"Naming where we see crisis can upset us," writes Doughty. "It probably ought to. Distress, at its best, creates awareness. It awakens us to where we are." The Chinese symbol for crisis reflects its dual reality: danger yet opportunity. Even as a crisis threatens, it can bring wholly unanticipated chances for personal and communal growth. At such critical junctures, you want to know you can count on the sound, discerning counsel of genuine leaders—who seem so short in supply right now. Our tr...

Hard choices are inevitable. Whether they involve family or other relationships, a job, or your spiritual journey, some decisions aren't clear-cut or easy. The advice you seek (or that's thrust upon you by well-meaning friends) may leave you more unsure than ever. The adage "Let go, let God" is a nice notion but often not so satisfying in the midst of difficulty. If you've ever wondered whether your intuition, the advice you've received, or the direction from your church community truly refle...

A Perfect Love is the full text of Wesley's book. What makes this version unique is that the author has edited Wesley's text and updated his language for the contemporary reader. Christian perfection is the doctrine that distinguishes Methodism from other Christian denominations. People who read and study this book will come away with a greater appreciation for this important doctrine. It will change their lives. It may even change their church. A Perfect Love includes in-text definitions an...

For people of faith, storytelling has special meaning. We are people of the story, and we seek to identify and share our stories in nearly everything we do. Dancing with Words provides help for all church leaders — both clergy and lay — to explore the history and importance of storytelling in faith development and to acquire basic storytelling skills. You will soon discover ways that storytelling enhances ministry. Storytelling at its best is an interaction between storyteller and story liste...

Grounded in the gospel, Faith & Money identifies the challenges of fund development in local congregations, develops a consistent theological foundation for fund development, and guides congregations in building worthy expectations and attitudes on how to fund ministry.

Building on the success of Designing a Ministry by, with, and for Older Adults, author Rick Gentzler gives readers new ways to develop and strengthen ministries with older adults, providing: information about the needs and life issues of older adults tools to help congregations evaluate their current situation models for ministry with older adults suggested resources For more information on ministries with older adults, contact the Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries or call the toll...

Come to the Waters is an invitation to pastors and congregations to make the transforming power of God in Christ accessible to all persons. This book faces squarely the emerging mission frontier and proposes a daring alternative in making the gospel accessible to all persons, especially adults who have little or no experience with the life and faith of Christians. Part 1 focuses on welcoming and walking with persons on the journey of conversion. Part 2 provides model services and commentary t...

Praying with John Wesley is based on the model for daily prayer developed by Wesley in 1733. Centered on 6 Christian virtues, it includes daily scripture reading, personal reflection, and prayer. While remaining true to Wesley's intent and emphasis, DeSilva has updated and interpreted Wesley's prayers to be used by 21st-century Christians who are seeking to grow as disciples, taking the reader through one full week of morning and evening devotions. We encourage readers to use this guide th...

Unexpected expenses happen. Questions, anxiety, and some confusion among the membership and church leaders are inevitable whenever a congregation needs to raise major funds. Reeves guides you to examine the issues of developing and carrying out a strategy for raising money for special needs. Extraordinary Money serves as a tool to help churches determine whether a capital campaign suits their setting. Find answers to these questions and more: Why do capital campaigns work in some settings...