Is Christianity for those who can't get a life? What use is a dying God? Why is the Church so naff? If you've faced questions like these and felt tongue-tied, this is the book for you. It will help you talk more confidently with your friends about the hope that keeps you going. And during those times when you find that you are questioning your faith, the answers and ideas here may help you come to a deeper understanding of what you really believe. The user-friendly format of each chapter begins with a 'What they say' section. The author then identifies the key issue, before suggesting (in reassuring detail) how you might respond. All through the book you will find stories, as well as inspiring, poignant and witty quotes to work into your conversations whenever the opportunity may arise!

More creative ideas for public and private prayer This is a follow-up to John Pritchard's Intercessions Handbook, which has sold over 12,000 copies since it was published six years ago. It contains all new material, so will sell in addition to the original - it is not intended as a replacement. It will cover intercessions for: mainstream public worship festivals and special occassions informal worship and small groups children and young people and personal prayer.

'In this wonderful book, John Pritchard draws you into twenty of Jesus' most important questions, which ring as true today as ever they did. I loved it.' PAULA GOODER, CHANCELLOR OF ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, LONDON We usually think of Jesus as preaching and teaching, but throughout the gospels he is often asking questions - searching enquiries, that disarm the hearers into responding unreservedly and provide some of the most profound lessons in the New Testament. But what were the questions that Jesus asked? And how can we learn from them today? Twenty Questions Jesus Asked explores just that. Over four distinct sections, John Pritchard explores twenty of Jesus' conversations by imagining the experience of those being questioned and reflecting on their significance for us as modern Christians. With contemporary stories, questions for reflection and prayer exercises, Twenty Questions Jesus Asked is a brilliant book for both individual and small group use. With his characteristic grounded thoughtfulness, John Pritchard guides us through Jesus' questions and helps us better understand the lessons he was trying to impart, so that we can grow as disciples and apply Jesus' wisdom to every day life.

Lists can be an entertaining distraction but Ten demonstrates they can be stimulating too. With characteristic wit and candour, John Pritchard attempts to get clear in his own mind what he believes after 40 years of trying to make faith understandable to others. Topics include: - Ten problems people have with faith - Ten things I believe about God - Ten things I don't believe about God - Ten words of wisdom - Ten cliches to avoid - Ten ways to pray - Ten lessons learned This is a great book whether you're sceptical about Christianity, feel there may be something to it, or simply want reassurance - in the midst of life's frequently bewildering moments - that it really does make sense.

After an unforgettable three years, the charismatic teacher who called you and your brother James to follow him says, 'Right, let's go to Jerusalem' It's thrilling to be setting out on the next stage of the adventure. But life in the company of Jesus is not for the faint-hearted. Certainly there's fun, as lark about with the other young disciples. But it's pretty edgy too, not knowing who is going to turn up next and what might be expected of you. And as the days pass by, the huge demands on Jesus as he heals and teaches invoke both a strange tenderness, and a growing dread of why exactly you are journeying to the holy city . . . Looking through the eyes of the disciple John, The Journey follows Luke's chronology from Luke 9.51, as Jesus 'set his face to go to Jerusalem' Absorbing, exuberant and affective, it offers daily (weekday) readings for Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, with a poem for each Saturday. It is suitable to use individually or in groups.

Methodism played an important part in the spread of Christianity from its European heartlands to the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. From John Wesley's initial reluctance, via haphazard ventures and over-ambitious targets, a well-organized and supported Wesleyan Society developed. Smaller branches of British Methodism undertook their own foreign missions. This book, together with a companion volume on the 20th century, offers an account of the overseas mission activity of British and Irish Methodists, its roots and fruits. John Pritchard explores many aspects of mission, ranging from Labrador to New Zealand and from Sierra Leone to Sri Lanka, from open air preaching to political engagement, from the isolation of early pioneers to the creation of self-governing churches. Tracing the nineteenth-century missionary work of the Churches with Wesleyan roots which went on to unite in 1932, Pritchard explores the shifting theologies and attitudes of missionaries who crossed cultural and geographical frontiers as well as those at home who sent and supported them. Necessarily selective in the personalities and events it describes, this book offers a comprehensive overview of a world-changing movement - a story packed with heroism, mistakes, achievements, frustrations, arguments, personalities, rascals and saints.

Offers 'starter' ideas to help those who lead intercessions in public worship and small groups, and aims to open the reader's imagination to enrich their own style of praying.

Everyday language, images and experiences are used in each of the three main sections. The first, Intercessions in mainstream worship, offers prayers (1) for each of the 12 months; (2) for major festivals and their seasons; (3) for special days, like Mothering Sunday and Remembrance); (4) on themes such as light, storms and fear. The second section provides intercessions for use in informal worship and small groups, and the third focuses on personal intercessions (including a section for extroverts).

Using everyday stories and case histories the authors explore pastoral situations and reflect on them theologically. This new edition has been extensively revised to take into account the changes of the past ten years. The first part of the book (The Foundations) looks at the theory of practical theology, and models for its application. The second part covers tools for practical theology; learning from experience, interdisciplinary working, theological reflection, action and spirituality; and to this has been added new material about mission in context today.

The bestselling Intercessions Handbook is designed for use in a wide range of formal and informal settings. In two introductory chapters, John Pritchard considers the importance and challenges of the vital task of intercession. He then offers practical examples of intercessions in traditional services, all-age worship, small groups and personal devotions. Material for seasons, major festivals and special events is also included.

Methodism played an important part in the spread of Christianity from its European heartlands to the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. From John Wesley's initial reluctance, via haphazard ventures and over-ambitious targets, a well-organized and supported Wesleyan Society developed. Smaller branches of British Methodism undertook their own foreign missions. This book, together with a companion volume on the 20th century, offers an account of the overseas mission activity of British and Irish Methodists, its roots and fruits. John Pritchard explores many aspects of mission, ranging from Labrador to New Zealand and from Sierra Leone to Sri Lanka, from open air preaching to political engagement, from the isolation of early pioneers to the creation of self-governing churches. Tracing the nineteenth-century missionary work of the Churches with Wesleyan roots which went on to unite in 1932, Pritchard explores the shifting theologies and attitudes of missionaries who crossed cultural and geographical frontiers as well as those at home who sent and supported them. Necessarily selective in the personalities and events it describes, this book offers a comprehensive overview of a world-changing movement - a story packed with heroism, mistakes, achievements, frustrations, arguments, personalities, rascals and saints.

When you dig a bit below the surface, you are likely to discover that many of us who attend church regularly feel we have lost touch with a living experience of God. Indeed, we may find we no longer believe in God at all.

The reasons why faith breaks down are multi-layered and complex, and this sympathetic volume has been written for those who aren't satisfied with pious answers to real questions and disappointments.

John Pritchard draws deeply on his own experience of dark times in order to shed light on what we may be going through ourselves. He then offers starting points from which we might rediscover and re-imagine a more realistic faith in the God who, despite appearances, is ever present with us, whether apprehended or not.

The author - over 125,000 copies of his SPCK titles sold!

Concise: Each book gets straight to the heart of its subject

The twentieth century saw the spectacular growth of Christianity in much of the global south, the transformation of mission fields into self-governing Churches, schemes of church union (some successful, others abortive), evolving attitudes to other faiths and significant Christian engagement with issues of racial justice and world poverty. This book examines the contribution of the Methodist Missionary Society (and its predecessors before 1932) to these world-changing movements, from the remarkable mass conversions in south-west China and west Africa early in the century to the controversy over grants to liberation movements in the 1970s and 1980s. Pritchard traces the MMS contribution to education, health care, rural development and social welfare and describes the administration of the Societies and the selection and preparation of candidates for missionary service. This is a ground-breaking study of Methodist Overseas Mission in the twentieth century, how it adjusted to changing circumstances - including the forced withdrawals from China and Burma - and developed new initiatives and partnerships, including its World Church in Britain programme which brought missionaries from the younger Churches to serve in Britain and Ireland.

The twentieth century saw the spectacular growth of Christianity in much of the global south, the transformation of mission fields into self-governing Churches, schemes of church union (some successful, others abortive), evolving attitudes to other faiths and significant Christian engagement with issues of racial justice and world poverty. This book examines the contribution of the Methodist Missionary Society (and its predecessors before 1932) to these world-changing movements, from the remarkable mass conversions in south-west China and west Africa early in the century to the controversy over grants to liberation movements in the 1970s and 1980s. Pritchard traces the MMS contribution to education, health care, rural development and social welfare and describes the administration of the Societies and the selection and preparation of candidates for missionary service. This is a ground-breaking study of Methodist Overseas Mission in the twentieth century, how it adjusted to changing circumstances - including the forced withdrawals from China and Burma - and developed new initiatives and partnerships, including its World Church in Britain programme which brought missionaries from the younger Churches to serve in Britain and Ireland.

Many of us are aware of our spiritual nature, and we have a real desire and need to talk to God. Prayer, however, seems a difficult thing to do. While talking to our friends comes easily, we often think that talking to God does not. In How to Pray, John Pritchard takes us on a journey into prayer. He begins by showing us how to see the divine in everyday life and how to slow down enough to hear God. He makes a wealth of useful suggestions about: * how to pray * when to pray * how to pray with the Bible * how to pray with the imagination * how to pray with others * how to pray when the going gets tough. Whether you are just starting out in your prayer life or want to deepen and refresh it, this practical handbook will be a constant source of ideas and inspiration.

The faith we proclaim on Sunday is just as relevant to the rest of the week. However, too often the teaching and support that church life offers us can seem aimed at deepening our personal commitment to Christ and our involvement in church activities, rather than enabling us to live out our faith at work and in the world. We need to close the gap between sacred and secular, and that's what this book aims to help us do. Each chapter identifies an issue, explores how we might respond and encourages us - through practical ideas, stories, humour, quotes, Scripture, questions and prayer - to seek to make a difference. 'This is a very good book by a very exceptional leader. John Pritchard puts himself into what he writes, and the result is accessible, encouraging and fun, with a steel core that not only makes one think but takes one back to the face of Christ and the realities of Christian discipleship. John is never cheaply comfortable but always reassuringly real. I am very glad to have read Living Faithfully.' Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury 'Wise, honest and realistic, Living Faithfully joins the dots in a lively and compelling way between the core of Christian teaching and contemporary human experience.' Christina Rees, broadcaster and writer

In this lively and hopeful volume, John Pritchard realistically maps out the life and work of those called to serve God in the ordained ministry. He looks in turn at the only three things he believes need be of concern: the glory of God, the pain of the world, and the renewal of the Church. From these flow the priest's many roles, such as spiritual explorer, multi-lingual interpreter, wounded companion, friendly irritant, creative leader and mature risk-taker. This book pays homage to Robert Martineau's The Office and Work of a Priest, published in 1972, and much valued as a wise account of the duties of a priest at that time. "Dipping again into John Pritchard's The Life and Work of a Priest for this review reminded me what a remarkable, wise, and humane book it is. It covers just about everything parish life might throw at clergy. Well, not quite everything. If you're troubled by sylvan revels or cohabiting bandits, I'm afraid you're on your own." Paul Handley, Church Times

A book of practical help and encouragement for anyone looking for a new start in their spiritual journey, or wanting to take that journey further for the first time. Focuses on four crucial areas of Christian discipleship - prayer, the Bible, Church and lifestyle.

Containing completely new material, this user-friendly sequel to the bestselling Intercessions Handbook is for individuals and groups involved in the vital task of leading prayers in public worship. Easy to adapt to particular situations and with a wealth of creative suggestions for enlivening the prayers, The Second Intercessions Handbook covers: * mainstream public worship * festivals and special events . informal worship and worship for small groups . intercessions with children and young people . personal intercession

Do you go to church wishing it was (more often) a more uplifting experience? Are you contemplating giving church a try? If so, this book is for you. Looking in turn at the church as it is, the church as it's meant to be, and the church as it might become, John Pritchard offers not only humour and insight, but also encouragement to feel that going to church is really worthwhile . . . Whatever our situation, we're likely to finish this book with a lot more understanding and a lot more hope!

There are many situations we find ourselves in as Christians that are difficult to handle. In this warm and compassionate handbook John Pritchard offers an easy-to-navigate source of advice on how to respond to the needs of others. It draws on his extensive experience, and his companion volume The Life and Work of a Priest, which has become a classic. Laid out in an accessible A-Z format, the Handbook for Christian Ministry is for both lay and ordained Christians wanting to make the most of the ministries God has called them into. With 'tail pieces' and 'quick ideas' featured throughout, readers will learn of real-life examples and be able to put their understanding into practise. With activities such as creating a visual map of The Holy Land, setting up a pastoral visiting team or running a storytelling workshop, this handbook will equip Christians with a variety of skills to help them make the most of their calling.

Beginning Again' is a book of practical help and encouragement for anyone looking for a new start in their spiritual journey or wanting to take that journey further for the first time. Focusing on four crucial areas of Christian discipleship - prayer, the Bible, Church and lifestyle - it is packed with ideas and new ways to break out of the narrow patterns and practices which sometimes seem to box us in. Realistic, down-to-earth and accessible in approach, the book includes suggestions for continuing the journey of discipleship. Ideal for new or jaded Christians, people involved in basics courses, Church leaders and anyone concerned that the faith of Christian people should grow and mature. 'a vibrant, clever book, dedicated to " those who want to begin, or begin again, on the Christian journey"' Magnet. "'...this is one of the most valuable books I have come across for a long time.'" The Reader

Jesus was a pest to the Romans and a threat to the religious leadership, so they hung him out like so much refuse. Little did they realize that it was like trying to put out a fire with petrol. The whole world exploded. With characteristic style, John Pritchard takes us on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, as he unpacks the five great events that made Christianity - Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. We explore: `What happened?' `What did it mean?' `What does it mean for us?' Absorbing, immediate and full of stories, this volume offers deeply considered theology, brilliantly communicated to connect with life as we actually experience it.