"People Who Met Jesus is a book that will command the undivided attention of readers who yearn to know more of the significance of their relationship to the risen Lord. By delving in depth into the words and experiences of both well-known and cameo biblical characters, readers will come to a greater appreciation of the life-pervading influence of their relationship to the living Lord." (from the Introduction)
Reuben T. Swanson
Former Secretary
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the final days of Jesus' life on earth through the eyes of the people whose lives were changed by their encounters with the Lord. Lavin examines their stories, both familiar and little-known, and highlights how their experiences intersect our lives. By telling the story of Jesus, they point us toward God.
"People Who Met Jesus" is an ideal Lenten group study resource -- each chapter includes questions for stimulating discussion. It's also excellent for adult Sunday school or new member classes throughout the year, as well as for sermon preparation or personal meditation.
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, including the CSS titles "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" (on the Psalms) and "Way To Grow " (on small group dynamics). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on evangelism and small groups.

"The Ten Commandments continue to provide both significant prohibitions and helpful invitations for living a moral and godly life in the 21st century. I did not post the Ten Commandments on my classroom wall, but they were imprinted more boldly onto my heart." (from the Introduction)
Melvin Kieschnick
Former Director of Parish Education
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
The Ten Commandments are universally acknowledged as God's blueprint for human behavior -- yet they seem to be a major focus of controversy in today's headlines. Should these commands from God be prominently featured in classrooms and courtrooms? What difference do God's laws make for multitudes of people who can't even repeat them from memory, much less integrate them into everyday behavior?
In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the Ten Commandments and suggests they offer a powerful biblical corrective for a society filled with ethical relativism and moral decay. But they are much more than just a list of do's and don'ts -- they are also the foundation for God's invitation to a full and abundant life.
"The Big Ten" is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. "The Big Ten" is also great for new members, adult Sunday school, and confirmation classes, as well as for personal meditation or sermon preparation.
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 20 books, including "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" and "Way To Grow " (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

Ron Lavin says that we desperately need to re-examine and return to the basics of the Christian faith -- and what better source of inspiration is there than the word of God and the sacraments, God's holy pipelines from heaven?
In the latest installment of his popular "Another Look" series, Lavin explores God's Word, baptism, and communion, and demonstrates that far from being meaningless rituals, they are extremely relevant for modern living. Weaving together time-tested biblical truths with a series of vignettes about Grace Livingstone, a fictional character who is a typical church "outsider," Lavin illustrates how faithful proclamation of the Word and celebration of the sacraments can be effective tools for evangelism and outreach. The ups and downs of Grace's life, and her need for the Word and sacraments, are sure to resonate with you.
Structured in three four-session sets, "Saving Grace" is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. "Saving Grace" is also great for new member or adult Sunday school classes, personal meditation, and sermon preparation.
"Ron Lavin's passion for the Word of God and zeal to reach humanity with the truth that Jesus is alive is a source of inspiration and hope. In Saving Grace, Lavin takes us back to the basics of our biblical and confessional heritage and shows us the interrelationship between what we confess and how we live."
Robert Wallace
Director for Evangelism
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
"Saving Grace is the story of one lonely heart's journey from uncertainty and fear into the warm comfort offered by God. Follow Grace Livingstone as she receives a gentle welcome into God's love. Saving Grace is a unique, insightful guide for those interested in helping others become part of God's community."
Barbara Coulson
President, Southern California Writers Association
Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 19 books, including "Turning Griping Into Gratitude" and "Way To Grow " (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

"Nothing is more important for ministry today than small groups."
(George Gallop Jr., a Christian who conducts polls on political and religious matters, quoted in chapter 1 of this book.)
Lavin is quick to point out that this book is not merely about numerical growth. It is about nurturing spiritual growth, which in itself is a dynamic that leads to growth in numbers.
Use this publication as a workbook. The chapters each end with fascinating questions for consideration and group discussion.
Dr. Lavin offers five different kinds of group structures for discipleship development. Each is fully explored, offering the reader or study participant the opportunity to determine which style best fits their group. He also lists five essentials that must be present for any group to function effectively.
Lavin has had over 35 years of experience in the ministry, during which time he has refined the methods that are most successful in leading people to commitment and discipleship. This book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and stories that have grown out of his experience with congregations where impressive growth has taken place.
Dr. Ronald J. Lavin is Senior Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church, Fountain Valley, California. He previously served congregations in Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. In each church where he served as pastor the membership doubled. He graduated cum laude from Carthage College, Northwestern Theological School of Theology, and engaged in graduate studies at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. Lavin has published twelve books and numerous magazine articles. He has been in demand as a speaker and seminar leader at schools and churches throughout the country as well as in several foreign countries.

Who is Jesus Christ? These fourteen chapters answer that question in his own words: I AM the light of the world... I AM the way, the truth and the life... I AM the Good Shepherd... I AM the alpha and the omega...
Why a book on the I AM sayings of Jesus? Because so much of our religious emphasis today focuses on "feeling more fulfilled..." or "improving our relationships with others." While these are important and have their place in our discussions, this book puts the emphasis on the place of God in our lives.
The questions are practical: What shall I believe? What shall I do? And so Lavin writes for the people in the pews as well as for their pastors.
"When Ron Lavin preaches it is close to the ground, relevant for the right now, absent of high-sounding theological verbiage, and reveals a big pastor's heart. Read the book for exhilarating ideas for your own preaching, digest the book one chapter at a time to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in these turbulent, fast changing '90s. Prepare To Be Impressed."
Jerry L. Schmalenberger, President
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Ronald J. Lavin is senior pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Fountain Valley, California: He is an active, dynamic preacher and public speaker, conducting workshops and seminars in the areas of church growth and small group development throughout the western United States. He has served on boards of directors for LCA and ELCA national committees and seminaries. He is well-known for pastoring two congregations that have increased between 1,000 and 2,000 in membership during his tenure. He is the author of ten books (seven published by CSS) and numerous articles.