Christianity started in Jerusalem. For many centuries it was concentrated in the West, in Europe and North America. But in the past century the church expanded rapidly across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Thus Christianity's geographic center of density is now in the West African country of Mali-in Timbuktu. What led to the church's vibrant growth throughout the Global South? Brian Stiller identifies five key factors that have shaped the church, from a renewed openness to the move of the Holy Spirit to the empowerment of indigenous leadership. While in some areas Christianity is embattled and threatened, in many places it is flourishing as never before. Discover the surprising story of the global advance of the gospel. And be encouraged that Jesus' witness continues to the ends of the earth.

Dr Brian Stiller has spent a life-time leading and teaching others to lead. He has led small ministries, large organizations and everything in between. During his years he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills. In this new 95 page collection of wisdom, humour and history, Brian shares some of the insights and wisdom he has gleaned in his 50 years of leadership. Major sections include: Leading with Vision, Discerning The Times, Perspective Matters, Taking Risks, Smoothing The Rough Edges, Embracing Change and Gifting To Lead.

Life, as we know it, will end. It's not a thought that tends to occupy us when we're young and in full health and vigor. We take risks, some foolhardy. We live as though we're immortal. And when we have our own children we are renewed, and life is good. But we can't look in the mirror every day without noticing subtle signs of change. We can't lose a loved one without reflecting on the passage of time and being nagged by the question, "What is it in life that I've yet to accomplish?" It's not a giant leap from asking that question about ourselves to wanting to know "What happens when I die?" Brian Stiller, author of WHEN LIFE HURTS, took on the task of answering this challenging question. Where is the proof that anything is going to happen? Why not just live life for the day, because that's all there is? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DIE? is a journey toward understanding the nature of life after death, one that leads ultimately to the Scriptures and a promise given by God. It is a promise rooted in faith and joy. It is a promise that has everything to do with what we make of our life here on earth. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DIE? is not just about death, but living a fulfilled, loving and caring life. The choice is ours to seek and receive God's gift-or not. But the way has been prepared as this insightful and thought-provoking book affirms.

This book by Brian C. Stiller thoughtfully captures 20 years of insights and reflections from his work in the public square, providing an analysis for the biblical call to "occupy until I come" and a practical guide for serving God through serving our world. As president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, Stiller bacame a key public voice for people of biblical faith. As founder and editor-in-chief of Canada's national Christian magazine, "Faith Today," he spoke out on these issues. He also hosted the national television program, Cross Currents, and is author of eight books. Today he serves as president of Tyndale College &Seminary. He and his wife Lily live in Newmarket, Ontario.

Stiller argues that Jesus' parables, through their narrative, personal, and oral dimensions and reversal of expectations, provide unique access to Christianity for those whose experience and hopes we label "postmodern." Aligning contemporary scholarship with today's cultural assumptions, Stiller offers preachers a working knowledge of postmodern sensibilities, an understanding of the parable genre, an analysis of ten parables, and a sample of how one might preach them effectively. "However we understand the 'postmodern' era, we are not 'post' the need to pay careful attention to the parables of Jesus. In this excellent study, Brian Stiller provides us with many profound insights about how to apply these stories to the complexities of our contemporary lives. Many congregations will be blessed by preachers and teachers who draw on the wisdom offered in this book " - Richard J. Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy Fuller Theological Seminary "Brian Stiller welcomes Jesus' parables not as mild moralisms, but risky, brilliant glimpses of God's love and mercy in a world starved for promise. This book is a workshop for preachers, breaking open one parable after another to the truth of God's great surprise in Jesus." - David Tiede, President and Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary "Here is a book on the New Testament parables that is both faithful to the biblical texture of these ancient stories and sensitive to the world in which they must be proclaimed today. A timely gift for preachers and evangelical storytellers everywhere. Thanks, Brian " - Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University and Executive Editor, Christianity Today Preface Postmodernity The Nature of Change The Premodern and Modern Ages The Postmodern Experiment Characteristics of Postmodernity Parables: A Window of Truth for Postmoderns Definition of Parable Relationship of Jesus' Parables to the Hebrew Tradition The Purpose of the Parable Characteristics of the Parables of Jesus Interpreting the Parables for Preaching Steps in Developing the Homiletical Text Preaching Parables to a Postmodern Age A Study of Parables for Sermon Preparation Parable One: The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) Parable Two: The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) Parable Three: Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) Parable Four: Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Parable Five: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Parable Six: The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:1-13) Parable Seven: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-14) Parable Eight: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32) Parable Nine: The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) Parable Ten: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) Conclusion Four Sermons Sermon One: The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) Sermon Two: Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Sermon Three: The good Samritan (Luke 10:25-37) Sermon Four: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15-11-32) Notes Bibliography Index