Forty daily readings from inspirational Christians past and present on the theme of following Jesus. Reflections from St. Augustine to Martin Luther King; from Thomas a Kempis to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Jesus calls us to a life of radical discipleship. He invites us to follow him and learn his ways. This book provides 40 days worth of daily readings from Christians -- past and present -- who have walked that path with Jesus. Here you will find insight from: - Early Christian leaders (e.g., Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine) - Mystics (e.g. St. Theresa, St. John of the Cross, Thomas a Kempis) - Monks (e.g. St. Benedict, St. Francis) - Reformation giants (John Calvin) - Puritans (e.g. John Bunyan), - Evangelicals (e.g. Wilberforce, Catherine Booth, Spurgeon) - Novelists (Dostoyevsky) and poets (Herbert) - Liberation theologians (e.g. Gutierez), - Modern spiritual guides and radicals (Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Henry Nouwen, Brian McLaren)

It is often claimed that local churches provide a significant proportion of social care today. This important new study considers the reality of the church's involvement to offer compelling and concrete recommendations for the future. It proposes a transformational model of welfare that breaks free from the default approach of 'eradicating the five giant evils - squalor, ignorance, want, idleness, and disease'. Instead the authors focus on fostering five assets - relationship, creativity, partnership, compassion, and joy - and empowering people to regain control of their lives. With bold and innovative practical recommendations for churches, civil society and public policy, and compelling theological reflection on welfare and poverty, this is essential reading for anyone interested in the church's contribution to society.