"A Beacon of Hope" presents a collection of poetic letters that author Reveral L. Yeargin has been writing since 1986. He has been inspired by the Lord to write words of encouragement and inspiration to share with those who believe in God. Through Yeargin's inspiring poetry, God has spoken with His Spirit so that everyone can read, study, and apply the wisdom from them to their everyday life. Each of these poetic letters is an inspiration of people, places, and things.

These letters have been written to clarify our views because all of us are searching for answers to many of life's challenging questions without knowing where to search to find the answers. "A Beacon of Hope" is vessel for gaining peace of mind for those things that we don't understand, thus allowing us to understand and embrace the paths that have been set before us in love. "

My prayer is that you receive this with an open heart and after you get it continue to trust in God
God can if you trust Him and He will if you continue to place your hope in Him Every tiny tree hopes to become full grown and you should have the desire to please your God
I see you as a complete success because you fixed your heart on climbing the highest mountain
There is no greater place in heaven or on this earth to put your hope than to hope in God"
-from "A Beacon of Hope"

Some evangelicals perceive monasticism as a relic from the past, a retreat from the world, or a shirking of the call to the Great Commission. At the same time, contemporary evangelical spirituality desires historical Christian manifestations of the faith. In this accessibly written book Greg Peters, an expert in monastic studies who is a Benedictine oblate and spiritual director, offers a historical survey of monasticism from its origins to current manifestations. Peters recovers the riches of the monastic tradition for contemporary spiritual formation and devotional practice, explaining why the monastic impulse is a valid and necessary manifestation of the Christian faith for today's church.

The WorshipMusic.com 2003 Book of the Year Andy Park writes, "I've learned through the years that becoming a worship leader involves far more than developing a set of skills--it's all about developing a life in God." Here's your opportunity to sit at the feet of one who has for twenty-five years led contemporary worship services in the United States and Canada. In Park's book you'll get an inside look at how this worship leader has learned to follow the leading of the Spirit as he brings others into God's presence. And you'll find practical advice, experienced counsel and inspiring ideas on a variety of issues like songwriting pulling together a team staying humble planning the flow of worship what to do in times of dryness working with the pastor and much more Above all, Park will help you discover what it means for you as a worship leader to be first and foremost a worshiper.

This lively book focuses on how different Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities engage with new media. Rather than simply reject or accept new media, religious communities negotiate complex relationships with these technologies in light of their history and beliefs. Heidi Campbell suggests a method for studying these processes she calls the "religious-social shaping of technology" and students are asked to consider four key areas: religious tradition and history; contemporary community values and priorities; negotiation and innovating technology in light of the community; communal discourses applied to justify use. A wealth of examples such as the Christian e-vangelism movement, Modern Islamic discourses about computers and the rise of the Jewish kosher cell phone, demonstrate the dominant strategies which emerge for religious media users, as well as the unique motivations that guide specific groups.

When the church began, an amazing diversity of people from different geographic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds gathered together to confess a common faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul cast a vision of one body where Jew and Gentile would worship together in unity. The Revelation to John likewise foreshadows an eternal future where all nations will join together at the throne of the Lamb. Sadly, Christianity has not often lived up to this ideal. The history of the church has been marked by continued segregation, ethnic strife and racial division. But at the dawn of a new millennium, hopeful signs of change are emerging. As society diversifies, local churches find themselves interacting with people from every tribe and tongue. But not every church is equipped to handle the realities of ethnic and racial diversity in their congregational life. Sociologist George Yancey's groundbreaking research on multiracial churches offers key principles for church leaders who want to minister to people from a variety of racial and cultural backgrounds. Insights from real-life congregations provide concrete examples of how churches can welcome those who have been marginalized, giving people of all heritages a sense of ownership and partnership in the life of the church. Based on data from a landmark Lilly Endowment study of multiracial churches across America, this volume offers insights and implications for church leadership, worship styles, conflict resolution and much more. Here is an essential resource for pastors and church leaders committed to cultural, ethnic and racial reconciliation in their congregations.

This work was originally published in 1936. This volume discusses the Islamic faith in the perspective of the ancient Arabian monotheism and its similarities with Christianity and Judaism. The similarities not only in dogma, but also in the ritual of Nestorian Christianity are discussed as well as an interpretation of Mohammed's religious personality.

This study guide by Dane Ortlund helps readers reflect further on the biblical truths found in Gentle and Lowly through discussion questions organized into 10 helpful lessons. Designed for individual and small-group use.

This edited volume is a compilation of original scholarly papers on the theme of cultural diversity in Islamic thought and practice under conditions of early and late modernity, with a specific contemporary focus on the crisis of religious tolerance in the Muslim world. Particular emphasis is placed upon Islamic concepts of cultural diversity as they contrast to the traditional Western liberal approach that takes a neutral position on tolerance to cultural difference.

A re-examination of Jewish scripture and teachings about disabilities Few people are untouched by the issue of disability, whether personally or through a friend or relative. Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability shares moving insights from around the world and across the broad spectrum of Judaism on how and why the Jewish community is incomplete without the presence and participation of the disabled. Authors representing each of the three main movements of JudaismOrthodox, Conservative, and Reformexamine theology, scripture, ethics, practical theology, religious education, and personal experience to understand and apply the lessons and wisdom of the past to issues of the present. Authors from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia reflect on their theological understandings of specific disabilities and on disability as a whole. Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability re-examines tradition, teachings, and beliefs to shatter stereotypes of Judaism and common interpretations of scripture. This unique book addresses several disabilities (blindness, deafness, intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disabilities), and a wide range of topics, including human rights and disabilities, Jewish laws concerning niddah, misconceptions about disabilities in the Hebrew Bible, Jewish community programs to include people with disabilities, and the need to educate American Jews about Jewish genetic diseases. Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability examines: three methods that allow Jews who are blind to participate in the Torah service the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities the attitude of Jewish Law toward marriage and parenthood on people with intellectual disabilities how the rabbis of the Mishnah incorporated Greco-Roman beliefs about the connections between hearing, speech, and intelligence into Jewish law a sampling of opinions issued on matters concerning disabilities by the Responsa Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis how the Jewish sages have made participation by people with disabilities possible and much more Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability also includes reviews of Judaism and Disability: Portrayals in Ancient Texts from the Tanach through the Bavil and Disability in Jewish Law, as well as comprehensive resource collections. This book is an essential read for clergy and lay leaders involved in the support of people with disabilities, for the families of people with disabilities, and for anyone working with the disabled.

Discover the marketing basics to draw new membersand more fundsto your church! Though more and more religious organizations increasingly attempt to use marketing techniques to improve response, little literature exists to explain crucial concepts, terms, and strategies. The Concise Encyclopedia of Church and Religious Organization Marketing fills this gap by providing novice marketers with basic theories and terms in easy-to-understand language. This A-to-Z reference presents the essential concepts and techniques, such as benefits to constituents, target markets, market research, and advertising, all with plain and concise explanations to apply to your situation, all aimed to effectively increase the numbers and resources of your faith-based organization. As people become increasingly inundated with advertising and given more choices, the need for a religious organization to cut through this informational clutter to present its own positive features to the right audience becomes vital. From social cause marketing to measuring attitudes of respondents and constituent analysis, the Concise Encyclopedia of Church and Religious Organization Marketing details the tools needed to measure and increase positive response to allow your organization to effectively compete in today's world. Numerous figures and tables clearly illustrate more complex concepts and terms to make comprehension fast and easy. An appendix has been included that provides a complete review of the early and contemporary literature applicable to marketing and religion as well as the origins of religious organizational marketing. The Concise Encyclopedia of Church and Religious Organization Marketing clarifies foundational marketing concepts and terms as they relate to church and religious organizations. Entries include: benefits brand equity cause-related marketing communication methods competition competitive advantage constituent analysis and behavior controlling marketing activities data collection and analysis demographics quantitative research directive marketing focus groups geodemographics marketing planning and research new program development performance evaluation and control publicity SWOT analysisStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of an organization target audience and so much more! The Concise Encyclopedia of Church and Religious Organization Marketing is the perfect source for marketing beginners looking for the basic knowledge needed to market their church or organization, as well as being a quick bookshelf reference for more experienced religious marketers.

Lectionary studies were almost abandoned after the mid-twentieth century, and the recent revival of interest in the Greek Lectionary has concentrated exclusively on the Gospel Lectionary. Gibson reintroduces the value of the Apostolos yet incorporates modern methodology in order to build upon the work of recent Lectionary scholarship, analysing New Testament and liturgical textual traditions together, both compilation and continuous text. Through this process, it is shown that the Apostolos witness is not usually copied to another and that consequently there is no 'Lectionary text' of Acts and Paul. Instead, Apostolos copies reflect textual variation in the evolving Byzantine tradition. This study concentrates on the Apostolos in its scribal, monastic, liturgical, and theological context as well as in light of other manuscript traditions.

Learn to conduct a client-centered assessment of spiritualityand use the findings to enhance your interventions as well as your clients' psychospiritual coping abilities Even to clinicians practiced in helping clients to manage their stress, the impact of clients' spirituality upon their mental health can be difficult to discern and discuss. Moreover, ethical dilemmas can arise when clinicians feel compelled to intervene with a client's negative religious coping. Spirituality and Mental Health: Clinical Applications can help. This thought-provoking guide for mental health professionals and pastoral counselors provides you with a framework to assess and incorporate client-based spirituality into your practice. The author provides case examples and clinical models related to spirituality and mental health, as well as useful questionnaires for assessing clients. He provides a client-centered ethical framework for integrating spirituality into treatment, and then discusses how to apply it to clients' problems, especially those related to life crises, resentment over past offenses, guilt over past mistakes, and substance abuse. He also discusses how mindfulness meditation can enhance clients' coping ability. Finally, he includes a useful Leader's Guide for the psychoeducational spirituality group, which is designed to educate patients and church groups. Spirituality and Mental Health: Clinical Applications shows how professionals in the above disciplines can address the impact of spirituality on clients by: gaining an understanding of the construct of spirituality assessing spirituality and its interface with clients' presenting problems, particularly when spirituality is central to their values. intervening sensitively in ways that use clients' spiritual perspectives and practices to enhance their coping mechanisms. using the included Leader's Guide to the 5-session psychoeducational spirituality group As the baby boom generation ages, faith becomes a more integral part of that generation's consciousness. Whether you are a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, or a pastoral counselor, Spirituality and Mental Health: Clinical Applications is a resource that you'll return to again and again as you work to improve the lives of your clients.

Compare worldwide religious regulations involving gay sex and masculinity! Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods: An Exploration into the Religious Significance of Male Homosexuality in World Perspective is an eye-opening look at the traditions of particular religions and their edicts concerning gay sex. This book examines the origins of holy directives involving homosexualitywhether forbidden, tolerated, or mandatoryand establishes a link between theology, sex roles, and the sensitive issue of masculinity. This text draws a parallel between homosexuality and the idea of religion, suggesting that gay rights can be understood as a freedom of religion issue. While most readers are familiar with the traditional Islamic, Christian, and Hebrew prohibitions against sex between two males, this book also reveals other historic religions from around the world that neither opposed nor looked down on homosexuality. Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods argues that masculinity is the universal theme that formed historical interpretationwarriors and men of high status could not be sexually receptive or feminine and still be called men. This intriguing text shows how the modern homophile movements are in effect redefining masculinity to obliterate the stigma of being a sexually receptive man. Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods examines the significance of homosexuality in such religions as: the Sambians of New Guinea the Taoists of Ancient China Plato and the later Stoics Islamic Sufism Native American culture Hebrew Scriptures early Christianity Buddhism Men, Homosexuality, and the Gods is an enlightening book that honors homosexual claims to moral integrity and appreciates religion and religious figures without rancor. Easy-to-read and free of technical language, this volume is for anyone who has an academic, professional, or personal interest in theology and homosexuality. The author is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted at [email protected]

A fascinating glimpse into the world of Medieval Monasticism. Durham Cathedral is one of the most complete sets of monastic buildings in Europe, housing clues to the life of a prominent and thriving medieval Benedictine community. Through its buildings, and the books, treasures and records housed within, the world of Durham's monastic past comes alive once more, offering clues to the history of this vital Norman stronghold, and providing a critical exemplar of the medieval monastic life. "In republishing this excellent little book, we hope that the monastic tradition that was lived at Durham for nearly five centuries will come alive for contemporary readers. Today, Benedictine values continue to undergird our life as a Christian community in Durham ...so I hope that this book will help people of all ages to understand more about this cherished aspect of our history and heritage, and that through its insights into the past, it will add to visitors' enjoyment of the Cathedral and its precincts today." - The Very Revd Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham from the foreword

Stewardship: The Proven Path: Fund-raising Principles for Church Capital Campaigns is the first book by the national fund raising specialist James D. Klote. After years of educating churches one at a time, he felt called to put his experience and educational information into an easy to read, simple to follow format. He wants churches to achieve their goals in mission in ministry This inside look at the complexities of a Capital Campaign offers the unique perspective of his 20 years of experience with churches. The anecdotes throughout the book highlight the lessons he has learned along the way so you don't have to learn them. This easy to understand description of his practical and straightforward approach to a Capital Campaign will make you wonder why it is not the most common approach to fund raising. He describes in detail the process of conducting the campaign, complete with sample campaign prayers. However, he offers a warning to not attempt a campaign on your own if you have needs greater than one times your annual giving. Outlined are the most common mistakes made by churches attempting campaigns on their own and those made by part-time fund raising consulting firms. You will be convinced that there is more to a Capital Campaign than you might imagine and the guidance of a full time consultant is the key to Capital Campaign success.

This is Volume XII of sixteen of the Oriental series looking at Buddhism. It was written in 1926, and looks at the Life of Gotama the Buddha, a religious teacher and reformer. This work is complied from the Pali Canon of the three Pitakas.

Private associations organized around a common cult, profession, ethnic identity, neighbourhood or family were common throughout the Greco-Roman antiquity, offering opportunities for sociability, cultic activities, mutual support and a context in which to display and recognize virtuous achievement. This second volume collects a representative selection of inscriptions from associations based on the North Coast of the Black Sea and in Asia Minor, published with English translations, brief explanatory notes, commentaries and full indices. This volume is essential for several areas of study: ancient patterns of social organization; the organization of diasporic communities in the ancient Mediterranean; models for the structure of early Christian groups; and forms of sociability, status-displays, and the vocabularies of virtue.

This study of shamanistic practices in contemporary Japan examines the shamanic figures surviving in Japan today, their initiatory dreams, ascetic practices, the supernatural beings with whom they communicate, and the geography of the other world in myth and legend.

* Provides the only practical resource available to teach Buddhism as a complete counselling model. * The book will benefit western students by offering a non-western approach to counselling, raising their multicultural sensitivity to different assumptions about mental health. * Includes contemplative exercises, practise exercises, a list of Buddhist and psychological techniques for the Buddhist counselling model, plus additional reading suggestions.