Francis Asbury said he was "feeling the pain of a partial separation in spirit and practice from some who were as my brethren and sons in the gospel," He "saw so clearly the evil consequences of a division, and how good and pleasant a thing it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity." So he began to abridge and edit two works written in the 1600s during the English Civil War. Asbury's 1792 result, The Causes, Evils & Cures of Heart & Church Divisions, was one of the earliest publications sold to Methodist congregations and leaders by John Dickins, the first book steward of what is now the United Methodist Publishing House. The book was recommended in the Book of Discipline during the 19th century and repackaged in a new edition by the Methodist Book Concern in 1849 after Methodists split, north from south, over the battle to end slavery.Decisions about what to include or omit were made while abridging and reissuing a work in 2016 that is based in sources from 1653 and 1670, when the dialect of Elizabethan English was spoken. We no longer speak this dialect, so the following principles guide the translation of archaic English in this further abridgment of Francis Asbury's selections.First, scripture quotations are converted to the Common English Bible, which also influences the vocabulary and syntax of the text where biblical allusions are employed. Second, with occasional exceptions, the text is now gender inclusive. Third, archaic words and idioms are replaced with functional or dynamic equivalents in present-day English. For example, few readers would know that a "jade," who plays "jadish tricks," is a worn-out old horse who is ill tempered. As another example, the word livery is replaced with "attire."The structure and flow of the abridgment by Bishop Asbury is preserved, with the headings adjusted to fit with the selected excerpts as well as the translation principles. This book compiled by Francis Asbury continues to resonate with readers as a classic for painfully clear reasons: it shows how we love ourselves and our ideas far more than we love our neighbors or our adversaries."Causes, Evils & Cures can be a catalyst for perfecting the spirit and witness of the UMC in the same way that Three Simple Rules helped to enrich our life together two quadrennia ago. Every United Methodist should read and pray with this little treasure close to their heart."-Bishop Gregory V Palmer
'Calm' is a guidebook written for United Methodist churches and church leaders to help them proactively make decisions and deal with conflict. Working through the book's four modules, leaders and churches find the path forward becomes clear, whether a church is faced with a micro-level decision (should we introduce a new worship service?), or a macro one (where does our congregation fall in the denominational split?). -This book presents the skills and tools necessary to engage in critical conversations that lead to healthy communities--churches that remain God-focused in times of conflict and tension. It comprises a Foreword, the four Modules, a Conclusion, and additional resources for planning, assessing, and managing conflict. It includes stories and examples of conflict and conflict resolution in practice. -The modules contain detailed instructions and helpful tips for leading groups through a process which incorporates group activities, discussion, individual and group reflection, and times of corporate worship. The book is a complete guide for leading this 'Forward' process, including instructions for the pastor or other leader, helping to ensure success. -The authors also provide clear adaptations for groups gathering virtually - an inescapable reality in the life of today's church. These adaptations both underscore and equip groups for the special care to be taken while engaging in the sensitive nature of conflict work in a virtual space. -This book is for local church leaders who feel stuck implementing a denominational schism in the local context. It is for the leader whounderstands what is happening in the larger church but who needs a guide book for how to shepherd their local church towards congregational health. This book is not intended to see any one outcome but instead provides a set oftools for the local church to decide their unique path forward. Chapter Outline: Foreword, How to Use This Book, Module One: Acknowledging the Struggle, Module Two: Understanding the Paths Forward, Module Three: Making Informed and Collective Decisions, Module Four: Reflecting on the Journey, Conclusion, Additional Resources
We have been there and are there still. Since the beginning of the Methodist movement, "Methodists" have spoken to the issues of the day as an expression of the Wesleyan commitment to social holiness. The General Board of Church and Society upholds the Wesleyan commitment to social holiness through witnessing to just social policies and practices. This 100-year commemorative book will utilize archival materials from the agency's historic publications to tell the story.
A comprehensive account of Wesley's doctrine of justification. To properly understand Wesley's via salutis and theology, one needs to grasp the particulars of his doctrine of justification. The best way to do this is to tell the story of how he came to understand the doctrine over the course of his life. It is a complex story, with many twists and turns, that deserves to be fully told.
Aprenda a desarrollar, implementar y sostener un ministerio de cuidado congregacional en su iglesia, sin importar el tamaño, su forma o a la denominación a la cual pertenezca. Los pastores y líderes de la iglesia realmente quieren cuidar a las personas en sus congregaciones y comunidades. No obstante, ellos no pueden cuidar a una iglesia por sí solos. Además, la mayoría del liderato laico no tiene la capacitación requerida para ejercer este ministerio de cuidado. El Ministerio del Cuidado Congregacional es un modelo del cuidado de persona a persona, el cual su efectividad ha sido comprobada en iglesias pequeñas y grandes en los EE. UU. Es un ministerio centrado en el servicio del laicado. Estos líderes reciben una capacitación rigurosa, y luego son comisionados para servir como ministros del cuidado congregacional (MCC), para brindar el cuidado en sus congregaciones y comunidades extendidas. Este notable enfoque del cuidado congregacional fue primeramente desarrollado, por la autora, Karen Lampe, junto con su equipo, en la Iglesia Metodista Unida de la Resurrección, en Kansas City. El mismo ha sido probado, refinado y fortalecido, y ahora se está adaptando a todo tipo de contextos congregacionales. Una de las primeras adaptadoras de este modelo fue la coautora, Melissa Gepford, quien desarrolló un Ministerio del Cuidado Congregacional en su iglesia rural. Juntas han creado esta guía, inmensamente práctica, para cualquier pastor/pastora o líder que busque desarrollar un Ministerio del Cuidado Congregacional. Este libro presenta el modelo de ministerio, y explica los cinco pasos esenciales que establecen el fundamento para el ministerio. Es extremadamente práctico, lleno de listas de verificación y otras herramientas para ayudar a los pastores y a otros líderes a comprender (y explicar) esta forma de brindar el cuidado congregacional. El libro también incluye una sección enfocada en el componente vital de este ministerio: el ministro/la ministra del cuidado congregacional, o el/la MCC. Esta sección describe completamente las características de los MCC, tales como: reclutar personas para este ministerio; cómo discernir quiénes son los candidatos idóneos para el ministerio, y cómo llevar a cabo la capacitación de los MCC durante un período de varias semanas. Detalla, además, información importante que los MCC deben saber y los comportamientos y hábitos que deben practicar para ser efectivos en el desempeño del ministerio.
Living into a less colonial way of being together. Methodism and American Empire investigates historical trajectories and theological developments that connect American imperialism since World War II to the Methodist tradition as a global movement. The volume asks: to what extent is United Methodists' vision of the globe marred by American imperialism? Through historical analyses and theological reflections, this volume chronicles the formation of an understanding of The United Methodist Church since the mid-20th century that is both global and at the same time dominated by American interests and concerns. Methodism and American Empire provides a historical and theological perspective to understand the current context of The United Methodist Church while also raising ecclesiological questions about the impact of imperialism on how Methodists have understood the nature and mission of the church over the last century. Gathering voices and perspectives from around the world, this volume suggests that the project of global Methodism and the tensions one witnesses therein ought to be understood in the context of American imperialism and that such an understanding is critical to the task of continuing to be a global denomination. The volume tells a tale of complex negotiations happening between United Methodists across different national, cultural, and ecclesial contexts and sets up the historical backdrop for the imminent schism of The United Methodist Church.
"Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn't mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God. In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, join best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton as he discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them"--Amazon.com.
The correspondence presented in this fourth volume of Wesley's letters casts light on the growth of his movement, documenting (for example) the emergence of connexion-wide financial campaigns and continuing debates over the desire of lay preachers for ordination. It covers the decisive split between the Wesleyan and Calvinist wings of Methodism, including the ways in which Charles Wesley drew closer to his brother through these developments. The volume includes over 100 items not found in previous editions of Wesley's letters. All Works of John Wesley volumes are designed to keep the pages clean and in place for years to come., with casebound non-cloth hardcover, dust jacket, and secure adhesive binding.
The correspondence presented in this fifth volume of Wesley's letters includes a large number of his pastoral letters to various female and male lay persons in his societies. It also traces the fluctuations of Wesley's stance on the British colonists in North America (and their Whig supporters in England) from the growing flames through the closing battles of their revolution. The volume includes over 180 items not found in previous editions of Wesley's letters. All Works of John Wesley volumes are designed to keep the pages clean and in place for years to come., with casebound non-cloth hardcover, dust jacket, and secure adhesive binding.
Daily prayer the Wesleyan way. Prayer is a spiritual practice, and daily prayer uses the repetition of forms and words to cultivate a deep, meaningful ritual, drawing the individual into an ever-closer relationship with God. This book is organized by liturgical season, but is undated, so the individual is free to begin using it at any point during the year. The book is concise and easy to use and includes the words of scripture and other necessary text. It is a simple, frictionless tool for spiritual health. The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer provides complete texts for Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers, with a new set of texts for each week of the year. Each week is anchored in its liturgical season: Advent, Christmastide, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Eastertide, Pentecost, Sow & Rest (Ordinary Time), and Harvest & Create (Ordinary Time). Each set of prayers centers on a scripture passage, with an emphasis on the Psalms. The prayers draw from familiar historic, classic, and ancient Christian texts, and from Methodism's rich hymnody. They also feature fresh, original words from new writers. This book facilitates deep daily connection with God--a method for spiritual sustenance.
Discover Jesus' character through the "I Am" statements in Jesus Revealed by pastor and author Matt Rawle. Light. Bread. Shepherd. Life. The Gospel of John uses these and other symbols to paint a picture of who Jesus is. Through the I Am statements Jesus describes himself with rich images, showing us that he is both fully human and fully divine and calling us as his followers. In Jesus Revealed: The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John, author Matt Rawle explores the "I Am" statements in John as works of art that resonate throughout the Gospel and all of Scripture. He shows how these words point beyond themselves to the deep mystery of Jesus Christ. Join Matt on this journey and experience the profound truth at the heart of the "I Am" statements: that Jesus is light and life, and he calls us to himself and offers us the hope of resurrection. Chapter topics include: 1. I am the bread of life (John 6:48) 2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12) 3. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11) 4. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) 5. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) 6. I am the true vine (John 15:1) The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. Praise for Jesus Revealed "Matt Rawle, the master of discerning connections between Christ and culture, turns now to explore with us how Jesus pioneered how to know the heart of God via the most basic icons of his own culture. Symbols in stories matter, and Matt guides us into Jesus' with aplomb, wisdom, and joy." - James Howell, Senior Pastor, Myers Park United Methodist Church "Reading Jesus' "I Am" statements in the Gospel of John can be mystifying, yet much like the gospel writer himself author Matt Rawle is able uncover a deeper meaning from these powerful metaphors. Jesus Revealed invites the reader to step into the ordinary work of God's extraordinary creation. Calling out the artist within, readers will find their own stories inside these powerful declarations - illuminating a Jesus we've always known but perhaps never fully embraced. Jesus Revealed is a must-read for anyone ready to discover the inexhaustible experience of God's profound love." - Rachel Billups, Pastor and Author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce
James White's classic Christian worship text, revised and updated. The book students of worship have read and re-read is now revised and updated for the first time in more than twenty years. Author Ed Phillips, one of White's graduate students, is joined by practitioners and teachers from emerging generations, who contribute timely and well-researched material from their own areas of expertise. This new content brings the original up to date, filling significant gaps since the original publication on topics like technology, arts, embodiment in and of worship, pluralism and multiculturalism, denominational changes, and changes in the spaces and forms of worship, including worship in the age of pandemics. This new edition will take its place on the shelf of every student, pastor, and leader of Christian worship.
The Leader Guide contains thirteen step-by-step session guides that are easy for volunteers to teach. Each session includes Bible verses, games, art, science, worship, prayers and other creative ways to involve children in the Bible story through a variety of learning styles. Ages: 3-7
When pain is real, why is God silent? This brand new collection is the best of acclaimed author Frederick Buechner's essays on pain, loss, and the healing power of memories that explores God's tender grace and how to be stewards of the pain in our lives. Here now are the best of Buechner's writings on pain and loss, covering such topics as the power of hidden secrets, loss of a dearly beloved, letting go, resurrection from the ruins, peace, and listening for the quiet voice of God. And he reveals that pain and sorrow can be a treasure--an amazing grace. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Just turning on the news lets us know we are living in uncertain times. Economic instabilities, eruption of violence, and natural catastrophes can alter the lives and landscapes of entire communities. Our individual lives are often just as unsteady: relationships can break, plans can falter, and confidence can fail. Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many of us prefer stability and a predictable future to an unknown fate. We are wired to want to control our destiny. The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictable world there are few guarantees in life. It's those who are willing to embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many "unknowns" who will reap the greatest rewards. Embracing the Uncertain invites readers this Lent to engage and wrestle with life's uncertainties, not ignore them. This 40-day devotional journey is the perfect companion piece to the book and includes Scripture, reflections, and prayers for each day to help you renew your heart during Lent.
CORE (Connect, Own, Reveal, Empower(R)) is a resource designed to help teenagers discover their true identity, value and worth as God's children and empower them to reach their potential in faithfully following Christ with others. Dig In is a four session study for groups of all sizes that takes teens on the journey of addressing the obstacles they've experienced in understanding who they are in Christ toward connecting with God and others in new and healthy ways. Identity Theft Delete the Spam Connect with God Connect with Others The student journal is a resource for the journey providing the opportunity for teens to explore what they are learning on a personal level.
In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "first do no harm, do all the good you can, and stay in love with God," contrasts the simplicity of the phrases with the sharp, counter-cultural nature of Wesley's rules. Table of Contents: Introduction - The World In Which We Live - First Do No Harm - Do All the Good You Can - Stay in Love with God. Excerpt from the book: There are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. While they are ancient, they have seldom been fully put to the test. But when and where practiced, the world of things as they were was shaken until a new formation, a new world was formed. This new creation has happened in the past when these three simple rules were adopted as a way of living. We live in such a fast paced, frenzied and complex world that it is easy to believe we are all trapped into being someone we do not wish to be and living a life we do not desire to live. We long for some way to cut through the complexities, and turbulence of every day life. We search for a way to overcome the divisiveness that separates, disparages, disrespects, diminishes and leaves us wounded and incomplete. We know deep within that the path we are on is not healthy or morally right and that it cannot lead to a positive ending. We fear that there is no way out. This way of living was given to John Wesley in a time much like our own. He took this blue print, fleshed it out, taught it and practiced it. And he has passed it on to us. Now it is up to us to see if we will take it, teach it and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living. A way of living that will mark our life together and our lives as individual Christians. Some already practice this way of living and I believe many more are ready to try it. I invite you to read the following pages to see if you are ready for this radical change of direction that is marked by these three simple rules: DO NO HARM DO GOOD STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD
Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they'll be able to discover God's revelation through readings and reflections.
Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they'll be able to discover God's revelation through readings and reflections.
The Common English Bible Dictionary is an easy-to-understand, one-volume portabledictionary of the Bible based on the best contemporary scholarship. It includes allnames, places, and events of the Bible that are significant for Bible study. Thereare more than 3,600 entries.
Explore the miracles of Jesus in Signs and Wonders with Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament studies and Bible study author. In Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context. For each miracle, she discusses not only how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how today's readers can draw meaning from Jesus's words and actions. Chapter topics include: Giving sight to the blind: Metaphors of understanding (Mark 8, John 9) "Take up your pallet and walk" (the paralyzed man): On the role of caregivers A bleeding woman and a dead girl: The importance of women's bodies Walking on water and stilling the storm: Ecological readings of the Gospels The feeding of the 5,000 (or more): The centrality of bread The raising of Lazarus: Taking death seriously The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. Praise for Signs and Wonders Amy-Jill Levine has the rare and wonderful gift of being able to offer solid exegetical work to readers with or without formal theological training as if she is sitting in your living room sharing a cup of tea. Throughout this book she calls us to the interpretive work, reminding us that the big question is not "did this happen?" but "what does it mean?" and ultimately "so what?" How can these old miracle stories speak good news to our lives in this time and place and invite our own healing and transformation along the way? - Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop), Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts Amy-Jill Levine is herself a sign and wonder, a sign that reading the New Testament through Jewish eyes is not just essential but revelatory, and a wonder, as she always writes with verve, wisdom, humor and rich insight. Her latest is hardly an exception, an accessible, fascinating book we welcome eagerly. - James Howell, Senior Pastor, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina With brilliant insight and trademark wit, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine reveals wondrous details of the most prominent miracles in the gospels. We become more than readers of these stories; we discover how to be recipients and participants in the ongoing, miraculous work of God. - Magrey R. deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, and author of The Bible Year: A Journey through Scripture in 365 Days What a rich and accessible resource for anyone who wants to grow their understanding of the Gospels and the claims they make about Jesus! AJ Levine teaches us how to learn from the miracle stories, marvel at them, worry about them, and respond to them in our own lives. - Matthew L. Skinner, Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary Making space for the believer and skeptic alike, Levine masterfully connects the miracles of the God of Israel with the miracles of Jesus. From friends who clear the way, to a father who pleads for his daughter, to sisters who stand resolute, Levine invites the reader to cherish the helpers and the healed as much as we cherish the healer. Levine's willingness to authentically share portions of her own story reminds the reader of the ways the miraculous breaks into our own lives. -Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministry, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church Amy-Jill Levine engages the miracles of Jesus with scholarly acumen and signature wit. Christians who have been confused by these stories will find new clarity in her comprehensive context, including corrective understandings of Judaism. Those who have been intimidated by these texts will be encouraged by her candor. Those who have been inspired by Jesus' miracles will find even deeper dimensions of meaning in the practical, pastoral, theological, and literary levels she opens and the provocative issues raised, from food insecurity to gender assumptions. Levine presses the essential "so what?" question and challenges us to be changed by these stories - and to be amazed. - The Rev. Deborah A. Block, D.Min. Pastor, Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee
Explore the miracles of Jesus in Signs and Wonders with Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament studies and Bible study author. In Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context. For each miracle, she discusses not only how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how today's readers can draw meaning from Jesus's words and actions. Chapter topics include: Giving sight to the blind: Metaphors of understanding (Mark 8, John 9) "Take up your pallet and walk" (the paralyzed man): On the role of caregivers A bleeding woman and a dead girl: The importance of women's bodies Walking on water and stilling the storm: Ecological readings of the Gospels The feeding of the 5,000 (or more): The centrality of bread The raising of Lazarus: Taking death seriously Components for the six-week study include a book, comprehensive Leader Guide, and DVD/Video sessions featuring Amy-Jill Levine. Praise for Signs and Wonders Amy-Jill Levine has the rare and wonderful gift of being able to offer solid exegetical work to readers with or without formal theological training as if she is sitting in your living room sharing a cup of tea. Throughout this book she calls us to the interpretive work, reminding us that the big question is not "did this happen?" but "what does it mean?" and ultimately "so what?" How can these old miracle stories speak good news to our lives in this time and place and invite our own healing and transformation along the way? - Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop), Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts Amy-Jill Levine is herself a sign and wonder, a sign that reading the New Testament through Jewish eyes is not just essential but revelatory, and a wonder, as she always writes with verve, wisdom, humor and rich insight. Her latest is hardly an exception, an accessible, fascinating book we welcome eagerly. - James Howell, Senior Pastor, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina With brilliant insight and trademark wit, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine reveals wondrous details of the most prominent miracles in the gospels. We become more than readers of these stories; we discover how to be recipients and participants in the ongoing, miraculous work of God. - Magrey R. deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, and author of The Bible Year: A Journey through Scripture in 365 Days What a rich and accessible resource for anyone who wants to grow their understanding of the Gospels and the claims they make about Jesus! AJ Levine teaches us how to learn from the miracle stories, marvel at them, worry about them, and respond to them in our own lives. - Matthew L. Skinner, Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary Making space for the believer and skeptic alike, Levine masterfully connects the miracles of the God of Israel with the miracles of Jesus. From friends who clear the way, to a father who pleads for his daughter, to sisters who stand resolute, Levine invites the reader to cherish the helpers and the healed as much as we cherish the healer. Levine's willingness to authentically share portions of her own story reminds the reader of the ways the miraculous breaks into our own lives. -Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministry, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church Amy-Jill Levine engages the miracles of Jesus with scholarly acumen and signature wit. Christians who have been confused by these stories will find new clarity in her comprehensive context, including corrective understandings of Judaism. Those who have been intimidated by these texts will be encouraged by her candor. Those who have been inspired by Jesus' miracles will find even deeper dimensions of meaning in the practical, pastoral, theological, and literary levels she opens and the provocative issues raised, from food insecurity to gender assumptions. Levine presses the essential "so what?" question and challenges us to be changed by these stories - and to be amazed. - The Rev. Deborah A. Block, D.Min. Pastor, Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee
Cultivate fresh expressions of church in your rural congregation with Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church by Tyler Kleeberger and Michael Beck. Congregations became the hub of rural lifefor a time. The place where people gathered not only on Sundays to hear a sermon but to help each other work the land, break bread, and form deep relationships. The rural church was the place where they found a community that could sustain them through the joys and struggles of life with the land. In many ways, a rural church expressed the essence of church in general: To be the guiding hand into the life of a place. After disruptions from agriculture, industrialization, and technology, many rural churches (like the people around them) feel forgotten. Has urbanization made life outside the urban sprawl irrelevant? Can rural congregations struggling to survive find hope and new life? If so, can healthy rural churches catalyze a different future for the world? Tyler Kleebergerand Michael Beck think so. They have served rural congregations for over a decade, Michael in North Central Florida and Tyler in Northwest Ohio. They have discovered the potential and beauty of life and faith in the rural setting. The ageing congregations they serve(in declining rural communities) found ways to cultivate "fresh expressions of church" with people who call rural simply home. They serve contexts in the often forgotten, wild places of our contemporary world. This book includes breakthrough stories from the diversity of rural contexts across the US. It lays out a fresh theology for rural life and offers principles for harnessing the potential of what some consider the forgotten spaces.
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