Kategoria BISAC: Religion >> Christian Church - Administration

A practical guide for those struggling to build a community of believers in a culture that wants to experience belonging over believing Who is my neighbor? Who belongs to me? To whom do I belong? These are timeless questions that guide the church to its fundamental calling. Today terms like neighbor, family, and congregation are being redefined. People are searching to belong in new places and experiences. The church needs to adapt its interpretations, definitions, and language to make sense in the changing culture. This book equips congregations and church leaders with tools to: - Discern...

Don't just LEAD a small group, DIRECT it. Members of your small group look to you for answers. They bring their raw questions and intimate needs to you, looking for wisdom and understanding. How can you encourage your group to consider the Holy Spirit's voice? "Spiritual direction is an ancient art of being with another person in relationship with God," writes author Heather Webb. This time-tested practice requires that you remain attentive and open to divine interactions you might otherwise miss. Field-tested through the author's years of experience, Small Group Leadership as Spiritual...

"When are you going to become a real pastor?" "When are you going to get your own church?" "How long will you be here?" During his thirty-one years serving in churches across the country, Doug Fagerstrom has both known the joys of being a ministry staff member and experienced many misconceptions of the role. In The Ministry Staff Member, he draws on his vast experience to correct false notions and provide a clear, accurate understanding. This comprehensive and practical handbook provides staff members--paid and volunteer, church and parachurch--with invaluable tools for success and helps...

Assessment and solution for seven common obstacles to building small groups. It's one thing to start a small group ministry. It's another to keep the groups in your church healthy and headed in the same direction. Whatever your church's approach may be--whether it is a church with groups or of groups-- sooner or later, as a leader, you'll need to do some troubleshooting. That's when the expert, to-the-point guidance in this book will prove its worth. The beauty of this book lies in its unique diagnostic process. It allows you to assess, diagnose, and correct seven common "deadly sins" that...

Fueled by a desire to reach people for Christ, a revolution is underway. Churches are growing beyond the limitations of a single service in one building. Expanding the traditional model, they are embracing the concept of one church with more than one site: multiple congregations sharing a common vision, budget, leadership, and board. Drawing from the examples of churches nationwide, The Multi-Site Church Revolution shows what healthy multi-site churches look like and what motivates congregations to make the change. Discover how your church can: - cast a vision for change - ensure a...

The Kingdom of God is not only spiritual -- it is intensely practical. The church today must move beyond its traditional role if it is to truly fulfill its mission. It can no longer respond only to spiritual needs and speak only to people's hearts. The church is called to be a force for change in the world, especially where the needs are greatest: the inner-city neighborhoods where crime, violence, and unemployment are the order of the day. Economic Empowerment Through the Church is a practical book that shows churches how to become a force for revitalization in their community by means of...

Hands-on examples are used to illustrate the application of solutions offered, and further tools and samples add to the innovative ingredients to make this book a must read...

"Dancing with Change" will help those suffering through the changes going on in Churches today. "Dancing with Change" offers keen insights into why we struggle with any change, but especially with changes in our Church.

Author Dr. Richard McCorry describes a spiritual approach to change, which he refers to as "The LEAP of Faith." Drawing upon the wisdom of such wide ranging disciplines as:

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'Don Farrior shares much pastoral wisdom in this book.It will make you laugh, cry, and hope "
-Dr. Richard L. Hamm, former GMP of the Christian Church in America.

'As a preacher and writer, Don Farrior has an amazing ability to communicate...

Revelation and Renewal tells of churches that infused new life into urban communities. It is the story of brave men and women who refused to walk away from an apparently hopeless situation. Their inspiring example of faith-based social action presents a blueprint for reclaiming the future of our cities.

While others lament the declining attendance of mainline churches and blame it on an out-of-date tradition, Jackson Carroll offers a more hopeful perspective, arguing that they key to future vitality can be found in the same tradition. According to Carroll, the tension between tradition and change has always been part of the Protestant heritage, and he argues that now is a time when being faithful requires adaptation.

Can people actually touch the reality that Paul talks about in his letter to the Ephesians, a reality where Christ has "broken down the dividing wall"? The experience of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church says "Yes " Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia has been nationally recognized as a model of a successful multicultural church. Here, in O Lord, Hold Our Hands, pastors Nibs Stroupe and Caroline Leach share their story--with all of its peaks and valleys--and, in doing so, provide a guide to multicultural ministry that any church can use to build or enhance its own...

What has happened to the once robust mainline church in the United States? Decrying the professionalization of theological education, Cobb calls for the church to return to its theological vocation so that its members can in turn resume their passionate commitment to faith.

Carnegie Calian challenges churches and their members to become committed to their own success and to take ownership of their future. He identifies ten keys to congregational vitality, including biblical literacy, prayer, knowledge, and forgiveness, and suggests that these become the cornerstone of a holistic approach to congregational vitality.

In Transforming the Mainline Church, Robert Chesnut provides valuable lessons for inner-city churches. He urges congregations to be more open to diversity, to emphasize the arts and music, to support entrepreneurial leadership, and to move beyond denominational concerns to an approach that responds to the religious hungers of a new generation.

Using case studies of authentic congregations--diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts--William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop faithful ministries in challenging times.