So much of our attention in congregational development is spent dealing with internal issues and opportunities that we turn more and more inward. Even our "outward" work smacks of our "inward" bias as we invite people to our events and ponder how to make our events more compelling for those who aren't part of our congregations. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is known for saying "the world is our parish." Simply stated, the streets are our sanctuary. Our communities are our congregations. Yet too often congregations ignore their neighborhoods. They don't consider the vast resource of people surrounding their church and seem to forget that Pentecost, the very event that gave birth to the church, happened in the streets. It's time for churches and congregations to engage with the people around them--most of whom have not yet made a faith decision but are hungering for the grace that only God can provide. Participate in this study of Nehemiah and discover what people God is asking you to encourage, what walls God is calling you to repair, what ministry God might be calling you to lead or do, and where you should start. This book will give readers inspiration and practical tools for engaging with their communities in ways that help congregations and communities become whole.

This isn't just another how-to book. Nor is it a 7-step program. It is a genuine story about what it costs in prayer, time, decision-making, commitment, planning and people resource to become a church that is focused on reaching more and more people--no matter where or who they are--for Jesus' Church. Making Church Real gives the reader a front-row seat to the dynamics, drama and details involved in leading transformation through honest mentoring dialogues between Pastor D and Joe and their leaders. The careful weaving of reality and mercy, possibility and grace, offer those with even just a little hope the encouragement to grab hold, tie a knot, and hang on to see if something can actually happen to their church and community. The book's central insight-that the key to making church REAL ultimately is not in what we do, but in who we are in relationship to God and one another-has powerful implications not only for pastors, but for anyone seeking to make their congregation more relevant, enthusiastic, authentic and loving.

In today's world, when the pressures of life seem to wipe out any sense of hope or happiness, why even talk about church? Begging for Real Church offers powerful and relevant answers for how an authentic, meaningful and radical church experience helps us with our challenges. Through personal examples and scripture-based stories, Pastor Daniels speaks to the essence of spiritual victory,lasting love and unspeakable joy that can lead us to an abundant life.