Growing Spiritual Redwoods


Book Description

"Growing Spiritual Redwoods" is an effort to help church leaders answer the kinds of questions that confront congregations and Christians in this era of rapid and uncertain change. William M. Easum and Thomas Bandy argue that the congregations to whom the term "spiritual redwoods" can be applied are grown slowly, becoming vigorous centers of witness and mission.




In the Name of Purpose


Book Description




Joy!: A Bible Study on Philippians for Women


Book Description

This Bible study will not only bring the truths of Philippians to bear upon your life, but will also train you up for better, more effective study of any book of the Bible with consistent use of the three questions needed in all good Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application.




Growing a Healing Ministry


Book Description

This book is based directly on the experience and wisdom of those who have established energy-touch healing ministries in congregational settings.




The Conviction of Things Not Seen


Book Description

A unique resource for identifying issues involved in Protestant pastoral ministry and adjusting pastoral approach to those issues.




In a Flash


Book Description

In a Flash is a story of survival, of faith, and of God's grace in the face of harsh uncertainty. Tom Duncan reaches deep within to share about how he overcame molestation, resisted suicide, battled cancer, and survived the severe burn of nearly half his body. Through it all, God stayed by his side, giving him the strength to not only withstand the pain and suffering of these experiences, but also to share the beauty of life revealed to him repeatedly. In moments of triumph and sorrow, it was the author's relationship with God that allowed him to persevere and touch the lives of so many. In this book, he reminds us that no matter how much pain or self-doubt one experiences, a Christ-centered life provides the resiliency and peace to heal. The author wants to inspire readers to let Christ into their lives, thank Him for the blessings provided, and willingly engage Him for the courage to endure life's hardships. Tom's hope is that by reading about his own uneven faith journey, readers will have hope where there was none, have faith where it did not exist, and open their hearts to the eternal love and compassion waiting for them in God.




The Deeply Formed Life


Book Description

During our chaotic times, discover five forgotten values that can spark internal growth and help us reconcile our Christian faith with the complexities of race, sexuality, and social justice. WINNER OF THE CHRISTIANITY TODAY BOOK AWARD Most believers live in the state of “being a Christian” without ever being deeply formed by Christ. Our pace is too frenetic to be in union with God, and we don’t know how to quiet our hearts and minds to be present. Our emotions are unhealthy and compartmentalized. We feel unable to love well or live differently from the rest of the world—to live as people of the good news. New York pastor Rich Villodas says we must restore balance, focus, and meaning for our souls. The Deeply Formed Life lays out a fresh vision for spiritual breakthrough following five key values: • Contemplative Rhythms Value: slowing down our lives to be with God. • Racial Justice Value: examining a multi-layered approach to pursuing racial justice and reconciliation. • Interior Examination Value: looking beneath the surface of our lives to live free and love well. • Sexual Wholeness Value: exploring how our sexuality connects with our spirituality. • Missional Presence Value: living as the presence of Christ in a broken world. The Deeply Formed Life is a roadmap to live in the richly rooted place we all yearn for: a place of communion with God, a place where we find our purpose. Praise for The Deeply Formed Life “The Deeply Formed Life is a book for our time. Honest, wise, insightful, funny, and—above all—deep. The way Rich and New Life Fellowship hold emotional health and racial justice together is beyond inspiring. This is spiritual formation for the future of the church.”—John Mark Comer, pastor of teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry “I’ve studied the Bible under Pastor Rich’s leadership for close to a decade. The core values he shares in this book serve as guidance, not only for how we should live as Christians in an ever-changing world but also for how we can live a life of purpose—that consistently and enthusiastically points to Jesus.”—Susan Kelechi Watson, actress from the awardwinning television series This Is Us




How Did We Get the Bible?


Book Description

Readers will gain even more appreciation for their Bible when they see how God directed its development, from the original authors through today’s translations. How Did We Get the Bible? provides an easy-to-read historical overview, covering the Holy Spirit’s inspiration of the writers, the preservation of the documents, the compilation of the canon, and the efforts to bring the Bible to people in their own language. This fascinating story, populated by intriguing characters, will encourage readers with God’s faithfulness—to His own Word, and to those of us who read it. It’s a fantastic, value-priced resource for individuals and ministries!




Get in the Game


Book Description

What is true Christian discipleship? Living in Christ brings us joy and fulfillment, but what are we called to do? Get in the Game, a book and 4-week study, teaches the basics of Christian discipleship and explores how we are called to serve others through Christian service when we follow the example of Jesus. Part of The Basics Series, the book helps individuals and group members discover the joyful service that results when faith is put into action. A Leader Guide, which includes everything a group leader needs to plan and facilitate the 4-session study, is also available. “Wow! This book is a life changer. It will inspire you to get off the sideline, get in the game, and put your faith into action.” –Larry Fedora, Head Football Coach, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Combines solid theology, practical applications, and relevant reflections to help new and seasoned Christians grow in their faith through service. —Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor, The Gathering United Methodist Church, St. Louis, Missouri




Earth Psalms


Book Description

Millions of readers have been transformed and inspired by Francine Rivers’ bestselling novels Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. Now, in this weekly devotional, the beloved author invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she’s gathered over a lifetime of exploring—abroad and in her own backyard—and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity? Stunning photography, Scripture excerpts, applications, and prayers accompany Francine’s reflections, inspiring you to be encouraged. Be challenged. Be comforted. God’s power is immense; His attention to detail is precise; His love for you is vast and unfailing. The proof is all around you.