Until Unity: Study Guide

Until Unity: Study Guide
Author: Francis Chan
Publisher: David C Cook
Total Pages: 67
Release: 2021-07-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830782842

Christians cannot remain indifferent to the divisions in the Church today. In this study guide companion, Chan draws on the gospel infused message of Until Unity to remind readers that Church unity is not optional. This study guide includes: Deeper exploration of every chapter in Until Unity Free original videos with Francis Chan Tips for leading and participating in a small group Scripture passages and reflection questions Prompts for group and individual prayer Chan’s emphasis on worship and praise, along with his passionate teaching, make this guide a unique and life-changing exploration of why unity is not just God’s wish for His Church—it’s His command.

Speed of Unity

Speed of Unity
Author: Rob Ketterling
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2020-01-08
Genre:
ISBN: 9780986332067

The Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds perform incredible feats of aeronautics, but only because their minds, hearts, and bodies are perfectly synchronized. In the same way, leaders get the most out of their teams when they raise the level of unity.In this book, Rob Ketterling explains that most teams function at the speed of agreement, which means they have a job description, but very few common commitments. The second level, the speed of vision, is about the best most teams hope for, but as they move faster and farther, they create more tension with each other. The top speed, the speed of unity, only happens when people are emotionally and volitionally invested in the success of the team, not just individual accomplishments. Rob's principles and advice will challenge you and inspire you. Hang on. It's going to be a fast ride!

The Beautiful Community

The Beautiful Community
Author: Irwyn L. Ince
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2020-08-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830853413

The church is at its best when it pursues the biblical value of unity in diversity. Pastor and theologian Irwyn Ince boldly unpacks the reasons for our divisions while gently guiding us toward our true hope for wholeness and reconciliation. To heal our fractured humanity, we must cultivate spiritual practices that help us pursue beautiful community.

One

One
Author: Deidra Riggs
Publisher: Baker Books
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2017-04-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1493406523

Jesus didn't say that the world would know we are his followers by our biting rhetoric, our political leanings, our charity work, or even by our knowledge of Scripture. He said the world would know us by our love for one another. Yet it's so easy to put others at arm's length, to lash out, to put up walls. Deidra Riggs wants us to put our focus on self-preservation aside and, like Jesus, make the first move toward reconciliation. In One, Riggs shows readers that when Jesus offered himself up in our place, he was not only purchasing our salvation but also setting an example for us to follow. She helps readers understand that they are secure in God's inexhaustible love, making them free to love others lavishly--not just in what they do but in what they say, what they don't say, what they will endure, and what they will forgive. Anyone who longs for unity in the church, in their family, and in their community will find in this book both inspiring examples of loving done well and encouragement to begin the often unnoticed hard work of building bridges with those around them.

The Peacemaking Pastor

The Peacemaking Pastor
Author: Alfred J. Poirier
Publisher: Baker Books
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2006-08-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1441201424

Seminaries generally are not very effective in equipping pastors to be ministers of reconciliation, says pastor and experienced mediator Alfred Poirier. The result is pastors trained in biblical exposition, well-ordered worship, and good theology, but with little practical know-how about one of the most important functions they will be expected to perform: conflict resolution. The Peacemaking Pastor provides a survey of the nature and kinds of conflict typical in the pastorate to bring to light the need to recover the ministry of reconciliation. Poirier, chairman of the board of Peacemaker Ministries, shows pastors the importance of a reconciliation ministry, gives them a theological framework for peacemaking, and provides practical tools for facilitating the peacemaking process. Written by a pastor for pastors, this insightful book will encourage and equip seminaries and ministry leaders in their original calling-promoting a culture of peacemaking in the church.

For the Good of the Church

For the Good of the Church
Author: Gabrielle Thomas
Publisher: SCM Press
Total Pages: 147
Release: 2021-02-26
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0334060605

What do we need to learn and receive from the other to help us address challenges or wounds in our own tradition? That is the key question asked in what has come to be known as ‘receptive ecumenism’. And nowhere is this question more pressing and pertinent than in women’s experiences within the church. Based on qualitative research from five focus groups, 'For the Good of the Church' expose the difficulties women face when they work in a church – sexism, unfulfilled vocation, and abuse of power and privilege, as well as the wide range of gifts and skills which women bring in light of these. The second part of the book continues to draw on the particular wounds and gifts, which arise in the focus groups. Specific case studies are used to identify gifts of theology, practice, experience, vocation and power. Against negative prognoses of an ‘ecumenical winter’, Gabrielle Thomas reveals how radically different theological and ecclesiological perspectives can be a space for learning and receiving gifts for the well-being of the whole Church.

Until Unity

Until Unity
Author: Francis Chan
Publisher: David C Cook
Total Pages: 151
Release: 2021-04-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830782737

New York Times-bestselling author Francis Chan calls for believers and churches everywhere to align our hearts with God and start taking seriously His numerous commands to unify. It is absolutely clear from Scripture that God passionately desires supernatural unity within His Church. Unity is what Jesus prays for, what He commands, and what He says will be our greatest witness to the world. If unity is so important to the heart of God, why is the Church one of the most divided groups on earth? While many believe doctrine is at the root of the problem, Francis argues that the real problem is the shallowness or non-existence of our love for each other—rooted in a shallowness in our understanding of the gospel. This is what desperately needs to change. The reason that God gifts the Church with leaders is so they can equip God’s people in a way that leads to “unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). We have done a poor job at this, but it can all change. Those who are believers will hear the call and be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v. 3). There will be opposition, but we cannot allow anything to discourage us from giving everything we have to the pursuit of a unified, restored Bride.

Erasing Hell

Erasing Hell
Author: Francis Chan
Publisher: David C Cook
Total Pages: 145
Release: 2011-07-01
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0781407257

Addressing a variety of views on hell, the Bible, and the character of God, offers an eloquent response to the recent media storm surrounding questions of eternal destiny.

Church Undivided

Church Undivided
Author: Bob Ingle
Publisher: Sermon To Book
Total Pages: 176
Release: 2020-03-03
Genre:
ISBN: 9781945793950

Imagine if every church were a community of believers dedicated wholly to God and growing together as followers of Christ. Is the atmosphere in your church one of peace or contention? Of joyful sacrifice or selfish ambition? It's easy to get distracted by the problems in your church brought on by sinful and self-centered living. 1 Corinthians provides a guide for unity, service, and interaction with worldly culture. If any congregation knew about problems, it was the church in ancient Corinth. Yet, these principles are as relevant and helpful today as they were for the early church. In this practical, challenging book, you will discover: - How to navigate the tricky relationship between the church and our the culture - How to answer questions about rights, preferences, and gray areas among believers - How to protect and promote unity in the church - Why love and truth rank higher than liberty and individualism Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking questions and a suggested action step so you can apply these truths to your own church community, ministry, and personal walk with God. God calls us not only into community with other believers, but unity as well. With community comes great challenges, as we are all sinners. Church Undivided details God's vision for unity in His church and Paul's guidance to create it within our own churches. About the author: Bob Ingle is the lead pastor at Waypoint Church in St. Charles, Missouri. For over a decade, he has faithfully preached the Word and equipped believers to serve God using their unique gifts. Pastor Ingle's heart is to see people transformed by truth and engaged as faithful disciples of Christ in an authentic community.

All Together Different

All Together Different
Author: J. Brian Tucker
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2018-02-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802496393

Can we all just get along? E Pluribus Unum: “Out of many, one.” This motto is emblazoned on the Great Seal of the United States, but it could be the church’s model, too. Unfortunately, the daily experience of many Christians and churches feels like the opposite: out of one, many. We are increasingly aware of what makes us different from others, and it is hurting the church and its witness. All Together Different will help readers understand why we find it so difficult “to just get along.” Drawing from research on personal and group identity, it equips readers to navigate a culture that often pays lip service to the value of diversity, but struggles to foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect. With clear writing and real-life stories, All Together Different translates social identity theory for pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners, exposing it to the light of biblical and theological reflection.