Recently, the German Science Council has affirmed the centrality of the public university system as a place to study and teach about Christian and non-Christian theologies. At this time, there is an active process under way to integrate Jewish and Islamic theologies into the German university system. This volume examines the tensions that can arise between confessional theology and the university tradition of freedom of thought.

In light of the current popularity enjoyed by the subject of religion and questions about the consequences arising from this situation, especially for practical theology, the early essays on the sociology of religion by Volker Drehsen (born 1949) have once again become poignant. They continue to retain their power of illuminating the self-conception and tasks of practical theology. The collected essays, some of which were originally published obscurely, are now published together for the first time in this volume.

LEARN LEADERSHIP QUALITIES FROM THE GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN AND BECOME A LEADER PEOPLE WANT TO FOLLOW

Where do you turn to learn leadership? Business experts? Management consultants? Theoreticians? The world of politics? Why not learn from the Bible—the original leadership book!

In this study, John digs deep into the Bible to teach twenty-one indispensable qualities found in the men and women who led God’s people God’s way. These essential traits will help you to lead with integrity in every area of your life.

In twenty-one lessons, John guides you to develop the core qualities all good leaders exhibit. Each lesson includes:

- THE QUALITY DEFINED: a brief description and introduction to the Quality

- CASE STUDIES: three biblical studies—including leaders such as Joshua, David, Ruth, Nathan, Esther, Elijah, Stephen, John, Titus, and Jesus—that reveal and illustrate the Quality

- STUDY QUESTIONS: reflection and application questions to help you dig into the stories of the men and women in Scripture and learn from them

- LEADERSHIP INSIGHT AND REFLECTION: questions to help you assess and improve your own leadership skills

- TAKING ACTION: practical takeaways and direction to help you incorporate the quality from each lesson into your daily life

- GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: questions to help you learn and process the Bible study material with other like-minded people who want to grow in leadership

Leadership is for everyone, because every person who accepts Christ is called to influence others. And the good news is that everyone can develop the leadership qualities exemplified by the men and women of the Bible.

This workbook has been designed to enhance readers' experience of working through John Maxwell's leadership materials and is intended both for individual use and for small groups.

Students arrive on campus with various boxes of belongings to unpack, some heavy, some tidy, some more valuable, some more private. For many students, two of these boxes could be labeled "My Faith" and "My Sexuality"-and these two can be among the most cumbersome to handle. How to balance the two without having to set one down? How to hold them both closely, both securely, but still move forward to settle in with new friends in a new environment? How to keep from dropping one or the other, spilling its embarrassing contents for all to see? Such can be the struggle for any student, but especially for any sexual minority who identifies or struggles with an LGB+ identity or same-sex attraction on a Christian college campus. For these students their faith and their sexuality often feel both tender and in acute tension. Who is God making them to be? What do they need to grow in to develop faithfully, and what might they need to leave behind? How can they truly flourish? The research team of Yarhouse, Dean, Stratton, and Lastoria draw on their decades of experience both in the psychology of sexual identity and in campus counseling to bring us the results of an original longitudinal study into what sexual minorities themselves experience, hope for, and benefit from. Rich with both quantitative and qualitative data, their book gives an unprecedented opportunity to listen to sexual minorities in their own words, as well as to observe patterns and often surprising revelations about life and personal development both on campus and after graduation. Listening to Sexual Minorities will be an indispensable resource not only for counselors and psychologists but also for faculty, student-development leaders, and administrators in higher education as well as leaders in the church and wider Christian community who want to create an intentional environment to hear from and contribute to the spiritual flourishing of all. Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

* Follow-up to popular first volume * 32 new stories with lesson plans * Can be used at home or Sunday school Building (no pun intended) upon the success of Building Faith Brick by Brick, Emily Slichter Given has created more lesson plans to tell Bible stories in a relevant, hands-on way for a broad range of audiences. Children of all ages have reached into the stories of God while also digging deep into enormous bins of little plastic blocks and miniature people. This second book offers the original methods, discoveries since the first volume was published, and thirty-two new stories with lesson plans based on Jesus' parables. Christian educators, parents, grandparents, godparents--anyone who desires to engage in sharing faith with children and families--will enjoy the creativity and grace of this interactive approach.

Discover what The Lord's Prayer really means, reinterpreted for a modern audience

In this new work by the much loved Pope Francis, he offers remarkable insights into what the most popular prayer in Christianity can tell us about living a life of meaning, purpose and strength.

Going through the prayer verse by verse he reminds us of its timeless words, and addresses the concerns of us all, whether Christian or not, seeking to guide us while exploring the importance of social justice, helping others and forgiveness - all key elements of Pope Francis' papacy.

Through his eyes, we realise the sentiments in Our Father are very much of today's world, challenging our doubts and bringing us courage.

Moves beyond the basics of public speaking and addresses the foundations necessary for preparing an engaging sermon.

Better understand the original meaning of Scripture for a deeper study of God's Word. Bring the words of Scripture to life and discover the richness and significance of the original languages of the Word of God. The KJV Word Study Reference Bible includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. By looking into these ancient texts, we are able to read scripture as it was originally written and passed on from generation to generation. In addition, this Bible's Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources. Features include: Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note Book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read 2,000 word studies illuminating the biblical language 21 chain-linked topical studies for better theological understanding and application Study the Book provides helpful notes for reading each book of the Bible Word study indices by Strong's number, by English word, and by book help you find Greek and Hebrew word studies Extensive cross-references drawing connections between texts Concordance provides an alphabetical listing of important passages by key words Words of Christ in red quickly identify verses spoken by Jesus 16 full-color maps show the layout of Israel and other biblical locations for better context Ribbon markers make it easy to navigate and keep track of where you were reading Clear and readable 9.5-point KJV Comfort Print (R)

Hay & Stardust offers a collection of worship and meditation resources for the season of Christmastide - including Christmas Day, Holy Innocents' Day, Winter and New Year, Epiphany, Homelessness Sunday and Candlemas. It also contains eight Christmas plays; props include puppets, knuckle-dusters, big flashes, sticking plasters, sacks and stars! You have been warned. Just like its companion volume Candles & Conifers, which covers the period from All Saints to Christmas Eve, the material in this book has been contributed by Iona Community members, associates, friends and others and reflects their diverse experiences of life. When sleet blinds you, hail drowns out voices, and snow hides your path, may you discern in each flake a star, image of the one that guided the Magi, and find that in the pain of birth, death or change there is a light to guide you. - From `Winter Blessing' by Mary Palmer

The Westminster Shorter Catechism is unrivaled as a concise and faithful summary of the central teachings of Scripture. For decades G. I. Williamson's study manuals on the Shorter Catechism have served as invaluable tools for instructing young and old in the Reformed system of doctrine. Now newly typeset in one volume, this illustrated manual offers clear and helpful exposition of each of the 107 questions in the Shorter Catechism. Each lesson includes Scripture proofs, as well as questions for review or discussion, making this a useful aid for individual study or group instruction.

In 365 personal prayers, Stormie Omartian, bestselling author of the Power of a Praying series (more than 13 million total copies sold), leads readers to bring their brokenness, concerns, and trials to God's presence, where they will experience wholeness through

• inspiration and hope
• emotional health and strength
• healing and restoration
• balance and direction
• faith and connection

Readers who already love to rest in Stormie's reflective writing and those who are seeking sustenance for their daily walk with God will find spiritual refreshment and nourishment in this new trade version of powerful prayers. (More than 75,000 copies sold of the padded hardcover edition.)

and other questions about Satan evil spirits and demons.

Each chapter gives material for the members of the group to read in advance. There is a framework or plan for a group meeting, with detailed ideas for activities and discussion. There is also general advice about group processes, including recruiting and running such groups. There is a framework for prayer, and biblical themes to be considered in context. The sessions are equally for seekers and confirmation candidates, and for teenagers as well as adults.

Discover practical strategies to make reading aloud a meaningful family ritual. The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family--it has the power to change the world. But we all know that connecting deeply with our families can be difficult in our busy, technology-driven society. Reading aloud is one of the best ways to be fully present with our children, even after they can read themselves, but it isn't always easy to do. Discover how to: Prepare your kids for academic success through reading to them Develop empathy and compassion in your kids through books Find time to read aloud in the midst of school, sports, and dinner dishes Choose books across a variety of sibling interests and ages Make reading aloud the best part of your family's day The Read-Aloud Family also offers age-appropriate book lists from infancy through adolescence. From a toddler's wonder to a teenager's resistance, you will find the inspiration you need to start a read-aloud movement in your own home.

You Can Break the Chains Holding You Captive Harmful habits, negative thinking, and irrational feelings can all lead to sinful behavior and keep you in bondage. If you feel trapped by any of these strongholds in your life, know that you are not alone-you can break free. Neil Anderson has brought hope to countless thousands facing similar spiritual attacks. In this significantly revised and updated edition of this popular bestselling book, he offers a holistic approach to spiritual warfare that is rooted in the Word of God. As you read stories of others who have been locked in spiritual battles, you will learn the underlying whys and hows behind these attacks and discover the truths that sets people free in Jesus. You don't have to live as if you are in chains. Break through your spiritual battles, and find freedom in Christ with The Bondage Breaker.

Bad sermon jokes have lost none of their edge, and preachers know most of them. Yet those churches where preaching flourishes often grow most strongly. Simon Coupland believes that a good sermon can bring the Bible to life, speak a powerful message to people's hearts and lives, and draw them to Christ. He tackles key topics, including the balance between inspiration and effort; structure; style; opening and closing; the use of narrative; and personal integrity. "The text is liberally sprinkled with examples of preaching, jokes, quotations and illustrations," he explains. "In a book to help us be more effective communicators, I have tried to practise what I preach." All preachers, no matter how experienced, will find something to treasure in his cheerful, commonsense approah.