Practical theology has outgrown its traditional pastoral paradigm. The articles in this handbook recognize that faith, spirituality, and lived religion, within and beyond institutional communities, refer to realms of cultures, ritual practices, and symbolic orders, whose boundaries are not clearly defined and whose contents are shifting. The International Handbook of Practical Theology offers insightful transcultural conceptions of religion and religious matters gathered from various cultures and traditions of faith. The first section presents 'concepts of religion'. Chapters have to do with considerations of the conceptualizing of religion in the fields of 'anthropology', 'community', 'family', 'institution', 'law', 'media', and 'politics' among others. The second section is dedicated to case studies of 'religious practices' from the perspective of their actors. The third section presents major theoretical discourses that explore the globally significant diversity and multiplicity of religion. Altogether, sixty-one authors from different parts of the world encourage a rethinking of religious practice in an expanded, transcultural, globalized, and postcolonial world.

Krish has coined the term dysciples to describe those of us who feel dysfunctional in our following of Jesus. The good news is that dysfunctional discipleship is nothing new and nothing to be ashamed of. The very first disciples were dysciples too they were constantly getting even the most basic of things totally wrong! If Jesus best friends and first missionaries were such weak disciples, then that gives us hope. We can be comforted and excited by the thought that Jesus can love and use us, just as he loved and used Peter, James, John, Matthew and company. The obstacles we face as dysciples today are just the same as those that tripped up Jesus first band of brothers.The book examines the issue of dyscipleship as it?'s revealed in Matthew?'s gospel.

What is at the root of the problem of humanity? Is it pride or lack of self-esteem? Do we love ourselves too much or too little? The debate about the human condition has often been framed this way in both theological and psychological circles. Convictions about preaching, teaching, marriage and child rearing, as well as politics, social welfare, business management and the helping professions, more often than not, fall on one side or the other of this divide. With theological and psychological insight Terry D. Cooper provides trenchant analysis of this centuries-long debate and leads us beyond the usual impasse. Humanistic psychology has often regarded traditional Christianity as its archrival in assessing the human condition. Cooper demonstrates how the Christian doctrine of a sinful and fallen humanity sheds light on the human condition which exhibits both pride and self-denigration. Bringing theological insights ranging from Augustine and John Calvin to Reinhold Niebuhr together with the psychological theories of Freud, Jung, Carl Rogers, Gerald May and Karen Horney, Cooper guides readers through the maze of competing claims to a resolution which affirms Christian conviction while critically engaging modern psychological theory. A model of the proper integration of Christian theology and the discipline of psychology, Sin, Pride & Self-Acceptance will be of special help to students and practitioners of psychology, pastoral counseling and clinical psychology.

This substantially revised and updated edition of a widely used textbook covers the major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy from a Christian perspective, with hypothetical verbatim transcripts of interventions for each major approach and the latest empirical or research findings on their effectiveness. The second edition covers therapies and techniques that are increasing in use, reduces coverage of techniques that are waning in importance, and includes a discussion of lay counseling. The book presents a Christian approach to counseling and psychotherapy that is Christ-centered, biblically based, and Spirit-filled.

While born into a working-class Methodist family in a small English town, Catherine Booth (1829-1890) went on to become one of the most influential women of her day and age. As a preacher, author, social reformer, wife and mother, she played a critical role in the origin and development of the Salvation Army, which had spread to numerous parts of the globe by the time of her death. Possessing firm convictions on a host of religious and moral matters, Catherine left an indelible mark on both the Salvation Army and the wider evangelical community. The significance of Booth's legacy is on display in this ground-breaking volume, which brings together for the first time her most important shorter writings on theology, female ministry, social issues, and world missions. Including scholarly commentary by Andrew M. Eason and Roger J. Green, this anthology offers unparalleled insight into the life and thought of a remarkable figure from the Victorian period. The wide-ranging topics found within this edited collection will appeal to readers of theology, church history, social history, Christian missions, and women's studies.

"And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:12-13 (KJV) In "I'M COMING...GET READY " You will read the Word of the Lord to the church. God is speaking to His people all of the time. However, for one reason or another, God's people do not hear Him much of the time. Martha Weiser began to hear God speaking in 2010 while a student at Oral Roberts University. As she journaled what God spoke she realized that there were many, many words of encouragement for God's people. In order to share God's Words with His people, she has compiled them into this book. "And now, O Lord God, the word that Thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it forever, and do as thou hast said." 2 Samuel 7:25 (KJV)

Not every Christian needs to go to seminary, but there are certain teachings of the Bible that every Christian should know. Whether you're a relatively new believer in Jesus or a mature Christian looking for a better understanding of basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you.

This readable guide to twenty basic Christian beliefs condenses Wayne Grudem's award-winning book Systematic Theology, prized by pastors and teachers everywhere. He and his son, pastor Elliot Grudem, have boiled down the essentials of theology for everyday Christians and made them both clear and applicable to life. Each brief chapter concludes with questions for personal review or group discussion.

In this revised and updated edition of Christian Beliefs, you will learn about:

• The Bible and its authority for our lives
• The characteristics of God
• The importance of prayer
• Angels and the reality of spiritual warfare
• What it means that we are created in the image of God
• What God has done for us in Christ
• The purpose of the church
• What will happen when Christ returns
• The biblical understanding of heaven
• And much more

Christian Beliefs is the ideal book for every Christian who wants a solid foundation for understanding the most basic and essential teachings of the Bible.

The Alpha Youth Film Series is a perfect way to create an environment of acceptability where students can bring their friends to explore the Christian faith, ask questions, and share their point of view. Alpha makes it easy to invite friends to have spiritual conversations which explore life's biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. The Alpha Youth Film Series is created for audiences 13-18 years old. Alpha's approach to hospitality, faith, and discussion is designed to welcome everyone, especially those who might not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers. Each session includes time for a large group, short teaching, and small group discussion. The DVD (sold separately) also includes three training sessions for your small group hosts and helpers and the discussion guide. A Note from hosts Jason and Ben: It is such a privilege for us to share the Alpha Youth Film Series with you! Over the past 20 years, Alpha has been used by churches all over the world to facilitate conversations about faith and Jesus. To date, more than 29 million people have participated in Alpha in 112 languages. For the first time ever, Alpha is customized for teenagers on video. Our dream for the Alpha Youth Film Series is to present the gospel in a clear, interactive, and fun way, and to bridge the gap between thousands of unchurched youth and the message of Jesus.