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The Youth Ministry "e;movement"e; has become a monument. Youth leaders are doing so much work, and it all seems worthy. It's big, important stuff. But leaders across the nation quietly suspect that the more we do, the less effective we seem to be in reaching young people. All those retreats and camps, books and seminars, conferences and leadership symposiums-what difference do they make in young lives today? As technology accelerates, spiritual apathy increases. Young people are biblically illiterate, bored, and find the church to be irrelevant. Parents are frustrated. Youth leaders are burned out. And high school and college students-if they ever attended--are leaving the church by the droves. What on earth has gone wrong?Youth Ministry: What's Gone Wrong & How to Get It Right shines a revealing light on standard youth ministry practices, and helps the reader to see what needs to change. The book is full of practical ideas that work in real churches, and includes 'voices from the trenches'-perspectives from current youth ministry leaders. Deep down inside, young people want life to matter. The church has something important to offer, but we have to start getting it right.

The scope of this book is to address only the physical skills, the one area that most people can master relatively quickly, regardless of their skill level in other areas.

For individual or group use"e;It is my hope that this book will provide at least fifty ways you may take steps in a lifelong walk with God. It is written for you, the seeker and sojourner, as well as you, the church leader, youth minister, retreat facilitator, or worship planner. It is for all of us who thought we only knew one way to pray."e; --from the introductionThe explosion of interest today in Christian mystics, ancient prayer practices, and guided meditations speaks to a need for more hands-on tools that will help us pray in traditional as well as new and exciting ways. This book is intended to address that need.Each of the exercises includes not only instructions on how to use it as a prayer practice, but also some background, an introduction, a statement of intention, and tips to help you become comfortable with the practice. For those of you wanting to lead these practices in a group, there are special instructions and information in the Leader's Guide at the end of the book. "e;Rich with wisdom drawn from the wellsprings of Western spirituality, this remarkable book is a sustained experience of spiritual direction offered by a seasoned spiritual guide."e; -John S. Mogabgab, editor of Weavings journal "e;This book does more than point to ways of prayer; it serves as encouragement, guide, and partner for those who want to connect in prayer in ways that move beyond words."e; -Doug Pagitt, author of BodyPrayer and pastor of Solomon's Porch"e;This is a basic, balanced, and accessible guide to the variety, promise, and practice of prayer. Read it to deepen your understanding of prayer; use it to deepen your life in God."e; -Frederick W. Schmidt, author of What God Wants for Your LifeClick here to read a sampleTable of ContentsTeresa A. Blythe is a writer, spiritual director, and frequent conference speaker on topics of popular culture and spirituality. She has co-authored Meeting God in Virtual Reality and Watching What We Watch, along with numerous essays and reviews for Beliefnet, Spirituality & Health, and Publishers Weekly. Teresa serves as Program Coordinator for the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, AZ.

Theological education has always been vital to the Church's life and mission; yet today it is in crisis, lacking focus, direction, but also resources and even students. In the early Church, there is no doubt that to lead worship one had to be able to read and interpret the Bible. In order to lead, it was necessary to know at least something about the history of Israel and the work of God in the Gospels, and interpret that history, making it relevant to daily living. Quickly the Church developed schools for its teachers, whether lay or clergy. A catechetical system was organized through which candidates prepared for baptism were given a basic form of theological education. Hence to be a Christian meant persons knew what and why they believed. But over the years, theological education has come to mean education for clergy and church professionals. It has drifted, seeking new moorings.

Given the way many in the West have read the New Testament in the last century, the church might be regarded as an afterthought at best. But at the worst, it can be viewed as an unnecessary, perhaps even problematic, institutionalization of genuine faith especially in our post-denominational context. These perspectives fly in the face of the robust ecclesiological concerns and commitments of the New Testament documents when read as witnesses from, to, and for congregations of God's people. For Wall, the problem is spiritual because fewer go to find God in church. Why the church? Because this peculiar fellowship of saints, whose loving communion is with the risen One, has been appointed by the triune God as God's herald. With its sacred vocation, every demonstration of the church's oneness, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity--each eschatological mark enabled and brought to maturity by God's grace--is the concrete means to address our theological crisis. This book will contribute to New Testament studies but also serve related discussions in theology and church history. Reframing New Testament Theology is a series that fulfills the need for brief, substantive, yet highly accessible introductions to central questions and themes raised by New Testament study.

Brad Stevens is a great coach, admired and respected for developing winning teams year after year.His patience and never-give-up attitude will take him a long way as Coach of the Boston Celtics. -Larry Bird, Boston Celtics 1978-1992; President, Basketball Operations Indiana Pacers Coach Brad Stevens made Butler Universitythe first team to make 2 consecutive finals of the NCAA basketball tournament without being seeded #1 or #2. Lead Like Butler is a must read for any college basketball fan. -Chris Coddington,Fellowship of Christian Athletes...a must read forthose who desire to win in life, as well as in the arena of competition. -Jim McCoy, KDOV-TV& KDOV-FMWhat becomes quickly apparent is that the enduring ideas of humility, passion, teamwork, service, gratitude, and accountability prove applicable tenants in all aspects of life.-James M. Danko, President, Butler UniversityAnyone who desires a more authentic pathway toward leadership and excellence will benefit from learning to "e;Lead Like Butler."e;-Michael Coyner, bishop, Indiana Area of The United Methodist ChurchButler's rise to the top wasn't a fluke. This is amust read for others wanting to achieve greatness.-Billy Shepherd, Butler University, Class of 1972, and Indiana's "e;Mr. Basketball-1968"e;Whether at work, at home, or even at play, the values of humility, passion, unity, service, thankfulness, and accountability can help you shape your group into a successful example for others.-Jamie Phillippe, Board of Trustees, Butler University, Class of 1973Lead Like Butler is an important contribution to the canon of leadership literature on and off the hardwood.-Jennifer L. Bougher, Esq. Arent Fox, LLP (New York),member ofButler University Alumni Association Board of Directors

Dr. Anna McIntyre's life was going along just fine until someone else started living it. Her patient dies because of an identity mix-up, her medical career is in jeopardy because of forged prescriptions, and her credit is in ruins. Her determination to clear her name might be a prescription for trouble.

This is another way of saying that some people smell the roses, while others just complain about the thorns. In his warm, conversational style, popular author James W. Moore explores the reasons why some people are able to see our time on earth as a gracious gift from God rather than as an agonizing endurance test; and, simply put, why some people have the ability to celebrate life with an abundance of gratitude.Each chapter in this book includes a reference to an important passage of Scripture, powerful stories and examples from the lives of others, and practical suggestions for better daily living. Also included is a sixteen-page study guide for both individual and group use with questions related to each chapter.

This book was written just for you, to help you know what happens and what to do when someone you loves dies. An explanation of death for children.

Prayer nurtures our faith and encourages spiritual growth. This thematic Bible study calls individuals and small groups to a deeper life of prayer during the season of Lent. It guides readers to spiritual transformation and application of Bible study to everyday, practical life experience. By coming near the cross through prayer, we can know and imitate heart of Christ. This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during the Lent 2016 season. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages readers to engage in a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith. On the whole, this thematic seasonal Bible study series is designed for transformation and application of Bible study to everyday, practical life experience.

Ordained ministry, says Will Willimon, is a gift of God to the churchbut that doesn't mean that it is easy. Always a difficult vocation, changes in society and the church in recent years have made the ordained life all the more complex and challenging. Is the pastor primarily a preacher, a professional caregiver, an administrator? Given the call of all Christians to be ministers to the world, what is the distinctive ministry of the ordained? When does one's ministry take on the character of prophet, and when does it become that of priest? What are the special ethical obligations and disciplines of the ordained?Pastor: Revised Edition explores these and other central questions about the vocation of ordained ministry. It begins with a discussion of who pastors are, asking about the theological underpinnings of ordained ministry, and then moves on to what pastors do, looking at the distinctive roles the pastor must fulfill. The book also draws on great teachers of the Christian tradition to demonstrate that, while much about Christian ministry has changed, its core concernspreaching the word, the care of souls, the sacramental life of congregationsremains the same.Ordained ministry is a vocation to which we are called, not a profession that we choose. To answer that call is to open oneself to heartache and sometimes hardship; yet, given the one who calls, it is to make oneself available to deep and profound joy as well.

How can anyone completely answer the difficult questions that children ask: Who created God? Will there be another flood? Is the Bible true? But then, we adults have questions too: With so many options and Bible translations, where can I go for help? What is the best Bible for my child? How do we talk about miracle stories, healing stories, and the creation stories? What about violence? When kids ask about the relevancy of the Bible for today, what do we say?How we read and interpret the Bible with children may mean the difference between whether or not it will continue to be an important source for their faith development as they become young adults.Written by an expert in children's ministry, I Wonder is a resource for adults who want to explore ways to help children read, engage, wrestle, and grow into deeper understanding of the Bible. It is for those who come to the Bible with souls open to be fed and who want their children to seek faith and wisdom. It will also help readers address timeless questions and issues including recent biblical scholarship, literary analysis, reading the Bible from their social location and reading the Bible in a multi-faith world.

Christian pastoral care is a narrative, ecclesial, theological practice (NET). As a narrative practice, pastoral care attends to the inseparable interconnection between our own lifestories, others' stories, the larger cultural stories, and God's story. As a ministry of the church, pastoral care is an ecclesial practice that derives its motivation, purpose, and identity from the larger mission of the church to bear witness to and embody God's mission of love that extends beyond the church for the transformation of the world. As a theological practice, pastoral care is grounded in God's love story. God's profound love for humankind heals our brokenness when human love fails and invites us into an ongoing process of growth in love of God, self, and neighbor.Intended for those who provide care with and on behalf of religious communities, author Karen Scheib focuses on listening and ';restorying' practices occurring in the context and setting of congregations. By coauthoring narratives that promote healing and growth in love, pastoral caregivers become cocreators and companions who help others revise and construct life-stories reshaped by the grace of God.What Karen Scheib has done in this book is to reposition pastoral care as a theological activity performed in the context of the church. She draws deeply upon her Wesleyan theological heritage, upon an understanding of life in its fullness as growth in love and grace, and upon a ';communion ecclesiology' undergirded by a communal understanding of the Trinitarian life of God. Thus grounded, she envisions pastoral care first as a rhythm of the life of the whole church and secondarily as a work of trained pastors.In her vision, pastoral care is rescued from a narrow understanding of it as exceptional acts of intervention performed only in moments of dire crisis. Instead, it becomes a ';daily practice of pastoral care,' an attending, in love, to the stories of others and a ';listening for ways God is already present in a life story.' Solidly theological, grounded in the life of the church, and eminently teachable Karen Scheib has given us a great gift in this book.' from the Foreword -Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. "e;In a wonderfully engaging, reflective, and useful way, Karen Scheib captures something absolutely essential to pastoral care and yet often overlookedthe utter centrality of storytelling/listening, the power of stories to heal, and their vital connection to bigger stories told within religious communities. This book is a real milestone, reclaiming the importance of ';narrative knowing' and grounding care not only in community but also within a comprehensive theological framework."e; --Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, The Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion, Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Nashville, TN';Implementing narrative personality and therapy theories and anchored in ecclesiology and Wesleyan theology (NET), Karen Scheib's book advances a long awaited and holistic approach to pastoral care. Her NET approach presents the embodiment of pastoral care by emphasizing both narrative and paradigmatic knowing, proposes the subjectivity of our stories in pastoral care by pointing out the interchangeability between us and our stories as subject and object, and underscores the dynamic process of pastoral care through the interconnection of the storyteller, listener, and context. Scheib's image of story companion contributes to the field as a new paradigm of pastoral care and promises to be a significant resource in generating hope and growth in love for both pastoral caregiver and receiver.' Angella Son, Associate Professor, Drew University, Madison, NJ"e;Pastoral theologian Scheib describes a narrative, ecclesial, and theological approach for listening to people's life stories in such a way as to engender spiritual formation and growth in love. Scheib clarifies the connections between caring conversations and Christian theology. Clear and accessible prose as well as helpful exercises and discussion starters make this a fine teaching text."e; -The Christian Century, Sept. 29, 2016.

Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvaniaand encouraged his siblings to followafter their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father's house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed. Lavina hasn't forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David's father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it's too late. Still, forgiveness isn't easy. Even if she can get David to return, she's not sure he will forgive his father. And she's not sure she can forgive David, either.

How and why God loves usGod's good creationThis book will talk about the doctrine of creation and invite us to look closely at who God is and who we are in relationship with God. As people of faith, we believe that our gracious God created all there is, but does that also mean that God also created evil? How does creation jive with what scientists are telling us about the origin of the universe? What does the doctrine of creation tell us about what we call "e;the creation,"e; that is, the world, its value, purpose, etc? How does understanding the world as God's creation teach us about our role in creation care?The Bible tells us that God created the heavens and earth, but does that deny the science of the Big Bang? What does believing that God is the Creator say about how God loves, redeems, and sustains us today or does creation say something only about the past? What about the "e;new creation''? Does this have anything to do with the old creation? Does it mean simply that God is so tired of the rebelliousness of creation that it seems best to erase the present one and start anew? Or is there a connection between the two?What does the doctrine of creation say about us? Aren't we created in God's image and aren't we part of the good creation of a loving God? If so, why is there evil and rebelliousness in us? Where does our ill-will, our desire to do evil, come from? Is there freedom of the will or are all things preordained by God? Just how detailed is God's plan for us?While no one author can deal with all these questions, this book will help us begin the conversation and gain new understanding of how the doctrine of creation can help us address these very human and timeless questions.Series Description:Belief Matters: How to Love God with Your Mind is a series of books written by widely recognized authors who will help readers think more clearly about their faith and better understand their beliefs, so that they can live more faithfully. These books will also help readers become aware of thoughtful resources and conceptual frames of reference that not only will deepen their faith, but also help them better understand what we say and do in Church. Conversational in tone, these books are reflections on major theological topics and are suitable for a 4-session individual or group study. The intent of the series is to help readers feel as though they are sitting, having coffee as authors share their ';take' and show that by thinking more clearly about the faith, persons can love God more fully, live with confidence, and change the world.

Recent years have seen heightened interest in how to read scripturefrom a missional perspective. This book addresses that question byexploring both how the New Testament bears witness to the mission of Godand how it energizes the church to participate in that mission. It alsomakes a distinctive contribution by applying a missional reading to avariety of New Testament books, offering insights into New Testamenttheology and serving today's discussions about mission and the church.';Dean Flemming has written a game-changing book on the interpretationof scripture for the mission of the church. This relatively slim butrich volume is absolutely mandatory reading for all serious students ofthe New Testament and for all who wish to understand the church'sparticipation in the mission of God. It should be on the syllabus ofevery ecclesially focused course on the New Testament and everybiblically attuned course in ecclesiology and in missiology.' Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD';I am always grateful when another book by Dean Flemming appears. Hiswriting arises out of his significant cross-cultural experience, hisoutstanding scholarship, and his careful listening to the Spirit in thetext. This book is written clearly and is full of nourishing insight.' Michael W. Goheen, Professor of Missiology, CalvinTheological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI; former Geneva Chair of WorldviewStudies, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC; and Teaching Fellowin Mission Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, BC ';';Why mission?' is a critical question, one not asked or understoodoften enough. Here is a stirring reading of the New Testament thatdemonstrates a living triune God on mission, bringing redemption to theworld through a living apostolic church. So much rich theologicalinterpretation packed into a small book!' Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR';Since writing The Mission of God, I have felt guilty thatit paid so much more attention to a missional reading of the Old than ofthe New Testament. This fine book relieves me of that guilt. This is anoutstandingly clear and faithful exposition of what it means to readthe New Testament from the perspective of, and with the intention ofparticipating in, the mission of God as revealed in the whole Bible.' Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership

In this concise guide, Dr. Knowles Wallace gives practical worship and preaching suggestions for each season of the Christian year as it relates to the Revised Common Lectionary. She describes the unique features and colors of each season as well as its historical overview, theological grounding, and significance for faith formation.The Christian Yeargives ways to draw upon the gifts of existing congregations while seeking to expand their witness and faith formation. The authorwalks the reader through each season, beginning with Advent, followed by Christmas, Epiphany, Ordinary Time in Light of Epiphany, Lent, Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, Easter through Pentecost, and Ordinary Time as People of the Resurrection, giving sample services with suitable lectionary readings, hymns, prayers, and spatial and visual suggestions for each season in either traditional or contemporary worship styles."

There can be no doubt about what Jesus thought was ';the main thing,' the Great Commandments to love God with our heart, soul, and mind and to love neighbor as yourself.What were the non-negotiables for the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley? Wesley's first priority was to grow Christian disciples who loved God and neighbor with a holy love that keeps those Commandments.Using John Wesley as guide, Top 10 United Methodist Beliefs describes the 10 most important United Methodist beliefs, so that we are equipped for every good work. It also describes how a passionate Wesley can still inspire us to travel the road to perfection using these basic beliefs as signposts, not hitching posts, so that we can more fully follow Jesus.But discipleship can be arduous and God's grace is not cheap. We must be prepared to walk and walk and not just talk. The Christian life is action packed with surprises at every turn. ';Are you able?' as the old hymn asks. Yes, Lord, we are able through the power and love of God to be accountable to Jesus and each other. Each chapter includes study questions suitable for personal reflection and group conversation.

A fresh new look at the Bible, from beginning to end, and what it means in believers' lives

Church after church faces eventual death while helplessly lamenting its fate. What perversity is at work that causes those who sincerely love the church to become obstacles to growth? Like the apostle Paul, churches don't always do the things they want, but instead they do the very thing they hate. Why? While the theological answer is sin at work in us, the organizational answer may just be that members of dying churches unconsciously find a payoff in the church's decline. They are tempted by church.

The church leader's guide to thoughtfully managing church finances. Each mini-chapter attacks a particular problem or perennially critical theme related to church money management and stewardship.