The Scattering

The Scattering
Author: Dwight Lee DuBois
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2015-11-05
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1498229794

Imagine being able to connect everything you do in life with God's dream of shalom. Imagine all God's people seeing their family responsibilities, work, and community involvement as ministry. Imagine congregations that equip and empower people for ministry--not just in the church, but in all they do. Imagine leaders and members finding a renewed sense of joy, purpose, and vitality as they give themselves away for the sake of the Gospel. Dwight DuBois not only imagines these life-giving outcomes in fresh and powerful ways, he shows readers how to create an environment that equips everyday saints to connect their faith with all of life. Based on the real life struggles of pastors and members, The Scattering lays bare our preoccupation with the health of the institution and offers powerful new language for the church as being both gathered and scattered. This language breaks down unhelpful stereotypes, and provides readers with hopeful and rewarding ways to interpret who we are and what we do as the church of Jesus Christ.

Frogs Without Legs Can't Hear

Frogs Without Legs Can't Hear
Author: David W. Anderson
Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2003
Genre: Discipling (Christianity)
ISBN: 9780806646497

It takes a whole church frog - head (leadership), torso (body), and legs (home) - to raise persons of faith in a world set against the ways of God. Frogs Without Legs Can't Hear: Nurturing Disciples in Home and Congregation challenges church professionals and volunteers to shift the center of faith formation from the congregation to a shared center involving the home and ministry in daily life. Drawing on five principles that define the congregation-home partnership, and four key faith practices that promote faith development, David W. Anderson and Paul Hill have written a timely and provocative book keenly suited to ministry in the 21st century.

Great Commission, Great Confusion, or Great Confession?

Great Commission, Great Confusion, or Great Confession?
Author: Lucas V. Woodford
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2012-04-26
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1610978773

There is a great debate going on in the church today. It centers on one question: "What is the mission of the church?" From culturally relevant, emerging congregations to strategic methods of organization and outreach, many claim they have the answer. They say the mission must become "missional." Yet the churches of North America continue to struggle. Uncertainty is growing. "What does it really mean to be 'missional'"? Competing claims abound. "Get the message out!" "Get the message right!" Great confusion has set in, particularly in the postmodern North American church. The Gospel is getting lost. Yet, throughout the ages, the creedal confession of the Holy Christian Church has carried her through uncertainty and struggle. The Apostles' Creed has steadied and stayed the mission of the church for centuries. It centers on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit--the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. This book celebrates the historic mission of the Holy Christian Church, and it invites the North American church to do the same.

Sacred Playgrounds

Sacred Playgrounds
Author: Jacob Sorenson
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2021-07-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1532694628

Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics with compelling stories, groundbreaking research, and theological grounding. Christian summer camp is an integral part of the ecology of faith formation in North America, though it has received surprisingly little attention in the scholarly community until now. Camping ministry is often dismissed as simple fun and games or a brief spiritual high that does not last. However, camp experiences often serve as deeply relational and immersive faith experiences that have lasting impacts on participants. Five fundamental characteristics combine dynamically in the effective camp experience: participatory, faith-centered, safe space, relational, and unplugged from home. Together, they open the space for participants to consider new understandings of God, to have time for deep self-reflection, and to build intentional Christian community. These camp experiences are essential components in a larger ecology of faith formation, including the home and congregation. The insight and evidence presented in this book demonstrate that the contributions of camping ministry must be taken seriously among scholars, Christian educators, and ministry professionals.

Lord, I Love the Church and We Need Help

Lord, I Love the Church and We Need Help
Author: Virginia O. Bassford
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Total Pages: 144
Release: 2012
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1426740409

Do we ask too much? No, we've asked too little. Change, chaos, confusion - how can a pastor make sense of it all? The tap root of United Methodism goes deep into fertile soil - firmly planted in Scripture and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Our theology is rich and grounded into the depths of community and accountability, but the way we live out that theology is wide and deep-- both bane and blessing. United Methodists are neither blown away like chaff nor root-bound. Our calling is still to strive to be methodically faithful and alive in Spirit. This is our heritage and our vision. But will we dare to lean into the winds of change and be strengthened by the challenges we find? Only with God's help.

Passing on the Faith

Passing on the Faith
Author: Merton P. Strommen
Publisher: Saint Mary's Press
Total Pages: 399
Release: 2008
Genre: Christian education
ISBN: 0884899705

From the Introduction This book is about passing on the faith from generation to generation, throughout the milestones of a person's life. Faith is created and nurtured by the Holy Spirit through the Gospels. The vision underlying the RADICAL model was developed in light of the theological principle that faith is formed by the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships, often, but not always, in our own homes. A youth and family ministry for the 21st century connects all the generations in the total ministry of the congregation and, through the cross of Christ, recognizes the work of the Holy Spirit shaping faith in all the circles of relationships. This revised edition expands on the authors' original model in an all-new chapter on the circle of creation. This edition has also been updated throughout in light of new ideas and research that have emerged during the past decade.

The Mainline in Late Modernity

The Mainline in Late Modernity
Author: Maren Freudenberg
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2017-12-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1498555853

In the last fifty years, religion in America has changed dramatically, and Mainline Protestantism is following suit. This book reveals a fundamental transformation taking place in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA is looking to postdenominational Christianity for inspiration on how to attract people to the pews, but is at the same time intent on preserving its confessional, liturgical tradition as much as possible in late modernity. As American religion grows increasingly experiential and individualistic, the ELCA is caught between its church heritage and a highly innovative culture that demands participative structures and a personal relationship with the divine. In the midst of this tension, the ELCA is deflating its church hierarchy and encouraging people to become involved in congregations on their own terms, while it continues to celebrate its confessional, liturgical identity. But can this balance between individual and institution be upheld in the long run? Or will the democratization and pluralization of the faith ultimately undermine the church? This book explores how the ELCA attempts to resist the forces of Americanization in late modernity even as it slowly but surely comes to resemble mainstream American religion more and more.

The Humane Gardener

The Humane Gardener
Author: Nancy Lawson
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2017-04-18
Genre:
ISBN: 1616896175

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Beyond Level Three (Part B)

Beyond Level Three (Part B)
Author: Amin Abu-Ayyash - Erna Reiken - Zeina Van Loan
Publisher: World Heritage Publishers Ltd
Total Pages: 175
Release:
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 6144131191

What is special about Beyond? • Motivating themes • Real-world issues • Cultural exposure • Communicative spirit • Interactive procedure Beyond is all that you need! Components • Student’s multi-skill course book • Student’s composition and grammar course book • Student’s activity CD • Teacher’s guide • Teacher’s audio input CD