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.

"I for one am learning that I cannot be fulfilled apart from other people. In fact, the bottom line of this book is this: You can't do it alone. If you want to be a successful leader--if you plan to have a successful ministry--then you must develop not only your gifts but also the gifts of those around you." --Wayne Cordeiro Your church may have many members, but does every member have a purpose? In Doing Church as a Team, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro underscores that church numbers are insignificant when every individual is not involved. However, if the team members work together as one toward a single, clearly defined goal, anything is possible--and everyone shares in the joys and rewards of success! Pastor Wayne Cordeiro shows you how to identify the hidden callings of the members in your church so that together you can accomplish anything God has called you to do.

This book explores the art of conversation, and the process of good listening and counseling. Right From the Start: A Pastor's Guide to Premarital Counseling is a guide for pastors and counselors to help couples prepare for and succeed in married life, not just pass a test. It discusses the five main points of discussion covered in the companion piece, Right From the Start: A Premarital Guide for Couples.Counselors will learn that it is okay to say no to a couple, because the point is to help the couple find out if they are actually compatible. Marriage is for life, and it is your duty as a counselor to advise couples who realize that.Through story-telling, David and Lisa Frisbie open up the doors for couples to hash out their ideas, differences, and misunderstandings before anyone is hurt in the future. It's better to prevent harm rather than trying to heal the hurt.

This volume of the Connections Worship Companion series offers complete liturgies-from the call to worship to the closing charge, with prayers and litanies for every need in between-for all worshiping occasions between Advent and Pentecost of Year A,. Part of the Connections commentary series, these worship resources help congregations illuminate the connections between Scripture and liturgical rhythms. A "Making Connections" essay precedes each liturgical season's resources, providing context for worship within the themes and purpose of the season.

Small churches can be found in every denomination and among every ethnic group but often these churches struggle to survive in the shadow of the larger churches around them. And many of these churches are afflicted with unhealthy issues such as feelings of unimportance, a lack of vision, exclusivity, limited resources, and unbalanced leadership. It is because of these aliments that many churches fail to survive. But it is possible for an unhealthy church to become a healthy church capable of experiencing growth--both physically and spiritually. In his new book, The Healthy Small Church, small church pastor Dennis Bickers diagnoses the issues that threaten the life of the smaller church and prescribes practical remedies for treating these issues. He reminds churches that transformation and healing are never easy but always worth it. He emphasizes that to maintain a healthy church one must be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly to prevent new problems from arising. The Healthy Small Church offers pastors and church leaders a great diagnostic tool for small churches that want to be healthy and stay that way. It includes a number of diagnostic questions at the end of the book that they can use to determine the health of their church. Become a healthy church that: Has a positive self-image Shares a common vision that creates a sense of purpose and unity Maintains community while still warmly welcoming new visitors Practices the importance of faithful stewardship and financial support Understands ministry to be the responsibility of all the members of the church Encourages everyone to serve according to his or her spiritual gifts--not by seniority or guilt