A significant and growing number of churches are using the principles of Mission Action Planning (MAP). This volume argues the case for producing a high-quality plan, describes the practical steps involved, offers real-life examples, and provides evidence of the effectiveness of the process. It is based on research conducted in several dioceses of the Church of England - at diocesan and parish levels. 'The 'MAP' process is well described by Mark Ireland and Mike Chew in this excellent book and I am enormously grateful that they have taken the time and the care to enquire more deeply both into the process and some of the outcomes now in a number of Dioceses.' Lord Hope of Thornes KCVO

"Where does discipleship end and evangelism begin? How does one fit with the other?

Joining the two together properly is a challenge. Both are important and both are necessary.

Missional Discipleship offers a holistic vision that effectively incorporates discipleship with evangelism. Thoroughly Wesleyan in its emphasis on God's ever-present grace and the possibility of human response, this approach demonstrates that education and formation go hand-in-hand with mission and witness.

Written by a cadre of scholars and seasoned ministers, this book is an accessible resource to assist pastors and leaders as they introduce to their churches and small groups the vision of mission discipleship. With topics ranging from service and compassion to discipleship and the family, this invaluable guide encapsulates what it means to engage a community of faith in embodying the gospel and equipping Christians to participate in the restorative and redemptive mission of God in the world."

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.

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 is what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called his struggle. An interesting combination of words, but when we realize that we have a purpose that is worth the struggle, it does indeed become majestic. Bill Wiesman has compiled essays from strong church leaders that know the meaning of our holy purpose.Dan Boone, Stan Toler, Tom Noble, and Marilyn McCool join us--along with many other writers--to reveal five strategies towards developing intentional leadership, renewing a vibrant church, identifying clear and coherent theology, achieving mission outreach, and cultivating a multifaceted church.Join us on this journey. Though it may be a struggle sometimes, God has given us a majestic mission to revitalize His Church and make Christ-like disciples.

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.

New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative multisite church known around the world and an organization that Glassdoor has named a #1 U.S. Best Place to Work. But it didn't happen by accident. In 1996, a handful of congregants worshipped together in a two-car garage. Today, the church welcomes tens of thousands of attendees in multiple states across the country and globally at Life.Church Online.

Lead Like It Matters presents Groeschel's transformative insights on how to effectively build a thriving, enduring ministry and organization. Using his skills as a top leader, he combines straight-talk and wry honesty with biblical and leadership principles to equip you with the tools to:

• Recognize when your organization or ministry has the indefinable but tangible "it" that leads to success
• Identify and implement seven leadership principles for a church that lasts
• Ignite a fire in your team to leave behind "what we've always done" for the meaningful ministry you know is possible
• Discover the three areas every leader must master for success

Lead Like It Matters reveals the secret for building ministry momentum and then keeping it going.

Practicing faithful discipleship means focusing on the daily aspects of Christian education in the local church, within its structures, and through faithful ministry.

Through Bible-based truths and helpful insights, Discovering Discipleship identifies principles that provide the Christian educator with an overview of the significant aspects of faithful discipleship. Effectively organized into four areasdefinitions, dynamics, design, and practiceauthors Dean Blevins and Mark Maddix offer readers an approach to discipleship that seeks to honor God, understand our role in the contemporary world, and guide persons and communities according to Kingdom principles.

In this honest exploration, readers will find a new perspective on discipleship that will help them dig deeper and develop a long-lasting and effective practice of community formation and faithful discipleship.

Today pastors and church leaders have an unparalleled opportunity to shape a biblical vision for Kingdom giving. Based on the foundational premise that stewardship is the management of time, talents, and treasure, authors Stan Toler and Elmer Towns set forth a vision for pastors and church leaders to shape the thinking in the pews. Developing a Giving Church provides guidance for shaping a giving environment, suggestions for developing committed steward leaders, and counsel on biblical strategies. This vital stewardship resource merges insightful principles with proven methods for creating a climate for giving through stewardship education.

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.