The murder in 2005 of an American nun, Sister Dorothy Stang, focused the world's attention on the plight of poor farmers in the Brazilian Amazon and their struggles against rapacious developers. Sister Dorothy had worked in Brazil for forty years. From a conventional nun in the pre-Vatican II era, she had developed a keen social conscience and, increasingly, a deep, mystical commitment to the integrity of Creation. These ideals combined in her advocacy for the rights of the poor and her defense of the imperiled rain forest. They also earned her the enmity of land-grabbing ranchers who repeatedly threatened her. "All I ask," she wrote, "is God's grace to help me keep on this journey, fighting for the people to have a more egalitarian life and that we learn to respect God's creation."

Being a pastor is a complex and demanding role, especially for someone leading alone. The majority of pastors find themselves in this position, leading their smaller church with no additional professional assistance. The challenges are many, including loneliness, isolation, self-doubt, overwhelm, feelings of inadequacy, and a constant search for additional resources and volunteers. Where does a solo pastor turn for help and encouragement? With compassion and plenty of proven, practical strategies, church consultant and former solo pastor Gary L. McIntosh steps in to fill the void. In this book he helps the solo pastor * understand the strengths and challenges of the solo-pastor church * develop effective leadership skills * build and maintain vital relationships * manage expectations * spot and neutralize "bullies" who seek to control the church * communicate clearly * make the most of limited resources * establish healthy priorities and boundaries * and more

What the Bible reveals about the European Union.

This is a biblical approach to help addicts who have relapsed in their addiction, or those who wish to develop tools to prevent relapse in the future.

Most people focus on pastoral ministry--the activities, programs, and outreach connected with the life of the church--when considering the work of a pastor. But one of the most important parts of a minister's job is pastoral care--activities such as compassion, healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling people to one another and to God. People today earnestly seek a minister who knows their names and cares about their hurts. Foundations of Pastoral Care introduces both clergy and laity to the ministry skills and personal qualities needed to provide effective care for people inside and outside the church. With thorough examination, Professor Bruce Petersen traces the historical development of soul care from the primitive church and on through the centuries to the church of today. In unit one, he introduces the place of pastoral care in the local church. He emphasizes the unique responsibility of church leaders and pastors to provide spiritual guidance while caring for the physical and emotional needs of their people. In unit two, he examines the pastoral care roles clergy are asked to fill--shepherd, counselor, collaborator, and spiritual leader. In unit three, he addresses the need for a pastoral presence in the life of the church, and in unit four, he concludes with a discussion about the pastor's personal life and the importance of personal spiritual formation. Foundations of Pastoral Care provides the fundamental elements pastors and church leaders need to care for people in meaningful, personal ways with the love, compassion, and grace Christ showed during His ministry on earth.

Published in book form for the first time, Thomas Merton's

2013 Midwest Publishing Awards Show Honorable Mention Where did AIDS come from? What are the symptoms? Is the rate of AIDS going up or down in developed countries? What can one person do? In this Skeptic's Guide(TM) Dale Hanson Bourke sheds light on key places, terms, history and current issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. The crisis that became a pandemic is now something different, and this third edition provides an up-to-the-minute perspective on this complex issue. With charts and photos, facts and quotes, this dynamic guide offers the type of presentation that has made the Skeptic's Guide(TM) series so popular with individuals and groups.

Every time a pastor goes to a new church, they form hopes, dreams, and expectations - without necessarily realizing it - for the progress and growth of their new ministry. Not only do these pastors have to transition into a new congregation and community, but they also have to think about building strong relationships with other influential people in the area. Almost every day, pastors of new churches face unexpected hardships and challenges. Some of the issues are financial mismanagement from their predecessor, moral or ethical misbehavior, or unresolved conflict that has just been suppressed long enough to find a new pastor. The fact is, pastors of new churches need guidance. The First 100 Days is for these pastors who need some guidance and insight to help them lead with godly wisdom and purpose during the first few months.

Nehemiah's life continues to serve as a significant model for leaders in the 21st century, even though he lived and served over 2500 years ago. From his beginnings as a cupbearer to the king to taking charge of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he teaches us a remarkably uncommon thing--how to lead as a servant. In Becoming Nehemiah, David McKenna invites the reader to join this remarkable man of God on a journey of leadership that matches the trials and challenges leaders face today. Through Nehemiah's story, one recognizes the difficult task of balancing the promises of biblical leadership with the premises of secular leadership and learns how Nehemiah was able to serve with full integrity in both of these settings. Becoming Nehemiah will give pastors, church leaders, teachers, business professionals, or leaders of any kind compelling insights and practical advice as they begin their own journey to become servants who lead with significance. Becoming Nehemiah offers: Information and insight into the life of Nehemiah Practical exercises at the end of each chapter to assist in developing one's own journey regardless of the level of position he or she holds Scripture references, illustrations, and relevant examples that help to bring Nehemiah's story into the 21st century

Small churches can be found in every denomination and among every ethnic group but often these churches struggle to survive in the shadow of the larger churches around them. And many of these churches are afflicted with unhealthy issues such as feelings of unimportance, a lack of vision, exclusivity, limited resources, and unbalanced leadership. It is because of these aliments that many churches fail to survive. But it is possible for an unhealthy church to become a healthy church capable of experiencing growth--both physically and spiritually. In his new book, The Healthy Small Church, small church pastor Dennis Bickers diagnoses the issues that threaten the life of the smaller church and prescribes practical remedies for treating these issues. He reminds churches that transformation and healing are never easy but always worth it. He emphasizes that to maintain a healthy church one must be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly to prevent new problems from arising. The Healthy Small Church offers pastors and church leaders a great diagnostic tool for small churches that want to be healthy and stay that way. It includes a number of diagnostic questions at the end of the book that they can use to determine the health of their church. Become a healthy church that: Has a positive self-image Shares a common vision that creates a sense of purpose and unity Maintains community while still warmly welcoming new visitors Practices the importance of faithful stewardship and financial support Understands ministry to be the responsibility of all the members of the church Encourages everyone to serve according to his or her spiritual gifts--not by seniority or guilt

Sunday worship is the central act of the Christian faith, yet few people truly understand what is happening during the service, and why, and how. Based on numerous visits with congregations of many denominations, Jane Rogers Vann examines how we can eliminate the barrier between the preacher and the people in the pew and offers practical advice directed not just toward church leaders but to worship committees and church members--all who are yearning to be fully engaged in worship. Photographs of many of the churches she visited are included.

Reconcile contains practical ideas for transforming conflict in everyday life from an internationally renowned mediator, who has worked in war zones and entrenched conflicts across five continents. The author challenges Christians to renew their commitment to reconciliation as the heart of the gospel message.

A fascinating introduction to social justice by one of the most effective teachers and preachers in the English-speaking world.

When students participate in short-term mission work, parents and youth leaders hope the experience of serving others will be transformative. But for mission work to make a real impact, leaders and students need to spend more time before, during, and after their service processing and preparing for their experiences. This curriculum and student journal helps leaders prepare students for what to expect on their mission trip, allows students to reflect upon their experiences, and enables them to genuinely debrief. Students will engage in learning exercises that help them gain new insights about themselves, their relationship with God, their teammates, and the world we re called to love and serve. These steps ensure short-term mission work that has a deeper effect on students and on those they serve, and helps students apply what they have learned in the mission field to their own lives. Also included are ideas to help get parents and the church engaged in the youth ministry s short-term mission work."

So you re fired up, you want to make a difference, you want to change the world but how? Signing up for your church s mission trip or service project is a great first step, and you are definitely going to make a difference in someone s life. But are you ready for the different cultures you may encounter? How are you going to really connect with the people you serve? And what about when you come home---how do you make sense of all the things you ve experienced? It s easy to forget your experiences in the mission field---especially when the people around you haven t had those same experiences. And it is easy to go back to living your life the way you were before---but if you really want to change the world, you have to change, too. The only way that is going to happen is if you spend some time before, during, and after your service preparing for and processing your justice work. As you use this journal you will start to think about--- * the people you are serving * your relationship with your teammates * how God factors in to your service project * the impact your experience has had on you * how you can continue to make a difference in the world around you If you think you re fired-up for service now, just wait As you complete the creative and fun exercises included in this journal, you will be energized for justice work, you ll learn how to apply this to your own life, and nothing will be able to stop you."

The KJV Paragraph-style Large Print Thinline Bible features the timeless beauty of the trustworthy King James Version Bible. While the traditional design of the King James text starts each verse on its own line, this edition improves the reading experience and comprehension by keeping the writers' thoughts together in paragraph format. And with Thomas Nelson's exclusive KJV Comfort Print (R), you'll enjoy typography designed to be exceptionally easy-to-read and honoring the legacy of the King James Version. In 1611 the King James Bible was published and authorized by the monarch of England and Scotland. Today, more than 400 years since its initial publication, the KJV is considered one of the most influential and beautiful works of the English language and continues to be the favorite translation for millions of Christians worldwide. Features include: Clear and readable 10-point KJV Comfort Print Line-matched double column text Bible book introductions Words of Christ in red Over 22,000 translator notes Over 43,000 cross-referenced passages Concordance One-year Bible Reading Plan The Parables of Jesus Christ chart The Miracles of Jesus Christ chart 8 pages of full-color maps 1 satin ribbon

Dr. Mel Cheatham, a successful neurosurgeon with a thriving private practice, found himself at the age of fifty feeling empty. He had it all. And yet he knew something was missing-the peace and joy that comes from showing God's love to others. Then one day he heard Franklin Graham speak about the desperate need for doctors in developing countries, and in that message, Mel heard God speaking directly to his heart. He gave up a private neurosurgery practice and devoted himself to full-time medical relief work and evangelism projects in developing and war-torn countries. Mel Cheatham found out what it means to "Make a Difference."

In "Make a Difference," Mel shares the stories of dozens of people who have risked it all to gain what they cannot lose-people who learned to listen to God and respond to His call to love the world. You'll read about: Karen Daniels, a 31-year-old nurse from British Columbia who heard God calling her to minister through her medical skills in wartorn Sudan, where temperatures often reach 115 degrees and the only "bathrooms" are pit latrines dug in the ground. Marianne Morton, who donated a kidney to a neighbor she barely knew, a Jewish man who was being kept alive only through daily dialysis.

Through these and many other stories, and through the use of Scripture, Melvin will help you listen to God's still, small voice, calling you to make a difference, to show His love to a world in need.

Named One of Fifteen Important Theology Books of 2022, Englewood Review of Books Churches and their leaders have innovation fever. Innovation seems exciting--a way to enliven tired institutions, embrace creativity, and be proactive--and is a superstar of the business world. But this focus on innovation may be caused by an obsession with contemporary relevance, creativity, and entrepreneurship that inflates the self, lacks theological depth, and promises burnout. In this follow-up to Churches and the Crisis of Decline, leading practical theologian Andrew Root delves into the problems of innovation. He explores where innovation and entrepreneurship came from, shows how they break into church circles, and counters the "new imaginations" like neoliberalism and technology that hold the church captive to modernity. Root reveals the moral visions of the self that innovation and entrepreneurship deliver--they are dependent on workers (and consumers) being obsessed with their selves, which leads to significant faith-formation issues. This focus on innovation also causes us to think we need to be singularly unique instead of made alive in Christ. Root offers a return to mysticism and the poetry of Meister Eckhart as a healthier spiritual alternative. This is the fifth book in Root's Ministry in a Secular Age series.

Based in the riches of Christian worship and tradition, this brief, eloquently written introduction to Christian thinking and worldview helps readers put back together again faith and reason, truth and beauty, and the fragmented academic disciplines. By reclaiming the classic liberal arts and viewing disciplines such as science and mathematics through a poetic lens, the author explains that unity is present within diversity. Now repackaged with a new foreword by Ken Myers, this book will continue to benefit parents, homeschoolers, lifelong learners, Christian students, and readers interested in the history of ideas.

God's Story, Our Story is an introduction to Christian faith from an Anabaptist perspective. It can be used in a group of people considering baptism, or by someone who just wants to mull over faith questions on their own before--or even after--they say yes to God's Story.