Africa is a continent of striking contrasts, with remarkable diversity and beauty of landscape and peoples. At present, it is a region where the Christian faith shows unprecedented growth and vitality. Yet it is also a place of unparalleled suffering. African believers must grapple with the awesome transformation presence of Christ and the frequently devastating conditions in which he appears. Their efforts to reconcile this seeming incongruity have initiated important theological discussions that have resonated around the globe. This book provides an ideal introduction to the wealth of African theologies and the major questions they raise. Topics range from biblical interpretation to spirituality and ethics, from Pentecostalism and African Instituted Churches to evil and suffering, from feminist theory to Christian identity and ethnicity. The broad range of reflections includes seminal essays by prominent theologians as well as new material written specifically for this volume. All the contributions have been shaped to be accessible at an introductory level. Study questions at the end of each chapter are designed to stimulate original thought to allow the reader to reflect personally on contemporary ideas and participate in discussion.

Sometimes Christians assume that people 'out there' are eager to listen to what the Church has to offer. But why should those we try to evangelize want to hear the gospel? Surely people will only be intrigued by Christian life and community when they see something provocative or attractive. Then they will want to know what's going on."The Provocative Church" offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the Kingdom - to stir people into asking, 'What does this mean?' - are spread throughout the whole Church. It encourages the development of a theology of conversion that sees beyond 'becoming a Christian' to bring each individual life increasingly under the rule of God.

Key selling points: Issues surrounding euthanasia and assisted dying continue to hit the headlines with strong feelings on both sides Makes a significant and controversial contribution to an important and current debate Endorsements from Mary Warnock, Hans Kung and John Polkinghorne Paul Badham is a Patron of Dignity in Dying and Vice-President of the Modern Churchpeople's Union and often speaks to the media on this topic.

As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. "The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems" provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such as: depression, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such as: How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself? What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction? And how can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation? In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

Covers an ageing society, theories of ageing, images of old age, the religious and spiritual needs of older people, older people and memory, sexuality, diminishment, worship with older people, life learning, retirement, housing, politics and social policy, successful ageing. Each chapter includes exercises for further reflection. And the notes point to further reading.

Suitable for incumbents who oversee the first years of ministry of a junior colleague. This book, with in a church context, offers material which has been developed in secular fields, as well as the best practice already happening in the Church.

In "The Warriors and the Bankers", the research and writing team of Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe bring their combined experiences to bear on the question asked for hundreds of years, What became of the Knights Templar? Arrested in 1307, dissolved in 1312 and executed by 1314, the Templars have been the subject of many theories concerning their possible survival. This book examines these theories against new evidence and information. Additionally the authors put forth, for the first time, a completely new theory that has caught the ears, eyes and attention of many readers. The ultimate conclusion is that the Templars did survive, virtually intact and that in a very direct sense, they may still be one of the most potent forces at work in the world at the start of the new Millennium. "The Warriors and the Bankers" is eminently readable and is intended for both the serious student of Templarism or simply the interested observer.

Mark Yaconelli is co-director of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project, which over the last 8 years has gathered together churches and youth ministers from across North America to explore contemplative prayer, discernment, spiritual direction, covenant community, spiritual practice and Sabbath-living as a way of resourcing ministries with youth. This book offers some of the experience, teaching, praying and thinking behind the project.

This book explores the ways in which preachers embody their messages - in their own person, in the words they use, in employing objects, pictures, the arts and the responses of those hearing the sermon. Suitable for most theological traditions, Embodying the Word is aimed at a broad range of Christian denominations. Although related to the author's previous work, A Preaching Workbook, this volume will be complementary.

The end of Christendom, where the Christian story was known and the church was central, invites Christians in western culture to embrace marginality and discover fresh ways of being church and engaging in mission. While the transition from modernity to postmodernity has received a huge amount of attention, the shift from Christendom to post-Christendom has not yet been fully explored. This book is an introduction; a journey into the past, an interpretation of the present and an invitation to ask what following Jesus might mean in the strange new world of post-Christendom. Drawing on insights from the early Christians, dissident movements and the world church, this book challenges conventional ways of thinking. For those who dare to imagine new ways of following Jesus on the margins, it invites a realistic and hopeful response to challenges and opportunities awaiting us in the 21st century.

We are living in the Business Age. The historic role of nation states is rapidly being replaced by the corporation. Like never before, Christian business leaders have the chance to play a pivotal role in transforming society and spreading the gospel. But seizing this opportunity requires thinking differently about God, about his kingdom, about his purposes in the world, and about business.

While some Christian professionals dream of being “freed from business” to go into the ministry or see business as enemy territory to be invaded for Christ, others are convinced that Christian principles simply don’t work in the “real world.” In Business as Mission, Michael Baer challenges each of these positions.

He rejects the unbiblical thinking that ministry and business are by definition separate activities — that our lives can be compartmentalized into the sacred and secular. Instead he guides business leaders in developing the vital characteristics of a kingdom business — the kind of business that will free them to live fully integrated lives and lead organizations that significantly impact the world.

Brahana Selassie is a priest in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and here gives an account of Ethiopia's national Church from its origins in biblical times to the present century. Drawing extensively on both biblical and academic sources, 'Towards a Fuller Vision' describes the controversies that have raged within the Church, and its constant struggle for the independent existence it has now achieved.

Are You Ready For True And Lasting Freedom? The Freedom In Christ Course is designed to help every Christian become a fruitful disciple and make their life count. It has been an effective resource for Christians of all backgrounds, from those who have been believers for many years to those who are brand-new followers of Jesus. Over 350,000 people have gone through the curriculum in English, and it has been translated into over 25 languages. Some of the areas covered in the course include: * how we became brand-new people from the inside out when we became Christians * why we can go boldly into God's presence any time we like without fear * how nothing we do can make God love us any more or any less * how to resolve the effects of even the deepest issues from the past * how to deal with repeating patterns of sin * understanding what God's purpose for your life is (it may not be what you think!) This Participant's Guide is designed to accompany you through the course. You may also wish to download the Freedom In Christ app that will accompany you on your journey. Dr. Neil T. Anderson is the founder and president emeritus of Freedom In Christ Ministries. Dr. Anderson and his wife live in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information see www.ficm.org or www.ficminternational.org. Steve Goss is international director of Freedom in Christ Ministries. Under his leadership the ministry has gone from operating in 7 countries to operating in nearly 40 countries. He lives in Berkshire, England, with his wife, Zoe, and two daughters.

Surely faith is irrational? And hasn't science buried God? Isn't faith a psychological crutch or sociological construct? Don't you need evidence? Wasn't Jesus just another myth? Can we really believe the miracle stories? How do we know that the accounts of Jesus weren't just made up? Hasn't the Bible been distorted? Did Jesus really claim to be God? Did the resurrection actually happen? And what has it got to do with us anyway? The Christian faith may seem attractive, but is it true? ... And what if it is true? Could our desires actually be a pointer to the God who really is there and desires to be known by us?

This research focuses purely on UK entrepreneurs. Based on solid academic research Most Christian books on business are by US authors for the American market, The book covers a wide range of topics on the character and faith of entrepreneurs A good mix of interesting content and personal stories.

Considers the relationship between Christianity and culture

John Wesley's most representative collection on Christian Perfection. ' Now let this perfection appear in its native form, and who can speak one word against it? Will any dare to speak against loving the Lord our God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves? Against a renewal of heart, not only in part, but in the whole image of God? Who is he that will open his mouth against being cleansed from all pollution both of flesh and spirit; or against having all the mind that was in Christ, and walking in all things as Christ walked? What man, who calls himself a Christian, has the hardiness to object to the devoting, not a part, but all our soul, body, and substance to God?'

What the Bible reveals about the European Union.

In her first year as a missionary to a small group of native women in the Ecuadorian jungle, Elisabeth Elliot faced physical and spiritual trials. In Made for the Journey, Elliot captures the mysteries and stark realities surrounding the colorful and primitive world in which she ministered. More than just a recounting of her early days, this is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal reflection on the important questions of life and a remarkable testimony to authentic Christian obedience to God.