Living the Questions

Living the Questions

Author: David Felten

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2012-08-07

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 006220128X

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Ministers David Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy, along with an all-star cast of Bible scholars and top church teachers, provide a primer to a church movement that encourages every Christian to “live the questions” instead of “forcing the answers.” Based on the bestselling DVD course of the same name, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity includes commentary from such bestselling authors as Diana Butler Bass, John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Brian McLaren, and others. Tackling issues of faith and controversial subjects such as the church’s position on homosexuality, Living the Questions is the most comprehensive, indeed the only survey of progressive Christianity in existence today.


What If I Don't Feel Like Going to Church?

What If I Don't Feel Like Going to Church?

Author: David Gundersen

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2020-06-05

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 1433568926

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Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. 9Marks Church Questions is a series that seeks to provide ordinary Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions Christians have about church life. Each volume offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment. This booklet motivates Christians to still go to church even when they feel like it will be unsatisfying, unhelpful, or just plain awkward by helping them discern their feelings, ask for help, and rediscover the power of being present at their church's gathering.


Psychology and the Church

Psychology and the Church

Author: Dave Hunt

Publisher:

Published: 2016-10-01

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781681380155

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"Christian Psychology"--an oxymoron?While prominent Christians embrace psychotheraphy,acclaimed secular psychologists acknowledge that it is, in fact, a religious practice under the guise of medical science:So common is the use of psychotherapy among Christians today that many pastors themselves are either licensed therapists or are the greatest source of referrals to professional counselors. In addition, the study of psychology has become the number two career choice for all college students; in fact, the popularity of this "science of the soul" is even greater among those enrolled in Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries from coast to coast.Some of the critical questions and crucial answers this book explores include:* From what ancient philosophical roots does psychology originate, and what are its modern fruits?* Is psychology truly a "scientific" means by which the spiritual issues of mankind may be addressed?* What does God's Word prescribe as a remedy for the social ills of our culture, and is that alone sufficient for the Body of Christ?* Can Christians effectively minister using Scripture and prayer by power of the Holy Spirit, or is professional training required?* Is it possible for believers in Christ to "eat the fish and spit out the bones" with regard to psychology's foundation in secular humanism?* Can the mystic and occultic methodologies employed by secular psychotherapists be "sanctified" for practice by Christian counselors?* Does the wisdom of psychology point to the narrow way of biblical Christianity, or toward the broad path that leads to destruction?* What understanding of "Self" can psychology bring to light that Scripture cannot?The purpose of this book is not to attack or condemn evangelicals who are either practicing psychotherapists or those who have been helped by what is commonly called "Christian Psychology." Rather, this volume acknowledges the value of believers bearing one another's burdens through prayer, fellowship, and the Word of God.


The Other Half of Church

The Other Half of Church

Author: Jim Wilder

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Published: 2020-08-04

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 0802498558

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Could brain science be the key to spiritual formation? Why does true Christian transformation seem fleeting? And why does church often feel lonely, Christian community shallow, and leaders untrustworthy? For many Christians, the delight of encountering Christ eventually dwindles—and disappointment sets in. Is lasting joy possible? These are some of the questions Michel Hendricks has considered both in his experience as a spiritual formation pastor and in his lifetime as a Christian. He began to find answers when he met Jim Wilder—a neurotheologian. Using brain science, Wilder identified that there are two halves of the church: the rational half and the relational half. And when Christians only embrace the rational half, churches become unhealthy places where transformation doesn’t last and narcissistic leaders flourish. In The Other Half of Church, join Michel and Jim's journey as they couple brain science with the Bible to identify how to overcome spiritual stagnation by living a full-brained faith. You'll also learn the four ingredients necessary to develop and maintain a vibrant transformational community where spiritual formation occurs, relationships flourish, and the toxic spread of narcissism is eradicated.


When Your Church Feels Stuck

When Your Church Feels Stuck

Author: Chris Sonksen

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2017-06-06

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 1493407805

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Every pastor wants their church to grow, but the reality is that most churches are stagnant or shrinking, leaving most pastors frustrated, weary, and discouraged. They continue to search for answers at conferences, in books, and on websites, but they don't find them. They don't realize that the answers that can actually make a difference in their ministry are the ones they need to give themselves. When Your Church Feels Stuck poses seven unavoidable questions church leaders must answer before they can chart the unique path to growth for their church. These challenging questions address the key subjects of mission, strategy, values, metrics, team alignment, culture, and services, and the way pastors answers these questions will help them discover the real reasons their churches are stuck--and what steps to take to facilitate real growth.


Why Should I Join a Church?

Why Should I Join a Church?

Author: Mark Dever

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2020-02-27

Total Pages: 26

ISBN-13: 1433568187

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Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. 9Marks Church Questions is a new series that seeks to provide ordinary Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions Christians have about church life. Each volume offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment. This booklet unpacks Scripture's teaching on the importance of church membership and the Bible's beautiful picture of life in a local church.


Why Should I Give to My Church?

Why Should I Give to My Church?

Author: Jamie Dunlop

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2021-03-15

Total Pages: 37

ISBN-13: 143357246X

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Discover the importance of giving in the life of the local church. Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Church Questions is a series by 9Marks that seeks to provide Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment. Statistics show that while charitable giving is as popular as ever in America, giving to the church has dropped significantly in the past several decades. The Bible, however, stresses the importance of Christian giving—specifically for the benefit of the local church. In this short booklet, Jamie Dunlop addresses the question Why should I give to my church? by demonstrating how giving to the local church is spiritually rewarding, accomplishes God's purposes, and brings God glory.


40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline

40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline

Author: Jeremy Kimble

Publisher: Kregel Academic

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0825444454

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Addresses forty of the most common and thorny questions about church life Does church membership mean more than simply joining a social group? Does the church have a responsibility to discipline its members--and if so, what does that look like? Recognizing the many puzzling questions about the critical role of the church in the life of believers, Jeremy Kimble addresses forty key points. Each section considers questions of theology, ministry, and practicality, such as: · Is there a New Testament precedent for membership? · How does membership relate to baptism and communion? · Who should become a member? · How is discipline related to discipleship? · Should a believer associate with someone under church discipline? Like the other volumes in the 40 Questions & Answers Series, this book raises--and clearly answers--the most common and difficult questions that church leaders and members have. With succinct chapters, this is an eminently practical resource for any church leader, elder board, or new member seeking a foundational understanding of how the church should function.


The Post-Quarantine Church

The Post-Quarantine Church

Author: Thom S. Rainer

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2020-09-08

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13: 1496452771

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A trustworthy and respected guide for pastors and church leadership in the post-quarantine world, providing hope and vision for the future of your congregation. From thousands of surveys of church leaders and in-person consultations, Thom Rainer and his Church Answers team have gathered the essential wisdom you will need to face the challenges and opportunities that the quarantine crisis creates for the local church, including: New and better ways to lead the gathered church A wide-open door for growing the digital church A moment to rethink the facilities New strategies for church growth . . . and much more! This book is, in effect, your personal church consultant, helping you plan and prepare for the future. In the midst of heartbreak, tragedy, and struggle due to Covid-19, here’s hope, wisdom, encouragement and vision. This book is valuable for those looking for local church and pastor resources to enhance church leadership, grow your church, and serve digital and online church communities in the post-quarantine world. As a former pastor and founder of Church Answers, Thom S. Rainer is intimately familiar with the ever-present demands that pastors face. He has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church.


What Is a Healthy Church?

What Is a Healthy Church?

Author: Mark Dever

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2007-06-19

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1433520648

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What is an ideal church, and how can you tell? How does it look different from other churches? More importantly, how does it act differently, especially in society? Many of us aren't sure how to answer those questions, even though we probably have some preconceived idea. But with this book, you don't have to wonder any more. Author Mark Dever seeks to help believers recognize the key characteristics of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, and a right understanding of the gospel. Dever then calls us to develop those characteristics in our own churches. By following the example of New Testament authors and addressing church members from pastors to pew sitters, Dever challenges all believers to do their part in maintaining the local church. What Is a Healthy Church? offers timeless truths and practical principles to help each of us fulfill our God-given roles in the body of Christ.