The church says 'no' in a thousand ways, squelching and constraining creative people who want to use the gifts God has given them to serve and lead. Sometimes our 'no' is explicit and other times we restrain innovation in more nuanced and even unintentional ways. And everyone in the church is guilty of 'no-saying'--pastors, laity, and staff. In some corners it seems like nearly anything new is eyed with suspicion. Just Say Yes! shows how to unleash disciples, giving them permission and encouragement to be bold and fruitful followers of Christ. It helps pastors and other leaders examine the systems, attitudes, and dynamics that restrain, control, and diminish ministry. It provides insights and practical help for those who want be more adept at initiating ministry, more open to innovation and experimentation for the purposes of Christ.

Since the publication of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, these five practices have helped hundreds of congregations understand their mission, renew ministries, and stretch toward fruitfulness and excellence for the purpose of Christ. Now, each of the five practices has been broken out into 4-week small group studies that provide an honest, practical, and winsome guide to the spiritual journey.

In Growing in Grace: The Practice of Intentional Faith Development we do the soul work that connects us to others, immerses us in God's Word, and positions us to grow in grace and mature in Christ. We learn in community.

Preacher and teacher David Mosser offers practical and spiritual guidance for pastors struggling to manage and respond to changes in the economy, changes in their neighborhoods, changes in their denominations, changes in the congregation, changes in culture, and the life changes present in every parishioner's life. Wise words from authors such as Alyce McKenzie, David Buttrick, Joanna Adams, and Thomas Long all contribute to this most timely and helpful book.

How do I cultivate a life that is purposeful, deep, and fruitful? What are the commitments, critical risks, and personal practices that open me to God's grace? How can I discover the spiritual life and the difference God intends for me to make in the world? Radical Hospitality. Passionate Worship. Intentional Faith Development. Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Extravagant Generosity. Five Practices of Fruitful Living provides an honest, practical, and winsome guide to the spiritual journey. By repeating and deepening certain fundamental practices, we cooperate with God in our spiritual growth. These five practices - to receive God's love, to love God in return, to grow in Christ, to serve others, and to give ourselves fully - as we attend to them and develop them, help us settle ourselves in God and become instruments of God's grace. Following Christ will change your heart; and through you, God will change the world. FROM THE INTRODUCTION - "Five Practices of Fruitful Living moves the discussion of Christian practice from the congregational level to the personal practices of discipleship. The fruitful, God-related life develops with intentional and repeated attention to five essential practices that are critical for our growth in Christ. Radical Hospitality. Passionate Worship. Intentional Faith Development. Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Extravagant Generosity. These practices open our heart to God, to others, to a life that matters, a life rich with meaning, relationship, and contribution. They help us flourish.""

Based on Five Practices of Fruitful Living, Forty Days of Fruitful Living guides the individual or small group through daily readings designed to inspire and encourage. Perfect for use during Lent or throughout the year, Forty Days of Fruitful Living will help cultivate the essential practices of a lifelived in grace- to receive God's love, to love God in return, to grow in Christ, to serve others, and to give back. "

The Five Practices of Fruitful Living Leader Guide will help individuals cultivate the essentials of a personal faith with God in small-group settings. The Guide opens with an orientation session followed by six class sessions, which follow the content of Five Practices of Fruitful Living. This Leader Guide also includes an appendix that provides possibilities for extending sessions, leading a weekend retreat, and additional uses and activity ideas.

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People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices, now available in Spanish, are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. "Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. "" "L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School "Robert Schnase s words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. "" "Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary "Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. "" "Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church Read the Circuit Rider Review of "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations "by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr., senior pastor at Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. Las personas buscan iglesias con la forma y el sustento de la hospitalidad radical, la adoracion apasionada, el desarrollo intencional de la fe, la mision y servicio arriesgados, y la generosidad extravagante. Estas practicas fundamentales son esenciales para el exito de las congregaciones. Su presencia y fortaleza son muestra de salud, vitalidad y crecimiento de una congregacion. Por medio de la repeticion y mejora en la practica de estas cualidades, las iglesias llevaran a cabo su mision de hacer discipulos de Jesucristo para la transformacion del mundo. "Esta obra excelente del Obispo Robert Schnase trasciende el contexto angloparlante y denominacional del Metodismo Unido. Los aportes de este libro bendicen, iluminan y desafian a todas las comunidades de fe e iglesias hispanas en los Estados Unidos y tambien del continente latinoamericano y caribeno. Para aquellos lideres, pastores, pastoras y laicos que deseen herramientas poderosas para renovar y transformar sus iglesias, la lectura del presente libro es obligada." Obispo Juan A. Vera Mendez Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico "Robert Schnase resume en una manera clara y simple los aspectos practicos mas importantes que pueden caracterizar a una iglesia fuerte, vibrante y creciente. Cualquier pastor, sacerdote, rabino o lider laico que aplique estos principios, experimentara una enorme mejoria en el ambiente de su congregacion y la vera crecer y multiplicarse. "Obispo Raul Garcia de Ochoa Conferencia Anual Oriental - Iglesia Metodista de Mexico "En su libro, el Obispo Schnase nos ofrece sabiduria pastoral para un ministerio fructifero. A la vez practico y profundo, su libro invita a nuestras congregaciones a una transformacion espiritual y misional. Lo recomiendo con entusiasmo." Joel N. Martinez Obispo jubilado de la Iglesia Metodista Unida "

Focus on the Five Practices: A Congregation-Wide Initiative Based on the book, ""Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation"" by Bishop Robert Schnase Imagine a congregation-wide focus on these practices that includes a five week sermon series, five weeks with every household reading daily devotions and sharing prayers on these practices, five weeks of leadership teams and small groups stimulated to take new initiatives, five weeks of conversation and commitment focused on the mission of the church. These are the practices that lead to excellence and fruitfulness, and they can change your church. Imagine "Cultivating Fruitfulness" is a congregational resource that inspires participants through 5 weeks of prayer and devotion. Each day includes a Scripture, a short story or concept from book, a personal question and a prayer. Click here to preview a sample devotion from "Cultivating Fruitfulness." Download a brochure on all available Five Practices products. Other resources for the "Focus on the Five Practices: Congregation-Wide Initiative": ""Five Practices Leader Manual and Media"" A participant guide for group study on each of the Five Practices """Five Practices Radical Hospitality" "Five Practices Passionate Worship Five Practices Intentional Faith Development Five Practices Risk-taking Mission and Service Five Practices Extravagant Generosity Focus on the Five Practices - Complete Set "Contains one of each of the above resources, including the original book by Bishop Schnase.

For more information on the entire intiative, go to fivepractices.cokesbury.com.

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