Religious ministry and clergy Books

Book SynopsisTime for Reflection is a comprehensive handbook for school chaplains and all with responsibility for ensuring the spiritual development of children and young people.

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Book SynopsisHow can a preacher best address suicide from the pulpit? Pastors face many challenges. Suicide in a congregation is amongst the most heart-rending and intimidating. However, the preacher has a unique capacity to engender gospel hope for preparing the congregation and comforting the bereaved. To do so, preachers need help understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by addressing suicide from the pulpit. In Preaching Hope in Darkness, two practitioners in fields that do not typically interact--homiletics (Scott M. Gibson) and psychology (Karen Mason)--work together to support the preacher in this difficult task. Gibson and Mason offer wise advice on a range of topics such as suicide prevention, post-crisis care, and funeral sermon preparation. With an appendix of sample sermons and a sample funeral liturgy, Preaching Hope in Darkness is an essential go-to guide for this difficult topic.

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Book SynopsisChrist comes to, and through, his people Many consider pastoral visitation antiquated and impractical. People seem busier than ever, and technology appears to trivialize personal contact. As a result, personal visits are often reserved only for the gravest of situations. Tyler C. Arnold argues that pastoral visitation is essential to the pastoral role. In Scripture, God visits his people to show his personal interest and concern. This is seen most clearly in the incarnation. Christ's ministry is one of presence. But Jesus is not only an example of visitation ministry; he is the embodiment of it. And in visitation, pastors and laypeople continue Jesus's ministry by bringing Christ to the individual in their very place of need. Established in strong theological foundations and sensitive to contemporary concerns, Pastoral Visitation exhorts pastors to return to this classic method of individual soul-care.

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Book SynopsisJohn Donne's sense of form and arrangement, his psychological insight, his differences of mood and emphasis and his religious fervour should make this selection of ten sermons particularly interesting to the attentive reader familiar with Donne's poetry.

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Book SynopsisHow come the Bible is used to justify domestic abuse? This book aims to debunk the myths which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful King James Bible with book introductions, end-of-page cross references, and a concordance, yet it's designed to easily fit in your backpack or purse. This Bible also features Thomas Nelson’s clear and readable KJV Comfort Print.

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Book SynopsisExplore 12 key elements of pastoral carePastoral care is about caring for others and loving people in need, so that they may find, deepen and develop their faith in Jesus.Drawing on New Testament teaching and the example of Jesus, this resource will help anyone with a heart for pastoral care to discover what it means to care for people within a safe and supportive structure. It will also help you to: Understand what pastoral care meansDevelop wise caring practices and set healthy boundariesConsider how to care for yourself while caring for othersExplore how you can expand care beyond your churchQuestions are included to help you reflect further on how you can strengthen your approach to care.Table of ContentsContents Introduction Part one – Essential understanding 01: Decide to improve 02: Know what pastoral care is really about 03: Understand your role Part two – Essential practice 04: Create a culture of care 05: Develop a wise approach to people 06: Adopt a biblical approach to suffering 07: Care for yourself as you care for others 08: Learn wise caring practices Part three – Essential strategy 09: Structure care appropriately 10: Care for those on the fringe 11: Expand care beyond the church 12: Develop your vision for pastoral care

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Book SynopsisPaul Beasley-Murray, one of the most respected Christian ministers of the last fifty years, offers fifty succinct reflections on all aspects of ministry, including pastoring, preaching, evangelism, prayer, growth, worship, family, personal care and relationships.Trade Review‘So encouraging and helpful. We need each other’s wisdom to expand the scope and vision of Christian ministry. These fifty lessons from fifty years of ministry are a very good place to start.’ -- Stephen Cottrell‘The fruit of a life-time of ministry, this is vintage Beasley-Murray — accessible, passionate, full of wisdom about Christian ministry, and just occasionally, controversial.’ -- Revd Dr Paul Goodliff‘Paul Beasley-Murray has poured fifty years of his fruitful ministry experiences into this book and it provides wisdom, insight and practical encouragement for all engaged in the marathon of ministry.’ -- Revd Dr David Coffey OBE

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Book SynopsisThis handbook aims to help any Christian committed to their role as a follower and fellow-worker with Christ to be more effective in their ministry. It offers practical suggestions for faithful practice in numerous areas, ranging from Apologetics to Worship and beyond.Trade ReviewWith his usual wisdom and good humour, John Pritchard writes for anyone and everyone curious about the varied work of ministry. This book will refresh and illuminate your perspective on what it means to participate in the growing of God’s Kingdom. -- Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of RiponDipping again into John Pritchard's The Life and Work of a Priest for this review reminded me what a remarkable, wise, and humane book it is. It covers just about everything parish life might throw at clergy. Well, not quite everything. If you're troubled by sylvan revels or cohabiting bandits, I'm afraid you're on your own. -- Paul Handley * Church Times *This wonderful volume . . . must become the set book for ordinands. The content is refreshingly sane and intelligent; the experience shines through from the author, both as priest, Bishop and theological teacher. * thegoodbookstall on The Life and Work of a Priest *This is an unusually honest book. Its analysis is plain-spoken and compassionate, and what Bishop John has to say about finding ways to live constructively with times of emptiness is superbly well focused. You'll emerge from reading this with – probably – relief that a widespread set of challenges has been so sensitively identified and – certainly – with gratitude for sensible, durable advice on how to go on making friends with the mystery we can never digest or contain. -- Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalen College, Cambridge on God Lost and FoundWhat a courageous book! . . . full of hope and full of God. -- Elaine Storkey on God Lost and FoundThis is a very good book by a very exceptional leader. John Pritchard puts himself into what he writes, and the result is accessible, encouraging and fun, with a steel core that not only makes one think but takes one back to the face of Christ and the realities of Christian discipleship. John is never cheaply comfortable but always reassuringly real. I am very glad to have read Living Faithfully. -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury on Living Faithfully

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Book SynopsisHow to use the power of invitation to double the size of your churchTable of ContentsContentsForeword 9Acknowledgments 13Preface 151. Will You Come Along? 172. The Reasons Why We Don’t Invite Our Friends 333. How Welcoming Are You? 564. Twelve Steps to Becoming an Inviting Church 675. The Reasons Why People Don’t Come Back a Second Time 996. The Seven Phrases that Turn Away 1067. Turning Failure into a Friend 1138. Back to What? Releasing Your Brakes 1269. The Ten Keys to Keeping 141Conclusion:Igniting Spontaneous Invitation and Not Being Able to Stop It 155Appendix 1:The Twelve Steps Learning Tool 180Appendix 2:Back to Church Sunday – Perspectives from around the World 182Notes 189

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Book SynopsisWhat every church needs to know about sports ministry. A guide to developing church sport and recreation ministries. Especially relevant to churcheswho want to run sport programmes ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Bryan Mason contends that sport is as vital a part of the church programme as say youth work or women's ministry. Indeed, by its all-encompassing nature, it reaches out to every age group. Sport is an ideal atmosphere for making friends and sharing the difference Jesus Christ makes in your life. This book provides vital information and ideas for churches wishing to make mission a central goal as 2012 approaches.

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Book SynopsisA kaleidoscopic journey through post-World War I London in the footsteps of the real-life Rector of Stiffkey – a story by turns funny, moving and scandalous.Trade Review'John Walsh propels his narrative forward with irresistible vigour and delineates a host of entertaining characters with broad strokes of a brush heavily charged with primary colours.' Francis King, Literary Review 'Walsh gets the tragicomic tone just right and his description of the tawdry 1930's London is thoroughly enjoyable.' Daily Telegraph 'The narrative of “Sunday at the Cross Bones” is as lively and ambiguous as its main character…Pacy and entertaining, elegantly written, funny yet ultimately tragic, “Sunday at the Cross Bones” is full of hypocrisies and moral ambiguities. The abiding impression is of a very irritating man punished out of all proportions to his actual wrong-doing.' Times Literary Supplement ‘The pleasures of comic fiction lie in the accomplishment of the writing and Walsh's enjoyable novel not only thrills with its regular top-ups of verbal Viagra, but hints at a darker subtext.’ Independent 'Like Peter Ackroyd, Walsh demonstrates an intimate knowledge of London and the unique spirit of place that permeates different nooks and crannies of the city…Walsh captures dialect brilliantly from the cockney 'innit'-speak of the rector's protégées to the patronising but ever-so-polished tone of his Mayfair benefactress…Though we know how the story ends, there is a dreadful fascination in following it to the end of the journey.' Sunday Business Post 'If the secret of novel-writing is to find a voice, then John Walsh has cracked it in this entertaining comic novel…There is a lot here, much of it extremely funny, about the allure of hosiery.' Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisThis is the first comprehensive study of the Greek word ''''diakonia,'''' from which the word ''''deacon'''' is derived. Diakonia and its cognates appear frequently throughout the New Testament, but its precise meaning has long been disputed. Today, it is usually translated ''''service'''' or ''''ministry.'''' As Collins shows, this understanding of diakonia has been important to the development of a modern consensus about the nature of Christian ministry. Based on the understanding that diakonia is ''''service'''' and that the diakonos (deacon) is a ''''servant,'''' nearly all Christian bodies today agree that the central idea of ministry is that of helping the needy, and that the ''''servant'''' church should be humbly devoted to helping the world, after the model of Jesus. Collins conducts an exhaustive study of diakonia in Christian and non-Christian sources from about 200 BCE to 200 CE. He finds that in all such sources the word is used to mean ''''messenger'''' or ''''emissary,''Trade Review'Now John N. Collins has challenged the nineteenth and early twentieth century definitions and has supplied us with a whole gamet of rich associations.' * Distinctive Diacarate *'A significant contribution to the field of New Testament studies that is both solid and illuminating. It will clear the deck for new examinations of how the church needs to understand and order its ministry if it wishes to take the New Testament sources seriously.' * John Koenig, General Theological Seminary *'Challenging and thought-provoking' * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *'Will be interesting for scholars of classical and early Christian writings who are concerned to trace the use of a particular word in a variety of contexts.' * Theological Book Review *'Collins results are doubly important: both a convincing reading of the range of meanings of these words and a clear warning against an overzealous and premature attempt to make lexical study relevant. One will learn much...from the general results and particular observations.' * Patristics *'A very full and thorough survey of texts drawn from pagan and rabbinic, as well as Christian literature that might throw light on what the early Christians really meant by diakonia and its derivatives....The author combines the virtue of detailed scholarship with a vision for the future....Students will be grateful for the author's solid and illuminating survey of the various meanings givenin New Testament times and just after to the term diakonia, and may be encouraged to apply these in the church today.'' * Theology *'This is a challenging book....Collins raises important questions about how we understand the diakon- words....Though it may alter some routinely accepted expositions of our time, Collins' scholarship could also enrich and expand current understandings and expectations of ministry.' * Lutheran Partners *Table of ContentsI. ASSUMPTIONS; CONCLUSION; II. NON-CHRISTIAN SOURCES; III. FIRST CHRISTIAN WRITINGS; AFTERWORD; NOTES; APPENDIX I; APPENDIX II; APPENDIX III; ABBREVIATIONS; INDEX OF SOURCES; INDEX OF OTHER GREEK TERMS; INDEX OF AUTHORS

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Book SynopsisTraining books for church colleges and lay training courses.

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Book SynopsisFeedback and evaluation, both of oneself and by others, are the lifeblood of a successful ministry experience. In A Guide to Theological Reflection, experienced practical ministry professors Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner introduce the processes and tools of theological reflection for ministry.Effective evaluation includes critique and potential course correction for the honest and willing minister, as well as positive affirmation of how one''s desires influence good ministry decisions. A Guide to Theological Reflection introduces tools by which a minister can interact with his or her own thoughts, beliefs, and feelings; external feedback, such as that of a ministry supervisor; and Scripture to inform deep and transformative theological reflection.Designed as a textbook for practical ministry courses and theological field education, A Guide to Theological Reflection can also be used in ministry contexts. It provides guidance for students, minisTrade Review'In a culture defined by hurry, A Guide to Theological Reflection asks busy pastors, leaders, and ministry students to do the unthinkable--to pause and reflect on how our beliefs translate into our ministry. With seasoned wisdom, accessible style, and practical tools, this volume helpfully coaches us on the who, what, when, where, why, and how of this crucial reflection.' * CHRIS MORGAN, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University *'It's tempting to assume that doing theology means getting your doctrine right with ever-increasing levels of precision. That might be okay for students in a systematic theology class, but it's a bad assumption for those ministering to real people. As Jesus showed us with people as diverse as the rich young ruler, the tax collector Zacchaeus, and the woman at the well, he didn't lecture them on doctrine; his theology was embodied in the way he treated them. Those of us seeking to proclaim and exemplify good theology in ministry situations can learn a lot from Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner's book. A Guide to Theological Reflection is the GPS for getting from doctrine to redemptive ministerial practice.' * MARSHALL SHELLEY, director of the doctor of ministry program, Denver Seminary *'Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner have written an important and helpful book for pastors engaged in the practice of ministry. Ministry flows from the inside out. Pastors need to attend to their interior life in order to serve in ways that are obedient and faithful. The authors invite ministry leaders to pause in the middle of their work to focus on deeper theological reflection so that in greater ways they might live into matters of character and abiding in Christ. I highly recommend this book to you.' * KURT N. FREDRICKSON, associate dean for doctor of ministry studies, associate professor of pastoral ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary *'Socrates was reputed to have said, 'An unexamined life is not worth living.' The contention of this book is that an unexamined ministry is just plain dangerous. The authors then makes several radical but important claims, such as that ministry leaders need more theological reflection, not less; that our ministry action should grow from our theology; and that Scripture should be our first and primary source for such reflection. This book recommends useful tools to help us pause from our incessant ministry activity to reflect on what and how we are doing and if we are pursuing ministry success as God sees it.' * DONALD W. SWEETING, president, Colorado Christian University *'Theological reflection is an essential skill for ministry leaders, yet many have never learned how to do it well. Leaders think about theology and ministry but lack a model for flowing those two streams together in meaningful ways. The men who wrote this book model this process, have coached hundreds of emerging leaders on developing these skills, and now have produced this helpful guide to teaching others how to do it. Theology must inform practice. The insights you are about to read outline a workable process to make that happen.' * JEFF IORG, president, Gateway Seminary *'Using excellent resources from Christian thinkers and marketplace leaders, the authors have contributed an approach to theological reflection that takes this hidden gem of education out of unconscious preoccupation and into intentional habit. Their model is very useful and applicable across cultures for many reasons, especially for its emphasis on the community's participation in one's growth in self- and God-awareness. I recommend this hope-inspiring guide to everyone engaged in theological training and continuing education.' * CHOON SAM FONG, academic dean, Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore *'Wilson and Waggoner have pulled theological reflection off the dusty seminary shelf and breathed it full of new life. They offer specific hands-on tools for reflection during that much-needed 'pause'--the space before we act in specific ministry situations. This is a thorough yet practical work, bringing theological reflection directly to bear on ministry practice. It's a vital resource for mentors, seasoned leaders, and rookies in ministry. Plus, the excellent bibliography is worth the cost of the book.' * DARYL L. SMITH, associate professor emeritus of mentoring and leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary *Table of ContentsSECTION 1: The Process of Theological Reflection 1. The Need for Theologial Reflection 2. A Definition of Theological Reflection 3. A Model for Theological Reflection SECTION 2: The Tools of Theological Reflection 4. Experiencing a 360-Degree Ministry Support System 5. Exploring God’s Activity Around Me 6. Fostering Intentionality in Ministry 7. Planning for Personal Growth by Using a Covenant 8. Examining Past Ministry, Preparing for Future Opportunities 9. Finding Your Ministry Sweet Spot

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Book SynopsisIntentional introduces you to the eight principles of disciple making and shows you how to apply them to everyday life. Drawing from decades of experience making disciples and training others in disciple making, pastor Guidon equips readers to practice what they learn through interactive discussion and reflection questions and practical exercises.Trade Review'Brandon Guindon has knocked it out of the park with this great book! Making disciples in today's world is not easy, and Brandon puts it all into perspective by sharing how to apply the eight practices of disciple making. We have a disciplined road map with Intentional. But ultimately, discipleship takes people who are trained and have the heart and desire to win people for Christ. So let's go make disciples as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20 and how Brandon describes in this great book.' * Douglas J. Crozier, president and chief executive officer, the Solomon Foundation *'Brandon knows how to tell a story and speak to others in a way that just keeps you reading or listening. The reason the stories are so good is that they are based on something much more profound, the reality of Brandon's life and work on those around him. This is practical, yes, but it is more powerful than anything else. Intentional is a special testimony of God's work through a pastor and of his family.' * Bill Hull, author of No Longer a Bystander and I Will Not Bow Down *'I am grateful for how Brandon passionately explores disciple making in his book Intentional. Obviously, we need a return to disciple making in this generation. As you work through each page of inspiring story and practical guidance, you be refreshed by God's calling for the church to make disciples and see church multiplication accelerate through your ministry.' * Jason Stewart, executive director of mobilization at Exponential *'I have known Brandon Guindon for twenty years and paid witness to the lived-out principles that he puts forward. Brandon holds up a mirror to help show us who Jesus intends us to be. Take the Intentional journey, and you will be better for it. This book will challenge and encourage you, and in the cooperation with the Holy Spirit you will be changed by it.' * Mark "Moose" Bright, director of the Relational Discipleship Network *'Intentional is an extraordinary book that powerfully captures how to do the work of disciple making. Author Brandon Guindon does not give us a book of theory but a personal example of a multiplier and how he intentionally lives that out. In an era where church leaders are looking for resources to guide them in how to return to disciple making, Intentional should be at the top of your list!' * Dave Ferguson, author, president and cofounder of Exponential, lead pastor of Community Christian Church *'Intentional is the only book on discipleship that I am aware of that not only gives you biblically founded principles but also has the personal stories and illustrations to help the reader get a picture of what discipleship really looks like. The book makes a case for being an intentional disciple maker and what that looks like on a day-to-day basis. This explanation includes personal stories from other disciple makers as well as penetrating self-assessment. This book is what I needed to read to help me in growing as a disciple who helps make disciples!' * Matt Dabbs, church planter at Backyard Church *'Intentional simplifies the often-overwhelming subject of discipleship. Brandon Guindon artfully leads you through the practical process of unleashing your inner disciple maker! In reading Intentional, you'll discover that making disciples is more natural than you think. This is an enjoyable read and a must-have for every Christian. Frankly, the principles in this book apply to training leaders in business and any other arena that benefits from mentoring as well.' * Wes Beavis, PsyD, clinical psychologist, author of Let's Talk About Ministry Burnout *'Practical is the word I would use to describe Brandon Guindon's book Intentional. In a sea of books that offer theory, Guindon provides practical help with everyday discipleship, using snapshots from his own life and experience. It's a great guide for anyone looking for help with a hands-on approach. I highly recommend it!' * Jerry Harris, publisher of Christian Standard Media, teaching pastor at The Crossing *'This book, Intentional, is based on God's Word, and God always asks us to do things that work for real, regular people. Your life will become more intentional if you read and implement the practices in this book. Brandon Guindon is a disciple-making practitioner, not a theorist. Brandon and his wife, Amber, have personally discipled people for many years now. Brandon knows, without having to think about it, how to be intentional. Brandon began his ministry career on staff at Real Life Ministries, and his intentionality helped to increase our number of small groups exponentially. He helped develop training that has spanned the globe. He went on to plant a discipleship-based church that has grown and thrived. He raises up people from within to disciple others, to serve on staff, and to plant churches nationally and internationally. If you want to become more intentional in your life, this book should be your next read.' * Jim Putman, author and senior pastor of Real Life Ministries *Brandon Guindon shows us the practical elements of disciple making. For higher education to thrive today, we must help students equip local everyday disciples to trust and follow Jesus. I recommend his book Intentional to help us do this better. * Tony Twist, president and CEO of TCM International Institute *

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Book SynopsisThis compilation of how-to ideas for youth promotion, publicity, advertising, fundraising, announcements, administration, bulletin boards, flyers, and all kinds of tricks of the trade will be a worthy addition to your youth ministry library and come to you from The Ideas Library.

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Book SynopsisBreak the ice and warm up your group -- at meetings, parties, studies, or any other youth group event -- with one of these 230 crowd breakers and mixers! - Mixers . . . Make it fun for kids to get acquainted! Lots of creative ways for a group of strangers or classmates to circulate and learn a lot about each other in a little time. - Meeting-Opening Contests . . . All you need usually are two or three brave souls to jump feet first into a crazy competition while the group watches -- like Greasepuff (page 55) or Foot Signing (page 112). - Musical Crowd Breakers . . . Okay, so when your group sings, they remind you of water buffaloes with strep throat. At least they''ll enjoy these engaging musical openers. All you usually need is a tape deck or CD player. Quizzes & Word Games . . . At last -- quizzes with absolutely no academic consequences, but loaded with crowd-breaking potential (and lots of laughs, too). If you''re a youth worker or recreation director in a church, school, club, o

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Book SynopsisSo you''re leading a small group? Your small group can accomplish big things in the lives of your teenagers. And in Help! I''m a Small-Group Leader! you''ll find methods and approaches you can use. Foibles and minefields to avoid. Solutions and tips that will help you nurture your small group into a growing community, whatever you goals. Inside you''ll discover -- How to put small groups together - How NOT to lead a small group - How to start a discussion -- and KEEP IT GOING - How to ASK QUESTIONS that get responses - Three kinds of BIBLE STUDY questions to ask - How to work with DIFFERENT personalities in a small group - How to help you kids LEARN TO PRAY - 10 ideas for BUILDING COMMUNITY in your small group . . . and to top it off are 20 pages of questions (100 questions, to be exact) that you can use in your small group Bible study, on the most common subjects discussed in junior and senior high small groups. All this in a no-frills, straight-to-the-point style -- perfect for voTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction What Is a “Small Group”? Why Small Groups? How to Put Small Groups Together How Not to Lead a Small Group Starting a Discussion---and Keeping it Going The Importance of Confidentiality Ask Questions That Get Responses Three Kinds of Bible Study Questions to Ask Working with Different Personalities in a Small Group You Can Help Your Kids Learn to Pray 10 Ideas for Building Community in Your Small Group

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Book SynopsisIf you ate up the previous two best-selling volumes of Drama, Skits, & Sketches, you're gonna really dig this next batch of 54 brand-new, youth group-tested thespian exercises! With the help of the scenarios in Drama, Skits, & Sketches 3, you can discuss important issues with pizzazz . . . present Bible stories with humor . . . and add serious significance to your lessons. Use them any way you'd like--whether as fun, informal, no-prep reader's theater or as guides for seriously polished performances!SCRIPTURE SKETCHES Designed to supplement your Bible teaching--and add flesh and bones to already powerful Bible stories--your students will love acting out scenarios such as Community Kitchen, Recipe for a Quiet Time, and As the Cookie Crumbles: The Search for Fig-nificance. (And we've provided an index that lists scripts according to Bible reference--quite the handy tool as you prepare specific lessons!)CONTEMPORARY SKETCHES These 21st-century skits will hit your kids where they l

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Book SynopsisA careful and informed assessment of the emerging church by a respected author and scholarThe emerging church movement has generated a lot of excitement and exerts an astonishingly broad influence. Is it the wave of the future or a passing fancy? Who are the leaders and what are they saying? The time has come for a mature assessment. D. A. Carson not only gives those who may be unfamiliar with it a perceptive introduction to the emerging church movement, but also includes a skillful assessment of its theological views. Carson addresses some troubling weaknesses of the movement frankly and thoughtfully, while at the same time recognizing that it has important things to say to the rest of Christianity. The author strives to provide a perspective that is both honest and fair.Anyone interested in the future of the church in a rapidly changing world will find this an informative and stimulating read.D. A. Carson (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at TrinTable of ContentsCONTENTS Preface…9 1. The Emerging Church Profile…11 2. Emerging Church Strengths in Reading the Times…45 3. Emerging Church Analysis of Contemporary Culture…57 4. Personal Reflections on Postmodernism’s Contribution and Challenges…87 5. Emerging Church Critique of Postmodernism…125 6. Emerging Church Weakness Illustrated in Two Significant Books…157 7. Some Biblical Passages to Help Us in Our Evaluation…188 8. A Biblical Meditation on Truth and Experience…218 Scripture Index…237 Index of Names…241 Subject Index…245

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Book Synopsis51 Creative Ideas for Marriage Mentors offers an idea box of activities and innovative ways to deepen relationships between mentoring couples.It can be used in any of the three areas of the marriage mentoring triad: Preparing--mentoring engaged and newlywed couples Maximizing--mentoring couples from good to great Restoring--mentoring couples in distress Creative ideas for marriage mentors are grouped into these three areas. There is also an entire section of ideas appropriate for mentoring any couple. With activities that vary from quickly implemented suggestions to more involved interactions, this easy-to-use reference will help alleviate the stress of couples overwhelmed by mentoring . . . and take experienced mentors to a whole new level.Designed to work on its own or in tandem with the Parrotts'' other marriage mentoring resources, 51 Creative Ideas for Marriage Mentors will inspire fresh ideas, incTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgments 11 Introduction: Getting Big Results from This Little Book 13 Part One Ideas for Mentoring Any Couple 1. Practice the Thirty-Second Rule..... 21 2. Curb Marriage Gossip..... 22 3. Place a Photo of Your Mentoree Couple in Your Home..... 24 4. Keep Contact Information Handy..... 25 5. Send a Word of Encouragement..... 26 6. Ask the One Question That Could Change Their Marriage..... 27 7. Pass Along a Helpful Article or Email..... 29 8. Teach the Single Most Powerful Marriage Principle..... 30 9. Let Them Know about a Local Marriage Seminar..... 32 10. Be Aware of “What’s On”..... 34 11. Open the Church Doors..... 35 12. Practice Old-Fashioned Hospitality..... 36 13. Be One of the First to Send a Christmas Greeting..... 37 14. Double Your Serve..... 38 15. Remember Their Anniversary..... 40 Your Additional Ideas for Mentoring Any Couple . 41 Part Two Ideas for Mentoring Engaged and Newlywed Couples 16. Identify Their Top Ten Needs..... 45 17. Help Them Sink Their Roots Down Deep..... 47 18. Cautiously Connect with Your Mentorees’ Parents..... 49 19. Do Some Coupon Cutting..... 51 20. Consider a Babysitting Opportunity..... 52 21. Give the In-Law Inventory..... 53 22. Make a Splash with a Low-Cost Gift..... 55 23. Chart Their Spiritual Journey..... 56 24. Make Their First Noel One to Remember..... 58 25. Explore Their Roles..... 59 26. Note the Little Things..... 60 27. Envision Their Golden Anniversary..... 62 Your Additional Ideas for Mentoring Engaged and Newlywed Couples..... 63 Part Three Ideas for Mentoring Couples Moving from Good to Great 28. Dream Big..... 67 29. Find Inspiration Around You..... 69 30. Turn the Tables..... 71 31. More Time or More Money?..... 73 32. The Most Influential Person..... 75 33. Homeward Bound..... 76 34. “I Love You More Than.....”..... 77 35. Decisions, Decisions!..... 78 36. Monkey See, Monkey Do..... 79 37. Start a Date Club..... 80 38. Pay Now, Play Later..... 82 39. The Big Question..... 84 Your Additional Ideas for Mentoring Couples Moving from Good to Great..... 85 Part Four Ideas for Mentoring Couples in Distress 40. Take Inventory..... 89 41. Steer Clear of the Number-One Marriage Problem..... 91 42. Turn Murphy’s Law on Its Ear..... 93 43. What Would You Miss?..... 95 44. Reveal the Two Most Overlooked “Romantic” Phrases..... 97 45. Give Them a Reputation to Uphold..... 98 46. The Couples- Communication Strengths Finder..... 99 47. Explore the Lesson of an Old Farm Couple ...... 101 48. Avoid the Blame Game..... 103 49. Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda..... 105 50. What’s Your Favorite?..... 107 51. What Have You Been Looking For?..... 109 Your Additional Ideas for Mentoring Couples in Distress..... 112 Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?..... 115 Notes..... 117

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Book SynopsisThe 100 illustrations in this book are some of the hottest ever used -- short stories, parables, humorous anecdotes--all of them guaranteed to deliver the truth of God’s Word in a way that young people can understand and remember.Table of ContentsCONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS INTRODUCTION HOW TO CHOOSE AND USE ILLUSTRATIONS HOT ILLUSTRATIONS Alexander the Great An Answer to Prayer Awesome Obedience The Battleship and the Lighthouse The Bear in the Cave Beauty and the Beast The Bee Sting Beware of Curare Big Adventures The Big Rock The Blind Date The Blind Men and the Elephant The Blood of an Overcomer The Boat in the Window Bonny’s Bunny Born to Fly The Bottle Bought to Be Freed The Boy and the Circus Brandon’s Mess Caught in a Blizzard The Chicken and the Pig Choosing Mary The Circus Clown The Cliff The Coffin Coming Home Computer Grace The Cookie Snatcher Deadly Marbles The Diamond Merchant The Emperor Moth Eskimo Wolf Hunters Excuses, Excuses Face the Music Finish the Race The Flying V The Flying Wallendas Footprints in the Sand France, 1943 Getting the Word Out The Glove The Greatest Hitter in the World The Greyhound Races The Grocery Store Clerk Hannibal’s Fire The Hermit’s Gift The Hopeless Baseball Game How to Catch a Monkey The Insurance Claim Jesus and the Football Team The Jewelry Store Caper The Jigsaw Puzzle The Job Applicant The Kebbitch Itch The Kiss “Lambing” in New Zealand Laying Bricks or Building Cathedrals The Lifeboat The Lifesaving Station The Little Girl and the Piano The Long Jump Lost Dog---$50 Reward Love, Julie The Mirror A Night in the Haunted House Not Much of a Man The Oil Refinery Out at Home Plate The Painting of the Last Supper Pepe Rodriguez The Prince of Grenada The Queen of England Real Friends The Reverse Thread Right Decisions Rudolph and Olive The Secret Sharpen Your Ax The Smartest Teenager in the World The Society Woman Sparky, the Loser The Suicide Attempt Teddy and Miss Thompson Telemachus Goes to Rome Thermometers and Thermostats Thomas Edison, the Failure The Three Spinners The Tightrope and the Wheelbarrow Too Many Engineers The Tractor Pull The Turtle Picnic Uncompromising Determination The W.C. We’ll Get Back to You What Life? When Do I Die? The Window Wrong Way Riegel You, Too, Can Be Beautiful We want your Hot Illustration! Index to Topics

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Book SynopsisQuestion: What is the God-given purpose of the local church? Answer: Relational discipleship. DiscipleShift walks you through five key shifts that churches must make to refocus on the fundamental biblical mission of discipleship. These intentional changes will attract the world and empower your church members to be salt and light in their communities.Over the last thirty years, many influential church leaders and church planters in America have adopted various models for reaching unchurched people. While many of these approaches have merit, something is still missing, something even more fundamental to the mission of the church: discipleship.Making disciples—helping people to trust and follow Jesus—is the church''s God-given mandate. Devoted disciples attract people outside the church because of the change others see in their Christ-like lives. And discipleship empowers Christians to

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Book SynopsisAs communicators in a culture saturated with storylines, we have the profound opportunity to invite our students into the masterful Story of God. There are a variety of ways to invite our students into this Story, but this book discusses and explores how to teach through one of Jesus'' most powerful modes of communication--fictional storytelling. Rabbinical storytelling (otherwise known as Jewish Agada) embraces the narrative of Scripture and invites its listeners into understanding and participation. Our Rabbi, Jesus, employed this mode of communication through his parables. Approaching the topic as a theologian, philosopher and artist, Jon invites and teaches how to create modern-day parables that illuminate the message of Jesus. These stories do not simply illustrate the message; they are, in fact, the message. Whether hoping to articulate deep theological concepts or relevant topics, teaching through the art of fictional storytelling has the potential to engage and invite our st

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Book SynopsisMany ministry leaders serving in churches find themselves overwhelmed, disillusioned, and depressed by the enormous and challenging task of leading and serving others. When leaders aren’t healthy, the result is often an unhealthy church. Leaders need someone to shepherd their soul so that they can then lead others to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Every church leader—from fulltime ministers to volunteer leaders—needs a Gospel Coach who will come alongside them with words drawn from Scripture and godly wisdom, grounded in the gracious saving work of Jesus Christ, and presented in the context of a trusting relationship. Gospel coaching is an intentional relationship of skillful caring for others based on four ancient shepherding principles: 1) Know the sheep 2) Feed the sheep 3) Lead the sheep 4) Protect the sheep Gospel coaches inquire about the personal, spiritual, and missional aspects of a leader’s life in a loving yet focused manner, probing the heart f

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Book SynopsisThis book connects biblical doctrine with practical living. The reader gains an insight into the rich theological framework that supports and directs a biblical approach to counseling.

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Book SynopsisThis companion volume to Competent to Counsel and The Christian Counselor’s Manual is designed to help you assimilate and apply the principles of nouthetic counseling. It is an excellent tool for any Christian counselor who wants to develop a scriptural approach to counseling. Based on actual counseling experiences, the cases are typical of the various problems encountered in ordinary church and pastoral counseling. This workbook provides * practice in learning how to identify problems according to biblical norms * practice in laying out biblical plans of action * familiarity with a variety of problems This is not merely a book for the classroom. It is a tool for all sorts of training and personal development programs. By working through the many cases provided, you will be better able to identify and respond to the issues that typically confront Christian counselors.

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Book SynopsisYouth Ministry Management Tools 2.0 by Mike Work and Ginny Olson is an up-to-date revision of a popular, best-selling resource manual that helps youth workers with the administrative side of leading a youth ministry.Table of ContentsOUTLINE FOR YMMT V2 Chapter 1 - Introduction to Management of Youth Ministry A. Why management is sometimes difficult for YM people B. Theological underpinnings of youth ministry management C. If you're new to youth ministry: the first steps you need to take. SECTION I - STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH MINISTRY CHAPTER 2 - STARTING POINT OF YM MANAGEMENT A. Philosophy of youth ministry B. Philosophy of Leadership C. Vision and Mission CHAPTER 3 - STRATEGIC PLANNING Developing a strategic plan for your youth ministry A. Demographics of your community B. Demographics of your church C. What's a SWOT analysis and how can it help you? D. Values, Beliefs, Assumptions, and Guiding Principles E. Goals: SMART F. Evaluating a youth ministry CHAPTER 4 - PLANNING A. Short-term planning B. Long-term planning SECTION II - ORGANIZATION AND YOUTH MINISTRY CHAPTER 5 - EVENTS A. Types of events B. Creating C. Guidelines D. Risk management E. Contracts, forms, budgets F. Marketing CHAPTER 6 - COMMUNICATIONS A. Target your communication B. Tools for communication: websites, texting, emails, etc C. Designing and prioritizing marketing CHAPTER 7 - FINANCES A. Budget basics B. Financial policies C. Developing a year-long budget D. Fund-raising CHAPTER 8 - GENERAL OFFICE PROCEDURES A. Office set up B. Office protocol C. Filing systems CHAPTER 9 - RISK MANAGEMENT A. Foundation of risk management B. Safety policies C. Necessary forms: Registration, permission, medical release D. Background checks E. Insurance coverage CHAPTER 10 - WORKING WITH BOARDS and COMMITTEES A. Type of Boards: advisory, governing, policy making, B. Board responsibilities C. Selection of board and committee members D. Governing policies E. Running meetings CHAPTER 11 - WRITING ON THE JOB A. Writing reports for annual meetings, governing boards, etc. B. Correspondence: How to write your resignation, a thank you, an invitation C. How to put together a proposal D. Writing reference letters E. Intellectual property SECTION 3: PEOPLE AND YOUTH MINISTRY CHAPTER 12 - TEAM: RECRUITING, SCREENING, AND DEVELOPING A. Philosophy of team B. Job descriptions and expectations C. Recruiting volunteers D. Screening E. Orientation and evaluation strategy for new volunteers F. Developing the team CHAPTER 13- STUDENT LEADERS A. Philosophy B. How to develop a team C. Roles and expectations D. Teachable moments in developing leaders CHAPTER 14 - INTERNS A. Getting your church on board B. Preparing for interns C. Recruiting and screening D. Internship development plan E. Evaluation SECTION 4: YOU AND YOUTH MINISTRY Chapter 15 - Employed as a Youth Minister A. Resumes, cv's, and LinkedIn - making yourself known B. Job descriptions C. Researching a position D. Interviewing E. Salary F. Job reviews G. Negotiating: a raise, vacation, schooling, etc. H. Professional boundaries I. Leaving: when it's your choice and when it's not. Chapter 16 - Managing Your Life in Ministry A. Time Management B. Setting priorities C. Planning for your future

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Book SynopsisTaking a stand over the gender-issue divide Author and New Testament scholar Michael Bird was formerly in favor of distinct gender roles in ministry, a viewpoint commonly called complementarianism. But inconsistencies in practice and careful biblical study convinced him to rethink his position.Originally published as a short ebook, Bourgeois Babes, Bossy Wives, and Bobby Haircuts offers an engaging, incisive perspective on biblical gender equality and the egalitarian viewa preference for allowing women to hold teaching and leadership positions in ministry.While Bird is now egalitarian, he nevertheless strikes a respectful tone toward those in his previous camp, seeking to craft a perspective that both values women and upholds biblical differences between the sexes. Humorous and hard-hitting, Bird will challenge readers on both sides of the gender-issue divide.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Fretting over Phoebe 2. Who is Who in the Zoo? 3. Women in Pauline Churches Conclusion Epilogue: Who the Heck Was Ilse Fredrichsdorff?

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Book SynopsisIs it time for your church to go multisite? How do you know if it''s the right solution for your congregation?MultiChurch brings clarity to the multisite movement and assembles the lessons it has learned over the past 15 years. Combining insights from multisite church pastor Brad House and Christian theology professor Gregg Allison, this book will help anyone interested in multiplying gospel-centered churches to effectively evaluate and develop the best multisite model for their own church context.In MultiChurch, you will: Explore the opportunities presented by the various forms of multi-site church. Identify areas of concern while addressing criticisms against multisite models. Understand how multisite is not only a biblically sound ecclesiological model, but also a model that provides a compelling solution to contemporary reductionism in the church.  This theologiTrade ReviewDr. Gregg Allison and Brad House have both helped shape my approach to ministry in unique ways. As the supervisor for my doctoral degree, Gregg pressed my theology of the church into consistent practice, and Brad taught me how to lead smaller communities in the context of a large, rapidly growing church. In MultiChurch, you will see the authors' respective complementary perspectives, as well as their distinctive theological and pastoral gifts on display. MultiChurch provides an excellent framework for continued discussion around the multisite church model, while maintaining a consistent doctrinal grounding in the discipline of ecclesiology. Finally, the book strikes a sound balance between helpful encouragement and honest critique of the ever-growing and changing landscape of church practice. I am convinced any leader in a multisite church will benefit from this book! * DR. TODD ENGSTROM, executive pastor of ministry strategies, The Austin Stone Community Church *Frankly, I’ve been chilling on multi-site models. But Allison and House have reignited the topic in ways that are prescient and defrosting to one’s iced-over imagination. MultiChurch bears weight too, knowing that the audience must find simplicity in the theological and ecclesiological complexities. Yet, Allison and House are at their best navigating between ambiguity and clarity, polity and missiology; and then gently escorting us to a perch from which we can glimpse “multichurch.” If you are struggling with multisite models, polity perplexities, or how to take practical steps forward, get this book! * DAVE HARVEY, executive director of Sojourn Network, teaching pastor at Summit Church in Naples, founder AmICalled.com, and author of When Sinners Say I Do; & Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls (@RevDaveHarvey) *Gregg Allison and Brad House add valuable data and insight to the nascent research and critique of item multisite movement. It's an increasingly significant part of the local church landscape, and it's not going away anytime soon. Whether you are currently leading a multisite church, considering launching one, or attending one, this book will help you better understand the opportunities and challenges that come with a multisite ministry. * LARRY OSBORNE, pastor and author, North Coast Church, Vista, CA *Gregg Allison and Brad House have written a thoughtful and helpful book for those who are seriously considering the future of multisite, which they call MultiChurch. As a pastor of a multisite church that has transitioned into a family of churches, I can say that what they have written here will be extremely helpful for those interested in wrestling with the theological and practical considerations involved in leading multiple congregations toward church health. * HARVEY TURNER, founding pastor of Living Stones Churches, lead pastor of Living Stones Reno, Acts 29 US West Leadership Team *If you're doing multisite or plan to in the future---stop now and read MultiChurch! Allison and House will save you thousands of dollars, and hours in multisite pain and dumb tax. In the process, they give a remedy to the multisite movement's greatest need---a theologically grounded and implication-rich response to multisite's most challenging questions. If you want to move past adding sites and venues to multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches, read MultiChurch and apply. * BRIAN FRYE, national collegiate strategist, North American Mission Board *Now in its third decade, the multisite movement began as a radical idea to solve church facility restrictions and has now become a mainstream strategy for all kinds of churches. The authors of MultiChurch: Exploring the Future of Multisite have served this movement well by describing its evolution, naming its distinct expressions, addressing its criticisms, and charting a course forward for a movement that is not slowing down and is continually morphing. Written by a seasoned multisite practitioner and a hands-on theologian, House and Allison address the multiple challenges of a multisite church and provide an invaluable roadmap for church leaders wherever they are on their multisite journey. This is a must-read book for multisite church leaders! * JIM TOMBERLIN, pastor, author, multisite pioneer, and consultant; founder, MultiSite Solutions *This is the book every pastor and elder team should read---whether they are currently leading or thinking about starting a multisite church. It’s grounded in Scripture and highly practical. I am thrilled Brad and Gregg wrote this book. It’s a gift to Jesus’s Church. * ELLIOT GRUDEM, founder and president, Leaders Collective *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Multichurch Section 1: Understanding MultiChurch Chapter 1: History of Multichurch Chapter 2: Multichurch under Investigation Chapter 3: Foundations of Multichurch Chapter 4: Models of Multichurch Section 2: Vision for MultiChurch Chapter 5: Multichurch as a New Wine Skin Chapter 6: Multimember Section 3: Practice of MultiChurch Chapter 7: Multichurch Organization Chapter 8: Multichurch Ministry Chapter 9: Multichurch Leadership Development Chapter 10: Multichurch Polity Chapter 11: Multichurch Finances Section 4: Transition to MultiChurch Chapter 12: Conclusions and Next Steps: Implementing Multichurch

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Book SynopsisThe SCM Studyguide: Practical Skills for Ministry offers a practical introduction for those who are training for ministry, both lay and ordained, within the church. The book answers the questions asked by those preparing for ministry and by those who have recently started and found gaps in the way they have been prepared. The author uses real examples drawn from his experience of over 20 years of pastoral ministry, together with work in chaplaincy and broadcasting and the shared experience of others. The book covers all those aspects of ministry required within the more practical contextual areas of the course of preparation for ministry in use by mainstream denominations, such as baptisms, weddings, working with others, communication, meetings and funerals. It provides practical guidance which is soundly theologically and pastorally based.Trade Review'This is one of those books which does exactly what it says on the cover. It is not a theology of ministry, nor is it a source of models and approaches: instead, Andrew Pratt distils into a little under 200 pages a career’s worth of practical experience of the bread-and-butter issues of ministry. How soon to visit after a bereavement? How to respond when someone asks you to baptize their dog? How to arrange the seating in a meeting so as to get the best dynamic?' Roger Latham (Lancashire and Cumbria Theological Partnership)

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Book SynopsisFresh Expressions of Church are one of the most important developments within the contemporary church. There has been and continues to be much learning about how to plant Fresh Expressions of church in contemporary culture and about theological resources to support this. Church for Every Context is the first textbook that reflects this learning.Church for Every Context addresses the theology and methodology of Fresh Expressions/church planting. Topics include ecclesiology, Fresh Expressions in the New Testament, social forces behind Fresh Expressions today, theologies to underpin fresh expressions, how fresh expressions develop, the missional dynamics involved, discipleship, worship and how Fresh Expressions can be sustained and supported.Trade Review‘This is a brilliant work, and as invaluable as it is brilliant. A logical and mature continuation of the seminal Mission-Shaped Church report of 2004, Church for Every Context is the most insightful, informing, and instructive study I have seen to date on emergence ecclesiology and contextual church. It is, in sum, absolutely exhilarating both in its balanced, analytical content and in its vision for the future of the Church.’ Phyllis Tickle, author, The Great EmergenceMichael Moynagh offers both an analysis and an apology for new forms of church that is well grounded in the cultural realities of the 21st century, arguing that these emerging ecclesial communities are not only faithful to scripture and tradition, but are also characterized by a theologically grounded cultural engagement. Supported by comprehensive references and suggestions for further reflection, this book will inspire and inform newcomers to the conversation as well as those who are already a part of it. -- John DraneMichael Moynagh has produced a remarkable book that looks set to become a standard text on the fresh expressions and emerging churches that are exploring new ways of engaging contextually with a changing culture. Comprehensive in its coverage, inter-disciplinary in its approach, painstakingly researched and clearly argued, practitioners and researchers alike will find this invaluable. -- Stuart Murray WilliamsChurch for Every Context is a big book in every sense: the fruit of mature reflection and wisdom on major new movements in Church and in God's mission. It has a global and a biblical perspective on these movements. The chapters are well rooted historically and full of stories and examples of good practice. I commend it very warmly indeed to beginners in this field and to those who are experts. -- Steven CroftMike Moynagh has rendered a service to us all. He covers so much that is at the heart of our debates about the Church, her nature, ministry and mission. We can all agree with the aims he sets out: discipleship, worship and community in sustainable churches. If the way to get there as the Church of England is disputed, then this book demonstrates that a theological discussion is well and truly under way. -- Andrew Davison“Michael Moynagh is an experienced watcher of both church and culture, and this well-read, learned and thoughtful book provides an invaluable and comprehensive guide to contemporary debates over new forms of church.” -- Graham TomlinThere is no such thing as theology, and that means that there is no such thing as ecclesiology. There is only contextual theology and contextual understandings and practices of church. This is the powerful insight behind what Michael Moynagh calls the "New Contextual Churches." A Church for All Contexts is a book that shows the significance of churches that seek to incarnate "fresh expressions" of Christian community as community in mission. Moynaugh and Harrold show clearly that these new ways of thinking about and doing church are not so much innovations but movements radically faithful to Christian Tradition, most especially because they are radically faithful to the present always-changing context of faithful discipleship of Jesus Christ. This is an exciting book. Its rootedness in Tradition make it revolutionary. If you want to be a member of the church today, this book should be required reading. -- Stephen BevansMichael Moynagh has provided an excellent understanding of the background of and rationale behind the Fresh Expressions movement, highlighting many of the issues the existing church is facing in relating to a rapidly changing culture. While highly prizing the value of the traditional forms of church, he wrestles with the extent of flexibility that out to be accorded new forms of the church, while not compromising the gospel. -- Al BarthMoynagh has written an indispensable book on contextual church planting and renewal. We have needed a book like this for some time now -- a historical, theological, and sociological guide to new expressions of faith within Western culture. This is not a 'how-to' book on church renewal and planting techniques -- anything but. Moynagh does so much more than play with church forms and encourage consumer analysis. Moynagh's approach to new expressions of church is theologically rich and missiologically astute, revealing a systematic way to think about church in a post-Christendom context. I plan to use this book as a core reference text in my seminary church planting course this Fall. Highly recommended. -- Dr. Ryan K. Bolger, PhD * Fuller Theological Seminary *The book is full of many concrete examples and is wonderfully comprehensive in scope. Each chapter contains multiple "For reflection" sections, which extend critical points into critical application. Also, each chapter ends with readings for further study and a set of discussion questions. This text will broaden every reader's comprehension of new contextual churches and will challenge all to think deeply about mission, context, and church. Without a doubt, this will become the standard text for study of new contextual ecclesiology. -- Christopher Flanders * Mission Studies 31 *

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Book SynopsisChurches today face unique challenges as they seek to help young people engage with the Christian faith and youth workers, whether employed or volunteer, play a key role in supporting this process. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Christian youth work, drawing together practice, theory and theology in a format which is both engaging and informative. Serving as both a text and workbook, it brings together key youth ministry thinkers and grass-roots practitioners to explore significant themes and issues. It will be invaluable to those thinking about youth work at a strategic level as well as youth work practitioners. Each of the sixteen chapters is followed by a response written from a different perspective, modelling reflective practice and theological reflection. Topics covered include mission, church, adolescent identity, appropriate relationships, spiritual practices, youth culture, pastoral care, work with families, education, leadership and management, inclusive youtTrade ReviewA highly theoretical & yet deeply practical book. I cannot recommend this highly enough to anyone engaged in, or caring about, youth work in the UK. Get hold of your copy today. -- Gavin CalverOne of the biggest challenges facing the church today is how to connect with a generation of young people who have no prior experience of any sort of faith. The particular strength of this book is its combination of theological reflection with insights from the social sciences, and all of it grounded in the experience of practitioners working in diverse cultural contexts. -- John DraneTable of Contents1. Being a Christian Youth Worker: Finding Ourselves by Losing Ourselves Nick Shepherd 2. Being a Reflective Practitioner and Lifelong Learner: Pursuing Wisdom and Fruitfulness Sally Nash 3. Youth Culture: A Theoretical Examination for the Sake of Ministry with Young People Andrew Root 4. Theological Inquiry in Christian Youth Work Jeremy Thompson 5. Christian Youth Work and the Kingdom of God Graeme McMeekin 6. Inclusive Youth Work Andrew Smith 7. Adolescent Identity Development Amy Jacober 8. Appropriate Relationships: 'Like a Friend' Sam Richards 9. The Church Matt Brain 10. Spiritual Practices and Faith Formation Jo Whitehead 11. Holistic Pastoral Care Karen Jones 12. Mission Terry Linhart 13. Education and Curriculum Simon Davies 14. Working with Families Colin Bennett 15. Ethical Dilemmas and Practice Paul Nash 16. Leadership and Management Liz Dumain

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Book SynopsisBy listening carefully to the lived experiences of people with severe mental health problems, Finding Jesus in the Storm will open up new understandings and perspectives that challenge current assumptions and draws out fresh perspectives for care, healing, recovery and community.Trade Review"John Swinton has clearly become the premier pastoral theologian of our time" -- Stanley Hauerwas“John Swinton has listened well to Christians who have struggled with the unrelenting storms of severe mental health challenges. He has heard them tell of their experiences of the presence of God, and of the seeming absence of God, and of faith that grapples with the tensions between the two. 'Finding Jesus in the Storm' provides a ‘thick’ description of Christian experiences of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Drawing on the author’s experiences as mental health nurse, minister, and practical theologian, these accounts are engaged in conversation with both professional and Christian perspectives, scanning the horizons of mental health care, Christian Scripture, tradition, and church life. This book provides a unique, and hard won, account of journeys through deeply troubled waters. It is essential reading for all who are dissatisfied with superficial and second-hand Christian accounts of mental illness.” -- Christopher CH Cook, Durham University, UK“In this remarkable book, John Swinton not only takes the spiritual lives of those living with mental health challenges seriously, he weaves together a beautiful, reflective theology of the cross and resurrection in the light of these experiences. This important and timely book is a must read for all of us who seek to live faithfully in the world today.” -- Paula Gooder, Chancellor, St Paul's Cathedral“Finding Jesus in the Storm is a masterful, wise, clear, and compassionate look at the experience of those struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, and the thin ways these are often described by mental health professionals, Western culture, and the church. Helped by refreshing philosophical insights, we are invited to listen to thicker descriptions of who these people are in relation to a theological, as well as a clinical horizon, and to better understand biblical healing—finding joy in Jesus while suffering. This book should be widely read.” -- John R. Peteet, MD, Harvard Medical School“Finding Jesus in the Storm first of all listens deeply, or, as John Swinton says, ‘thickly,’ to people with mental health challenges and helps a reader see, broaden, and reconstruct both the ways that people of faith might walk with people with mental challenges as well as help people with mental health challenges explore the spiritual dimensions of their own journey. As someone who has both worked with others and my own mental health challenges, this felt very real. Using insights from psychology, sociology, theology, and other disciplines, Swinton once again breaks past multiple forms of stigma and unexamined assumptions to help readers enter a space where we can once again see each other as children of God—pilgrims—doing the best we can to live into the embrace of God’s love.” -- Bill Gaventa, author of 'Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness'

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