Religious ministry and clergy Books

Book SynopsisThe second volume in what will be a complete biographical record of all parish priests in Lincolnshire. The parish churches of Lincolnshire are justly celebrated. The spires of Grantham and Louth, and the famous Boston Stump, provide a focal point from the surrounding landscape of fen, wold and marsh. The charms of remote country churches along the byways of the county have been extolled in prose and verse by writers such as Henry Thorold and Sir John Betjeman. Their architecture, their stained glass and sculpture, furniture and fabric, have all been carefully recorded. Yet little is known of the people who served these churches, the rectors and vicars who, in word and sacrament, taught the Christian faith to successive generations of parishioners. This volume forms the second part of a much-needed survey of Lincolnshire parish clergy. It covers the deaneries of Beltisloe, comprising twenty-one parishes clustered around Colsterworth and Corby, and of Bolingbroke, with twenty-five parishes centred on Spilsby. Starting from 1214, when Bishop Hugh of Wells introduced the earliest system of episcopal registration in Western Europe, the parish lists set out the succession of rectors or vicars for each church. Brief biographical sketches demonstrate the rich variety of the county's parsons - pastors, scholars, athletes, travellers and writers, soldiers and schoolmasters. This register gives to each of them his place in the history of Lincolnshire. DrNicholas Bennett is Visiting Senior Fellow of the University of Lincoln.Trade ReviewGenerations of historians will be grateful to [Bennett] for this work and to the Lincoln Record Society for publishing it. * SPECULUM *Obvious value as a reference source for local historians...a godsend for landscape historians...but this specialist use pales insignificance when compared to their value to the ecclesiastical historian. * ECCLESIOLOGICAL SOCIETY *The biographical register will be of great interest to those studying aspects of religious history such as clerical non-residency and plurality. * LOCAL HISTORIAN *Table of ContentsIntroduction Deanery of Beltisloe Deanery of Bolingbroke

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Book SynopsisChaplaincy has emerged as a highly significant form of ministry in the twenty-first century, and chaplaincy studies is growing as a field of study that learns from the experience and work of chaplains in their diverse sectors. Chaplains from a range of different faith traditions pioneer ministry within the secular yet religiously plural contexts of contemporary life with often considerable creativity and skill, generating a wealth of insight to be gleaned for understanding the place of faith in the modern world. One of the disciplines that has been most concerned with gleaning those insights and developing the field of chaplaincy studies is practical theology. The journal Practical Theology (formerly Contact) is a key repository for much of the wisdom gained through such study, and this book draws on the archive of the journal to trace the development of chaplaincy research and provide a resource for those seeking to join the conversation about the nature and siTable of ContentsIntroduction – Chaplaincy: A Pioneering Practice and an Emerging Field of Study 1. Historical Perspectives: Insights from the Contact Archive 2. University Chaplaincy: A Question of Identity and Relevance 3. How should Health Care Chaplaincy Negotiate its Professional Identity? 4. Distinctive Call, Distinctive Profile: The Psychological Type Profile of Church of England Full-time Hospital Chaplains 5. Chaplain as "Hopeful Presence": Working with Dying People 6. Living Church in the World Chaplaincy and the Mission of the Church 7. Values-based Reflective Practice: A Method Developed in Scotland for Spiritual Care Practitioners 8. Preventing the "Neutral" Chaplain? The Potential Impact of Anti-"Extremism" Policy on Prison Chaplaincy 9. Spirituality, Christmas and Cyalume Sticks: The Pastoral-Liturgical Identity of a Navy Chaplain 10. Does University Christian Chaplaincy Need a Theology? 11. Healthcare Chaplains Among the Virtues? 12. Sport, Chaplaincy and Holistic Support: The Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) in English Professional Football 13. Is ‘Being There’ Enough? Explorations of Incarnational Missiology with Chaplains 14. Stillbirth and Suffering in Ireland: A Theological Reflection from Healthcare Chaplaincy 15. Walking with Turtles and Botanising on Asphalt: Chaplain as flâneur as Public Theologian 16. ‘The shock of the new’: a Theological Reflection on Art, The Incarnation and Doctrine within Contemporary Higher Education Chaplaincy

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Book SynopsisThis ground-breaking book is a guide to non-religious pastoral care practice in healthcare, prisons, education, and the armed forces in the UK. It brings a new perspective to our understanding of care services traditionally offered by chaplaincy departments. The book charts the progress from a Christian to a multi-faith and on to a fully inclusive care service. Compelling evidence is presented showing strong and broad support for non-religious pastoral care provision.A practical guide, it outlines the beliefs and values on which this care is founded and its person-centred approach. The role, skills, competencies, and training requirements for non-religious pastoral carers are described. Institutions need to consider their policy responses to the rapid development of non-religious pastoral care provision. A number of policy aspects are explored, including understanding service users' needs, recruitment, and communications.This book is essential reading for non-religiousTrade Review'This is a much-needed intervention on the growing phenomenon of non-religious pastoral care within chaplaincy contexts. It will undoubtedly raise challenges for chaplaincies and institutions across a wide range of settings in British public life.' - Ben Ryan, Researcher at Theos Think Tank, author of A Very Modern Ministry: Chaplaincy in the UK‘This timely book sketches an innovative and inspiring view of pastoral care that is relevant for professionals and managers involved in spiritual/pastoral care provisions and chaplaincy, both within and beyond the UK. Using both scientific evidence and case examples, David Savage makes a well-founded and passionate plea for a more inclusive pastoral care service in which pastoral care needs of all people are taken seriously and can be addressed.’ – Carmen Schuhmann, Assistant Professor, Dep. Globalization and Dialogue Studies, University of Humanistic StudiesTable of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Foreword ; 1 Introduction; PART I: THE SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT; 2 The Development of Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care Practice; 3 Public Perceptions of Chaplains and Non-Religious Pastoral Carers; 4 Religious, and Non-Religious Beliefs in Society; Part II: NON-RELIGIOUS PASTORAL CARE PRACTICE; 5 Beliefs and Values; 6 Roles, Skills, and Competencies; 7 Death, Rituals, and Memorials; 8 Ethical Behaviour; Part III: THE ROLE OF THE INSTITUTIONS; 9 Introduction; 10 Understanding People’s Needs; 11 Effective Communications; 12 Better Recruitment; 13 Policy and Practice Development; Index

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Book SynopsisThe place of religion in public life continues to be a much-debated topic in Western nations. This book charts the changing role of hospital chaplains and examines through detailed case studies the realities of practice and the political debates which either threaten or sustain the service. This second edition includes a new introduction and updated material throughout to present fresh insights and research about chaplaincy, including in relation to New Atheism and the developing debate about secularism and religion in public life. Swift concludes that chaplains must do more to communicate the value of what they bring to the bedside.Trade ReviewReviews of the first edition: ’The book I wanted to read when I first became a healthcare chaplain. As a novice chaplain, I wanted acquainting with the historical background of my new profession; a handle on the politics behind the emerging professional agenda of chaplaincy; and direction in understanding what spiritual care means in a non-religious environment.’ Reviews in Religion and Theology (reviewer Steve Nolan, UK) ’Swift’s book is for church historians, practical theologians, chaplains, health care professionals, and those embattled in the debate over society’s role in health care. Americans have been privy to a front row seat as politicians, insurance providers, lobbyists, assorted special-interest groups, and medical professionals debate health care in the USA. This is a must -read book if that debate is of interest to you.’ Journal of Religion, Disability & Health (reviewer Willard W.C. Ashley) ’This invaluable book will stand the test of time. Health care professionals will find it a constant point of reference as they wrestle with the issues both locally and nationally. Most importantly, there is a challenge here to the churches to take chaplaincy seriously as the frontier ministry it is.’ Paul Ballard, Cardiff University, UK ’A fascinating book written by a serving chaplain. ... provides a valuable insight into the opportunities and difficulties in 21st century chaplaincy. It deserves to be required reading for all those entering the profession.’ Theology (reviewer Derek J. Fraser) ’[Swift] has ignited the debate about what is truly of value in healthcare chaplaincy and how that value can be appreciated, understood, and evidenced by both the faith communities and by the NHS.’ Journal of Practical Theology (reviewer Mia Hilborn) ’With the NHS facing more and more calls on its resources from an ageing population, chaplains do need to follow Swift’s advice. This book should help them gain new confidence in the value of thTable of ContentsContents: Foreword to the first edition; Foreword to the second edition; Preface; Introduction; A history of the chaplain; The chaplains’ professionalization; The political context; The battle of Worcester; The chaplain today: an auto-ethnography; Religion, secularization and spirituality; Theological voices and ventures; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe essays brought together here present a broad assessment of the serious issues facing rural life and the rural church today. The authors are drawn from the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal Churches. The essays explore a wide range of biblical, theological, sociological, and historical concerns and topics. Throughout, the book is informed by a spirit of listening - to church-goers, clergy, church leaders, and local communities. Rural Life and Rural Church provides an invaluable resource for clergy and lay Christians involved in rural ministry, initial and continuing ministerial education, and Christian men and women living in the countryside.Trade Review"An excellent and authoritative account of current research, research that needs to be taken seriously by all who are shaping the future of our rural churches, both ordained and lay. Here is material that will help us cherish the virtue and integrity of our calling; a calling that originated in a small countryside mission beside Lake Galilee." From the Foreword by The Right Reverend Mark Rylands, The Bishop of Shrewsbury "Rural Life and Rural Church provides substantial evidence of the peculiar joys and challenges of the context it explores - This wealthy resource of serious research and careful theological reflection affirms the rural church and can serve to inform and inspire." - TheologyTable of ContentsPreface Foreword by The Bishop of Shrewsbury INTRODUCTION Shaping rural theology Leslie Francis PERSPECTIVES FROM THE BIBLE Israelite Wisdom and pastoral theology in the rural church Gareth Lloyd Jones, University of Wales, Bangor The invisible countryside of the New Testament William Strange, Archdeacon of Cardigan Sheep and goats: pastoral imagery in the bible and today Richard France, Anglican clergyman PERSPECTIVES FROM ORDINARY THEOLOGY Ordinary theology for rural theology and rural ministry Jeff Astley, North of England Institute for Christian Education The kneelers are most impressive: reflections on reading a visitors' book Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor, and Lewis Burton, retired Methodist minister Ordinary prayer and the rural church: an empirical study of prayer cards Tania ap Sion, University of Warwick THEOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES Encountering new age spirituality: opportunities and challenges for the rural church John Drane, St John's College, Durham God in creation: a reflection of Jurgen Moltmann's theology William Kay, Glyndwr University, Wales Belonging to rural church and society: theological and sociological perspectives David Walker, Bishop of Dudley HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES Blackshawhead: a local case history in rural church categorisation Lewis Burton Is the rural church different? The special case of confirmation David Lankshear, University of Warwick Rural Anglicanism: one face or many? Carol Roberts, Parish of Bangor Pastoral fragments: discovered remnants of a rural past Trevor Kerry, University of Lincoln LISTENING TO VISITORS I was glad: listening to visitors to country churches Leith Littler, St Mary's Centre, Wales, Leslie Francis and Jeremy Martineau, Centre for Studies in Rural Ministry Sacred place and pilgrimage: modern visitors to the shrine of St Melangell Michael Keulemans and Lewis Burton Visitor experiences of St David's Cathedral: the two worlds of pilgrims and secular tourists Emyr Williams, Glyndwr University, Wales, Leslie Francis, Mandy Robbins and Jennie Annis, St Mary's Centre, Wales LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY Social capital generated by two rural churches: the role of individual believers Keith Ineson, Churches Together in Cheshire, and Lewis Burton Local festivals in two Pennine villages: the reactions of the local Methodist church congregations Sue Pegg, Methodist minister, and Lewis Burton Extended communion: a second best option for rural Anglicanism? Stella Mills, Staffordshire University LISTENING TO CHURCHGOERS All types are called, but some are more likely to respond Leslie Francis, Mandy Robbins, Angela Williams, Benefice of Llandegfan with Llandysilio, and Rhys Williams, Diocese of Bangor The social significance of Harvest Festivals in the countryside: an empirical enquiry among those who attend David Walker Psychological type profile of volunteer workers in a rural Christian charity shop Leslie Francis and Sue Pegg LISTENING TO CHURCH LEADERS Deployment of the churches' ministry Lewis Burton Views on baptism and confirmation in the Church in Wales: are rural clergy different? Keith Littler Children and communion: listening to churchwardens in rural and urban Wales Ann Howells, Parish of Llandybie, and Keith Littler SATISFACTION AND STRESS IN MINISTRY Burnout and the practice of ministry among rural clergy: looking for the hidden signs Christopher Rutledge, St Mark's, Talbot Village How happy are rural Anglican clergy? Christine Brewster, St Seiriol's Centre Perceptions of stress on those in rural ministry: listening to church leaders Paul Rolph, Glyndwr University, Wales, and Jenny Rolph, The Olive Branch Christian Counselling Service

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Book SynopsisWe live in a time of increasing numbers of older people, and the Church is ageing even faster than the world around us. Yet few churches have a strategic plan for seniors' ministry. Zechariah 8:45 tells us that the Church should be a great place to grow old, as well as a great place to grow up, and Tina English has written this book to show us how we can make it so.A Great Place to Grow Old offers advice and resources to help individuals and churches reach out effectively to the older people in their communities, to visit and support seniors in local care homes, and come alongside those living with dementia and their carers.It is full of inspiring stories of lives impacted by successful ministry among seniors, practical advice and guidance for churches both with and without premises for hosting work with seniors, and teaching with an underlying biblical foundation of what it means to be human, and God's heart for people of all ages.Trade Review‘We live in a society, and sometimes a church, that doesn’t always appreciate the gifts that older people bring. Tina English brings a great deal of wisdom, huge experience, practical advice and ideas together in this invaluable guide to a vital and growing ministry in local churches. If you want to know where to start with ministry among older people, this is a great place to begin.’ -- The Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington‘The time is so ripe for this book. It’s super-accessible and I can hear Tina speaking as she guides us through practical, imaginative, ways to support and learn from older people. She’s longing to see everyone enjoy life in all its fullness.’ -- Debbie Thrower, Pioneer, Anna Chaplaincy for Older People‘This timely, informed and succinct resource will equip churches and communities to identify and address the needs of older people in a post-covid world.’ -- Albert Jewell, Secretary of Christians on Ageing dementia network, former pastoral director and senior chaplain of MHA Care Group

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Book SynopsisWe live our lives in both physical and digital community. We need to do ministry the same way. Because of COVID-19, nearly every church in the US was forced to adapt to a quarantine and adopt new ministry strategies, including digital technologies they may have avoided before. When services began to be offered in-person once more, many church leaders said they hoped they''d never have to live stream again for the rest of their lives. But then came the shock: people didn''t return in droves, and declining attendance steepened. The pandemic had only accelerated the profound cultural changes that were already marginalizing the church and reducing its relevance.In Hybrid Church, James Emery White argues that the post-pandemic church must commit to a hybrid strategy as the only means to reach a post-Christian culture in a digital age.This book will help you rethink the church''s approach and stretch you to move beyond

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Book SynopsisPresents a new mode of pastoral counseling, showing that counseling need not be long-term or depend on psychological manipulation to produce dramatic results.

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Book SynopsisHaving the right resources gives you a powerful edge in communicating the message of the Old Testament effectively in this media-driven, sensory-intensive culture. Designed to maximize your connection and impact, it is a communicator’s toolbox for teaching your congregation 32 life-changing messages from the Old Testament.

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Book SynopsisA Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two--Enlightenment to the Present Day explores the history and development of preaching through a biographical and theological examination of its most important preachers. Instead of teaching the history of preaching from the perspective of movements and eras, each contributor tells the story of a particular preacher in history, allowing these preachers from the past to come alive and instruct us through their lives, theologies, and methods of preaching.Each chapter introduces readers to a key figure in the history of preaching, followed by an analysis of the theological views that shaped their preaching, their methodology of sermon preparation and delivery, and an appraisal of the significant contributions they have made to the history of preaching. This diverse collection of familiar and lesser-known individuals provides a detailed and fascinating look at what it has meant to communicate the gospel over the past two thousand yTable of ContentsVolume II: Enlightenment to the Present Day French Court Preachers: François Fénelon, Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, and Jean Baptist Massillon miklauber@liberty.edu Due to editors: already submitted Martin Klauber (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin) is Affiliate Professor of Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Adjunct Professor of Church History at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. His specialty and publications largely revolve around the areas of Reformation and Post-Reformation History. His publications include Between Reformed Scholasticism and Pan-Protestantism: Jean-Alphonse Turretin (1671-1737) and Enlightened Orthodoxy at the Academy of Geneva, The Great Commission: Evangelicals and the History of World Missions, and The Theology of the French Reformed Church: From Henry IV to the Edict of Nantes published by Reformation Heritage Books. John Wesley: Homiletic Theologian michaelpasquarello@fuller.edu Due to editors: already submitted Michael Pasquarello (Ph.D., Unversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) is Professor of Practical Theology Fuller Theological Seminary. His most recent publications include John Wesley: Homiletic Theologian (Abingdon) and The Beauty of Preaching (Eerdmans). George Whitfield: wjcurtis@liberty.edu tmcknight@andersonuniversity.edu Due to editors: 12/1/2016 (author is an editor) Bill Curtis (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of Homletics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Cornerstone Baptist in Darlington, South Carolina. Timothy McKnight (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University. George Liele: Missionary and Evangelist TERRIEL_BYRD@pba.edu Due to editors: already submitted Terriel Byrd (Ph.D., The Union Institute) is Professor of Urban Christian Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is 2012-2013 president of the African American Caucus of the Academy of Homiletics of North America.His authorship and presentations include the “History of the First Black Church,” “The Non-African Perception of the African American Religious Experience” and “Inter-ethnic Cultural Communication,” presented for the American Association of Behavioral Sciences and National Association of African-American Studies. He has also presented 'Martin Luther King Jrs., Evangelical Liberalism: An Approach to Social Justice' at the National Association of Christian Social Workers, and 'King the Churchman: An Examination of the Ecclesiology of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,' for the North American Academy of Homiletics. His books include I Shall Not Be Moved; By This Shall We Be Known: Interpreting the Voice and Message of Dr. King; and Let the Church Be the Church: The Social Teachings of the Christian Church Charles Simeon: dyoung@simeontrust.org Due to editors: already submitted Darrell Young is Director of International Workshops for the Charles Simeon Trust. Robert Murray M’Cheyne: Exposition of the Bread of Life areid@sebts.edu Due to editors: already submitted Alvin Reid (Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Professor of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is author of Radical Christianity and Evangelism. Alexander Macleran: rspace@liberty.edu Due to editors: already submitted R. Scott Pace (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Chair of Ministry and Theology at Oklahoma Baptist University. Charles H. Spurgeon: cgeorge@mbts.edu Due to editors: 12/1/2016 (Just finished “The Lost Sermons of Spurgeon” (Band H, 2017) will submit by December). Christian George (Ph.D., University of St. Andrews) is the curator of the C.H. Spurgeon Library and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles Finney: Persuading Sinners to Submit Immediately to Christ rcaldwell@swbts.edu Due to editors: already submitted Robert Caldwell (Ph.D.,

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Book SynopsisThrough the lens of culturally relevant television reality shows and magazine-type self-quizzes, this 10-week study will guide teen girls to transform their lives from head to soul. The participant’s guide contains complete lessons, including discussion questions, self-assessments, Bible study guide, group exercises, and daily journaling pages.

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Book SynopsisEven if you know you're called to youth ministry and are passionate about the students in your group, you've probably had a few of those moments when you've wondered why you're doing certain things in your ministry, or wondered why you're even doing youth ministry in the first place.If you've ever stopped to ask, What's the point of youth ministry? In Taking Theology to Youth Ministry, Andrew Root invites you along on a journey with Nadiaa fictional youth worker who is trying to understand the why behind her ministry. Her narrative, along with Root's insights, help you uncover the action of God as it pertains to your own youth ministry, and encourage you to discover how you can participate in that action. As you join this theological journey, you'll find yourself exploring how theology can and should influence the way you do youth ministry.

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Book SynopsisCommunity. It''s a word we often hear, but what does it really mean? And why is it so important to your spiritual life? Because you can’t grow spiritually unless you’re connected relationally. God designed us that way. He wants to use other people to grow us and he wants to use us to grow other people.In this 8-session video-based study (DVD/digital video sold separately), specifically designed for launching new small groups well, you’ll explore how building deep relationships with the people in your small group and serving in the larger community around you will grow your faith. You’ll learn why your unique story matters… to God and to the people you do life with.Community is a great way for small groups to grow together and for churches to connect new people in their congregation. This conversation guide is a necessary tool walking you through each session with group starters, leader’s notes, discussion questions, an

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Book SynopsisAn Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry. Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitmTrade ReviewThis really is an “introduction to ministry.” Everything is in here and it is well-organized and well-said. This will become a standard for those considering professional ministry and others who want to understand the pastorate. Markham and Warder have point of view, but it is gentle and apparent and appreciative of ministry in diversity and complexity. David McAllister-Wilson, President, Wesley Theological Seminary Markham and Warder have boldly gone where no-one has quite gone before; writing a genuine introduction to ministry itself, not just pastoral care or liturgy or management, but about the extraordinary, messy and wonderful whole. This introduction is full of insight and wisdom. While it does not answer every question, it answers many of them, and it will provoke better questions and richer answers than readers might otherwise have obtained. It is also written from a fundamentally optimistic viewpoint, and gives a hopeful and faithful picture of how the “mainline” can not only survive but flourish amid changing realities. Andrew McGowen, Yale Divinity SchoolTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction 1 Section One Exploring the World of Ministry 5 1 Sensing the Call 7 2 The Imperative of Training 19 3 Church Dynamics: Exploring Congregational Culture 30 Section Two Cultivating the Skills for Effective Ministry 45 4 Worship and Mainline Ritual 47 5 Reading Scripture Thoughtfully 58 6 Connecting the Theological Dots 68 7 Church History 81 8 Preaching the Word 92 9 Ethics in the Mainline 110 10 Pastoral Presence 122 11 Christian Education and Formation 135 12 Music and Hymnody 150 Section Three Leading the People of God 167 13 Prophetic Leadership and Social Justice 169 14 Evangelism and Church Growth 182 15 Leading through Change and Conflict 198 16 The Business of the Church 210 17 Stewardship 225 18 Christian Apologetics 237 19 Ministerial Integrity 253 Glossary 263 Index 277

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Book SynopsisSunday worship is the central act of the Christian faith, yet few people truly understand what is happening during the service, and why, and how. Based on numerous visits with congregations of many denominations, Jane Rogers Vann examines how we can eliminate the barrier between the preacher and the people in the pew and offers practical advice...

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Preachers are guided by Karl Barth's advice to go into the pulpit with an open Bible in one hand and the daily newspaper in the other hand. The relationship between the two, the scriptural text and what is happening at the moment in the community and world, is critical, complicated, and, at times, fraught. Connections is a welcome preaching resource that addresses that important relationship, grounded in sound and current biblical scholarship and reflecting the ways the Word can engage creatively and thoughtfully the world God so dearly loves and Jesus Christ came to redeem. I can think of no more valuable help for those who stand up in the midst of their congregations weekly and attempt to speak a faithful, challenging and reconciling word." —John M. Buchanan, former Editor, The Christian Century, and author of From the Editor's Desk: Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully at the Dawn of a New Christian Century, also published by Westminster John Knox Press."In a culture of do-it-yourself religion, we all need Connections! More than a commentary, Connections is a stimulating conversation among a diverse company of preachers, theologians, and biblical scholars. We are invited to listen in, as it were, to be enriched by the discussion, and then to continue the conversation in our own ministries of the Word. Once again, Westminster John Knox takes the lead by taking the Bible seriously. Word of God for the people of God: thanks be to God!" —Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School, author of Reading the Parables, also published by Westminster John Knox Press"In this day when potential listeners are biblically and theologically untutored, distracted and disconnected, Connections is just what the doctor ordered for contemporary preaching. Connections is well named, for it equips preachers to preach sermons that connect with both Scripture and contemporary life, sermons that are both faithful to their biblical contexts and fitting to the contexts of their congregations in the world. Connections provides an antidote to biblical lectures with little acquaintance with contemporary life as well as to strings of stories that lack biblical grounding. We owe the publisher, editors, and authors of this series a debt of gratitude for the gift of this resource for preaching." —Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Director, The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University"Connections takes the urgency of the contemporary moment as seriously as it takes Scripture. These essays clear the path from meaning to implication and help preachers unearth new dimensions of truth. As a preacher and teacher, I'm grateful for the way this commentary approaches Scripture as a symphony and gives us ears to hear how each verse contributes to the whole. I see Connections as a launching pad for those who want to understand the Word and live on it." —Donyelle McCray, Yale University Divinity School"Pity the poor preacher. The sabbath seems to come back around every ten minutes and pastoral life is already full to overflowing. Thank God for Westminster John Knox Press and for these editors and this small army of writers. The fantastic biblical resources in Connections will help many poor preachers remember the biblical and theological substance of our calling. Reading these commentaries reminds me of the joy of leading in the church—we actually get to participate with God in the renewal of creation." —Jason Byassee, Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics at the Vancouver School of Theology"Given the deep crisis we face in church and in society, the recovery of the biblical text in all its glorious truth-telling is an urgent task for us preachers. For much too long the text has been neglected through complacency, timidity, and embarrassment. Now is the time of recovery of the test. There are few resources as useful for such a recovery as Connections. It is interpretive work done by our best interpreters, skilled in our best methods, grounded in deep faith, and linked to lived reality. This resource is an immense treasure that invites boldness and imagination in our shared work of proclamation." —Walter Brueggemann"Having to preach Sunday after Sunday can lead preachers to acquire laser vision into biblical passages so that we can discover a message for the sermon quickly and skillfully. This relentless routine, however, can also lead us to neglect subtle nuances in the texts. Without adding days to our sermon preparation process, Connections brings to us a wide range of scholars and preachers to interpret lectionary texts with a thick examination of their interrelatedness to the wider ancient biblical canon and the depths of the contemporary world. The pairing of these two concerns in commentaries on every lection for the year will help preachers discover wonderful, new homiletical possibilities that we missed three years ago." —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "Here is a resource that puts hundreds and hundreds of focused scholars in the preacher's study, ready to help shovel the diamonds of Scripture for the Sunday sermon. Every congregation in the country should buy their pastor a complete set, both for their own good and the good of the world." —Barbara Brown Taylor

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Preachers are guided by Karl Barth's advice to go into the pulpit with an open Bible in one hand and the daily newspaper in the other hand. The relationship between the two, the scriptural text and what is happening at the moment in the community and world, is critical, complicated, and, at times, fraught. Connections is a welcome preaching resource that addresses that important relationship, grounded in sound and current biblical scholarship and reflecting the ways the Word can engage creatively and thoughtfully the world God so dearly loves and Jesus Christ came to redeem. I can think of no more valuable help for those who stand up in the midst of their congregations weekly and attempt to speak a faithful, challenging and reconciling word." —John M. Buchanan, former Editor, The Christian Century, and author of From the Editor's Desk: Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully at the Dawn of a New Christian Century, also published by Westminster John Knox Press."In a culture of do-it-yourself religion, we all need Connections! More than a commentary, Connections is a stimulating conversation among a diverse company of preachers, theologians, and biblical scholars. We are invited to listen in, as it were, to be enriched by the discussion, and then to continue the conversation in our own ministries of the Word. Once again, Westminster John Knox takes the lead by taking the Bible seriously. Word of God for the people of God: thanks be to God!" —Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School, author of Reading the Parables, also published by Westminster John Knox Press"In this day when potential listeners are biblically and theologically untutored, distracted and disconnected, Connections is just what the doctor ordered for contemporary preaching. Connections is well named, for it equips preachers to preach sermons that connect with both Scripture and contemporary life, sermons that are both faithful to their biblical contexts and fitting to the contexts of their congregations in the world. Connections provides an antidote to biblical lectures with little acquaintance with contemporary life as well as to strings of stories that lack biblical grounding. We owe the publisher, editors, and authors of this series a debt of gratitude for the gift of this resource for preaching." —Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Director, The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University"Connections takes the urgency of the contemporary moment as seriously as it takes Scripture. These essays clear the path from meaning to implication and help preachers unearth new dimensions of truth. As a preacher and teacher, I'm grateful for the way this commentary approaches Scripture as a symphony and gives us ears to hear how each verse contributes to the whole. I see Connections as a launching pad for those who want to understand the Word and live on it." —Donyelle McCray, Yale University Divinity School"Pity the poor preacher. The sabbath seems to come back around every ten minutes and pastoral life is already full to overflowing. Thank God for Westminster John Knox Press and for these editors and this small army of writers. The fantastic biblical resources in Connections will help many poor preachers remember the biblical and theological substance of our calling. Reading these commentaries reminds me of the joy of leading in the church—we actually get to participate with God in the renewal of creation." —Jason Byassee, Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics at the Vancouver School of Theology"Given the deep crisis we face in church and in society, the recovery of the biblical text in all its glorious truth-telling is an urgent task for us preachers. For much too long the text has been neglected through complacency, timidity, and embarrassment. Now is the time of recovery of the test. There are few resources as useful for such a recovery as Connections. It is interpretive work done by our best interpreters, skilled in our best methods, grounded in deep faith, and linked to lived reality. This resource is an immense treasure that invites boldness and imagination in our shared work of proclamation." —Walter Brueggemann"Having to preach Sunday after Sunday can lead preachers to acquire laser vision into biblical passages so that we can discover a message for the sermon quickly and skillfully. This relentless routine, however, can also lead us to neglect subtle nuances in the texts. Without adding days to our sermon preparation process, Connections brings to us a wide range of scholars and preachers to interpret lectionary texts with a thick examination of their interrelatedness to the wider ancient biblical canon and the depths of the contemporary world. The pairing of these two concerns in commentaries on every lection for the year will help preachers discover wonderful, new homiletical possibilities that we missed three years ago." —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University "Here is a resource that puts hundreds and hundreds of focused scholars in the preacher's study, ready to help shovel the diamonds of Scripture for the Sunday sermon. Every congregation in the country should buy their pastor a complete set, both for their own good and the good of the world." —Barbara Brown Taylor

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Book SynopsisThere are thousands of active-rostered commissioned ministers in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, faithful men and women who serve in the congregations, schools, and recognized service organizations of the LCMS.But all too often, commissioned workers struggle to know their place in the church. They''re more than just laypeople, but they''re not public ministers. How can called workers better understand their own role? And how can pastors and laypeople honor this position while not confusing it with other callings?David Rueter, a director of Christian education program director, invites the church to hold a high view of both pastors and commissioned workers while not sacrificing the dignity of either, nor confusing the theological and historical significance of both. This in-depth look at the theology of commissioned ministry will lead all to properly respect and rightly balance these offices of ministry.

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Book SynopsisEvery leader functions on two stages--the front stage or public world, and the back stage or private world. One cannot lead successfully front stage when one is completely depleted back stage. In a time when pastors are leaving the ministry in record numbers due to cynicism, disillusionment, weariness, and personal scandals, there is an urgent need for soul care in the private lives of leaders.Replenish helps leaders focus on the back stage, the interior life, in order to remain spiritually healthy. In a caring, encouraging tone, it will show pastors how toprioritize matters of the souldevelop healthy spiritual practicesaddress problems that lead to burnoutcreate a healthy rhythm in their livesimprove their people skills and the spiritual climate of their teamdevelop better systems in their churchesdiscover how to lead an unhurried lifeFor the many ministry leaders who feel alone, in over their heads, or simply worn out

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Book SynopsisExperienced megachurch pastor and award-winning author offers church-smart advice to help newer pastors avoid 25 potential pitfalls to successful ministry.

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