In recent years Edward II??'s reign has attracted the attention of a number of scholars whose work has considerably modified the traditional picture. As a result, there has been a move away from the emphasis on constitutional and administrative theory and practice to a consideration of the personalities involved, notably Edward himself and the earls of Pembroke and Lancaster. Although medieval biography is difficult, such an approach has been highly successful - the actions of individuals are seen to be crucial in any analysis of events. However, since Kathleen Edwards??'s pioneer article in the mid-1940s, the Church??'s contribution has been largely neglected. In her view, after Archbishop Winchelsey??'s death the bishops cut sorry figures indeed. The time has come for a more sympathetic appraisal, in particular of the role played by Adam Orleton, promoted successively bishop of Hereford, Worcester and Winchester by a pope who paid no attention to the expostulations of the government at home.

This book proposes a new model for understanding religious debates in the churches of England and Scotland between 1603 and 1625. Setting aside 'narrow' analyses of conflict over predestination, its theme is ecclesiology - the nature of the church, its rites and governance, and its relationship to the early Stuart political world. Drawing on a substantial number of polemical works, from sermons to books of several hundred pages, it argues that rival interpretations of scripture, pagan and civil history and the sources central to the Christian historical tradition lay at the heart of disputes between proponents of contrasting ecclesiological visions. Some saw the church as a blend of spiritual and political elements - a state church - while others insisted that the life of the spirit should be free from civil authority. As the reign went on, these positions hardened, and they made a major contribution to the religious divisions of the 1640s.

Readers' Choice Award Winner Outreach Magazine's Resources of the Year It's increasingly clear that leadership should be shared-for the good of any organization and for the good of the leader. Many churches have begun to share key leadership duties, but don't know how to take their leadership team to the point where it thrives. Others seriously need a new approach to leadership: pastors are tired, congregations are stuck, and meanwhile the work never lets up. But what does it actually mean to do leadership well as a team? How can it be done in a way that avoids frustration and burnout? How does team leadership best equip the staff and bless a congregation? What do the top church teams do to actually thrive together? Researchers and practitioners Ryan Hartwig and Warren Bird have discovered churches of various sizes and traditions throughout the United States who have learned to thrive under healthy team leadership. Using actual church examples, they present their discoveries here, culminating in five disciplines that, if implemented, can enable your team to thrive. The result? A coaching tool for senior leadership teams that enables struggling teams to thrive, and resources teams doing well to do their work even better.

A Compendium of the Episcopacy is not simply another book about the bishopric. It is, instead, a handbook offering a concise set of information that can be useful for training men and women aspiring to the "fine work" of the episcopacy - and those already serving in this fine work - regarding the history, rituals, vestments, and protocols pertinent to this anointed office. The Compendium gives an exploratory account of the development of the episcopacy, from the time it was first transmitted to the early successrs to the Apostles. It pinpoints the places where the various streams of Apostolic Succession began; and answers the pertinent questions as to where the numerous streams of Succession have an impact upon the episcopacy, within Apostolic and Pentecostal community. Furthermore, it points to historical events in the history of the Church that bear upon Pentecostal Faith and Practice, today. As with any handbook of this sort, the aim of the Compendium is also to familiarize the episcopal candidate, as well as the apprentice bishop, with the rituals that pertain to our office; but at a far broader than usual scope. That includes a careful look at the history of the Pentecostal and Apostolic Faith. As intellectually competent clergy we are called upon to be sure that we are well enough informed about our spiritual heritage as we can be. By seeking out historic truths for ourselves, we won't need to follow every new trend that comes along in ministry; and won't participate in useless arguments - especially with individuals who won't give due diligence to the cause of learning; and/or who are so stuck in ignorance that they refuse to listen to reasoned arguments supported by scholarship.

Faithful leaders will make disciples, but great leaders focus on making other leaders. A leader doesn't learn to lead by attending a class or reading a book on leadership. A leader learns to lead best when he or she begins to lead others and is coached along the journey by a mentor. As the ministry leader is learning and applying the gospel in their own life, the followers will learn from what they see modeled in the life of their leader. They will be equipped and empowered by the gospel through the practical example and the visible fruit of that leader's life. The Gospel Coach Workbook accompanies Gospel Coach: Shepherding Leaders to Glorify God (c)2012 ZONDERVAN by walking participants through the development of leaders and the making of disciples. Formal training to make leaders is ineffective. A lot of training focuses on technique, on content, and on curriculum. The Gospel Coach Workbook contains a lot of content, but with intentionally integrated visual illustrations for those who learn best in this way. It also integrates kinesthetic learning by encouraging writing some key ideas right in the book. Finally, it utilizes experiential learning to reinforce the skill development. Participants engage in multiple conversations to help process the content. The goal is that after reading Gospel Coach and walking through the Workbook, participants would become equipped to competently coach a disciple in the power of the gospel. The Gospel Coaching Workbook will walk step by step through the material, outlining the major points to consider as you learn to be a Gospel Coach that shepherds others toward the Chief Shepherd, Jesus.

In this book one of the world's foremost legal historians draws upon the evidence of the canon law, court records and the English common-law system to demonstrate the extent to which, contrary to received wisdom, Roman canon law survived in England after the upheavals of the Protestant Reformation. Clearly and elegantly written, this study is both a companion to and development of Maitland's celebrated Roman Canon Law in Medieval England. It will be of great interest not only to legal and ecclesiastical specialists but to any reader seeking a wider understanding of the constitutional and intellectual context in which the English Reformation developed.

Another practical tool from Stan Tharp, designed to help pastors and church leaders. Why this book can help you: 1.Biblically based principles and truths 2.Tested in the "real world" of ministry 3.Supported by a "track record" of fruitfulness a.Under the author's leadership, the general fund for the Christian Life Center has grown 21 of the last 23 years. b.Total growth is from a budget of $958,828 (when the church went through a crisis-senior pastor change in 1990) to over $5,200,000 c.The average annual increase was 7.65% PLEASE NOTE: This book is one of a "trilogy" written by this author (available on Amazon.com) that go together to contribute to church health in a straightforward, effective way. It is HIGHLY recommended to read all three, and apply the principles together. Those who have done so have experienced VERY encouraging results: 1.Teach Them to Give 2.The Financially Healthy Church 3.BIG: A God-Sized Vision for Your Church (Using Acts 1:8 as a template for your church health and growth) TEACH THEM TO GIVE is helpful to anyone asked to "Take the offering in the church service today..." In a moment, you can give a practical, and theologically sound invitation for people to give.

Heralding a new era in literary studies, the Oxford English Literary History breaks the mould of traditional approaches to the canon by focusing on the contexts in which the authors wrote and how their work was shaped by the times in which they lived. Each volume offers a fresh, ground-breaking re-assessment of the authors, their works, and the events and ideas which shaped the literary voice of their age. Written by some of the leading scholars in the field, under the general-editorship of Jonathan Bate, the Oxford English Literary History is essential reading for everyone studying, teaching, and researching in English literature. Unlike most medieval literary histories, which end with the coming of the Tudors, this volume continues into the mid-sixteenth century, and registers the impact of Henry VIII's cultural revolution and the linking of Church and State after the break with Rome. Although potent traditions praise both 'Reformation' and 'Renaissance' as moments of liberation, this book argues the reverse. Simpson shows that the emergent centralized culture narrowed and simplified the literary possibilities that had been enjoyed by late medieval writers. The consequences for literature, and even for the varieties of English in which it was written, were dramatic. From roughly 1350, where the volume starts, a wide range of literary kinds flourished, in a wide range of dialects. Many of these texts can be described as a mixed commonwealth of styles and genres, such as Langland's Piers Plowman, Gower's Confessio Amantis, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the dramatic 'mystery' cycles, and Malory's Works. In the sixteenth century this stylistic variety gave way to a literary practice that prized coherence and unity above all. Some kinds of writing, especially romance, survived. Others, such as Langland's brand of ecclesiology, the 'Aristotelian' politics of Gower and Hoccleve, and the feminine visionary mode of Julian of Norwich, became untenable. Religious cycle drama outlived the 1530s but was suppressed within the next forty years. Sixteenth-century writing, by figures such as Wyatt, Surrey, and the dramatist John Bale, emerges in this book as the product of profoundly divided writers, torn between their commitment to the new order and their awareness of its painful, often destructive strictures.

Most writings on church history have been concerned mainly with church hierarchy, and with theology, liturgy and canon law. This book looks at the church 'from below', from the lowest stratum of its organisation - the parish - in which the church building is seen as the parishioners' handiwork and as a reflection of local popular culture. The book discusses in turn the origin and development of the system of precisely-defined parishes, their function - in terms of economics and personnel - and the church fabric which embodied the aspirations of parishioners, who saw the church more as an expression of their cultural and social hopes than as the embodiment of their faith. The book ends with the failure of the parish to meet all of its obligations - social, governmental and religious - from the late eighteenth century onwards.

A seismic wave of revolution is about to shake our world with the emergence of apostolic centers. In one of the most radical shifts for today's global church and the apostolic movement, Alain Caron shares strategic concepts from Scripture and personal experiences for transitioning today's church into dynamic training and sending bodies of believers called apostolic centers. Much more than a case study, this book delivers practical concepts any fellowship can implement to build a Spirit-led, apostolic gathering that actively impacts the world around us. If you desire greater kingdom impact in your region, if you want to unleash what God has purposed for His church, Apostolic Centers is your guide to transforming your local church into a vibrant body where every believer manifests exponential life and delivers healing transformation to a world in need.

In the earliest days of the Christian Church, the new faith was very different that many churches today. The earliest generations of the Church were led by men who lived with Jesus himself, and they taught the People of God personally - relating events from Christ's life from their personal experience. The primary Scriptures used by Christians was the Old (Hebrew) Testament, as made available in the Temple and in the Greek Septuagint. They had and shared letters from the Church leaders and understood from their teachings how to be Christians, or 'People of the Way'. What did those early Church leaders teach? In the days before the Gospels or the New Testament, what was their understanding of the message of Christ? How did this compare to the Pagan religions that surrounded them? How did their new Church differ from the faith of the Jews? All of these questions can clearly be understood by reading the earliest writings - many of them written before the Bible was complete. Some existed before any Gospels were written, and almost all were written before the Canon was finally established. In Volume 1, we present some writings of the Apostles, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, and reference materials for the books of the Early Christian Writers. Included are the Didache (the earliest Catechism), The Shepherd of Hermas, and the discussion between Justin and Trypho the Jew.

Celebration is an important component of preaching. Fifteen years, after its release, They Like to Never Quit Praising God continues to illustrate the steps that are essential to understand and experience the Gospel through celebration and praise.

Through the unique lens of African American preaching, Thomas explores the theology, dynamics and guidelines for celebrative preaching.

Part of the Loyalty series, Loyalty and Disloyalty deals firmly with the fine line that distinguishes between the two attitudes, and talks about the defining moments we should all be aware of in our own lives, and the lives of those around us. This book is a roadmap for both leaders and followers. As leaders, we need wisdom to guide our sensitivities. Picking up disloyalty early on in those around us can prevent disaster later. Taking action swiftly and firmly is vital. As followers, we need to be keenly aware when our own loyalty to our shepherds is being diverted within ourselves. Though a primary requirement of God for leaders, very little has been written on this subject. In this book, Dag Heward-Mills outlines very important principles, with the intention of increasing the stability of churches. So relevant and practical is the content of this book that it has become an indispensable tool for many church leaders. Dag Heward-Mills is the founder of Lighthouse Chapel International, which has become a worldwide denomination. He is the author of several best-selling books and his radio, TV and internet programs reach millions around the world. Other outreaches include conferences for pastors and ministers, and the renowned Anagkazo Bible Ministry & Training Centre. "...a life-changing book. I believe your life will be greatly enriched and renewed as you absorb and apply the truth it brings to light. Surely it is God's desire that you become a leader who has purpose, and is consistent in your personal life and ministry. You will not only perceive your need to be a great leader, but you will understand how to achieve it with victory and confidence." - John Delgado, President, Vision International University, Florida, USA.

Modern ecclesiology is too concerned with the ideal church, and pays too little attention to its sinful everyday life. Pluralism and postmodernism are discussed, and the argument made that well-meaning attempts to affirm non-Christian religions make it difficult for them or the church to argue that its convictions are true. The book shows that one can talk about the church and other religious communities in ways that acknowledge their uniqueness and truth claims, but also their problems and mistakes. New disciplines are proposed: theological history, theological sociology and ecclesiological ethnography.

2nd Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." In a simplistic manner this book teaches standard operational truths that are pertinent to the life of any ministry. If you have heard the voice of the Lord call you to start a ministry but do not know the basic truths that are central to your getting started, then this book is for you. Inside you will find subjects such as: Prayer Servant-Leader Leadership Attributes Leadership/ Follow-ship You are empowered and equipped Laying on of hands The use of anointing oil Ordination for Christian ministry Music Teamwork Conflict Resolution Financial Stewardship Anointed and appointed to teach and train leaders to fulfill the call of God on their lives. Karen Proctor is passionate about taking the gospel throughout the world and seeing lives transformed through the power of God as she travels to minster throughout the USA, internationally and her local church. Through her ministry countless lives have be transformed. Karen is a native Floridian, the mother of two daughters and one son, she is also a graduate of St. Thomas University in Miami, FL earning both a BA in Organizational Leadership and MPS in Executive Management.

Drawing on the wisdom and teaching experience of highly respected theologians, the Engaging Theology series builds a firm foundation for graduate study and other ministry formation programs. Each of the six volumes - Scripture, Jesus, God, Discipleship, Anthropology, and Church - is concerned with retrieving, carefully evaluating, and constructively interpreting the Christian tradition. Comprehensive in scope and accessibly written, these volumes, used together or independently, will stimulate rich theological reflection and discussion. More important, the series will create and sustain the passion of the next generation of theologians and church leaders.

What does it mean to be human in the twenty-first century? Susan Ross explores this question through the lens of human desires: for God, freedom, knowledge, love, and pleasure, but also for power, consumer goods, self- gratification, and money. Beginning with biblical narratives of human desires, she goes on to consider how ancient, medieval, and modern thinkers have wrestled with the various ways that human beings have sought fulfillment in the world and in God.

The twenty-first century brings new questions and continuing challenges: In a world of increasing complexity and fragmentation, can we still talk about the ?self How have feminism and new thinking about sexuality changed the ways we think about ourselves? How do we maintain our humanity in the face of monstrous human evil? What do the findings of science say about our uniqueness as human beings?

"Anthropology: Seeking Light and Beauty" offers a path through the many conflicting views of humanity, suggesting a fuller way of living as we try to follow the example of Jesus.

"Susan A. Ross is a professor and chair of the theology department at Loyola University Chicago. She is a vice-president and member of the Board of Editors of Concilium, the international theological journal. She is the author of"Extravagant Affections: A Feminist Sacramental Theology "(1998) and" For the Beauty of the Earth: Women, Sacramentality, and Justice "(2006)."

In this book the renowned medievalist G.R. Evans provides a concise introduction to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a figure of towering importance on the twelfth-century monastic and theological scene. After a brief overview of Bernard's life, Evans focuses on a few major themes in his work, including his theology of spirituality and his theology of the political life of the Church. The only available introduction to Bernard's life and thought, this latest addition to the Great Medieval Thinkers series will appeal to a wide audience of students and scholars of history and theology.

In this book the renowned medievalist G.R. Evans provides a concise introduction to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a figure of towering importance on the twelfth-century monastic and theological scene. After a brief overview of Bernard's life, Evans focuses on a few major themes in his work, including his theology of spirituality and his theology of the political life of the Church. The only available introduction to Bernard's life and thought, this latest addition to the Great Medieval Thinkers series will appeal to a wide audience of students and scholars of history and theology.

Who needs another book on leadership? After reading Dr. Parolini's manuscript, I concluded that I did. This personal, thoughtful and challenging book takes two well recognized leadership models, puts them in dialog, and synthesizes a more robust model. Using her research, consulting experience, and life story, Dr. Parolini challenges leaders to grow their character as a basis for growing their skills as a leader. This is not a book to skim. The reader will gain the most from interacting with the frequent questions and exercises that link the material with the leader's character and style. Illustrations from the Bible pointedly and powerfully bring home the principles of Transformational Servant Leadership. As you pick up this book be prepared to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Jay Barnes President, Bethel University There are two kinds of people in the world - 'here I am' kind of people and 'there you are' kind of people. Transformational servant leaders are always other-centered leaders who help facilitate personal and corporate change with high impact. Jeanine Parolini' is a 'there you are' kind of leader whose interactive style will stretch your mind, enlarge your heart, and ignite your desire to better understand and practice Transformational Servant Leadership. I know this because she has consulted with me and our organization to define reality and clarify direction. Learn how to be the new kind of hero that is necessary in our world today through the Parolini Transformation and Servant Leadership Scale included in these pages. Joel Johnson Senior Pastor, Westwood Community Church Dr. Jeanine Parolini serves as a leadership and organizational development coach and consultant. She is also adjunct faculty and an advisor for Bethel and Trinity Western Universities, and an instructor and a certification coach for Peacemaker Ministries. She leads seminars, presents at conferences, and has authored a number of articles including Distinguishing Transformational and Servant Leadership and Moving from Maturity to Renewal: An Investigation of Culture and Innovation. She earned an MBA from Dominican University and a MA from Bethel Seminary. Dr. Parolini completed her PhD at Regent University and her dissertation topic is: Investigating the Distinctions Between Transformational and Servant Leaders.

This short book is a description of the vision the Lord gave me about what is messing with the churches and ministries in America and why they can't seem to change. If I'm right, this is a horrifying state of things - far worse than anyone knows - and far more hopeless. This is NOT about deliverance or about fighting Satan. This is about what GOD HIMSELF has done to us because of our disobedience. He said that He would turn us over to a "strong delusion" if we went our own way - and we did - and He did Read it and weep. No, I mean it. Weep. That is our only hope. Read Ezekiel 9. Everybody that isn't crying about this is a dead body in a defiled temple.

New England theologian Jonathan Edwards came to prominence at the culmination of a dramatic paradigm shift in millennialism that had begun in the sixteenth century, declaring that a thousand-year earthly kingdom would arrive in the future. For Edwards, the land of Israel would be the ideal location of the millennial kingdom, and the people of Israel, after their restoration, would play critical and decisive roles in the millennium's commencement. Edwards's millennial vision was also cosmic, however, and included both Europe and China. Unlike his Protestant predecessors and his Puritan contemporaries, Edwards's millennialism de-centralized England and New England. Contrary to what many have argued, Edwards neither originated nor advocated the notion of the American redeemer nation. In America's Theologian Beyond America, Victor Zhu establishes the coherence of Edwards's Judeo-centric and cosmic vision of the millennial kingdom and argues that this vision is an indispensable part of Edwards's theological system. He highlights three theological loci in Edwards's millennialism: the greatness of God's divine sovereignty, the magnificence of His glory, and the capaciousness of His kingdom. Zhu demonstrates Edwards's conviction of the progressive realization of the kingdom, refuting the prevailing misinterpretation that Edwards thought the millennium was imminent. He explores Edwards's cosmic vision of the millennial kingdom, which extended from New England and Israel to China and other parts of the "heathen" world. In conclusion, Zhu examines the contemporary relevance of Edwards's millennialism in Chinese millennial movements.

In this new study, James Brenneman confronts the issue of conflicting canons with full force, incorporating insights gained from both literary and biblical disciplines on the question of canon. He begins with an illuminating tour through contemporary literary theory from Hans Robert Jauss to Stanley Fish, and current discussions in theology about the canon. He goes on to a consideration of true and false prophesy, with a detailed examination of the three apparently conflicting versions of the Old Testament "swords into plowshares" prophesy, as found in Isaiah 2:2-4,5; Joel 4:9-12 (Eng. 3:9-12); and Micah 4:1-5. Suggesting that the dynamics controlling the process for negotiating between contradictory readings of prophetic texts are the same as those at work in adjudicating between canons in conflict, Brenneman concludes by pointing the way towards an integrative approach appropriate to the question of canon and authority in a "post-modern" pluralistic context.

Recent years have seen the entry of large numbers of women into the ordained clergy of Protestant churches. Nesbitt here analyses the extent to which the large-scale entry of women into the ministry has affected the occupation.