Throughout his time as bishop, Will Willimon has once a week sat down at his computer and tapped out short messages to the churches under his care. Sometimes his intention has been to comfort and console; sometimes it’s been to motivate and inspire. Sometimes he’s written deeply theological meditations on the mystery of the Resurrection; other times, he’s spoken in highly practical terms about what goes into making an effective congregation. Sometimes he wrestles with thorny issues of the ...

In "The Kingdom of God Is Within You," Leo Tolstoy presents a profound exploration of spirituality, morality, and the interplay of faith in everyday life. Written in the late 19th century, the book argues for a deep-rooted, personal interpretation of Christianity, advocating for a faith that transcends institutional practices. Tolstoy employs a lucent and contemplative style, merging philosophical insights with personal anecdotes that challenge the reader to seek a deeper understanding of ...

Meet a man forced to live in a fast changing and godless society. He faced fears about the future, concern for his safety, and the discouragement of world that seemed to be falling apart at warp speed. Sound familiar? His name was Daniel, and with the power of hope, humility, and wisdom, he not only thrived, he changed an empire while he was at it. Though he lived thousands of years ago, he has a much to teach us today.Even in Babylon, God Is in ControlIn

Leadership is essential.Maybe you've shied away from leadership because you don't know what it will involve, or you feel too unsure of your own abilities. But your leadership is needed! In every sector of society, from families to businesses to churches, leadership roles remain empty, waiting for people willing and able to step up and make wise decisions that bring positive change. And, in a world with priorities vastly different from Christ's, Christian leaders are especially need...

Effectively leading a church or ministry organization requires many things—a motivating vision, a clear mission statement, an intentional strategy, high capacity staff members. No one questions these things. However, there is another fundamental requirement without which no ministry can thrive or sustain itself for the long haul—and too often it is either ignored or disregarded, especially by those in Christian ministry. According to Andy Stanley, that fundamental requirement is systems—co...

"A Remedy for Itching Ears" provides answers to many basic questions regarding Christian Doctrine in the Church. Learn what the Articles of Faith are, what new believers need to know about Christian Doctrinal teaching, more in-depth Doctrine for those already established in the faith in order to more fully participate in the Church and its ministries, and more.

This is a unique book. A combination of profound truths, presented in narrative and biblical theology, along with perceptive insight from a fathering heart, combine to bring an authoritative, apostolic message to the Body of Christ.This cut-through teaching, coming from a seasoned, mature, apostolic voice, is timely. In making clear the Word of our Lord Jesus and the words of His apostles, it calls for a profound change in the visible structure of the Church, and in the way we live...

Congregations want to support their pastors, but don’t know how. Pastors love their congregations, but they don’t know what to ask of their congregations to garner needed support. Everyone wants to thrive together, but so often we get stuck. This clear and engaging guide helps pastors and congregations bridge communication gaps and set mutual goals and expectations.Reverend Keck grounds his framework of expectations on both scholarly research and on interviews he’s conducted with p...

The book of Acts serves as our playbook for ministry as it prepares us for the active presence of God.Studying the book of Arts takes us back to the future. It shows the church how to trust in the active presence of God and inspire people to move from being mere members to bold disciples. As members become disciples of faith, they experience the unstoppable power of disciplined growth and divine purpose in Christian living.

It’s good to talk about ministry. It’s better to do it, and do it passionately.In 2008, the United Methodist Church lifted up “Four Areas of Focus” for ministry, and churches have responded. But at Ginghamsburg Church, in the rust-belt town of Tipp City, Ohio, the church has been doing exciting and effective ministry in those four areas for 35 years and more.Engaging in Ministry with the PoorImproving Global HealthDeveloping Principled Christian Le...

This is a transformational training course designed to give church leaders of all educational levels the basic biblical interpretation, homiletical, public speaking, and leadership skills necessary to fulfill their role as lay leaders. It provides all of the resources necessary to facilitate class discussions in each of the four learning modules, including recommendations for suggested textbooks, power point presentations, and other class room materials to be distributed to the students as...

If you have been leading God's people for any length of time, you know how difficult--sometimes even impossible--it can be. Why is Christian leadership so hard to get right?Could it be that the church, which was meant to reflect the heart of God, has instead taken the role of leader? Could we simply be making things harder than they need to be?In The Tail That Wags the Dog, veteran pastor Max Myers takes those questions straight to the Bible to demonstrate where an...