Based on his work with young children at the Episcopal School of New York, teacher and storyteller Gordh offers a collection of stories from the Bible, arranged and told to create a meaningful childhood chapel for children ages 3-7 and their families. Originally conceived as a resource for use in day schools, it is also ideal for use in Sunday church schools in Episcopal and other mainline congregations.

This exciting resource contains: Advice and tips on creating a children's chapel, including challenges of using available space Techniques for retelling stories for young listeners, including the use of songs and artwork Suggestions for including parents in the chapel experience and for making chapel meaningful to families from many faiths and backgrounds More than 30 Bible stories, organized thematically, including the Creation, Noah, the GoodSamaritan, Abraham, Ruth, the Last Supper, David and Goliath, Moses and Passover, Easter, Hanukkah, the Three Wise Men, the Prodigal Son Collection of songs to support the story themes, with lyrics, musical notation, and easy-to-learn refrains

Contemplative Youth Ministry is rooted in Mark Yaconelli's experience of co-directing the acclaimed Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project. Through this project, churches and youth ministers have explored contemplative prayer, discernment, spiritual direction, covenant community, spiritual practice and Sabbath-living as a way of resourcing ministries with youth. The results have been transformative, and this engaging book, richly illustrated with personal stories, provides refreshment and new ways of thinking for anyone who has grown weary or disillusioned with the vital tasks of working with and caring for young people.

Interwoven into the threads of Hildegard Dehmel Jensen's life are incredible healings and divine interventions. In St. John 15:27, Jesus, speaking to His disciples, said, "And you also must testify" (NIV). Through her writings compiled in this book, Hilde testifies to the miracles she has witnessed in her life, and to the great God she has faithfully served. A Continuous Miracle shares the fascinating stories of Hilde's life growing up, from her childhood in Germany to her family's experiences in America. May they inspire the reader to a greater faith in God and remind us all of His enduring promises.

Therapeutic counseling in a Christian context can be highly effective when it maintains narrowly focused goals in a time-limited setting. The details of this proven model of pastoral counseling are described in this practical guide.
This second edition of Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been thoroughly revised and includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, a new appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and updated chapter bibliographies. His study will continue to serve clergy and students well as a valued practical handbook on pastoral care and counseling.

A startling 85% of churches in the US are plateaued or declining, a trend that has been building for the past fifty years. In the face of shrinking attendance and lagging spiritual growth, pastors and church leaders are understandably discouraged and demoralized. But the first step to turning things around is hope. Church health expert Gary McIntosh offers this hope by showing church leaders the first things they need to do to make a new start for their church.
God can and does restore churches to new life, even as he restores individuals. The street-smart ideas and step-by-step instructions found in this book are ones that pastors and church leaders can put to use immediately in their churches to bring about solid growth and renewed hope for the future.

Suburbia: Paradise or Wasteland? Suburbia is a place of spiritual yearnings. People come to suburbia looking for a fresh start, the second chance, a new life. It embodies the hopes and longings of its residents, dreams for the future, safety and security for their children, and the search for meaningful community and relationships. Yet much in our suburban world militates against such aspirations, and people find themselves isolated and alienated, trapped by consumerism and materialism. Is there hope for a Christian vision for the suburbs? Al Hsu unpacks the spiritual significance of suburbia and explores how suburban culture shapes how we live and practice our faith. With broad historical background and sociological analysis, Hsu offers practical insights for living Christianly in a suburban context. Probing such dynamics as commuting and consuming, he offers Christian alternatives for authentic spirituality, genuine community and relevant ministry. And he challenges suburban Christians to look beyond suburbia and marshal their resources toward urban and global justice. Suburbia may be one of the most significant mission fields of the twenty-first century. Here is guidance and hope for all who would seek the welfare of the suburbs.

All too often Church leaders may want to work cooperatively with others, and yet find themselves frustrated. Clergy, Culture and Ministry considers the difficulties and challenges faced by any incumbent wishing to interpret and understand what is going on in their congregation and parish, and why it might be happening. Engaging with the work of Wesley Carr, Ian Tomlinson brings theory and practice into conversation by responding to each of Carr's 'propositions' with a 'critical incident' from the author's own parish experience. Table of Contents: Foreword - Martyn Percy Introduction 1 Critical Incidents 2 Behaviours and Boundaries 3 Practical and Pastoral Theology 4 Applications and Reflections 5 Propositions and Practical Wisdom 6 Pastors, Preachers and Priests - Some Prescriptions Conclusion Afterword - Martyn Percy

"Maximize" is the ultimate how-to book for pastors and church leaders who long for their churches to be fully resourced to carry out ministry initiatives without financial strain. Pastor Nelson Searcy provides an innovative, step-by-step plan for turning first-time givers into extravagant stewards of God's resources. Shining a light on the often taboo subject of money, "Maximize" will explore what causes someone to give for the first time and what leaders can do to systemize and maximize these gifts while growing strong disciples. Readers will learn how to
-cultivate first-time givers
-motivate people to tithe
-develop an ongoing stewardship system
-follow up with givers the right way
-develop multiple giving options
-shepherd the five types of givers in the church
-educate people to grow in the grace of giving
Stewardship is an essential part of discipleship. This revolutionary yet biblically based guide will chase the money discussion out of the darkness and bring it the attention it deserves. Every pastor needs a copy of "Maximize"

How do Christians grow? Few question the call of the Bible to grow in godliness, but the answer to exactly how this happens is often elusive.

In this book, Dane Ortlund points believers to Christ, making the case that sanctification does not happen by doing more or becoming better, but by going deeper into the wondrous gospel truths that washed over them when they were first united to him.

Drawing on wisdom from figures throughout church history, Ortlund encourages readers to fix their gaze on Jesus in the battle against sin, casting themselves upon his grace and living out their invincible identity in Christ.

Chap Clark's groundbreaking "Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers" revealed the hard truth about contemporary adolescence: societal changes and systemic abandonment have left teenagers struggling to navigate the ever lengthening and ever more difficult transition to adulthood without caring adults.
"When Kids Hurt "offers these challenging insights to youth workers and parents in a more accessible form, with greater focus on how adults should respond. Practical sidebars and application sections, contributed by other youth experts, provide additional insights into youth culture and how adults can better guide adolescents into adulthood. This book will be an important resource for youth workers, parents, counselors, and others who work with youth.