Religious ministry and clergy Books

Trade Review"This powerful book understands that the personal is political and the political is theological. Its authors offer a challenge to power and privilege in the church, daring to imagine God’s justice in its place. Their celebration of how far we have come, after 20 years of Inclusive Church, is tempered by the truth of how far we still have to journey before we are a church that honours the God of the margins, a church that has room for all God’s people. “The work is not finished,” in Fiona MacMillan’s words, “but something has begun”. -- Naomi Lawson-Jacobs"...brings together cries from the depths of exclusion, pain and grief, with a burning vision of God’s expansive love and grace, in a prophetic, multi-voiced, gospel call to repentance, belonging, justice and joy. Let the Spirit, through the pages of this book, encourage and challenge you, teach and transform you, and even – miracle of miracles – give you hope for the Church!" -- Al BarrettTable of ContentsContributors Foreword – Rachel Mann Introduction - Dan Barnes-Davies 1 ‘What is Inclusion?’ by Ruth Wilde 2 ‘Belonging Together’ by Michael Jagessar 3 ‘Building Bridges’ by Ruth Hunt 4 ‘Poverty Has a Woman’s Face’ by Loretta Minghella 5 ‘Dismantling Whiteness & Deconstructing Mission Christianity’ by Anthony Reddie 6 ‘Still Calling from the Edge’ by Fiona MacMillan 7 ‘What Might a Trans-Affirming Church look like?’ by Jack Woodruff 8 ‘Carnival and Chaos!’ by June Boyce-Tillman 9 ‘The Church of the Future’ by Ruth Wilde Epilogue – ‘Beyond Inclusion’ – An Interview with Nick Bundock

Read more less

Book SynopsisA hands-on resource for both large and small churches It has been predicted that in the twenty-first century extremely large churches would emerge in America that resemble neither an elephant nor a field of mice. Which is better? At one time the answer would have been either/or. Now it's both/and.Table of ContentsList of Tables and Figures. About Leadership Network. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction to Both. 1. The Extreme World. 2. The Fallacy of Either/Or. 3. The Beauty of Both/And. 4. The Emerging Blends. 5. The Convergence of Intimacy and Impact. Notes. The Author.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAngela Reed is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Spiritual Formation at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. She holds a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary and has experience in spiritual direction and pastoral ministry.Trade ReviewAngela Reed has done churches a monumental favour by reminding us that the ancient practice of spiritual guidance is not just for mystics and monks. Reed places spiritual guidance in the middle of congregations, and moves the task of Christian discernment straight to the top of the list of tasks confronting postmodern congregations. Chock-full of practical strategies and concrete examples, Quest for Spiritual Community re-imagines Christian leadership - not as a source of therapeutic or moralistic advice - but as conduit for practical wisdom, wonder, and awe. All I can say is: it's about time. -- Kenda Creasy Dean, Author of Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers Is Telling the American Church (Oxford), Professor of Youth, Church and Culture, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA.Angela Reed honors the contemporary phenomenon of spiritual seeking as a sign of genuine hunger for encounter with the Divine. She claims that historic Christian practices like spiritual guidance can help churches connect seekers to the unfolding mystery of God's presence and activity in the world. Drawing on Scripture, the history of Christian spirituality, and empirical research Reed develops a sound practical theology of spiritual guidance and offers concrete examples of how guidance is practiced in everyday congregational life. Most welcome is her emphasis on the integration of interior and exterior growth, as she demonstrates how spiritual guidance promotes the flourishing of the individual, the community, and the church's mission. This is a wonderfully helpful and insightful book. -- Timothy Hessel - Robinson, Brite Divinity School, USAProfessor Angela Reed offers a unique contribution to the field of spiritual formation studies by making a compelling case for locating spiritual guidance ministries squarely in the midst of congregational life. Though she values (and practices) one-with-one spiritual direction, her deepest passion is for communal formation. Given the stresses and fractures of contemporary life, nothing short of a vibrant community of spiritual practice will satisfy the longings of our hearts and shape the image of Christ in people of faith today. Though many studies in spiritual formation draw upon the rich tradition of Roman Catholic resources, Reed takes the less traveled route by focusing especially on Protestant history and perspectives - mainline, evangelical and Anabaptist-Mennonite streams. Extensive biblical reflections, in-depth exploration of Jurgen Moltmann's theology of formation, as well as on-the-ground research support her vision. Perhaps one of the most unusual features of the book is its exploration of a widely disparate group of spiritual guides - the Apostle Paul, Julian of Norwich, Susanna Wesley, Maria Frelinghuysen Cornell, and Dietriech Bonhoeffer - in search of a sturdy framework for communal formation. Reed demonstrates her own thesis that an improvisatory approach is needed for the future. Pastors and other spiritual leaders will need to be light on their feet - able to read their contexts, draw from deep wells of wisdom and practice, and be open to the Spirit's fresh guidance in order to shape Christians who will authentically be and do God's mission in the world. Practical theologians like Angela Reed give me great hope for the church. Her gentle wisdom, luminous clarity, and passion for the church will guide both congregations and academic institutions into a faith-filled future. -- Marlene Kropf, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, USA.Quest for Spiritual Community is no mere research report... Rather than laying out a rigid programmatic agenda, Reed offers a way to understand the congregation as God's primary locus for spiritual guidance... she is a trustworthy guide who helps us ponder how cultivating spiritual guidance in our congregations might cause spiritual maturity to flourish. -- Christian CenturyReed's continual integration of the real-life experiences of the participants in congregational spiritual guidance helped make the text more personal... -- Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul CareBy tackling a myriad of complex and intriguing questions, Baylor University professor Angela Reed attempts to place the growing interest in spiritual direction firmly within the context of the local church while simultaneously curbing some of the individualistic strains within the movement as Protestants seek to rediscover the ancient art of spiritual direction/guidance…by seeking to bring the spiritual direction conversation home to its proper resting place in the church, Reed provides a welcome contribution and a much-need corrective to the on-going practices of spiritual direction. -- Jason A. Carter, University of Edinburgh * The Expository Times *Table of ContentsIntroduction:; Chapter 1: Understanding the Contemporary Spiritual Search: Spirituality for Communities in a Culture of Individuals.; Chapter 2: Hearing their Stories: Spiritual Guidance Practices in Congregations; Chapter 3: Historical Models of Spiritual Guidance: Uncovering Practices of Soul Care for Persons and Communities; Chapter 4: A Protestant Theology of Spiritual Guidance: Insights from Jurgen Moltmann and Miroslav Volf on the Trinity and Christian Community; Chapter 5: The Pastor as Spiritual Guide: Becoming a Spiritual Leader of a Congregation.; Chapter 6: Toward a Congregation-Based Model for Spiritual Guidance: Pragmatic Suggestions for Churches Seeking to Address the Contemporary Spiritual Quest; Conclusion:.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPaul Avis has served as the General Secretary of the Church of England's Council for Christian Unity, Theological Consultant to the Anglican Communion Office, London, and Canon Theologian of Exeter Cathedral. He is an honorary professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, University of Exeter, a Chaplain to HM Queen Elizabeth II and editor-in-chief of the journal Ecclesiology.Trade ReviewThere is much wisdom here to inform and guide and shape an episcopal ministry that will be of benefit to the whole church. * The Expository Times *Paul Avis, one of Anglicanism’s leading ecclesiologists, has provided a great gift to anyone called to become a bishop. With a remarkably light touch, he has applied his considerable scholarship to the lived realities of episcopal ministry, combining a deep understanding of the shape of the Church with pearls of practical wisdom drawn from years of observing bishops in a host of different contexts. The result is an attractive and accessible study that will help bishops from churches across the world to go on becoming more fully the bishops God has called them to be. * Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, Church of England *In 2013, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, declared that year, 'A year of Theological Education'. This raised untapped financial resources for our Province but also laid bare the dearth in levels of understanding, what the Church is and in particular, the Episcopate. Our Synodical structures, addressed these questions by setting up amongst others, the Canon Law Council to educate bishops and others about church order. In fact, a far cry from the people’s wrestling. All they were yearning for was, an account of what is a bishop and the bishop’s role in democratic Southern Africa as we together lead the church’s mission? Paul’s book is the resource we were searching for. Becoming a Bishop is clearly and effectively written, theologically rigorous and yet accessible book. It is imbued with pastoral wisdom and will be helpful to the Bishops of the Anglican Communion around the world, and indeed to bishops and those likely to be bishops of all Christian tradition. At home, it will aptly address the questions our year of theological education raised and equip not only bishops but all the Laos. I highly recommend Becoming a Bishop. I will in the first instance, purchase a copy for each bishop within my province so that they may benefit from this well of wisdom. * Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, Anglican Church of Southern Africa *Becoming a Bishop is a worthy book for the person just elected to episcopal office and for the bishop approaching their silver anniversary. It is so because it invites the reader to enter afresh the living tradition of episcopal ministry. In particular I found Paul Avis's exposition of the public, personal and private life of the bishop to be invitational, so that the reader really wants to grow into the fullness of their vocation. The author reminds us that episcopal ministry involves teaching, sanctifying and governing, yet he never loses sight of the humanity of the bishop. Not only is this a helpful book for bishops, new and experienced; it is also a book I recommend to dioceses which are praying for the right appointment or election that they may be served well and the flock of Christ kept together. The chapter on the collaborative ministry of bishops could well be enjoyed by bishops on retreat or at a study conference. * Victoria Matthews, Bishop of Christ Church, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia *Paul Avis has hit the nail squarely on the head! In Becoming A Bishop he invites the reader to reflect on the order and ministry of bishop. He suggests -rightly, I believe -that the church should primarily think about episcopacy in terms of a reasoned consideration of scripture, tradition, ecumenical agreements, all in light of God’s mission for the church and the world. This book will make an invaluable resource for bishops and all with a stake in the mission and ministry of the church. Highly recommended. * Franklin Brookhart, Bishop of Montana, The Episcopal Church, USA *There is tremendous insight and wisdom throughout this book ... Dr Avis’s book highlights the need that still exists for an extended systematic theological handbook of texts ... that will help further to shape and expand our Anglican understandings of the episcopate, and so contribute to the well-being not just of bishops, but also of our common life. * Theology Journal *Table of ContentsForeword: The Right Revd Dr Kenneth Kearon, Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Church of Ireland; former Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Preface 1.'The office and work of a bishop in the Church of God' 2. The bishop's identity and tasks 3. The bishop's authority 4. The bishop in leadership 5. The bishop and collaborative ministry 6. The bishop in the Anglican Communion 7. The bishop and Christian unity 8. The bishop and the historic episcopate 9. The bishop as scholar and theologian 10. The bishop in the public square 11. The bishop and the liturgy Index of names

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

In this examination of the ethical significance of preaching, Charles Campbell provides both fresh insights into the relationship between preaching and ethics and a challenging moral vision for the contemporary church. Moving beyond a narrow focus on moral decision-making or social-issues sermons, Campbell argues that a particular...

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat can preachers learn from the art of radio broadcasting? How can preachers develop more imaginative patterns of speaking? Jolyon Mitchell analyzes religious broadcasting in Britain and America, exploring how the speaker can create pictures with words and engage listeners in multisensory ways. This book offers theological insights and...

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow in reissue with a new foreword by Fred B. Craddock and afterword by the author, Eugene L. Lowry, The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition follows in the same solid tradition of its predecessor. Upon its release, The Homiletical Plot quickly became a pivotal work on the art of preaching. Instead of comments on a biblical passage, Lowry...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this important and groundbreaking book, Richard Osmer develops a practical theology of the teaching ministry. He begins by exploring the teaching ministry of the apostle Paul, identifying in Paul's letters to his congregations the core tasks of the teaching ministry: catechesis, exhortation, and discernment. Next he presents case studies of...

Read more less

Book SynopsisEllen Davis is concerned by what she calls a "shallow reading" of Scripture--a reading of what we think we already know instead of an attempt to dig deeper for new insights and revelations. Wondrous Depth is a collection of essays in which Davis argues for a more engaged reading of Scripture that opens the reader up to new knowledge and...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis wonderful collection of sermons by renowned preacher, author, and speaker Barbara Brown Taylor is based on the Gospel of Matthew. Each of the fifteen sermons, three of them appearing here for the first time in print, is based on a reading from Matthew, including "Exceeding Righteousness" (Matthew 5:17-20), "The Problem with Miracles"...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this helpful book, Boyung Lee offers an encouraging vision of the mainline church's future. Lee grapples with some of the greatest challenges facing the mainline church, offering compelling responses to recurring questions: What does faithfulness to the gospel look like in this changing world? What is our distinctive voice in the larger...

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhere have all the prophets gone? And why do preachers seem to shy away from prophetic witness? Astute preacher Leonora Tisdale considers these vexing questions while providing guidance and encouragement to pastors who want to recommit themselves to the task of prophetic witness. With a keen sensitivity to pastoral contexts, Tisdale's work is...Trade Review"In Prophetic Preaching Nora Tisdale is at her best." Cleophus J. LaRue, Princeton Theological Seminary "A rich and welcome reflection on the nature of preaching. Enormously instructive [and] energizing." Walter Brueggemann, Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Practice of Pastoral Care has become a popular seminary textbook for courses in pastoral care and a manual for clinical pastoral education. In it, Doehring encourages counselors to view their ministry through a trifocal lens that incorporates premodern, modern, and postmodern approaches to...Trade Review"A remarkable contribution. Somehow Dr. Doehring is able to weave together the threads of theology, trauma, mental health, culture, self-reflection, research, and practice into a beautiful piece of work that constantly reminds the reader of the distinctively spiritual character of pastoral care. The book is filled with evocative stories, useful concepts, practical tools, and always, Dr. Doehring's own distinctive voice, wisdom, and humanity. Highly recommended for not only pastoral counselors, but counselors from every helping profession." --Kenneth I. Pargament, Professor of Psychology, Bowling Green State University; author of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy: Understanding and Addressing the Sacred; and Editor-in-Chief, APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality (Vols. 1 and 2) "In this revised and expanded edition of her extensively read text, The Practice of Pastoral Care, Professor Carrie Doehring offers a clear and insightful explanation of intercultural pastoral and spiritual care. The book's lucid prose makes it accessible for beginning students who are taking introductory courses. At the same time, Doehring's richly nuanced conversation with current literature in the field makes the book an indispensable resource for seasoned scholars. Doehring unpacks the meaning of spirituality in lived experience, using examples and diagrams and making reference to stories and films that help the reader understand the intersection of psychological, cultural, and theological dimensions of pastoral and spiritual care. She emphasizes the values of respect and compassion and teaches us how to embody these values in caregiving conversations and interactions. This is an eminently practical and wise guide for those learning to offer life-giving care." --Mary Clark Moschella, Roger J. Squire Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Yale Divinity School "What was already a number-one go-to book in pastoral care has become even better in this new edition. I am especially grateful to see such an expert teacher, scholar, and caregiver tackle the question of theology-as-practiced in a way that readers will find immensely useful. This book reflects years of accumulated wisdom and real sensitivity to both personal suffering and intercultural dynamics, and is a classic in the field." --Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, author of Christian Theology in Practice "In this revised and expanded edition, Carrie Doehring makes another remarkable contribution to pastoral theology and to contemporary practices of pastoral care. Using a narrative approach, she provides rich interdisciplinary and current resources for engaging the complex and intersecting differences that shape contexts for care as well as the embodied relationality of those who give and receive such care. Her experienced skill as a teacher shapes each chapter accessibly. Doehring artfully demonstrates the practice of intercultural care as a theologically reflective and co-creative process that seeks spiritual integration and relational justice." --Nancy J. Ramsay, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care, Brite Divinity School "I welcome this new edition from a leader and pioneer in the field of contemporary pastoral care. Its rich interweaving of narrative, literature, autobiography and cutting-edge theology promises to enrich and challenge practitioners in church and academy for years to come." --Elaine Graham, Grosvenor Research Professor of Practical Theology, University of Chester, UK "A carefully constructed and nuanced articulation of the essential features and dynamic operations of pastoral and spiritual care. Whilst not neglecting historic resources, Doehring helps situate the practice of care squarely in contemporary postmodern and pluralist settings drawing on narrative, intercultural and theological engagements with the complex exigencies of human experience. Spiritual caregivers of all kinds must have, read and digest this book." --Emmanuel Y. Lartey, L. Bevel Jones III Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis collection of more than fifty of Fred Craddock's sermons provides a glimpse of a master preacher at work. Amazingly, only one of the sermons was preached from a manuscript written in advance, as Craddock considered a sermon to be an event in the world of sound. As a result, the selections here wonderfully reflect and preserve Craddock's...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this theological exposition of Deuteronomy, Patrick Miller is sensitive to the character of the book as a part of scripture that self-consciously addresses different generations. He discusses the nature and character of the law as revealed in Deuteronomy, as well as the nature of the moral life under God. The treatment of Deuteronomy in the...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the contemporary church, pastors take on many roles. One of the most important roles a pastor must play is that of counselor. However, this isn't always a natural fit for every pastor. In this creative and readable book, Wayne Oates offers a definitive argument for the history and future necessity of pastoral counseling.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this edition of his widely used book, Robert C. Worley takes into account recent biblical and sociological studies and employs inclusive language to help clergy and laity see the church as it is, in relation to its members and to the larger community as well.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEdward Wimberly utilizes case studies to illustrate how spiritual discernment can be used in pastoral counseling. He shows the value of seeking to discern God's presence in the counseling process to bring healing and wholeness to those who suffer from broken relationships. A discernment model of pastoral/Christian counseling is provided for...

Read more less

In this complete and valuable version of his Homiletics, renowned theologian Karl Barth's offers his thoughts on sermon preparation, including his understanding of the way in which the preacher should interpret scripture. Translated by Donald E. Daniels and renowned Barth translator Geoffrey W. Bromiley, this book presents lecture materials...

Read more less

Book SynopsisRay Anderson offers an inspiring call for Christian leaders to view Jesus as a model for their own ministry today. The Soul of Ministry explores the idea of ministry across denominations and discovers its soul in God's love for the world. Designed for pastors of all denominations, this book combines social biblical theology with numerous...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis new edition includes a small-group study guide complete with ideas for exploring A Bigger Table in a congregation-wide sermon series and program along with a new foreword by Jacqui Lewis and new afterword by the author to explore the challenges of living out the bigger table when voices of hate and exclusion seem stronger and louder than ever.

Read more less