Kategoria BISAC: Religion >> Christianity - Presbyterian

Using twelve biblical passages, Louis B. Weeks helps adult study groups, Bible study groups, and individuals study the Bible as they reflect on who they are as Presbyterians. He explores the Presbyterian tradition, which has used the Bible as a guide, remaining faithful to both the Old and New Testaments.

The meaning of the declining membership in mainline Protestant denominations has been hotly contested since the 1960s. Drawing on statistical analysis of membership trends, congregational surveys, individual interviews, research on disaffiliation, and case studies of congregations and presbyteries, this volume examines patterns and causes of congregational growth and decline in the Presbyterian church.

Through its examination of American Presbyterianism, the Presbyterian Presence series illuminates patterns of change in mainstream Protestantism and American religious and...

This resource will help pastors and visitors in their ministry with the sick and the dying. It is designed for use by any person, ordained or lay, who is engaged in any ministry of care.

The Presbyterian Supplemental Liturgical Resource (SLT) series includes liturgies that were used on a trial basis in preparation for the development of the Book of Common Worship. Though superseded by the Book of Common Worship, SLR resources remain valuable, both for the variety of liturgical texts they contain and for the commentary on the text, which contains rich historical,...

This volume considers three issues in the Presbyterian Church that have proved to be perplexing to the witness of faith: outreach, ecumenism, and pluralism. The first four essays illustrate that troubling questions about the church's witness arose in this century and divided Presbyterian opinion in the midst of American social problems. Thus, verbal and physical outreach became competing priorities. The final five essays examine racial/ethnic Presbyterian experiences. Examples of the interlocking and sometimes interfering interplay of outreach, ecumenism, and pluralism in the quest for...

This book addresses the organizational character of American religious history and points to a tentative but significant conclusion: The Presbyterian Church has been undergoing an organizational revolution, and the roots of this revolution seem to have preceded the dramatic membership decline that began in the mid-1960s.

Through its examination of American Presbyterianism, the Presbyterian Presence series illuminates patterns of change in mainstream Protestantism and American religious and cultural life in the twentieth century.

Essays in this valuable book examine the results of research on theological education in the twentieth century, spiritual formation among seminarians, and the changing nature of Presbyterian-related colleges. Several essays review Christian education among Presbyterians, focusing on the forming of curricula and publications from denominational presses.

Through its examination of American Presbyterianism, the Presbyterian Presence series illuminates patterns of change in mainstream Protestantism and American religious and cultural life in the twentieth century.

This section-by-section, line-by-line commentary reflects on the meaning of "A Brief Statement of Faith" and its relevance for today. It will help Presbyterians think about who they are and what they believe, and will interest others concerned with the relationship between the Christian tradition and contemporary issues.

This book challenges American Presbyterians to remember their calling as Christians. The author believes that Presbyterians are summoned to a character of life that will awaken and address the religious questions of today with powerful and persuasive Christian perspectives and answers. By recognizing again the message of the good news of the gospel and by speaking directly to our world, the authors tell how American Presbyterians can recover their identity as Reformed Christians and continue to make a creative contribution to the witness of the church in the world.

Through its...

This practical resource will assist individuals and adult groups in church school classes, sessions, and retreats by clarifying some of the major themes of each chapter in The Re-forming Tradition: Presbyterians and Mainstream Protestantism. Study helps for the other volumes of The Presbyterian Presence: The Twentieth-Century Experience series are also included. The writers offer excellent suggestions to spur discussion and list additional resources for further study.

Through its examination of American Presbyterianism, the Presbyterian Presence series illuminates...

Preeminent theologian B. A. Gerrish uses the motif of the journey of Christian life to present themes such as God, faith, sin, evil, and forgiveness, as well as to address important related contemporary questions. In these theologically astute and psychologically insightful sermons, he conveys the process of faith development in the face of issues that challenge simple belief.

In this insightful commentary, John Mulder explores the meaning and message behind the seal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mulder explains the parts of the seal in a way that connects the symbol to the theological foundations of the church. Pastors, church officers, and the lay reader will find this commentary fascinating and enlightening.

Building upon the idea of liturgy as the "work of the people," Dean Chapman provides a "job description" for the Sunday pew sitter, describing in clear, accessible language what each aspect of worship is, why we do it, and how to do it well.

Faith in Words is a timeless collection of essays and poems that reflect on living the life of faith. These meditative stories and essays and their apt metaphors will inspire Christian readers to seek a greater understanding of God and God's presence in our daily lives.

This volume includes works from such noted Presbyterian writers as Doris Betts, Kathleen Long Bostrom, Belden C. Lane, Katherine Paterson, J. Barrie Shepherd, David Steele, Bill Tammeus, and Ann Weems.

In his classic work, life-long Presbyterian and former pastor Jim Angell tells what it means to be a Presbyterian. This readable, accessible book is divided into six parts--key ideas, commitment, witness, order, discipline, and covenant--and includes a handy glossary to commonly used Presbyterian terms. Now updated with the most recent statistics and polity information, this is an ideal book to give to new members, confirmation students, and inquirers in PC(USA) churches.

In this highly useful book, Earl S. Johnson, Jr., explores the role of the deacon in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its office as a ministry of sympathy, witness, and service. Himself a Presbyterian deacon, Johnson examines the office as it is described in sections of the Book of Order and analyzes how the word "deacon" is used in Scripture. Biblical texts are explored, historical information regarding the inclusion of women is provided, and innovative ways to incorporate the office into the larger ministry of the church are suggested.

In Leading from the Center, sociologist William Weston provides an enlightening look at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the tensions that exist between key groups in the denomination. Weston defines the key groups as conservatives, liberals, and loyalists and structures his view of the denomination around the third group. Defining "loyalists" as the largest and those who have no wish to see the denomination split apart, Weston argues that while conservatives may consider splitting the church over doctrinal issues and liberals may consider splitting the church over social...

The Presbyterian Trustee is a brief, highly useful handbook for trustees in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the first to examine the office. Modeled after The Presbyterian Elder and the author's own The Presbyterian Deacon, this book explores the biblical models of trustees, the historic background of the office, and the responsibilities of trustees today. Added features include a liturgy for the installation and recognition of trustees, a glossary, and a list of other recommended resources.

Beginning with the motto "The Church Reformed and Always Being Reformed," thirteen Presbyterian leaders and representatives of a number of different groups across the theological spectrum offer their reflections on the current state of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and what the denomination needs today. This book presents various viewpoints, values, and commitments found throughout the denomination. Discussion and reflection questions at the end of each chapter make this book ideal for individual and group study.

This brief, accessible guide for confirmation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) examines the process of confirmation, what it means, and its ongoing importance in the church. This essential resource, which includes discussion and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, is perfect for individual or group study. It is ideal for those being confirmed, their parents, and all those assisting individuals who are being confirmed.