A significant and growing number of churches are using the principles of Mission Action Planning (MAP). This volume argues the case for producing a high-quality plan, describes the practical steps involved, offers real-life examples, and provides evidence of the effectiveness of the process. It is based on research conducted in several dioceses of the Church of England - at diocesan and parish levels. 'The 'MAP' process is well described by Mark Ireland and Mike Chew in this excellent book and I am enormously grateful that they have taken the time and the care to enquire more deeply both into the process and some of the outcomes now in a number of Dioceses.' Lord Hope of Thornes KCVO

Compelling evidence for afterlife messages backed by scientific research. After the unexpected passing of his youngest son, Mark Ireland began a search for messages from the afterlife and discovered remarkable proof of life after death. Interweaving profound personal experience and compelling scientific evidence, Ireland presents a deep dive into psychic-medium phenomena, spirit visitations, after-life communication, reincarnation, synchronicity, and near-death experiences, pointing to the survival of consciousness after bodily death. He details how he confronted his resistance to engaging in the spiritual and parapsychological practices of his deceased father, prominent 20th-century psychic Dr. Richard Ireland, who counseled celebrities such as Mae West and the Eisenhower family. On his journey, he meets with respected mediums who deliver unexpected messages from his son, father, and others who have passed and explores the healing impact that such messages can have on people who are grieving. He shares his interviews with mediums to understand how they see, hear, and feel the information they receive from the spirits of the deceased, and he explains how to recognise fraudulent mediums. Ireland presents detailed accounts of scientific experiments conducted to obtain evidence for the continuity of consciousness, including the author’s own test involving a secret message left behind by his deceased sister, Robin. The contents of this message were unknown to any living person and remained sealed in an envelope until the author received messages from a group of mediums. He exposes deceptive arguments made by skeptics and examines mediumship through the lens of multiple religious traditions—including some factions who seek to demonise the practice. Showing how spirit communication can be undeniably accurate and frustratingly ambiguous, Ireland reveals the profound healing and transformative possibilities available to those who come to believe in the persistence of the soul.

How to do Mission Action Planning was the first book in the field and still appears to have a large share of the market

Foreword by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

This first volume focuses on the basic order of service - the classic fourfold shape of gathering, word, sacrament and sending. In simple, non technical language leading writers in the field get to the heart of the matter and provide invaluable guidance to clergy, ordinands, Eucharistic ministers, study groups and individuals who wish to understand the Eucharist more fully. Subsequent volumes will focus on Engaging with Scripture, Entering into Communion, Modes and Moods of Prayer and Celebrating the Christian Year.

Based on extensive research, Evangelism in a Spiritual Age takes a detailed look at the spirituality of people beyond the fringe of the Church and offers insightful responses to how the Church might address the issue of evangelism in the twenty-first century. Topics include: Big questions people are asking How people view Christians and the Church Listening - its vital importance Achievable ideas for the local church General trends in spirituality and creative evangelism The community as a key to contemporary evangelism This timely and practical book enables all those interested in evangelism to understand the spirituality of people who don't go to Church and to communicate the gospel more effectively. The Explorations series aims to provide a much-needed forum for church leaders, teachers, writers and theologians to stimulate debate, challenge the thinking and practice of the Church at large, and to raise awareness of issues crucial to its future. Contributors: Yvonne RICHMOND, Nick SPENCER, Rob FROST, Anne RICHARDS, Mark IRELAND, Steven CROFT