Sometimes Christians assume that people 'out there' are eager to listen to what the Church has to offer. But why should those we try to evangelize want to hear the gospel? Surely people will only be intrigued by Christian life and community when they see something provocative or attractive. Then they will want to know what's going on."The Provocative Church" offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the Kingdom - to stir people into asking, 'What does this mean?' - are spread throughout the whole Church. It encourages the development of a theology of conversion that sees beyond 'becoming a Christian' to bring each individual life increasingly under the rule of God.

The Provocative Church offers a liberating understanding of evangelism as a corporate activity, in which all the gifts needed to enact the life of the Kingdom - to stir people into asking, 'What does this mean?' - are spread throughout the whole Church. It encourages the development of a theology of conversion.

Martin Luther was one of the most influential figures of the last millennium, with around 900 million people worldwide belonging to Protestant churches that can trace their origins back to the Reformation which he started five hundred years ago. His thinking and his writing were always original, fresh, controversial and provocative; evoking world-changing reactions in the sixteenth century that are still echoed today. This book offers an accessible path into Luther's mode of thought, by paying close attention to the way he approached a wide range of issues in his own century, and how some of that thinking might give us new ways to approach contemporary issues. Analysing his approach to topics such as sex, freedom, prayer, evil, pilgrimage and Bible translation, Tomlin's analysis vividly illustrates the mind of a man who was very much of his time, and yet whose ideas still speak creatively to the modern world and those who follow in his footsteps. Combining scholarly insight into some of the key issues surrounding the study of Luther today with a written style that renders it easily accessible to the academic and non-specialist alike, the result is an ideal guide for those wishing to get inside the mind of this most remarkable man.

Priest outlines a new approach to priesthood, suggesting that we only begin to understand what a 'priest' is once we have understood what priesthood is theologically and biblically - God's way of blessing the world.

Building on the success of books offering key concepts in digestible form, Graham Tomlin writes for millennials and emerging adults who are seeking to make sense of life. Each of the ten chapters focuses on a common human experience - WONDER, LOVE, SUFFERING, SACRIFICE, SOUL, FREEDOM, TOGETHERNESS, CONNECTION, CHANGE, JOY - revealing how reflection on that experience points towards the God revealed in Christ. This is not a book of apologetics in the sense that it is arguing for the truth of Christianity; instead it shows how Christianity makes sense of our experience in a remarkably coherent way, opening up a much bigger and more exciting world than secular visions, or even other religious interpretations. It is written in a deliberately non-academic and popular style, though drawing on theological resources from the past.

Jesus's words in John 17 represent one of the church's highest values quot;May they all be one as you and I Father are one.quot; Yet divisions occur from the highest levels of the church to street level projects often neutralizing effectiveness and undercutting the credibility of Jesus's message. This book helps any believer turn the ideal of John 17 into reality. It provides solid grounding in the principles of partnership abundant case histories and empowering quot;how toquot; suggestions for lay person and ministry leader alike.

'A powerful defence of Christian orthodoxy, opening up its expansive, generous and life-giving vision.' ALISTER McGRATH 'Learned and wise, this is a book that achieves what even many Christians may find a startling feat: a demonstration that orthodoxy is far more radical & interesting a concept than heresy.' TOM HOLLAND 'Generous orthodoxy' is a liberating outlook that encourages the Church to embrace different traditions of belief, worship and prayer within a broad framework of Christian faith. But is it really possible to be both generous and orthodox? In Navigating a World of Grace, Graham Tomlin offers his own invigorating vision of a generous orthodoxy that is rooted in the creeds' description of a God who is, by nature, the essence of generous grace. Looking at the history of the church, he explores how orthodoxy can enrich and enhance our perception of the world. Rather than restricting us, it liberates us to be generous in our expressions of faith. This tantalizingly different theology, that brings together the best from every tradition, shows why orthodoxy is so important to the Christian faith - and how it can bring us together as a revitalized, unified and visionary Church. Accessible and insightful, Navigating a World of Grace acts as a companion volume to The Bond of Peace but can also be read by itself as an exploration and celebration how Christians of all denominations can show generosity and grace in embracing different traditions of worship while remaining united by a single orthodoxy of faith. Ideal reading for anyone wanting to understand the meaning of generous orthodoxy better or how we can engage with different parts of the church with grace, this is an encouraging and inspiring vision for the future of the church. Navigating a World of Grace challenges us to see that adopting an attitude of generosity towards other Christians and those outside the Christian faith is part of orthodoxy, and will result in a deeper, fuller experience of God than we can possibly imagine.

Churches vary a great deal - but can we see past all their differences to what underlies them? 'Generous orthodoxy' is a phrase that describes a Christianity both broad and deep, rooted in the historic creeds and embracing different expressions of Christian faith. Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is a ground-breaking, creative and practical exploration of what that really means, and how expressing it might bring about a sense of unity in the church that is badly needed in our fractured and polarised world. Drawing together leading theologians from the UK and the USA - including David Ford, Katherine Sonderegger, Willie Jennings, Tom Greggs, JKA Smith and Jane Williams - this collection of reflections explores how generous orthodoxy can be expressed through everything from worship and preaching to biblical theology, the arts and more. Based around a series of lectures held at St Mellitus College, and sponsored by the McDonald Agape Foundation, Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is essential reading for anyone interested in how the Christian Church can bridge the gap between denominations to negotiate the challenges of our 21st century world in a united manner. It will leave you, not only with a deeper understanding of generous orthodoxy, but the practical confidence to celebrate and embrace the differences in Christian denominations so we can all live together more joyfully - through the transforming and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

"An accessible account of Luther, his life, thoughts, writings and all that surrounded him. Tomlin's writing is readable and informative... For most people, this packed-full, not so little, littlebook will be just enough for them to feel that they now "get" Martin Luther." - Church of England Newspaper One of the towering characters of the Reformation, Martin Luther's actions, beliefs and writings have had an incalculable effect on the lives of millions of people. In this engaging book, Graham Tomlin paints a vivid picture of Luther's life, from his early struggles with faith to his emergence as the leading figure in the Reformation. The man revealed here is obstinate, sensitive, blunt and determined - willing to risk all for his convictions.

Graham is regarded as a theologian of the first rank, a writer with a keen pastoral commitment, and celebrated for his common touch

Everyone has an interest in housing, because we all live in some kind of home. While there has been plenty of theological reflection on the natural environment, there has been little on the built environment or on a theology of housing. Addressing the urgent problems of housing inequality and affordability, Coming Home proposes a practical and biblical theology of housing provision as an essential part of community building. It explores the purpose of home and housing today, housing and human flourishing, shared living and neighbourliness. It asks how and why the church should contribute to local and national housing policy - and thus to building community life - and offers case studies in community action. Contributors include Samuel Wells, Timothy Gorringe, Niamh Colbrook, Selina Stone, Angus Ritchie and Shermana Fletcher of the Centre for Theology and Community. Collectively, they bring theology and practice together.

Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference Paul's letters to the Philippians and Colossians celebrate the glory and supremacy of Jesus Christ and his saving work, a refrain that the reformers never grew tired of singing. While their tones are diverse, the clarity of their compositions and the power of their voices still reverberate today. Reformation commentators found the main themes of these Pauline letters deeply applicable to their circumstances, and volume editor Graham Tomlin urges that they are just as relevant to our own: Philippians overflows with thanksgiving in the midst of persecution and trials; Colossians defends the superiority of Jesus as Lord over all principalities and powers. For the Reformers as well as for Paul, all goodness and grace flows from Christ in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Col 1:19), the Son who "made himself nothing" (Phil 2:7) in order to bring many daughters and sons to glory. This volume assembles a diverse chorus spanning place, time, and confessional differences: from Italian Reform-minded Catholic Gasparo Contarini and German Lutheran Martin Chemnitz, to Dutch Anabaptist Menno Simons, to French Reformed Theodore Beza and English Puritan Richard Sibbes. Scholars and pastors alike will find many fruitful insights from these and a number of other significant figures--most of whom enjoy fresh translations from the original, many for the first time in English.

Five years in the making, this autobiography is thought-out and is meant to provoke worthwhile and necessary discussion on uncomfortable subject matter. Also, this book is meant to inspire millions of shunned persons with real-life and intimate encounters. A product of the sixties, the author knows the importance of surmounting, and not bypassing, obstacles or prevailing phobias. The author knows what happened in his life. The reader knows what happened in his or her life. It is your decision to accept it and then deal with it before it consumes and defines you. It cannot be hidden by money, status, rank, employment, sex and toys. It is there always; it cannot be washed away. Believing it does not matter is the shame. This book is honest. This book spares no one. In order for it to be effective, and help someone else heal, it has to meet a deep and aggravating pain. This book is written by someone who developed a love for words. His love is so intense that he is unafraid to play with constructions or guidelines to produce his own instrumental arrangements. He is respectful of ceremony and acknowledges the general comfort received by standardization: blue notes often bend the mind-and perspective. A thorough and honest account of my life, and of my retarders and how I succeeded despite them, this book is designed to serve as a guidebook or a handbook for individuals, young and old, male or female, Black, White, Hispanic, Indian, Asian, or Native American, during their undaunted and necessary travel through the underbrush of firm selective retarders and chameleon scarecrows. It is not too late to start or resume your journey. It is not too distant to behold what you believe you have the aptitude to do. If you fail-so what Live

Graham Tomlin suggests that the activity of the Holy Spirit is the key to a transforming knowledge of God, a radically emerged church and the hope for the future of a fragile and anxious world.

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, at least for some, with the number of gyms and memberships at an all-time high. Not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin argues that much of the modern church is spiritually flabby, its members lacking distinctiveness as Christians and its impact on modern culture correspondingly limited. What can be done? Physical health and fitness require discipline, self-denial and cost; so, too, with spiritual fitness. This is a very practical book giving churches and their members tools with which to start to reverse the trend of spiritual blandness, and to feel more confident as Christians in the modern world. Not only will this benefit those concerned but there will be a new impact on society as the church becomes more appealing, relevant and significant. This book is for all who feel dissatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church being much more relevant to modern culture.

Martin Luther was one of the most influential figures of the last millennium, with around 900 million people worldwide belonging to Protestant churches that trace their origins back to the Reformation he started five hundred years ago. His thinking and his writing were always original, fresh, controversial and provocative. They evoked strong reactions then, and still do today. This book offers an accessible way into that thinking by looking at the way he approached a wide range of issues in his own time, and how some of that thinking might give us new ways to approach contemporary issues. Examining his approach to topics such as sex, freedom, prayer, evil, pilgrimage and Bible translation, it illustrates vividly the mind of this man who was very much of his time, yet whose ideas still speak creatively to the modern world. It combines scholarly insight into some of the key issues surrounding the study of Luther today, while being written in a style that makes it accessible to the non-specialist. The result is a book that serves as an ideal handbook for those wishing to get inside the mind of this most remarkable man.