This comprehensive textbook on pastoral ministry for pastors, church leaders, and students articulates a biblical model for shepherding God's people. Written by a leading psychologist and seminary professor who has served as a pastor for more than two decades, the book covers twelve major areas of pastoral ministry, highlights the essential work of the Holy Spirit, and focuses on the personal and family life of the pastor. It includes cross-cultural perspectives of special interest in our diverse world and a foreword by John Ortberg.

Fueled by a desire to reach people for Christ, a revolution is underway. Churches are growing beyond the limitations of a single service in one building. Expanding the traditional model, they are embracing the concept of one church with more than one site: multiple congregations sharing a common vision, budget, leadership, and board. Drawing from the examples of churches nationwide, The Multi-Site Church Revolution shows what healthy multi-site churches look like and what motivates congregations to make the change. Discover how your church can: * cast a vision for change * ensure a successful DNA transfer (vision and core values) to its new site * develop new leaders * fund new sites * adapt to structure and staffing change * use technology to support your worship services you ll identify the reasons churches succeed and how they overcome common snags. The Multi-Site Church Revolution offers guidance, insights, and specific action steps as well as appendixes with practical leadership resources and self-diagnostic tools. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for any pastor or church leader who needs to know the pertinent issues, tested solutions, and real examples of multi-site strategies that are currently being deployed around the world. ---Ed Young, senior pastor, Fellowship Church The authors have done their homework. They have firsthand knowledge of the successes and failures of this movement, having been networking with and facilitating dialogue among churches across the country for years. ---Max Lucado, senior minister, Oak Hills Church Look no further than this book to propel your ministry to Ephesians 3:20 proportions: exceeding abundantly above all that you could ever ask or think ---Randy and Paula White, senior pastors, Without Walls International Church This book is part of the Leadership Network Innovation Series."

The Christian Counselor s Manual is a companion and sequel to the author s influential Competent to Counsel. It takes the approach of nouthetic counseling introduced in the earlier volume and applies it to a wide range of issues, topics, and techniques in counseling: *Who is qualified to be a counselor? *How can counselees change? *How does the Holy Spirit work? *What role does hope play? *What is the function of language? *How do we ask the right questions? *What often lies behind depression? *How do we deal with anger? *What is schizophrenia? These and hundreds more questions are answered in this comprehensive resource for the Christian counselor. A full set of indexes, a detailed table of contents, and a full complement of diagrams and forms make this an outstanding reference book for Christian counselors."

The need to take the spiritual experience during illness into account is part of a broader trend in Western societies-a fascination with the practical uses of spirituality and its contribution to individual wellbeing, whether through a religious or a humanist tradition. This understanding of spirituality differs from traditional views embedded in religious traditions. This book takes a critical point of view at the biomedical representation of the function of spirituality in care. Medicine reorders notions such as life, death, health, sickness, and spirituality. This process is called here "sapientialization", i.e. the spiritual experience is expressed and understood under the auspices of and in terms of wisdom. This view tends to identify spirituality and ethics. I propose an alternate understanding of spirituality, grounded on its subversive power. Inspired by the work of the theologian John D. Caputo, it is critical of some problems that are associated with the sapientialization of spirituality in biomedicine, such as the medicalization of spiritual experiences or the instrumentalization of spirituality. It provides an understanding of spirituality that honours both the medical interest in it and its capacity to resist to instrumentalization.

We are story-making people. We love reading stories-and we love hearing the personal stories of others. We need stories, or narratives, to make sense of our world. And those stories shape our lives. What is the story you have been told about the gospel? About God? About the Christian life? About Jesus? About the cross? About yourself? About heaven? Your answers to these questions will form a story that will determine how your life will go. The answers reveal your ability to trust, to love, to hope-and even your capacity for joy. Any story worth giving the power to shape our lives must pass a simple test: Is it beautiful, good, and true? If it is, then it is a magnificent story-and that is where transformation takes place. From James Bryan Smith, author of the bestselling book The Good and Beautiful God, comes this spiritual formation resource meant to help both individuals and groups understand the magnificent story of Christ in their lives. Soon to be followed by The Magnificent Journey: Living Deep in the Kingdom (Fall 2018) and The Magnificent Mission: Called and Sent by the Storyteller (Fall 2019), the field-tested material within includes spiritual practices at the end of each chapter and a group discussion guide. Uncover the true story of beauty, goodness, and truth that will satisfy the ultimate longings of your heart.

Be Transformed by Christ's Example
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." --1 Peter 5:5
A battle rages within every one of us every day. It's the clash between our sense of stubborn self-sufficiency and God's call to recognize that we're really nothing without Him. It's pride versus humility. And it's a fight we can't win without looking repeatedly to Christ and the cross. C. J. Mahaney raises a battle cry to daily, diligently, and deliberately weaken our greatest enemy (pride) and cultivate our greatest friend (humility). His thorough examination clarifies misconceptions, revealing the truth about why God detests pride and turns His active attention to the humble. Because pride is never passive, defeating it demands an intentional attack. The blessing that follows is God's abundant favor.
"This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit."
--Isaiah 66:2, ESV
God clearly states that He is drawn to the humble. He's also clear that He opposes the proud. These two, humility and pride, cannot coexist. Where one is fostered, the other is defeated.
Which will you pursue?
C. J. Mahaney paints a striking picture of the daily battle quietly raging within every Christian and asks whether you will passively accommodate the enemy of your soul, pride, or actively cultivate your best friend, humility. When you acknowledge the deception of pride and intentionally humble yourself, you become free to savor abundant mercies and unlikely graces. You will find a new life is yours--a life God richly favors. A God-glorifying life you don't want to miss.
"C. J. Mahaney is not humble. At least, that's what he'll tell you. And that's one reason he's so well qualified to write this book."
"-Mark E. Dever, Senior pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Author, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
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""A much-needed wake-up call on this important subject. I highly recommend this book." "
"-Jerry Bridges, Author of The Pursuit of Holiness
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"This is the right book from the right man at the right time."
"-R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
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Story Behind the Book
"Given pride's pervasive presence in my life, I come to this book in holy fear, yet inspired by God's promises to be humble and sobered by his warnings to the proud (Isaiah 66:2b, 1 Peter 5:5b). Scripture reveals to us that, while pride was the first and most serious sin, God is decisively drawn to humility and is specifically supportive of the humble. Only Christ has fully obeyed Isaiah 66:2b ("This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word"), yet He did so as our representative How marvelous that in our daily battle against pride we can rely on God's grace, through the gospel, and thus bring honor and glory to God." --C. J. Mahaney

An easy-to-learn, easy-to-use tool for in-depth Bible study Beloved and acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson (R) Chain-Reference (R) Bible is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation. This unique reference Bible enables you to search the breadth of Scripture's teachings on thousands of topics and allows you to follow those topics throughout the entire Bible. With over 100,000 references, covering over 8,000 topics, the chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible also offers a library of additional study resources that allows readers to interpret the Bible using related scripture passages rather than consulting a commentary. The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Large Print is printed in the KJV Comfort Print (R) typeface for easy reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for the King James Version (KJV) text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience that complements the translation. This Bible also features a fresh, two-color design that preserves the original look of the chain-reference system, while making each page cleaner and easier to read. Features: Complete text of the King James Version (KJV) Easy-to-understand chain-reference system with over 100,000 references Alphabetical and numerical indexes highlight study materials for over 8,000 topics, each with its own topic number, for exhaustive topical study An extensive study resource section includes biographical sketches, illustrated studies of the Bible, a concordance, Bible harmonies, and many other helpful study tools Fresh, two-color page design 66 book introductions 16-page full-color map section with map index Line-matched text for enhanced readability Words of Jesus in red Presentation page for gift-giving Raised spine hubs Two double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide Genuine leather cover lies flat when open Thumb indexed to make finding the books of the Bible easier Exclusive KJV Comfort Print typeface Print size: 10.5

Many women hide the secret of abortion deep in their hearts and they are suffering severe consequences. They carry a great burden of shame and failure, afraid to reveal their hidden pain, and by doing so are forced to endure the long-lasting effects in isolation. Surrendering the Secret will allow women to release this burden and find freedom through 'redemptive community' while experiencing hope and joy, as shame and failure are replaced with beauty. Author Pat Layton, founder and president of A Woman's Place Ministries, helps women find the path to healing through honest interactive Bible study, meaningful group experiences, and caring community. Benefits:Ideal for promotion during sanctity of human life emphasisMinistry and recovery for women who have experienced pain and shame of abortion; helps them reconnect with church if they are not involvedHelp ministry leaders know how to intentionally minister to women in pain and subsequent recovery and healing post-abortion

It because pastoral care and counseling facilitate personal agency and efficacy (personal, social, and political empowerment and transformation) that African American pastoral care and counseling are inherently political processes, contends Wimberly. In this new book, he outlines the theological anthropology that under girds the practices of care and the practices of self as holistic processes. He shows those who engage in pastoral counseling with African Americans how to navigate around the negative self-images, identities, and stories into which they have been recruited in order to liberate themselves to discern how to best make use of their personal and political agency and efficacy.

Reaching Out to Unchurched Teenagers Five facts about the unchurched: 1. They believe all religions have value. 2. They are spiritual, not religious. 3. They don't know what Christianity really is. 4. They don't know what they believe. 5. They are looking for something that works. If you want to make an impact on this generation, these are five basic rules you must understand. Author Jonathan McKee writes that by taking the time to learn students' unique situations you show you care about them as people, not as mission projects. Informative and full of real-life examples, Do They Run When They See You Coming? provides vital information you need to better understand students outside your youth group. Yet this book isn't a sociological or marketing survey; the tangible guidelines and methods inside help you get into the mind of unchurched students--so you can get to know their hearts. Because, as every youth worker knows, real ministry is always about getting to the heart.

You loved Would You Rather...? and asked for more. In the tradition of the Quick Questions line, More Would You Rather...? offers another 465 provocative questions that will get your students laughing, debating, and thinking (and they'll learn a ton about each other in the process). Get ready for more fun as you ask: Would you rather... Live without your thumb or your big toe? Be famous or inspirational? Flip burgers or deliver pizza? It's amazing what can happen when you ask a silly question. Most of the time, a student's answer has a story behind it. Explore the answers as you learn about students' values, fears, and faith. And the book's convenient size makes it easy to stick in your pocket, your backpack, or your car's glove compartment. Whether you're a veteran youth worker or new to the field, a paid professional or a volunteer, you'll find More Would You Rather...? to be an indispensable part of your ministry resource library.

Gaining form and momentum over the second half of the 20th century, the Church Growth movement has become an enormous shaping force on the Western church today. You may love it, you may hate it, but you can t deny its impact. But what exactly is Church Growth? In what ways has the movement actually brought growth to the church, and how effective has it been in doing so? What are its strengths and weaknesses? This timely book addresses such questions. After providing a richly informative history and overview, it explores---in a first-ever roundtable of their leading voices---five main perspectives, both pro and con, on the classic Church Growth movement: *Effective Evangelism View (Elmer Towns) *Gospel in Our Culture View (Craig Van Gelder) *Centrist View (Charles Van Engen) *Reformist View (Gailyn Van Rheenan) *Renewal View (Howard Snyder) As in other Counterpoints books, each view is first presented by its proponent, then critiqued by his co-contributors. The book concludes with reflections by three seasoned pastors who have grappled with the practical implications of Church Growth. The interactive and fair-minded nature of the Counterpoints format allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Exploring Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series."

It begins slowly, so slowly that I hardly notice at first. My chest tightens and my heart begins to beat a fraction faster. I try to draw breath, but instead I choke on oxygen I can't inhale. As I realise that I can't breathe, the panic wraps itself around my mind. I can't make myself draw a breath. Rachael was aged just six when she had her first suicidal thought. Over the next decade, life would become increasingly fraught with depression and self-harm, and her outlook only bleaker. Before her eighteenth birthday, Rachael would twice try to take her own life. And yet amidst this darkness, a flicker of faith lived on. This is Rachael's story of her journey into, and out of, the darkness of depression. With unflinching realism and complete honesty, she shows us what it looks like to live with mental illness, and how God can find us and rescue us even in the most desperate of places.

The United States is the most medicated country in the world. More than 1.7 million Americans are struggling with addiction to prescription painkillers, fueling the opioid crisis that claims more than 140 lives every day. The trouble isn't just the drugs--it's that we don't know what to do with the people addicted to them. Not as a country, not as the church. Is tough love called for? Or would Christ have us take a different approach to addiction recovery? Drawn from the personal experience of the authors and current research, The Heart of Recovery calls us to set aside judgment and mend recovering addicts and their families with the stuff God uses to heal: compassion and community. It's a call to serve the ones who cannot repay, to forgive 70 times 7, to fling the door wide-open to the prodigal, and to remember the purpose of grace. A supportive community--family, friends, the church, and more--encourages and sustains long-term recovery. Through compassion, we bring hope for healing.

"Great youth ministry doesn't happen by accident-and author John Losey knows it. In his book, Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook, Losey inspires us to use a combination of theory, action, and reflection so our students can learn in dynamic, new ways. A large portion of this gimmick-free resource is devoted to practical exercises and templates youth workers can tailor to their own groups. Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook belongs in the library of every serious youth worker." --Doug Fields, youth pastor for Saddleback Church: author of Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry (TM) and Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry Ever wish youth group fun and games could accomplish more than burning off students' high-octane energy? It can-if you have the right tools at your disposal. And your number-one tool is Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook. This innovative resource offers a ton of intentional activities with a purpose, specific program sequences, and adaptable templates for making games resonate with your students' minds and hearts. Plus, author John Losey unpacks why the right approaches to intentional activity will make the spiritual stuff stick-as well as how it can work for you. His suggestions and formats for everything from midweek meetings and small groups, full-day events, mission trips, retreats and camps, internships, games, and more will make a believer out of you. Whether you're a youth worker, camp counselor, small-group leader, or anyone charged with helping students connect with God, the Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook is your bridge to making active programming rewarding and faith building. "Have known John for more than 20 years, it's been a privilege to watch him in action. And I'm thrilled that through his Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook many will benefit from his practical wisdom and insight that's touched the hearts of kids and adults through the years in very significant, meaningful ways. You will be pleased with this book's easy-to-use format and these creative, hands-on activities." --Stan White, executive director, Alpine Camp and Conference Center, Blue Jay, California "Youth ministry must be about 'learning the sticks'-shaping a life forever. In John Losey's book you'll find well-articulated theory, practical activities, and understanding that will improve your role in 'life shaping.' " --Bob Kobielush, president, Christian Camping International/USA

In "My Heart's Desire," Dr. David Jeremiah explains how to make worship a moment-by-moment reality in the reader's life. It's called "lifestyle worship," and it's all about placing the worship of God at the center of one's life.

In September of 2014 thirty new members were appointed for a five-year term to the Vatican's International Theological Commission. These theologians, clerical and lay, were chosen from twenty-six different countries and from five continents. The commission was charged with composing three documents of contemporary theological importance, one of which was that of the relationship between faith and the sacraments. This finished document was published, with the approval of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and by Pope Francis in Spanish in early 2020 under the title: La Reciprocidad entre Fe y Sacramentos en la Economia Sacramental. A subsequent English translation was published thereafter under the title The Reciprocity Between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy. This present volume contains the text of the English translation. There follows an introduction by a member of the ITC, Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap., and subsequently followed by six explanatory and interpretive commentaries on various chapters of the document. Dr. John Yocum considers the contemporary relevance of the topic. Dr. Christopher Ruddy examines the dialogical nature of the sacramental economy of salvation. Dr. Jennifer Holmes Martin discusses the relationship between faith and the sacraments of initiation. There are two commentaries for section four concerning faith and the sacrament of marriage. Professor John Grabowski treats the strictly theological issues relating to faith and marriage. Canonist Timothy Cavanaugh takes up the canonical issues regarding faith and its relationship to enacting a valid sacramental marriage. Dr. Daniel Keating rounds off the commentaries by surveying the conclusion of the document, that is, the present need for evangelization so as to enliven the faith of the faithful, and the present relevance of the new ecclesial movements within the Church today. These commentaries are aimed at aiding priests and seminarians as they address or prepare to address the pastoral and theological concerns they encounter or will encounter on a daily basis. This volume could also be used in parish adult education groups as well, wherein the laity could better understand the relationship between faith and the sacraments.