Hopeful Realism in Urban Ministry
Hopeful Realism in Urban Ministry

Author: Barry K. Morris

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2016-05-20

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 1498221440

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What, pray tell, does a faithful urban ministry require if not a triadic relationship of prayer, justice, and hope? Could such a theologically conjunctive relationship of prayer, justice, and hope fortify urban ministry and challenge students and practitioners to ponder and practice beyond the box? Frequently, justice is collapsed to charity, hope into wishful thinking or temporarily arrested despair, and prayer a grasp at quick-fix interventions. An urban ministry's steadfast public and prophetic witness longs for the depth and width of this triad. Via three countries' decades of endeavors, one chapter brainstorms urban ministry practices while another's literature survey signals crucial convictions. Amid many, seminal theologians are summoned to ground urban ministry intimations and implications: Niebuhr on justice, Moltmann on hope, and Merton on contemplative prayer. Evident is passion that fuels compassion in the service of justice, hope that engages despair, and prayer that draws from the contemplative center of it all--thankful resources for long haul ministry. The triad presses to illumine a concrete ministry's engagement of relentless, forced option issues yet with significant networks resourcing. Contrast-awareness animates endurance. The summary exegetes the original grace-based serenity prayer. Hence, hope vitally balances realism's temptation to cynicism. Realism saves hope from irrelevancy.

Urban Ministry Reconsidered
Urban Ministry Reconsidered

Author: R. Drew Smith

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2018-08-14

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1611648459

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Christian ministries often struggle to account for urbanization's growing force, complexities, and reachâ€"and to formulate theologically and sociologically appropriate responses. Urban Ministry Reconsidered features a collection of original essays by leading scholars and practitioners that explores current issues and challenges in urban communities. Together these articles consider how cultural and structural frameworks have led to new conceptualizations and configurations of urban ministry. In addition, they examine the degree to which the social, spiritual, and organizational priorities of urban ministries have been reconceived in response to these shifts.

Urban Ministry
Urban Ministry

Author: Ronald E. Peters

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2011-07-01

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 1426737025

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A comprehensive introduction to the particular challenges and opportunities of congregational ministry in urban settings.Urban ministry has long been a part of seminary curricula, but a basic and definitive understanding of what students should know as they prepare for congregational ministry in the city has remained elusive. Too often it is assumed that the theological resources developed for ministry in other settings are adequate for urban ministry, but these resources fail to account for the unique challenges and opportunities of the urban setting. Ronald Peters clarifies the nature of urban ministry as a theological discipline by showing how its core values of love, justice, community, and reconciliation (among others) engage the issues of economics, education, family life, public health, ethnic relations, and religious life in the urban environment. Arguing that the city has always served as an arena of God's activity, Peters articulates a theological rationale for urban ministry that is both hopeful and yet realistic, affirming that God loves the city and its people and encouraging practitioners to do the same.

Churches That Make a Difference
Churches That Make a Difference

Author: Ronald J. Sider

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2002-04-01

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1585582190

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Churches over the past generations have been weakened by a failure to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of their communities. Many have adopted a narrow vision, focusing on only one aspect of ministry. But in today's environment of faith-based opportunities many Christians are eager to start reaching out to their world with both Good News and good works, and therefore they are searching for appropriate ways to integrate both into their ministry. In Churches That Make a Difference, best-selling author Ron Sider and his coauthors give those involved in community outreach a comprehensive resource for developing holistic ministry--a balance of evangelism and social outreach. Illustrations and helpful organizational tips detail the how-to's of an effective holistic ministry. Case studies that show how different churches across the United States reach out to their communities provide a variety of ideas and practical applications. User-friendly tools are included as well for congregational studies, surveys, evaluations, and community assessments. The authors draw on extensive experience with church ministries and faith-based organizations as they share the life-changing vision and biblical mandate for living the whole gospel. Church leaders will be encouraged in their process of developing and maintaining a holistic ministry, and local churches will rediscover a passion for loving the whole person the way Jesus did.

Hope in Times of Fear
Hope in Times of Fear

Author: Timothy Keller

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2021-03-09

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0525560807

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The Resurrection accounts of Jesus in the Gospels are the most dramatic and impactful stories ever told. One similarity unites each testimony--that none of his most loyal and steadfast followers could "see" it was him, back from the dead. The reason for this is at the very foundation of the Christian faith. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (John 20:14) Hope in the Time of Fear is a book that unlocks the meaning of Jesus's resurrection for readers. Easter is considered the most solemn and important holiday for Christians. It is a time of spiritual rebirth and a time of celebrating the physical rebirth of Jesus after three days in the tomb. For his devoted followers, nothing could prepare them for the moment they met the resurrected Jesus. Each failed to recognize him. All of them physically saw him and yet did not spiritually truly see him. It was only when Jesus reached out and invited them to see who he truly was that their eyes were open. Here the central message of the Christian faith is revealed in a way only Timothy Keller could do it--filled with unshakable belief, piercing insight, and a profound new way to look at a story you think you know. After reading this book, the true meaning of Easter will no longer be unseen.

Urban Ministry
Urban Ministry

Author: Harvie M. Conn

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2010-01-26

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 0830878874

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In this book Harvie M. Conn and Manuel Ortiz address the vital work of the urban church as they trace the history of the city around the world, examine the biblical basis for urban mission, unpack the multifaceted identity of the city and discuss particular issues and needs of urban leadership.

www.congregationalresources.org
www.congregationalresources.org

Author: Richard Bass

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2004-12-30

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 1566997070

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An ever-increasing number of resources compete for the attention of congregational leaders. With a seemingly endless number of choices, finding the best resource on a particular topic for a specific congregation is an often daunting challenge. www.congregationalresources.org, is an invaluable companion to the groundbreaking online version of Alban Institute’s and Indianapolis Center for Congregation’s jointly researched and produced Congregational Resource Guide, launched in 2001 and accessed by thousands of seekers each week. The book conveniently and cogently puts the rich array of important resources into context by examining in depth, the key books, organizations, Web sites, and people that will help leaders gain an understanding of important issues facing their congregations. The book features ten overviews of important topics by widely recognized experts in their fields, including Amy Sherman on Community Ministry, Tom Fischer on Congregational Health, Lee Ramsey on Preaching, Paul Chaffee on Leadership, John Janka on Evaluation, and Jean Trumbauer on Lay Ministry. Each essay is accompanied by an annotated list of selected resources for researching further information. Helpful guides for using these valuable resources to promote and encourage congregational understanding and transformation are also included.