the church often doesn''t function the way Christ intended. Many Christians fail to understand that God''s ways are not their ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and when we attempt to do God''s work the world''s way, the results are dissatisfying and even damaging. When a church seeks a new pastor, they stand at a crossroads. How that decision is handled will determine the church''s future. This guide was written to help you seek your next pastor in ways that will both protect the health of the church and give great hope and blessing for the future!

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe tragedy of Douglas was first performed in 1756, at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, and created a scandal. The controversy was literary, religious and political. Following an introduction, this new edition reprints the text of the play (based on the Edinburgh edition of 1757), and then devotes the rest of the book to illustrating its popular reception - mainly as expressed in contemporary pamphlets. Appendices include biographical notes and a timeline.Trade Review'Ralph McLean and Humming Earth have made a huge contribution to eighteenth-century Scottish studies by giving us a new edition of John Home's Douglas (long out of print) along with facsimiles of three dozen contemporary broadsides, pamphlets, proclamations, and advertisements relating to the play. These primary sources may well generate a resurgence of interest in Douglas, in Home and his work, in the Scottish stage, in cultural identity as a national and religious issue, in the rise of the two ecclesiastical parties within the Church of Scotland, and in the supporting roles played by prominent figures such as David Hume, Adam Ferguson, and John Witherspoon.' Richard B. Sher, Distinguished Professor of History at the New Jersey College of Technology. 'McLean has produced a rich, thought-provoking volume; we are indebted to him and to Humming Earth for making available again this important body of primary material.' Susan Manning, University of Edinburgh, in Eighteenth-Century Scotland No. 25, Spring 2011

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis practical and comprehensive guide offers essential and expert advice on every aspect of caring for churches. A money-saving handbook for all who care for and maintain church buildings, it provides expert advice from a leading church architect and an experienced heritage buildings specialist. Drawn from extensive experience of working with local churches, they also show how church buildings can be tools for contemporary mission, packed with potential for effective engagement with the whole community. They cover a wide range of practical issues that affect church buildings, from caring for medieval masonry to installing multimedia electronic systems, and offer essential information and easy-to-follow advice on: • heating, lighting and energy efficiency • installing a kitchen or toilets • dealing with damp • treating timber decay • making your building accessible • what to do about bats • health and safety • seating options • fonts and baptisteries and much more. In addition, this handbook offers a step-by-step guide to planning and implementing an extension or a reordering project, including advice on public consultation, dealing with diocesan committees and fundraising. An annual calendar of basic church care is included, plus a church health checklist and a basic church buildings audit.Trade Review‘Any priest or parish stumped by the enormity and complexity of the task of making the most of our inherited buildings need look no further. This book is a superb tool for helping us see with fresh eyes the gift of landmark buildings in key locations, and enabling us to realise their full potential for the mission of the Kingdom of God.’ -- Richard GilesThis immensely practical, clear and thorough guide, written by acknowledged experts, will be an invaluable aid to anyone who cares about church buildings, realises their potential for mission and wants to release it. Church buildings can be an enormous asset for the gospel: this book will help anyone who reads it ensure that they are.’ -- Bishop John Inge'It is a comprehensive handbook rooted in the realities of parish life.' -- John Kiddle * Church Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn essential handbook for churchwardens, PCC's and all with responsibility during this crucial time in the life of a church. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on preparing for an interregnum, arranging for continuing worship and pastoral care, keeping church administration going, meeting legal responsibilities, finding a new priest and laying a good foundation for future ministry between priest and people.

Read more less