We are quickly approaching the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation which by "most" accounts began in 1517 with Martin Luther's 95 Theses and was completed (or ended) in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia. Moreover we are also approaching the 700th anniversary of the end of the Knights Templar with the burning at the stake of the last Templar Grand Master Jacques de Molay in 1314. So what better time to review both as they interrelate to one another? Did you know that "pre-Protestants" such as the Waldensians were being burned at the stake 300 years before Martin Luther's 95 theses? Did you know that the Knights Templar and their mysterious disappearance most likely played a role in the protection/germination of the seeds that would lead to Protestantism? As my Masters of History thesis I was told to tackle a "challenging" subject that might even go against the "status quo" of established historicity; not only have I attempted to do this, but I was dumbfounded by some of the discoveries I have found along the way linking the Knights Templar to Protestantism 200 years earlier than Martin Luther. *Even more awakening is how applicable and necessary many of these "monk-like" themes are today in our increasingly post-Christian world."The restoration of the church must surely depend on a new kind of monasticism, which has nothing in common with the old but a life of uncompromising discipleship, following Christ according to the Sermon on the Mount. I believe the time has come to gather people together to do this."- Dietrich BonhoefferJames Stroud has undergraduate studies in both History and Religious Studies as well as post graduate studies in Theology/History at APUS, Trinity Seminary, Biola and the University of Arkansas. He currently resides in the New York City Area. (www.TheLollards.org)

Have you tried all the new youth programs? Have you planned one too many wacky activities? Are you frustrated about the size of the youth group? Here's an approach to ministry that takes youth work seriously. Family-based youth ministry is about adults discipling teens one-on-one and in groups. It is about involving not just the nuclear family but the whole church family--from singles to older adults. More important, it's about incorporating youth into the life of your church. So stop worrying about the size of your youth group or your budget. Mark DeVries's refreshing approach to youth ministry will show you how your church can reach today's teens and how you can keep them involved in the life of the church. Whether you are a parent, a youth pastor or a church member who cares about teens, you will find in this book an entirely different approach to youth ministry that will build mature Christian believers.

In youthful yet tasteful comic-book style, Jesus comes alive for young readers with vibrant and expressive four-color illustrations and simple but engaging text. The moving story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is told in a way young readers will find both attractive and challenging; the Gospel is simplified without losing any of its saving power. "And what about you, who do you say that I am?"

Where have all the prophets gone? And why do preachers seem to shy away from prophetic witness? Astute preacher Leonora Tisdale considers these vexing questions while providing guidance and encouragement to pastors who want to recommit themselves to the task of prophetic witness. With a keen sensitivity to pastoral contexts, Tisdale's work is full of helpful suggestions and examples to help pastors structure and preach prophetic sermons, considered by many to be one of the most difficult tasks pastors are called to undertake.

The Classic Guide for Educators of Any Denomination

What mission calls us to teach? How do societal issues-social oppression, poverty, politics-affect what we teach, how we teach it, and how people learn? Who are our students? What and when are they ready to learn? Once we understand these foundations, how can we facilitate an educational experience that has the power to shape and transform people and communities in life-giving ways of faith?

In this classic text, Thomas Groome asks and answers these central questions, providing a comprehensive integration of the history, theory, and practice of modern religious education for a new generation of educators. His self-reflective approach-shared praxis-will inspire school teachers, students of religious education, pastors, parents, and religious educators in local churches who want to understand themselves, their mission, and their surroundings-to inform, form, and transform their students' lives.

"Anyone tugged by the calling at the heart of education or religious life can only cheer for the republication of this classic book."-Robert Kegan, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"Whether returning Christian Religious Education or reading it for the first time, readers will discover freshness leaping from the page; you will soon know why this formative book of the past is a beacon for the future-informative, inspiring, and wise!"-Mary Elizabeth Moore, professor of theology and Christian education, Claremont School of Theology

In addition to its value as Cistercian history and as an adult study on the virtuous life, this book is also an excellent read for young adults who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. "By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized] are . . . more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed" (CCC, no. 1285). In this exciting chronicle of the life of twelfth-century knights, we can learn much about defending and spreading the faith in true soldier-like fashion. Here, we have an entire family of nine saints who lay before us their individual means of achieving intimate union with Christ. Learn with the Fontaines family how to supernaturalize the natural, develop a God-consciousness, and attain sanctity by being yourself. Perfect for high-school read-aloud, this new study edition has over 250 footnotes for increased comprehension and provides discussion/meditation points to promote the art of spiritual conversation. The appendix lists formulas of Catholic doctrine that are essential for confirmands not only to know but also to incorporate into their own spiritual lives. This engaging book provides many excellent lessons in sanctity for anyone interested in living the "authentic Christian life."

KIDS HAVE QUESTIONS TOO AND NOW THERE ARE ANSWERS, SECOND VOLUMN

The best-selling Catechism of the Catholic Church offers not only a new, definitive account for our times of the full teaching of the Catholic faith, but it is also a superbly crafted work from which to learn and to teach the faith. Teaching the faith in a systematic way - catechesis - is a craft and, like any craft, it requires the development of skills on the part of those who desire to excel in it. The Catechism of the Catholic Churchshows catechists and others what to teach. This book examines the important issue of how to teachit (pedagogy). A must for every teacher who wants to be more effective inhanding on the faith to others.

Templeton Foundation Character Project's Character Essay and Book Prize Competition award winner What does it mean to love God with all of our minds? Our culture today is in a state of crisis where intellectual virtue is concerned. Dishonesty, cheating, arrogance, laziness, cowardice--such vices are rampant in society, even among the world's most prominent leaders. We find ourselves in an ethical vacuum, as the daily headlines of our newspapers confirm again and again. Central to the problem is the state of education. We live in a technological world that has ever greater access to new information and yet no idea what to do with it all. In this wise and winsome book, Philip Dow presents a case for the recovery of intellectual character. He explores seven key virtues--courage, carefulness, tenacity, fair-mindedness, curiosity, honesty and humility--and discusses their many benefits. The recovery of virtue, Dow argues, is not about doing the right things, but about becoming the right kind of person. The formation of intellectual character produces a way of life that demonstrates love for both God and neighbor. Dow has written an eminently practical guide to a life of intellectual virtue designed especially for parents and educators. The book concludes with seven principles for a true education, a discussion guide for university and church groups, and nine appendices that provide examples from Dow's experience as a teacher and administrator. Virtuous Minds is a timely and thoughtful work for parents and pastors, teachers and students--anyone who thinks education is more about the quality of character than about the quantity of facts.

"Scores of books flood the market on how to preach; few focus on how to listen to preaching. Few parishioners understand Calvin when he said that hearers should become as involved in sermons as preachers. In BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LISTEN, Jay Adams begins to redress this imbalance by providing numerous practical tips on how to get more out of sermons--even poorly preached sermons Wise are the church leaders who give a copy of this book to every family in their church." - Joel R. Beeke

Many children today are growing up in the midst of adversity, whether brought on by family difficulties or larger societal crises. All children need to be able to deal with stress, cope with challenges, and persevere through disappointments. While we cannot protect children from all hardships, we can promote healthy development that fosters resilience. In this interdisciplinary work, Holly Catterton Allen builds a bridge between resilience studies and children's spiritual formation. Because children are spiritual beings, those who work with them can cultivate spiritual practices that are essential to their thriving in challenging times. This book equips educators, counselors, children's ministers, and parents with ways of developing children's spirituality to foster the resilience needed to face the ordinary hardships of childhood and to persevere when facing trauma. It offers particular insight into the spiritual experiences of children who have been hurt by life through chronic illness, disability, abuse, or disasters, with resources for healing and hope.

This book contains eleven great sermons by the great Welsh itinerant preacher, John Elias (1774-1841), all newly and ably translated from the Welsh by Owen Milton. Here you will find a feast of biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical food that shows how great preachers in ages past proclaimed the whole counsel of God over a period of time while remaining faithful in expounding individual texts in accord with their major themes. These sermons, which richly expound nearly every major doctrine of grace, are as relevant and helpful as when they were first written. Here you will find the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man persuasively expounded. Such themes as God's sovereign calling of sinners, the experiential knowledge and fullness of Christ, the dangers of ignoring the gospel call, earnest prayer for the Spirit, the greatness of God's peace, the believer's love for Christ, the blessing of a contrite spirit, and the immanency of the Second Advent are set forth with convicting power. Practical themes such as how to listen to preaching and how to respect governmental authority are also expounded with fresh clarity. Elias's sermons exhibit all the strengths of a godly preacher-pastor-writer. Read them slowly and prayerfully, and, with the Spirit's blessing, you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

To succeed in the world today, students need an education thatequips them to recognize current trends, to be creative andflexible to respond to changing circumstances, to demonstrate soundjudgment to work for society's good, and to gain the ability tocommunicate persuasively. This book argues for returning to theclassical liberal arts educational system so that students areprepared for lifelong learning.

"The recent reprint of The Baptist Catechism has given families and study classes a helpful tool for memorizing the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Now, a hidden jewel, Benjamin Beddome's 'A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism, ' takes its place alongside the Catechism to give much needed assistance to the same families and classes. Beddome shows how the doctrines contained in the Catechism are founded upon Scripture, and explains them for all to understand. This is indeed a wonderful instrument to make skilled craftsmen from apprentices " - Dr. James M. Renihan

The Way of Prayer is a 10-week resource designed to help people expand their understanding of the nature and practice of prayer. Many Christians grow up with a limited vision of what prayer is and how to pray. The Way of Prayer offers many forms to explore and practice, both individually and as a group. People with different temperaments, spiritual types, and learning styles will each find expressions of prayer that draw them closer to God. They will also learn to integrate body, mind, and spirit in prayer, and to live a more creative rhythm between the inner life and the outward journey of service. This resource can help bring greater scope and vitality into the prayer life of your congregation. Topics include:
How do you Pray?
Images of God?
Praying by Heart
Praying with Music
Praying by Gazing
Praying with Our Bodies
Scriptural Prayer
Contemplative Prayer
Praying with and for Others
Prayer and Social Transformation
- Small groups in local churches
- Companions in Christ customers

The sensational small-group series Companions in Christ is now being offered in a new 5-piece Participant's Book set as well as the traditional 1-piece Participant's Book. With the same great daily exercise material and articles, the two different Participant's Book styles allow your group to use the format that best fits your time frame. The new 5-piece Participant's Book set offers groups a convenient way to take breaks between modules. The traditional 1-piece volume is still a great value for groups who will continue their study together for 28 weeks.

Candles & Conifers is a collection of seasonal resources - prayers, liturgies, poems, reflections, sermons, meditations, stories and responses - written by Iona Community members, associates, friends and others. It offers resources for groups and individuals covering the weeks from All Saints' Day to Christmas Eve, including saints' days, Remembrance Day, World AIDS Day and Advent. There are liturgies for an outdoor celebration with fireworks, a Christingle service and a longest night service, as well as Advent candle ceremonies, personal prayer practices, a series of responses and blessings and a cats' Advent calendar. A companion resource book, Hay & Stardust, covering the season of Christmastide, from Christmas Eve to Candlemas, is also available. In towns and villages In tower blocks and terraces Christ is waiting to be born In palaces and shanty-towns In high streets and back-streets Christ is waiting to be born In the vastness of the universe In the intimacy of our hearts Christ is waiting to be born Come, Lord Jesus Come into our homes Come into our lives Come and stay

Children are born spiritual beings, full of joy, meaning, and possibility. Sadly, hope may be lost for some children by forces that challenge families and society -- stress, brokenness, a loss of community, spiritual poverty.

But there is hope. In her latest book, Christian educator Betty Cloyd reminds parents, "Before we give our children wings, we must give them roots". Cloyd urges parents to reclaim their primary role as spiritual guide for the sake of their children and society. In an affirming tone, the author shows how the whole family and the church are in a sacred partnership to provide the roots children need.

Readers will find examples of how they can introduce children to the presence of God during daily, routine activities as well as in planned devotional times. Questions for discussion and an interactive project and pledge are included to help incorporate Cloyd's ideas into the lives of parents and children.

Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides includes biblical models of spiritual guides along with wonderful, insightful stories from children, medical professionals, Christian educators, and the author's own experience as a parent and grandparent. This is a must-have resource for grandparents, parents, and other child caregivers.