The church has always been potentially just one generation away from extinction. But now, with a generation of under-thirty-five-year-olds turning away from institutional expressions of Christianity, churches in the West recognize that they face a challenge that is more urgent and radical than it has been for many generations. In this acclaimed study, the authors identify some of the major storm centres through which churches must navigate, not in order to return to a previously more tranquil world, but to enter an entirely new one. They look at mission, church structures, developing new leaders and mentoring, worship, spirituality and evangelism, and ask how our ministry must change in order to serve a new generation of Christians.

Ideas, resources and encouragement for small-group leaders. Ever since New Testament times small groups of Christians have met to learn, to worship and to grow together. An effective group enables its members to thrive in their Christian life and make an impact in their world. This guide equips small-group leaders to steer a group with confidence and competance. Written by experienced authors with much wisdom it will give you the vision you are looking for. Chapters explore: - What makes a good leader - Prayer and worship in a homegroup setting - Troubleshooting - Reaching out to others ...and much more. Essential reading whether you're starting a housegroup, taking an existing group forward or revitalizing a group that has gone a little flat. This practical guide will transform your vision, develop your skills, focus your aims and enable you to lead your group with panache.

Can welding a gatepost bring glory to God? Does ironing your children's uniforms help you grow as a disciple? Will your new crime prevention strategy do anything to further the kingdom? To all three Ian Coffey says a resounding 'yes'. With lively Bible teaching and drawing on a wealth of real-life stories, he shows how work was part of God's good plan for men and women - given to us so we can make a creative contribution in his world. Whatever your work, God is interested in it, God can transform it, and God wants to use it - for his glory.

God often seems most distant when we are going through our hardest times. And yet many people have found that it is exactly at the moments of their greatest struggle that they have met God most closely. Through vivid retellings of the stories of eight biblical characters who met God at points of extremity in their lives, Ian Coffey offers us inspirational ways of making the struggles we face an opportunity for growth. By sharing both modern examples of people who have faced the same sorts of struggles, and events in his own life, he gives us practical help and hope in our hardest moments. Esther & courage Jeremiah & inadequacy John & doubt Paul & fear Peter & imprisonment Ruth & loss Elijah & despair Mark & failure Full of rich reflection and thought-provoking questions, it will help us to discover the God who walks with his people through their darkest moments.