An essential course of study for church leaders and candidates for Christian ministry 'Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching' (1 Tim. 4:16) This course is a study of the three New Testament Epistles traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul - The 'Pastoral Epistles' - 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. This course-book will make the student aware of the issues surrounding the authorship, date and purpose of these epistles; and discuss of the principles of early church theology, practice and governance described within them. This course is meant to help the student discover how we can apply these principles to the 21st century Church, and so equip the student for Christian ministry as they lead the church of God in a modern context.

The confessional writings of the Lutheran church, including the Augsburg Confessions, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, and the Large and Small Catechisms.

The Ark of Speech investigates the interplay of speech and silence in the dialogue between God and human beings, and human beings and the world. Ranging from the Old Testament and its depiction of God's creative word to the New Testament and its focus on the life and words of Jesus as the Word of the Father, the book shows how important it is for the believer to listen to God and to others in silence and devotion.

We have such a problem with our boys,' ..is a common refrain in many churches. The probability, though, is that boys are not actually the problem, rather our attitude to them; our ideas of what a boy really is and what he needs in order to connect with God. Over the last few years, boys have been perceived to have been under-achieving at school, a problem in our society, and disengaged from our churches. It is Carolyn Edwards' heartfelt conviction that this is because we are not meeting boys' spiritual needs. Her experience is that boys are willing to engage in the struggle to make themselves heard and seen as they really are: full of energy, fun, feeling and spirituality. In this intensely creative and practical book, Carolyn provides ten ways that boys would willingly connect with God, given the opportunity. Prompts and practical ideas help readers apply her findings to the boys they know and work with.

In this six-session video-based small group Bible study, bestselling author Carol Kent gives proof that you can experience grace and joy during even the lowest moments of your life. This Participant's Guide helps you decide where you stand when you are caught between a rock and a hard place: Will you place yourself in a posture of humility and complete dependence on God, or will you just "try harder" and stumble over what could be a transforming encounter with grace? Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, are living what some would call a heartbreaking life-their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now living out a life sentence for murder in a maximum security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted. But despite their hopeless situation, the Kent's live a life full of grace. With hope, joy, and a sense of humor, Carol helps you find God's "grace places" in the midst of your worst moments. This Participant Guide provides individual and group activities, additional background material, and between-session personal studies that will enhance your experience of the video sessions. Sessions include: Grace in the Hardest of Places - Surprised by Faith Angels in Disguise - Surprised by Mercy Longing for a Better Me - Surprised by Contentment The Secret Power of Gratitude - Surprised by Thanksgiving Why Do You Weep? - Surprised by Joy Dwelling in the Great Place - Surprised by Freedom Designed for use with the Between a Rock and a Grace Place Video Study (sold separately).

The 2013 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in Evangelism Everybody loves a good story. In an age when prepackaged gospel formulations leave people cold, well-told Bible stories can be used powerfully by God to touch people's hearts and draw them to himself. After ministry in both Western and non-Western contexts, church planter Christine Dillon has discovered that Bible storying is far more effective than most other forms of apologetics or evangelistic presentations. In fact, non-Christians actually enjoyed storying and kept coming back for more. Storying provides solid biblical foundations so listeners can understand, apply and respond to the gospel, and then go on to fruitful maturity in God's service. This book includes practical guidance on how to shape a good story, how to do evangelism through storying and how to lead Bible discussions. With particular insights for trainers and those working in crosscultural contexts, this guide provides you with concrete steps for sharing the Story that everyone needs to hear.

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.

Few know that the great St. Thomas Aquinas, although he was a towering intellectual, also wrote much that's well within the reach of ordinary believers. In The Aquinas Catechism you'll find his deeply insightful, straightforward, and clear explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Commandments, and the Sacraments -- as well as of the Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary.

In other words, this book will give you a basic course in the Catholic Faith, taught by the Church's greatest theologian. Let St. Thomas teach you how to explain, defend, and live your Faith . . . with the clear-sighted wisdom of a saint!

The Shepherd of Hermas is a Greek visionary text written in Rome during the 2nd century CE with the aim to exhort men to change life and repent for their sins, taking advantage of the last chance given by the Lord before world's end. The Shepherd is a very important witness of history of the early Christian thought and it was so widely-read that it was immediately translated into Latin and other languages. Despite the considerable amount of Greek textual witnesses of the Shepherd (more than twenty-five written between the 2nd and the 14th century), its complete text did not survive until today, therefore its translations in other languages are of crucial importance for the constitutio textus. Among the various translations, the Latin Vulgata stands out for its antiquity, accuracy and links with some important Greek witnesses like the Papyrus Bodmer 38 (4th/5th century) and the Codex Athous Grigoriou 96 (14th century). The last critical edition of the Vulgata was made by H.A. Hilgenfeld in 1873 and is still quoted by scholars today. The Shepherd of Hermas in Latin offers a more modern and complete philological study through an investigation of new unknown textual sources from 9th to 14th century and gives new philological and textual data with the aim to replace the accurate but not updated edition of Hilgenfeld.

Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

Education is arguably the foundation for human flourishing within any society. What do distinctively Christian educators have to contribute within the broad framework of public education found in pluralist societies of the West? How can Christian teachers make their voices heard within an increasingly hostile environment where technique and pragmatism are firmly entrenched and religious views are often suspect? Far from offering a thin patina of "niceness" spread over standard educational philosophy, Steven Loomis and Paul Spears set forth a vigorous Christian philosophy of education that seeks to transform the practice of education. Beginning with a robust view of human nature, they build a case for a decidedly Christian view of education that still rightfully takes its place within the marketplace of public education. After surveying the history of educational philosophy, they offer a stimulating analysis of the information economy and its implications for education. This is followed by a concrete proposal for the teaching of social ethics, and finally by a delineation of issues and questions for educational practice, policy and leadership. A must-read for all who are concerned for human flourishing through education.

In the same style as the bestselling "Little Angels Christmas Prayers" this is a loveable, giftable collection of prayers and blessings that 3-5s will love. The soft and sweet angel styling is delightfully heavenly! Perfect for a Baptism, First Communion, Easter or Birthday gift for a young child. Dubravka Kolanovic's soft pastel illustrations beautifully convey the simple text.

This revised and expanded version of Godly Play founder Jerome Berryman s 1995 handbook is for current and future users of Godly Play. With this revision, the book s original formatting has been redesigned to complement the eight volumes in The Complete Guide to Godly Play series. Illustrations have also been updated, and the text now better reflects the playful spirit of Godly Play. Up-to-date research in childhood development and instruction has also been incorporated in this comprehensive update. "

Why is there so little agreement on what it means to be a Christian? In this eight-session video-based Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), join pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley as he examines the characteristics Jesus used to define those who follow him and the implications these characteristics have for believers today. In Christian: It's Not What You Think, you'll learn: The one word that should be descriptive of every Christian. How Jesus' followers should treat those who are outside the faith. Why people love Jesus but can't stand his followers. So, what does it mean to be Christian? Curiously, the term 'Christian' was a label used by outsiders to define Jesus' followers. Jesus simply used 'disciple' to describe his followers and stressed the fact that they would be known by their love-a radical concept not only in their day, but in ours as well. Throughout these eight sessions, Andy Stanley unpacks the qualities Jesus prescribes for his followers that made them unique. What if believers today embodied these traits and put them before all others? Would the non-believing world put aside its derisive definition of 'Christian' and instead know us by our love? Sessions include: Brand Recognition Quitters Insiders, Outsiders Showing Up When Gracie Met Truthy Angry Birds Loopholes Working It Out Designed for use with the Christian Video Study 9780310693352 (sold separately).