Today's world teaches that bigger is better. We measure success by the square feet of our homes and by the size of our bank accounts. But what if we've gotten it wrong? What if there's quality in smallness?
With 45 years of church leadership experience, James Killen came to believe that some of the biggest God moments can happen in the smallest of churches. Throughout the pages of "Living in the Conversation," Killen looks back through biblical history to remind us that God calls us to love Him with our hearts, minds, and souls. Ultimately, Killen convinces us that preaching and worship should always lead to a people connected to their God.
"Living in the Conversation "beckons the reader to abandon all presuppositions about what makes a church work, pointing back to God's commands to walk in love and share the truth of redemption. This is how a big faith is developed, and Killen calls even the smallest of churches to anticipate a holy revelation. When we expect a God encounter, we can then begin to live out the intangibles of the kingdom -- loving fellowship, vital worship, and a genuine and transformative relationship with a big and living God.
Prior to his passing in August 2013, James L. (Jim) Killen Jr. had retired from the United Methodist Church after a 45-year career in pastoral ministry. Jim extended his ministry into retirement through prison ministry, interim ministries, teaching, and writing. Jim taught classes in preaching and in Biblical Studies in pastor's schools. He wrote several books, including three published by CSS. He was a contributor to The Immediate Word and other parts of the CSS Publishing online pastor's resource SermonSuite (sermonsuite.com). He had degrees from the University of Houston (B.S. History and Philosophy) and Perkin's School of Theology at S.M.U. (B.D., D.Min.).

A RETROSPECT
By J. Hudson Taylor
Contents
I. THE POWER OF PRAYER
II. THE CALL TO SERVICE
II. PREPARATION FOR SERVICE
IV. FURTHER ANSWERS TO PRAYER
V. LIFE IN LONDON
VI. STRENGTHENED BY FAITH
VII. MIGHTY TO SAVE
VIII. VOYAGE TO CHINA
IX. EARLY MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES
X. FIRST EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS
XI. WITH THE REV. W. C. BURNS
XII. THE CALL TO SWATOW
"The Missionary Call" Words and Music
XIII. MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES
XIV. PROVIDENTIAL GUIDANCE
XV. SETTLEMENT IN NINGPO
XVI. TIMELY SUPPLIES
XVII. GOD A REFUGE FOR US
XVIII. A NEW AGENCY NEEDED
XIX. FORMATION OF THE C. I. M.
XX. THE MISSION IN 1894
THE MISSION IN 1902
STATIONS OF THE C. I. M.
Chapter 1 Excerpt
The following account of some of the experiences which eventually led to the formation of the CHINA INLAND MISSION, and to its taking the form in which it has been developed, first appeared in the pages of "China's Millions." Many of those who read it there asked that it might appear in separate form. Miss Guinness incorporated it in the "Story of the China Inland Mission," a record which contained the account of GOD's goodness to the beginning of 1894. But friends still asking for it in pamphlet form, for wider distribution, this edition is brought out.
Much of the material was taken from notes of addresses given in China during a conference of our missionaries; this will account for the direct and narrative form of the papers, which it has not been thought necessary to change.
It is always helpful to us to fix our attention on the GOD-ward aspect of Christian work; to realise that the work of GOD does not mean so much man's work for GOD, as GOD's own work through man. Furthermore, in our privileged position of fellow-workers with Him, while fully recognising all the benefits and blessings to be bestowed on a sin-stricken world through the proclamation of the Gospel and spread of the Truth, we should never lose sight of the higher aspect of our work - that of obedience to GOD, of bringing glory to His Name, of gladdening the heart of our GOD and FATHER by living and serving as His beloved children.
Many circumstances connected with my own early life and service presented this aspect of work vividly to me; and as I think of some of them, I am reminded of how much the cause of missions is indebted to many who are never themselves permitted to see the mission field - many, it may be, who are unable to give largely of their substance, and who will be not a little surprised in the Great Day to see how much the work has been advanced by their love, their sympathy, and their prayers. . .
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In the first edition of Making the Church Work, Hammett wrote that the church is not only in need of change, but also in need of a conversion. Now his conviction is stronger than ever. In this second edition, he addresses the issues of changing values--values about what leaders and their congregations are doing as a church and the effectiveness of their techniques. Hammett is convinced that until church leaders change their values, healthy, relevant, and effective churches are not likely to appear. Unique features of this book include: ? Overview of trends and issues impacting the church's ineffectiveness ? Opportunities for individual readers and small groups, and congregations to reflect on their journey in light of these trends and issues Practical guidance for addressing some problems and for equipping the church for more effective ministry in the 21st century