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by John and Sylvia Ronsvalle Major study of financial giving patterns in 15 denominations Personal finance, not sex or politics, is the last taboo topic in America. But as much as the general population is uncomfortable talking about -- or worse, being asked about -- their personal view of money, churchgoers are just as averse to discussing what they consider to be an extremely private subject. In this groundbreaking book, John and Sylvia Ronsvalle break the taboo by revealing the stories behind their three-year study on money dynamics in the church. Their findings are not only telling and fascinating, but they have far-reaching implications for the future of the church. Funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and supported by leaders of fifteen major denominatons, the Ronsvalles study reports on what church members and leaders think about money and the role it plays in church dynamics. That giving has declined sharply in both evangelical and mainline denominations is due in large part, they say, to the shifting of Americans from a survival mode to a pattern of mass consumption. Paperback List:$24.99 -- Our Price: $17.49 -- You Save: $7.50 (30%)
by Karen Jones Bernstine (Editor)
by Curtiss DeYoung Aunique resource that works toward reconciliation by addressing racial and cultural diversity from a biblical perspective. Building on the insights of scholars from the major cultural and racial groups around the world, Curtis DeYoung explores the cultural diversity found within the pages of the Bible. DeYoung examines the racial and cultural background of Jesus and critically examines Jesus' universal presence as the risen Christ. In addition, he illustrates some of the different ways that people of color interpret the Bible and shows how these understandings not only can intersect with traditional European perspectives but can also be helpful in presenting biblical truths. Coming Together surveys what the Bible has to say about racism, sexism, and classism. Coming Together is an essential primer and a highly recommended addition to any personal, church or seminary library Biblical or multicultural collection.
by Mark Schulz , Mike Regele Our culture is changing at a dizzying rate. But the church seems to be left behind, caught in subcultural backwaters that have little or no impact on mainstream society. Based on the quantitative research of his group, Percept, Regele analyzes the forces in our culture and discusses how the church can fulfill its mission in the face of them. Hardcover List: $22.99 -- Our Price: $16.09 -- You Save: $6.90 (30%) > by Sondra Higgins Matthaei Today's world is one of growing isolation, frantic activity and desperate violence where people find themselves longing for both solitude and companionship, intimacy and community. The result is a search for the kinds of relationships that acknowledge who people are and who they want to be. Faith Matters addresses this critical element in spiritual formation, that is, the role of interpersonal growth in faith.
by Lyle E. Schaller , Howard Edington Offers pastors in the city environment proven methodis for keeping their churches alive and well despite the particular challenges facing them in the urban landscape.
by Thomas C. Reeves The bestselling author of A Question of Character: A Life of John F. Kennedy now examines the reasons why Americans are leaving mainstream Prostestant churches in droves and tells millions of angry church members how to restore to their churches the traditional orthodoxy that has been threatened by "liberal secular forces."
by Walther Kallestad Makes a fresh case for the church that takes an unflinching public stance in favor of an appealing proclamation of the good news of Christ.
by George Barna Provides a picture of present evangelism efforts and of the unsaved in the U.S.
by Roberta C. Bondi In Ordinary Time takes the form of letters written to a fictional friend who asks for help in learning how to devote time to the kind of prayer and reflection Bondi described in Memories of God. As she interweaves her stories with theological reflection and practical encouragement on the disciplines of prayer and reflective meditation, she becomes a companion in the reader's spiritual journey.
by Nathan W. Turner Turner charts stages of development experienced in most groups, describes various kinds of leadership roles and styles, and provides suggestions for the creative use of conflict. From his wide experience as a pastor, teacher, and consultant to religious, voluntary, and business corporations, the author has integrated his specialized experience with small groups into this revised and expanded edition of his original book, Effective Leadership in Small Groups.
by John Koessler, Warren W. Wiersbe (Introduction), Ron Klassen No Little Places takes advantage of two small-town-church strengths that city churches dream of nurturing--intimacy and involvement. The authors help city pastors successfully cross the urban-rural cultural barrier. >
by Vashti M. McKenzie This is a groundbreaking book written by one of the nation's leading African American clergywomen, Reverend Vashti McKenzie, who provides a cogent historical, theological, and biblical overview of female leadership in the church. McKenzie provides a model based on the "Women Surviving in Ministry" project that promotes fellowship, support and an environment conducive to learning and dialogue among peers and mentors.
by Manuel Ortiz In the One New People, Manuel Ortiz persuades us of the benefits in fellowship and outreach that we can experience by crossing racial, ethnic and cultural lines. He urges readers not just to put aside their differneces but to celebrate them and to embrace them--to use them in a way that draws them closer to each other and closer to God.
by David A. Roozen , C. Kirk Hadaway Rerouting the Protestant Mainstream offers a tightly focused analysis of trends, markets, denominational influences, and future directions for the church. Hadaway and Roozen explain why some churches are growing and why others are not, and show pastors how to go about improving and growing their churches.
by Willie Richardson Practical family ministry for both the churched and the unchurched are the foundation of this book. African-American churches can help prevent dropouts from society and restore those who have dropped out. They can help strengthen single-parent homes and prevent divorce- but it needs the kind of vision and strategies Richardson describes. Paperback by William Easum Shows how an atmosphere of permission-giving helps rid congregations of the "sacred cow" of control.
$14.95 -- Our Price: $11.96 -- You Save: $2.99 (20%)
by Michael C Mack. The Introduction of The Synergy Church begins, "Small groups that meet in homes during the week for Bible study have become popular; some feel, at the expense of Sunday School enrollment," wrote Charles Arn, Donald McGavran, and Win Arn in 1987, documenting the opening of what some might consider a Pnadora's box of questions about the future of the Sunday school. "Some members, subconsciously, are wondering whether the Sunday school is outdated. Others have quietly discussed how some churches are experimenting with restructuring the Sunday school hour." Today, as the popularity of small groups grows in larger and larger proportions, churches are faced with questions about what to do with their traditional adult Sunday school programs.
by Lyle E. Schaller The author offers seven specific scenarios that local church and denominational officials can pursue as each church leader confronts the decision of whether to be a victim or a reformer. >
by David Fisher Based on the Ministry of Paul Fisher, helps pastors find their biblical identity and become more effective in ministry by looking at the pastoral ministry of Paul. Sharing his personal experience in developing this identity through 25 years of ministry, Fisher encourages pastors to discover who they are in Christ and explains how what they do in ministry must be based on who they are.
by Theodore Brelsford, Charles R. Foster Based on the experiences of three large culturally divers churches, this volume argues for a radical rethinking of conventional theological, educational, and leadership roles and styles by mainstream Protestantism.
by Jan Linn Lin offers 34 essays that approach serious matters in a light hearted manner.
by Gregory A. Prichard From the Publisher, "Willow Creek Community Church has been described as the undisputed prototype of a new way of doing church in North America and perhaps the world. Profiles of Willow Creek have appeared in the New York Times, Time magazine, Fortune, the Wall Street Journal, and U.S.A. Weekend. This book is a major, comprehensive study of this new wave that is influencing thousands of churches and their leaders and members worldwide. Based on scores of interviews and extensive research, the first part of the book describes Willow Creek1s efforts to help unchurched individuals convert to the gospel through weekend seeker services. The concluding section of the book offers a theological evaluation, asking what we all can learn from the Willow Creek phenomenon. Readers will find this a fascinating and balanced look at a new wave that is revolutionizing churches and stirring up considerable contemporary devate.
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