Published during the tenth anniversary of the "Book of Common Worship" (1993), "The Companion to the Book of Common Worship" is a practical guide, answering questions such as how do I use the "Book of Common Worship" to its fullest advantage? and how can the "Book of Common Worship" form a congregation into a community that glorifies and enjoys God?

Biblical Church Government is a Presbyterian Primer, one of a series of books by Don Clements that has been written in non-academic style, specifically designed to reach new or previously unread Church members. Originally released in 2003, this second edition has been updated and reformatted to allow space in the margins for notes. It lends itself quite well as an easy-to-read training manual for church officers or as a more in-depth study for persons considering church membership. One pastor says this is the one book actually read consistently by leadership candidates in his church. Topics covered in this volume include "The Importance of Leadership in the Church," "Church Government in the New Testament," "Christ the King," "How Many Offices Are There in the Church?" "The Function of Elders," "The Tasks of Elders," "Power and Authority in the Church," "The Necessity of Church Discipline," "The Origin, Function and Tasks of Deacons," "The Role of Women in the Church," "Qualifications for Office" and "The Confessional and Connectional Nature of the Church." Clements uses the English Standard Version throughout for references. In his book, Dr. Clements distinguishes between the various forms of church government, making a biblical case for the Presbyterian form. He offers the reasoning and need for officers in the organized church, and presents a thorough study of the leadership structure and duties delineated in the Bible. This book is the only one in print today that explains the unique 'two office' (elder and deacon) view of Presbyterian government that is practiced in the Presbyterian Church in America. Lots of practical caveats gained from many years of experience are included alongthe way.

Worship renewal is now on the agenda of many Reformed churches, as the need for adaptation and new approaches is acutely felt all over. How can the church faithfully worship God in the midst of rapidly changing situations? How can it constructively relate to widely differing cultural contexts? What is its place in the wider ecumenical scene? In preparing a sweeping survey of Reformed worship across time and place, this volume provides some help to those engaged with vital questions like these.

Written by theologians and liturgical scholars from a wide range of churches and countries, these chapters explore the history of Reformed worship on every continent from the sixteenth century to the present. Surveying the most significant developments in the growth of Reformed worship, the book identifies the major "ingredients" that make the Reformed worship tradition distinctive and highlights those aspects of Reformed worship that are particularly relevant to present efforts at renewal. Indeed, an important component of this book is the inclusion of "A Common Reflection on Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Today, " the result of a major consultation in January 2001 at the International Reformed Center John Knox.

Revealing the rich variety of forms and diversity of perspectives that have made and do make up Reformed worship worldwide, this volume will be a valuable resource for church and worship leaders both in and outside the Reformed family.

CONTRIBUTORS: Horace T. Allen Jr.
Emily R. Brink
Livingstone Buama
Coenraad Burger
Bruno Burki
Gerson Correia de Lacerda
Alan D. Falconer
Kasonga wa Kasonga
Baranite T. Kirata
Elsie Anne McKee
Seong-WonPark
Ester Pudjo Widiasih
Alan P. F. Sell
Joseph D. Small
Bryan D. Spinks
Leonora Tubbs Tisdale
Lukas Vischer
Isaiah Wahome Muita
Geraldine Wheeler
Marsha M. Wilfong
John D. Witvliet

The Revolt of the Netherlands has long been familiar to English-speaking readers, but the Reformation there has remained largely a closed book. The Reformation in the Low Countries developed along very different lines from German Lutheranism. While the decentralised character of political authority ensured the survival of religious dissent, a prolonged persecution of heresy postponed the formation of public Protestant churches until after 1572. Conflicting interests and beliefs, as well as the war and political struggle, shaped the final religious outcome. Local considerations and individual responses played their part alongside the decisions of rulers, whether Philip II and his lieutenant, the duke of Alva, or William the Silent. Alastair Duke's work is of central importance to a proper understanding of both Reformation and Revolt.

In his classic work, life-long Presbyterian and former pastor Jim Angell tells what it means to be a Presbyterian. This readable, accessible book is divided into six parts--key ideas, commitment, witness, order, discipline, and covenant--and includes a handy glossary to commonly used Presbyterian terms. Now updated with the most recent statistics and polity information, this is an ideal book to give to new members, confirmation students, and inquirers in PC(USA) churches.

Earl S. Johnson, Jr., explores eight biblical texts that have been instrumental in forming the basis of Presbyterian belief and mission. Using Reformed and Presbyterian principles of biblical interpretation--and the standards of modern biblical criticism, he examines Presbyterian theological statements and their influence on the development of the church's positions on social issues throughout history. With this important work, Johnson aims to help his readers avoid interpretative mistakes of the past and find insights into the way the Bible can be used correctly to lead the church in the future.

The book describes in clear and understandable language what baptism means in a Presbyterian church. Davison discusses the sacramental aspects of baptism, the symbolic meaning of water, baptism in the name of God, the baptismal (Apostles') creed, and how baptism leads to service.

This book has many uses. It can be given to candidates for baptism and the parents of children to be baptised. It can also used in church school classes, study groups, or in any setting where Presbyterians desire to understand the biblical, theological, and practical aspects of baptism.

Writing from the perspective of the parish pastor, Presbyterian pastor J. Dudley Weaver Jr. presents a complete and accessible overview of Reformed worship. Weaver moves from the history and theology behind Reformed worship to practical information for clergy, including help for planning worship, celebrating the dates of the church year, and working with others in the congregation to plan the liturgy. This concise handbook is ideal for all clergy in Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

In this concise introduction to Calvin's life and thought, Christopher Elwood offers an insightful and accessible overview of Calvin's key teachings within his historical context. The trials and travails Calvin encountered as he ministered and taught in Geneva are discussed, with special attention given to theological controversies associated with the Trinity and predestination. Elwood indicates the ways that Calvinism developed and its influence in today's world. Illustrations are interspersed throughout the text and humorously illuminate key points providing an engaging introduction to this important theologian. Written by experts but designed for the novice, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are essential supplements for first-time encounters with primary texts, lucid refreshers for scholars and clergy, and enjoyable reads for the theologically curious.

Though probably best known for his scholarship on John Calvin, John Leith's work in the church and the academy has earned him honors in many areas. This collection of writings reveals some of his areas of expertise, including not only Calvin, but also the history of the Presbyterian Church, civil rights and integration, a Christ-centered faith, theological education, issues of sexuality, and the nature of the church.

Building upon the idea of liturgy as the "work of the people," Dean Chapman provides a "job description" for the Sunday pew sitter, describing in clear, accessible language what each aspect of worship is, why we do it, and how to do it well.

What was John Calvin's relationship to covenant theology? Tracing the historical development of the covenant idea, this title examines the writings of Calvin for evidence and description of Calvin's covenant thought. It argues that Calvin developed an extensive covenant theology. It is suitable for scholars of the Reformation and the 16th century.

In the European Enlightenments it was often argued that moral conduct rather than adherence to certain theological doctrines was the true measure of religious belief. Thomas Ahnert argues that this characteristically "enlightened" emphasis on conduct in religion was less reliant on arguments from reason alone than is commonly believed. In fact, the champions of the Scottish Enlightenment were deeply skeptical of the power of unassisted natural reason in achieving "enlightened" virtue and piety. They advocated a practical program of "moral culture," in which revealed religion was of central importance. Ahnert traces this to theological controversies going back as far as the Reformation concerning the key question of early modern theology, the conditions of salvation. His findings present a new point of departure for all scholars interested in the intersection of religion and Enlightenment.

The body looks healthy on the outside, but inside a sickness has set in. With the line between truth and error blurred, theological distinctives considered inconsequential, and the pulpit becoming the focal point of a commitment to entertainment rather than the faithful ministry of the Word of God, postmodern evangelicalism is suffering from theological anemia. In spite of this weakening state, a strengthening cure is available.In Life transforming truth: an introduction to the doctrines of grace, William E. Payne has provided the mega-vitamins so needed today. With a thoroughly biblical approach coupled with clarity of thought and expression, Life-transforming truth is the perfect primer for a weak and ailing Christian church. Explaining and amplifying "the doctrines of grace with the grace of the doctrines," Pastor Payne provides answers to the profound questions of those struggling with the wonderful truth of God's sovereign grace while strengthening and bringing a deeper understanding to those already embracing these God-honouring doctrines. Understanding depravity - Rejoicing in election - Affirming particular redemption - Effectual calling - Explaining perseverance - Exploring regeneration - Declaring justification - Experiencing sanctification - The privilege of adoption - The hope of glorification. Be prepared to be challenged and changed as you read these pages and discover God's gracious dealings with humankind. These truths will transform your life - from the inside out - as you consider God's wonderful kindness to a sinful world. 80 pages, 6" x 9," perfectbound Published March 2001.

This abridgement of Ford lewis Battles' Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion provides an introduction to the seminal work in Reformed theology. In a concise format, McKim follows the main development of calvin's thought, accentuating his positive convictions without lingering over matters of only dated importance. The sheer bulk of the Institutes can be intimidating. This concise edition of only 220 pages should help to fulfil the demands of anyone who desires to become acquainted with the authentic texts of the Reformed tradition. It includes an interpretive introduction and notes by an established scholar of Reformed theology.

Using case studies of authentic congregations--diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts--William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop faithful ministries in challenging times.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) often seems to relish its division more that it celebrates the unity that exists within the denomination. In "What Unites Presbyterians," Clifton Kirkpatrick and William Hopper compellingly call attention to the ties that bind Presbyterians together as a community of faith.

Offering an overview of the history and development of Congregationalism in the United States, Youngs chronicles the denomination from its origins in Europe through its colonial beginnings to the recent merger of many of its members with other groups to form the United Church of Christ. He carefully summarizes basic information about the church, provides original interpretations of particular episodes in the church's history, and offers new ideas about particular issues within the church. Demonstrating Congregationalism's close relationship to Puritanism, Youngs also shows how the Puritan way of seeing God, humanity, and salvation has continued to influence Americans and how the unique spiritual sensibility of the early Puritans endured throughout the colonial period and long afterwards. This student edition, ideal for classes in American Religion, Protestantism, Denominational History, and American social and cultural history, includes a chronology of significant events in the history of the church in the U.S., and concludes with a bibliographic essay intended as a guide for further reading in the history of Congregationalism.

According to the commonly held view, early Christianity was a time of great harmony, and heresy emerged only at a later stage. To the contrary, Gerd Ludemann argues that the time from the first Christian communities to the end of the second century was defined by struggle by various groups for doctrinal authority. Drawing on a wealth of data, he asserts that the losers in this struggle actually represented Christianity in its more authentic, original form. Orthodoxy has been defined by the victors in this struggle and it is they who subsequently silenced alternative views and labeled them heretical. Ludemann's findings are important as well as liberating for the understanding of both Christianity and the Bible. Readers will gain a new understanding of Jesus and the early church from this compelling and controversial book.