Gladhearted Disciples

Gladhearted Disciples
Author: Chris Folmsbee
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Total Pages: 83
Release: 2015-05-19
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1630884243

Gladhearted Disciples: Equipping Your Congregation with Generous and Enduring Faith addresses a critical need for church leaders and pastors: How can we guide people to live like Jesus and to draw others into that life? This is a book to study and with your leaders and teams. Gladhearted Disciples starts with an indisputable yet often ignored reality: In a post-modern, post-Christian world, we can no longer attract people by convincing them of our “truth.” We must instead embody the Gospel in such clear and compelling ways that they will be attracted to our way of life. This is the true measure of discipleship. Folmsbee provides a template for the spiritual formation of hopeful, grace-filled, kingdom-focused disciples who represent God’s love in the world. Pastors, Christian educators, and small-group leaders will find here an inspiring new perspective to inspire and support their work.--Ann Michel, Associate Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership I recommend this book for faith communities and all who yearn for a new way of understanding our sacred calling as followers of Jesus.--DJ del Rosario, Sr. Pastor, Bothell UMC, Bothell, WA If you are seeking to guide others in following Jesus into the mission field that exists right outside your front door, read this book. You’ll encounter vivid stories and a theologically grounded, practical, and missional approach to discipleship in a post-Christian world. --Sara B. Thomas, Chief Strategist for Vital Congregations, Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church Gladhearted Disciples takes a radically different and welcome approach to evangelism and discipleship. It is a winsome and accessible book with two audaciously important messages. First, Christian discipleship is grounded in grace, characterized by humility, upwardly focused in gratitude, and outwardly-turned in compassion. Second, Christian communities should be marked by the same. Every church would do well to heed this prophetic yet hopeful message. --Robert K. Martin, Dean and Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary If you seek a fresh way to understand and share our faith—a way that makes sense in our current reality, I invite you to delve into this book. May you be newly inspired! --Dottie Escobedo-Frank, author of The Jesus Insurgency with Rudy Rasmus, from Abingdon Press

A Defense of Youth Ministry

A Defense of Youth Ministry
Author: Ron Belsterling
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2019-04-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1532651570

Youth ministry succeeds because it directly reflects Jesus Christ's approach. It's not overvalued today; it's undervalued. The hard work required for its success has been misunderstood and misrepresented. The first part of the book establishes that case and analyzes the pros and cons of current, varying philosophies and approaches, merging their best aspects into the holistic approach demonstrated by Christ. Part 2 introduces Attachment Relationship Ministry (ARM), a lens distinguishing four primary adolescent relational styles depending on how secure or insecure teens are with God and parents. Part 3 encourages strategic relational ministry sensitive to those styles, explaining why youth leader efforts succeed or fail. Chapters offer realistic discipleship and evangelism suggestions depending on attachment styles and practically empowering youth workers (volunteers, newbies, experts, and interns) to focus energy and time more wisely. These recommendations relate to spiritual formation, leadership selection, parental approach, and trending issues, such as ministry to LGBTQIA teens. For too many teens today, feeling insecure in crisis is a way of life. Learn how to take what you've done well and make it better. All church leaders should read this book, logging the critical importance of providing ministry specifically targeting teenagers today.

All the 3s of the Bible

All the 3s of the Bible
Author: Herbert Lockyer
Publisher: Whitaker House
Total Pages: 391
Release: 2012-11-28
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1603746730

A Wealth of Scriptural Symbolism and Truth in the Number 3! The three-in-one nature of the Trinity… The three features of the priesthood… The three harvest fruits… The three glorious appearances… The three gifts of the Magi… The three tenses of salvation… The three crosses… The three phases of the risen Christ… The three witnesses in Revelation… And many more… Bible teacher Dr. Herbert Lockyer’s exhaustive study of the number three throughout Scripture is a great resource for pastors, Bible study and youth group leaders, Sunday school instructors, and any believer who desires to delve deeper into Scripture. You’ll be amazed at the spiritual truths that can be unpacked by the biblical meanings of a simple number.

Let the Nations be Glad

Let the Nations be Glad
Author: John Piper
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
Total Pages: 370
Release: 2020-05-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1789740606

'Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate.' John Piper's contemporary classic draws on key biblical texts to demonstrate that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and that proper worship fuels missionary outreach. Piper offers a biblical defence of God's supremacy in all things, providing a sound theological foundation for missions. He examines whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and issues a passionate plea for God-centredness in the missionary enterprise, seeking to define the scope of the task and the means for reaching 'all nations'. Let the Nations Be Glad! is a trusted resource for missionaries, pastors, church leaders, youth workers, seminary students, and all who want to connect their labours to God's global purposes. This third edition has been revised and expanded throughout and includes new material on the 'prosperity gospel'.

Every Day a Friday

Every Day a Friday
Author: Joel Osteen
Publisher: FaithWords
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2011-09-13
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0892969938

Experience the joy of God's message and begin each day with a positive outlook with these words of wisdom from Lakewood Church pastor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. Research that shows people are happiest on Fridays. Now, learn how you can generate this level of contentment and joy every day of the week. As a man who maintains a constant positive outlook in spite of circumstances, Osteen has described this message as a core theme of his ministry. With personal experiences, scriptural insights, and principles for true happiness, he'll show you how to find the same opportunities for pure joy that you experience at five o'clock on Friday.

15 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier

15 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier
Author: Joel Osteen
Publisher: FaithWords
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2023-10-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1546005102

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen shares his best wisdom on the simple choices we can make each day to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. What if a healthy, abundant, joyful, faith-filled life is within reach? What if you could increase your energy, vitality, and happiness, and stop dragging through the day, living discouraged and depressed, and settling for less than the life you want? In 15 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier, New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen, with his trademark wisdom and encouragement, helps you to discover greater success, stronger relationships, tame stress, and find real happiness. He shows that the key to good health, longevity, and abundance is to keep your soul healthy by focusing on your attitude, your thoughts, and your emotional well-being. In this book, he shows you how to: Stay positive toward yourself; Deal with difficult people; Let go of control; Choose to be happy; Unclutter your mind; Live in the present; Tame the tongue; and Take care of yourself. Start today to make a real change that lasts. Not just for a week, a month, or a year but for the rest of your life. A study guide and a Spanish edition, 15 maneras de vivir más tiempo y más saludable, are also available for purchase.