This is an accessible resource for students and practitioners to become aware of the significance of self-knowledge for the provision of sensitive spiritual and pastoral care. The greatest asset which people in pastoral care offer to in a caring relationship is themselves or to be more precise the aspects of self which they have reflected upon. Offering oneself to other people in order to provide companionship along the road of life, especially when the particular stage on the journey is one of anticipated or actual loss, is an act which is both challenging and yet potentially life enhancing for a carer. The purpose of this book is to offer an aid to those who seek to understand themselves better with a view to enhancing the quality of spiritual and pastoral care they offer. Here the reference point for reflexivity is the caring relationship but as we are fundamentally the same beings in personal and professional relationships then perhaps readers may also find stimulus to reflect on what they bring to a variety of relationships including that with the Sacred and, indeed, themselves.

To be a Christian involves becoming more like Jesus and this involves at least three things: Developing the type of relationship with God that Jesus had. Having our lives transformed by the Holy Spirit into lives of purity and holiness. Ministering to people with the same love and power in which Jesus ministered. In this book, John Coles, Director of New Wine, pays particular attention to the third point (which is often neglected) and gives practical guidelines to all those who desire to minister healing to others. Firmly grounded in biblical principles it helps readers to know where to begin and offers valuable advice and wisdom, gained over many years of ministry experience, as they seek to develop a healing ministry.

Is your small group boring? (It's okay to be honest.) Do you sometimes have to force yourself to attend the meetings (even the meetings you lead )? Do you wonder if small groups are doing anything for your spiritual growth? Kim Engelmann, a pastor and small group leader, describes how she felt about one small group she attended: "It is Thursday evening--small group night. I . . . hesitate before getting out of the car. Do I really want to do this? I am not the sort of person that likes weeknight meetings. I am tired from a long day's work, but I push my car door open and crunch on up the gravel driveway. . . I convince myself that this is for my own good. I tell myself that I ought to be grateful that I live in a free country where small groups that talk about Jesus and the Bible are allowed. But I am not grateful--not one little bit." As a result Kim asked herself a hard question about groups: Is it small groups that are the problem or the way we do small groups? In this book she shares her answers, offering a new format for groups that gives authentic spiritual community a chance. She challenges the compartmentalization of Bible study, prayer and even fun (only laugh during icebreaker time ), and offers creative, practical suggestions that can serve to integrate these aspects into an experiential framework. Whether you are a pastor, a group leader or a member, if you find yourself dragging when it's time for small group, then this is the book for you.

2022 Christianity Today Finalist, Politics & Public Life "A crucial book." --Timothy Keller Our world is facing increasing hostilities. Political and cultural differences rage, even among people who otherwise show goodwill. And the church is no stranger to extreme polarization, theological backbiting, and political squabbling. Jesus's prayer in John 17--that the church be one as he and the Father are one--seems increasingly unattainable. But what if Scripture actually provides the key for thinking about unity in diversity? In Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Division, Richard Lints explores the nature of diversity and how Christians can think more clearly about unity in an increasingly polarized age. Drawing on theological, historical, and sociological resources, Lints exposes problems with the inclusion narrative of democracy and shows a better way forward for fostering unity in the midst of extreme diversity. If we are to think rightly about diversity, wisdom is required for the church in our late modern world. Through wisdom, Christians can display real unity in diversity and bear witness of the God who made them for himself as diverse members of his one body. Readers of Uncommon Unity will be heartened that Scripture and Christian tradition provide an antidote to division.

This study guide and DVD set, based on Rebecca McLaughlin's book Confronting Jesus, features 9 brief teaching segments with accompanying discussion questions for individuals, small groups, or Sunday school classes.

This Confronting Jesus set includes a copy of Rebecca McLaughlin's book, a companion study guide, and a DVD with video teaching sessions based on each chapter of the book-perfect for individuals, small groups, and churches.

The blessing of this book, "Man Up No Excuses - Do the Work " is how it provides a means to empower and equip young boys into the responsibility of young manhood. Uniquely written by a father, mentor, football coach and a police officer, one who has labored over 20 years shaping and molding young men's lives, making this book an extraordinary practical guide for self development. - Rev. Dr. Lloyd T. McGriff "Man Up No Excuses - Do the Work " can truly be a guiding light for all adults who really want to help young men develop positive action plans for the serious journey of life. Demitri asks the right questions and gives the right answers on survival in an unjust world and does so from the perspectives of a concerned father. "Man Up No Excuses - Do the Work " challenges the young reader to understand the impact and consequences of what he says and does in life. This book is a "must read" for everyone - Cubie A. Bragg, Ph.D., LICW, LPC Demitri C. Kornegay is a lieutenant with the Montgomery County Police Department in Montgomery County, Maryland. This is the third book for the 25 year veteran who graduated from the University of Richmond in 1979. He has tutored at the Richmond Penitentiary and for the Washington Urban League's "Operation Rescue" programs. An ordained Baptist Deacon, he developed and has run, "Men Under Construction" since 1992. As a high school football coach since 2000, he helped guide Maryland's 2005 AAA varsity champions to their first ever undefeated season. His motto is - "No Excuses - Do the Work "

Building on Haddon Robinson's philosophical approach to preaching, this book brings together accomplished evangelical preachers and teachers to help students and pastors understand the worlds--biblical, cultural, and personal--that influence and impact their preaching. The contributors explore the various inner and outer worlds in which a preacher functions with the goal of helping preachers sharpen their craft. Foreword by Bryan Chapell.