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)."

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.

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.

Dr. Glenn W. Mollette has been writing most of his life. He is the author of numerous books. Church Growth 101 A Church Growth Guidebook for Ministers and Laity is based on his thirty-five plus years of pastoral ministries. All the churches Dr. Mollette served grew in attendance, mission giving and effective ministries. This is a must read for every pastor, church staff worker, and church member. In this book Dr. Mollette shares practical and simple insights that will help your church grow. He is a graduate of Georgetown College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Lexington Theological Seminary. He has served as President of the Kentucky Baptist Pastor's Conference and President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Today he is the President of Newburgh Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana and works with ministers in all fifty states and over forty countries.

Stemming from two conferences held in 1994 and 1996, Prophecy and Diplomacy: The Moral Doctrine of John Paul II explores the general orientations and the specific applications of the moral teaching of Pope John Paul II.

The first part of the book places the Pope's moral theory within a broader theological framework, attempting to identify the overarching philosophical and theological attitudes that shape the Pope's fundamental moral perspective. In part two, the work studies the Pope's teaching in the areas of applied ethics. Both the major lecturers and the respondents focus upon those areas of applied ethics that have provoked the greatest tension between the magisterium and the academy and between the Church and the State in the West.

The volume concludes by presenting a homily that places the ethics of John Paul II within a spiritual framework of repentance and redemption. The Pope's moral teaching is not an academic survey of ethical themes. Nor is it a Pelagian call to human self-regeneration. The ultimate truth concerning human conduct and moral judgment emerges only with the proclamation of God's grace.

What does the Bible really say about gender, the ethics of submission, and male-female roles? In this book, well-regarded theologian Alan Padgett offers a fresh approach to the debate. Through his careful interpretation of Paul's letters and broader New Testament teaching, the author shows how Christ's submission to the church models an appropriate understanding of gender roles and servant leadership. As Christ submits to the church, so all Christians must submit to, serve, and care for one another. Padgett articulates a creative approach to mutual submission and explores its practical outworking in the church today, providing biblical and ethical affirmation for equality in leadership.

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.

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.

The enigmatic Saint Patrick is perhaps the most widely known saint...about whom very little is widely known. This, then, is the perfect book for those who wish to become better acquainted with his true story. Originally published in 1911, this authoritative account of Saint Patrick's life and deeds seeks to balance the many popular legends with the best scholarship of the day. The result is neither overly scholarly nor overly fanciful--just a straightforward, readable narrative that is sure to appeal to all ages. Moreover, those works which are reliably attributed to Saint Patrick--namely his Confession, his Epistle to Coroticus, and his Prayer before Tara (also known as St. Patrick's Breastplate)--can be found in their entirety in the appendix.
What sets this edition apart from other books about this saint, however, are the copious illustrations. These engravings, taken from a 19th century text, portray Patrick not as a stately bishop, but in the simple robes which are perhaps better fitted for this greatest of missionary saints.

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.

There's a ticking time bomb in your ministry. Is it you? The pressures of pastoring are endless, leading many to burnout and depression, sexual misconduct, or substance abuse. But moral failures can be averted and shipwrecked ministries can be repaired. Counselor Michael MacKenzie, a longtime expert in helping pastors at risk, deals with the issues beneath the issues, such as shame, fear, and pain. If we don't address our own weakness and brokenness, we will hurt ourselves and those around us. With vivid pictures of both self-destructive patterns and reconstructive grace, MacKenzie shows how to lay the groundwork for restored identity and service. God can use those exact areas of vulnerability as a catalyst to you becoming the pastor and person he intends you to be. Defuse the bomb before it goes off. Find hope for healing and recovery.

This book offers portraits of twenty of the secondary theologians of the Reformation period. In addition to describing a particular theologian, each portrait explores one problem in 16th-century Christian thought. Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, and Radical thinkers are all represented in this volume, which serves as both an introduction to the field and a handy reference for scholars.

Liturgy is concerned with the worship of God. Yet in spite of that - some might say because of that - it is necessary to have rules. It is sometimes mistakenly thought that these rules are archaic and therefore irrevelant; in fact the rules and their interpretation have changed considerably in recent years, so much so that there is now widespread concern among the clergy and church administrators about the degree to which Liturgical Law is being correctly understood and applied. This book has a straight forward aim which is to describe and analyse a wide range of Ecclesiastical Law topics which are scarcely dealt with in other books on Church Law and Ecclesiastical Law. As such it provides not merely a statement of legal principles but also a discussion in-depth of the relevant law and its developments. The style is precise and easy to read. The authorities and foot-notes are comprehensive. Arguably it presents the most comprehensive coverage of Ecclesiastical Law published in modern times.

Bishop Bismark is calling believers from all over the world to a new level of thinking; a new level of engagement and a new level of ministry. In this book, he focused on levels of authority and anointing, spheres of power, dimensions of the Spirit and levels of praise.

Strategic planning here is an interactive process in which leaders, managers, and followers create a common goal together. Ebener and Smith, using their years of experience as consultants and teachers, have distilled their knowledge into a simple step-by-step process that can be used in the three types of organizations: business, not-for-profit, and public. The importance of planning and preparation, prioritizing needs, communication, and accountability in implementation are highlighted. Introduction: Strategic Leadership Chapter 1: Set the Stage-Initiate the Interactive Process Chapter 2: Do Your Homework Chapter 3: Name Your Culture Chapter 4: Frame the Questions Chapter 5: Answer the Questions Chapter 6: Take Action Chapter 7: Lead the Vision Chapter 8: Hold Yourself Accountable

Dizzying changes have taken place in American religious life in the last half century. Yet in spite of that fact, taking a snapshot of a typical Christian church in America would reveal a surprising number of small-to-mid-sized congregations, rooted in a local neighborhood or community, tied to a specific denomination, where most of the members know each others names, and hence are blessed (and cursed) with being the church together.

In this clear-eyed, humorous appraisal, Jason Byassee contends that the church around the corner occupies a particular place in the divine economy, that it is especially capable of forming us in the virtues, perspectives, and habits that make up the Christian life. Not that he romanticizes these churches, however. Having been a rural, small membership church pastor, Byassee knows too well the particular vices and temptations to which they are subject. But he also knows the particular graces they ve been given, graces like the prayer ladies, those pillars of the congregation who, when one told you she was praying for you it meant something. When one hugged you, you remembered all week. When one cooked for you the casserole tasted like love. And when you were around them you were in the presence of Jesus.

Anyone who serves, or belongs to, a church around the corner will find their ministry strengthened by this enlivening, inspiring book. "

John Mason Neale, the prolific and popular hymn-writer, was a major presence in the religious culture of Victorian England. Through his wide-ranging literary activity he promoted `sobornost', or mutual understanding and recognition between Eastern and Western churches. This study, which concentrates on history, hymnody, and fiction, will be of value to students and scholars of Victorian literature and culture, church historians, and all those interested in the progress of ecumenism and the relations between Eastern and Western Europe.

In "Responsorial Psalms for Weekday Mass: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, " Father Anthony Ruff, OSB, offers a simple chanted setting and makes it possible for the responsorial psalm to be sung at every daily Mass during the seasons of the liturgical year. These responsorial psalms were conceived for unaccompanied singing led by a single cantor, but keyboard accompaniments and 'tar chords are provided for those who desire it.

The melodic settings use the eight Gregorian chant modes, as found in the psalm tones of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Type melodies, one for each mode, are employed repeatedly for varying antiphon texts, making it easier for cantor and congregation to pick up the antiphon melodies. The psalm verses are provided in two translations, the New American Bible translation of the United States "Lectionary for Mass" and the Grail translation, as revised in 1983 for inclusive human language. This unique collection of psalm music allows us to celebrate the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter more fully.

Download ready-to-use Seasonal Assembly Leaflets of the antiphons

"Anthony Ruff, OSB, is a monk of Saint John's Abbey. He teaches theolo' litur' and'ian chant at Saint John's University and plays or' in the abbey. Ruff is the founding director of the National Catholic Youth Choir and is a frequent presenter across the U.S. on topics of liturgy and music. In addition to his many journal articles, he is the author of "Sacred Music and Liturgical Reform: Treasures and Transformations."

Every church needs leadership. But leadership should not reside in a single pastor. The biblical model for church leadership is found in teams of elders who together guide the community into God's mission. Church leaders J.R. Briggs and Bob Hyatt provide a comprehensive picture of elders as agents of mission for their communities. Healthy eldership structures a church for mission, as elder teams model the kind of community the local church is intended to be and steward the gospel in a local context. Looking at eldership through a missiological lens, Briggs and Hyatt unpack the role, character and posture of a mission-oriented elder. Elders oversee, shepherd, teach, equip and model for God?s people what life with Jesus looks like in a particular context. Including a study guide that elder teams can work through together, the authors provide practical guidance for how elders are selected, work together, make decisions, protect the congregation and invest in the lives of others. Discover here a clear vision for what it means to be a faithful elder. May it help you and your church thrive in pursuing God's mission in the world.

It all began with a Radio show and an email - when Andrew Strom was invited onto a Christian radio station to discuss the growing phenomenon of "Out-of-church Christians" - the fact that seemingly tens of thousands of dedicated believers are leaving the churches. But why? That same week he published an article on the subject on his international Email List. The result was an absolute deluge of responses from all over the world - literally thousands. Christian Pollster George Barna has stated that the number of unchurched adults in America is growing by a staggering ONE MILLION people per year. Barna's research has also found that there are more than 13 million 'Born Again' believers in America who do not attend church. Why is this trend growing? Why are thousands upon thousands of devoted Christians leaving the churches? Is it a 'movement'? And why is it occurring in so many different parts of the world? This is a book that every Christian leader should read. Hear from dozens of believers who have left - and why. Are there solutions to this crisis? A book for everyone concerned about the future of Western Christianity - and where it is heading today.

Mathew Philip has done a fine job of producing a much-needed study of Christian leadership derived from the context of his own ministry experience. It is a healthy balance between Biblical investigation on the subject on one hand and practical everyday concerns and issues on the other. The topics addressed are laid out quite independently from each other and this makes for easy reading. For this reason, lecturers in Bible schools will find it especially useful. Graham Houghton, Ph.D. Cambridge, New Zealand. Recent years saw the publication of scores of books on leadership, both in Christian circles and in the secular world of politics and business. But this book fills in some gaps and will be a valuable addition to them. It is written in a style and format that is very reader-friendly. The ideas are communicated well. This book could serve as a good textbook in classes on leadership in theological institutions. Saphir Athyal, Ph.D. World Vision International, Asia Pacific Region. Rev Mathew Philip is an author, pastor and Bible teacher. He is currently involved in Christian ministry in Philadelphia, PA with his family. He graduated from Kerala University (1986) and went on to obtain B.D. (SABC, 1990). After a time of missionary ministry in North India, received M.Th. (Missiology) from South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS, 1995), Bangalore. He served as the Dean of Students and taught Christian Mission and Leadership at the Gospel For Asia Biblical Seminary, Tiruvalla, Kerala, South India for about 13 years. With 22 years of experience in ministry and leadership, Mathew has also written several articles and the books, The Unique Christ-Dialogue in Missions, Expository Sermons in 1Thessalonians, and An Expository Study of 2Timothy.

Now back in print, this short biography of St. Therese of Lisieux by Dorothy Day expresses the surprising yet profound connection between Day - the founder of the Catholic Worker movement who was praised by Pope Francis for her passion for justice and dedication to her faith - and the beloved saint best known for her Little Way. Whether you are called to the active life like Day or a more hidden existence like Therese, you will discover that these paths have much in common and can lead you to a love that has the power to transform you in ways that are unexpected and consequential. Written originally for nonbelievers or those unaware of Therese, the book reflects how Day came to appreciate Therese's Little Way, not as an abstract concept, but as a spirituality that she had already been living. Day's life, like Therese's, was filled with all the humble, self-effacing jobs that were a part of this work. She found in Therese a kindred spirit, one who saw these simple hidden tasks as the way to heaven.

Cosmic Grace, Humble Prayer presents the powerful ecological vision of Patriarch Bartholomew, drawing together a comprehensive collection of his church statements and occasional addresses, some available in English only here. This second edition provides an updated selection of letters and addresses by the Patriarch, including such statements from 2003 to 2007. / Editor John Chryssavgis has organized these pieces chronologically and thematically, highlighting particular points of interest and importance. In addition, he provides a substantial historical and theological introduction to the initiatives and writings of Patriarch Bartholomew that also invites readers into the unparalleled environmental perspective of the Orthodox Church.