"Maximize" is the ultimate how-to book for pastors and church leaders who long for their churches to be fully resourced to carry out ministry initiatives without financial strain. Pastor Nelson Searcy provides an innovative, step-by-step plan for turning first-time givers into extravagant stewards of God's resources. Shining a light on the often taboo subject of money, "Maximize" will explore what causes someone to give for the first time and what leaders can do to systemize and maximize these gifts while growing strong disciples. Readers will learn how to
-cultivate first-time givers
-motivate people to tithe
-develop an ongoing stewardship system
-follow up with givers the right way
-develop multiple giving options
-shepherd the five types of givers in the church
-educate people to grow in the grace of giving
Stewardship is an essential part of discipleship. This revolutionary yet biblically based guide will chase the money discussion out of the darkness and bring it the attention it deserves. Every pastor needs a copy of "Maximize"

All too often Church leaders may want to work cooperatively with others, and yet find themselves frustrated. Clergy, Culture and Ministry considers the difficulties and challenges faced by any incumbent wishing to interpret and understand what is going on in their congregation and parish, and why it might be happening. Engaging with the work of Wesley Carr, Ian Tomlinson brings theory and practice into conversation by responding to each of Carr's 'propositions' with a 'critical incident' from the author's own parish experience. Table of Contents: Foreword - Martyn Percy Introduction 1 Critical Incidents 2 Behaviours and Boundaries 3 Practical and Pastoral Theology 4 Applications and Reflections 5 Propositions and Practical Wisdom 6 Pastors, Preachers and Priests - Some Prescriptions Conclusion Afterword - Martyn Percy

Does it make sense - can it make sense - for someone who appreciates the explanatory power of modern science to continue believing in a traditional religious account of the ultimate nature and purpose of our universe? This book is intended for those who care about that question and are dissatisfied with the rigid dichotomies that dominate the contemporary debate. The extremists won't be interested - those who assume that science answers all the questions that matter, and those so certain of their religious faith that dialogue with science, philosophy, or other faith traditions seems unnecessary. But far more people today recognize that matters of faith are complex, that doubt is endemic to belief, and that dialogue is indispensable in our day.
In eight probing chapters, the authors of The Predicament of Belief consider the most urgent reasons for doubting that religious claims - in particular, those embedded in the Christian tradition - are likely to be true. They develop a version of Christian faith that preserves the tradition's core insights but also gauges the varying degrees of certainty with which those insights can still be affirmed. Along the way, they address such questions as the ultimate origin of the universe, the existence of innocent suffering, the challenge of religious plurality, and how to understand the extraordinary claim that an ancient teacher rose from the dead. They end with a discussion of what their conclusions imply about the present state and future structure of churches and other communities in which Christian affirmations are made.

Priest outlines a new approach to priesthood, suggesting that we only begin to understand what a 'priest' is once we have understood what priesthood is theologically and biblically - God's way of blessing the world.

In a world with ever-increasing access to knowledge, we can still fall short of understanding the basics. If we lack the ability to create lasting relationships or to leave some things in our past, we can find ourselves struggling to live lives of satisfaction. If we aren't content within ourselves, how can we fully contribute to anyone else? The question we must ask ourselves is, "What's holding us back?" The answers are found not in ourselves, but in our Creator.

In "Building the Body of Christ," author LaDell Farrar shows us how to take charge of our life's most common components. You can learn to create relationships that will encourage meaningful and unbreakable love. Farrar helps you understand how communication and prayer can give you the power to heal your mind of past hurts and failures, allowing you to seek your life's purpose. Through Farrar's biblically based lessons, you may gain a greater understanding and appreciation of how Christ's death was meant to bring all of these topics together to gain peace through understanding and acceptance.

Relationships are about connecting, associating, and being involved with others. "Building the Body of Christ" seeks to help you develop the characteristics necessary for an effective and successful relationship and a better life.

Since it was published in 1983, the first edition of the original Twelve Keys to an Effective Church has benefited thousands of congregations around the world. The thoroughly revised and updated Twelve Keys Leaders' Guide, designed to accompany Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, offers leaders an indispensable, step-by-step resource for creating and implementing their long-range plans. It clearly shows how to examine a church's strengths and move the congregation toward action, accomplishment, and achievement. This valuable guide thoroughly explains the basic principles of the planning process and gives helpful insights into the dynamics of memory, change, conflict, and hope in congregations. You will discover possibilities to build the momentum, deepen the resources, and advance the strengths of your congregation. This important resource can also be used to help build an effective, successful business, develop a strong, healthy non-profit grouping, advance an effective, healthy college or university, and create a strong, healthy family.

How can you help others grow in their faith? What does a healthy discipling relationship look like? What do you do together? In order to answer these and other questions, Alice Fryling gathered a team of experienced disciplemakers. Together they give us practical help in such areas as overcoming our fears about discipling others, beginning a discipling relationship, how to be a friend, learning how people change, modeling the Christian life, using Scripture in disciplemaking, how to help a friend who hurts, and helping others share their faith. Many chapters include time-tested resources you can use in discipling relationships. A handbook for those who need help and encouragement in reaching out to others.

In a world indifferent or even opposed to Christian truth, followers of Christ must be better equipped to communicate the timeless of the Christian faith. But how do you have a conversation with someone who is intent on proving you wrong and won't accept the Bible as a source of authority? In Tactics, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. You'll learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through the minefields of a challenging discussion, how to stop challengers in their tracks, and how to turn the tables on question or provocative statement. Most importantly, you'll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl shows you how to: Initiate conversations effortlessly Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking Skillfully manage the details of dialogue Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack Tactics provides the game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity with confidence and grace.

In Faith Formation in a Secular Age, the first book in his Ministry in a Secular Age trilogy, Andrew Root offered an alternative take on the issue of youth drifting away from the church and articulated how faith can be formed in our secular age. In The Pastor in a Secular Age, Root explores how this secular age has impacted the identity and practice of the pastor, obscuring his or her core vocation: to call and assist others into the experience of ministry. Using examples of pastors throughout history--from Augustine and Jonathan Edwards to Martin Luther King Jr. and Nadia Bolz-Weber--Root shows how pastors have both perpetuated and responded to our secular age. Root turns to Old Testament texts and to the theology of Robert Jenson to explain how pastors can regain the important role of attending to people's experiences of divine action, offering a new vision for pastoral ministry today.