The simple practice of loving our neighbors has more power than the best professionally produced Sunday "show" in town.After attending the "coolest" and fastest-growing church in town for a few months, Brian Mavis asked some of his neighbors if they would attend church with him. The neighbors said, "Thanks, but no thanks. We don't want to be part of an institutional church ... but we do want to know more about God, and we'd be happy to meet with you to learn more."...

This one of a kind resource provides pastors, church leaders, and non-professional counselors with everything they need to establish a program for lay counseling. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated in light of fresh research and outlines a practical training resource that can be used to train and equip lay counselors.Filled with useful forms and questionnaires, it also provides a helpful and comprehensive survey of the programs and resources that are currently...

Despite a strong belief in the institution and sacredness of marriage, studies show that Christian spouses experience divorce at least as much as the secular population.But whatever the reasons for a divorce--beyond the divorce itself--many Christians want to know: does the Bible support remarriage?The fact is that no consensus exists among evangelicals on their views of remarriage, leaving many Christians confused. This Counterpoints volume explores the bi...

Do you need help restoring the pleasure to your marriage?Whether you’ve been married a day, a decade, or half a century, if your sexual relationship is marred by pain, tension, or disappointment—you are not alone. Thousands of couples struggle with sexual problems that keep their marriages from being all that God intended them to be. But there is hope!Now, sexual therapists and best-selling authors Joyce and Cliff Penner share their proven methods in this c...

There is hope in Alzheimer's disease, but it isn't where most people look for it...Any form of dementia is terrifying and lonely for both the one suffering it and for those close to them. How do our relationships with those we love change with loss of memory or clarity of thought? What happens to our relationship with God?For those suffering from early-stage Alzheimer's, for their friends and family, community and church, this book will help you un...

Today's youth struggle with difficult questions of sexual identity. How can a youth worker offer wise care and counsel on such a controversial and confusing subject? Mark Yarhouse, Director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity, writes to equip youth ministers so they can faithfully navigate the topic of sexual identity in a way that is honest, compassionate, and accessible.Reframing the focus away from the culture wars, Yarhouse introduces you to the conversation begin...

Our millennial children, as well as non-churchgoing millennials, are both the church's greatest challenge and its most exciting new opportunity.There is a fundamental frame of reference shift in American society happening right now among young adults. You may think of this group as millennials - those born between 1980 and 2000 - but millennials resist this label for good reason: The national narrative on them is pejorative, patronizing, and false.Here's wh...

Traditional grammar instruction often focuses too much on what’s right or what’s wrong, hiding the true power of conventions—the creation of meaning, purpose, and effect. Instead of hammering high school students with the mistakes they should avoid, Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Holly Durham suggest exploring grammar through the celebration of author’s purpose and craft. In Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, they invite you to create an environ...

A guide to enjoying God's gift of married sexual pleasure, now in trade paper.A Celebration of Sex for Newlyweds answers specific, often unasked questions about sexual topics, and presents newly-married couples with detailed techniques and behavioral skills for learning sexual pleasure and intimate companionship. An excellent tool for premarital counseling and a wonderful gift for the newly-married, this book offers invaluable information in a professional...

Every pastor struggles with demands for his time, and how to determine priorities in ministry. Some choose to respond to the most urgent needs, while others seek a more balanced and intentional approach. But what determines these priorities? Where should a busy pastor look for wisdom in making decisions?In the Pastor’s Ministry, pastor and author Brian Croft looks to the Scriptures to determine the top ten priorities for a faithful pastoral ministry. These biblically roote...

The words of Jesus—red letter words—are the most important and life changing ever spoken.Discover the things Jesus thought were most important.What He says about how to live.His relationship with God and the Holy Spirit.And His overwhelming love for you.More than 115 passages from the Bible are considered with illuminating explanation and background facts. Most of all, discovering Jesus’ words will breathe life into your relationship with Him and hel...

OVER 2.5 MILLION COPIES IN PRINTDiscover the secrets to new joy and sexual fulfillment in marriage that have helped millions of Christian couples maximize their intimacy.Here are the insights into your spouse's body, psychosexual makeup, and need for tender, unselfish affection that can help you discover new depths of intimacy. It's the perfect book for:Engaged couples and newlyweds who want to make lovemaking a joy from the s...