Many clergy and churches are now taking to the internet and social media to promote their churches or ministries, but few have thought through some of the difficult pastoral and theological issues that may arise. 'Virtual vicar' Revd Pam Smith guides both new and experienced practitioners through setting up online ministries and considers some of the issues that may arise, such as: Are relationships online as valid as those offline? Is it possible to participate in a 'virtual' communion service? How do you deal with 'trolls' in a Christian way? What is it appropriate for a clergyperson to say on social media?
Digital Mission: A Practical Guide for Ministry Online is designed as a theological and methodological exploration of online ministry with the specific goal of aiding the reader in creating an implementable online ministry strategy for a church or ministry. We are in the midst of a digital eruption. Digital technology has done more than interrupt or disrupt our everyday lives: it has erupted and completely transformed the landscape around us. S.I.M. technology (Social media, Internet technology and Mobile technology) along with its younger sibling G.R.A.I.N. (Genetics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology) are reshaping our world so fast that we rarely take the time to stop and take note of what is happening and how we are adapting (or not adapting) to the new digital landscape. This book is designed to help you to stop, observe, and adapt thoughtfully and purposefully. The following pages will attempt to answer the questions: What are the impacts of digital technology? What are the possibilities that they open for the church? What are the potential problems and risk factors? How do congregational leaders plan effective online ministry initiatives that will be faithful theologically to the nature of the church and the mission of God? How do churches move beyond simply transferring ministries online?
Chart a Path for Language Success Are you excited to minister in another culture, but worried about learning the language of the people you are going to serve? A new culture and a new language will change you and your family in dramatic ways. But in this book, Jan Dormer, veteran missionary and language learning specialist, dispels common myths about second language acquisition (SLA) and shares a hopeful outlook. Language Learning in Ministry is essential for learning a new language. With chapters on both formal and informal language learning to guide the selection of language schools, programs, and methodologies, Dr. Dormer walks you through the options, opportunities, and challenges ahead. Special attention is given to: Viewing language learning through a ministry lens Language development of children and families’ needs, including schooling options and opportunities for MKs to learn the local language Personal application—walking readers through decision-making processes to chart a path for success in language learning Rich resources, such as language proficiency scales, language learning methodologies, and online resources A task-based language learning curriculum that can be adapted to any language Do not let language learning be a desert of waiting, but rather a launchpad for ministry opportunities. Utilizing the knowledge and guidance provided in this book will minimize your stress, increase the potential for your success in acquiring a new language, and fuel your ministry.
Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today's Church is designed for pastors and parish leaders who wish to initiate or enhance their use of digital tools and methods to further their mission and ministries. No matter your level of confidence, comfort, and competency in digital ministry, you will find ideas, strategies, and next steps for you and for your church community. Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today's Church provides concrete ways to create and foster digitally integrated ministry and faith formation, extending the ministry of the local church into online spaces and communities where more and more people gather to nurture, explore, and share their faith today. Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today's Church was created by a team of experienced leaders who bring years of experience in utilizing digital tools, methods, and media in church life and especially faith formation. Margaret Babcock brings a special focus and experience in curation and website development for a Catholic diocese. Deanna G. Bartalini is a parish minister and writes about how to use technology to spread the Gospel. Claudia McIvor is the cofounder of Digital Discipleship Boot Camp. Bill Miller brings decades of experience in faith formation at the local and national levels and is an author and spiritual director. John Roberto is an author, teacher, and founder of Lifelong Faith Associates, and he has over a decade of experience in applying digital tools, methods, and media in lifelong faith formation. Tim Welch is an author and has served as the specialist in educational media/technology for a Catholic diocese.
This bestselling textbook by leading missionary scholars offers an engaging introduction to the work of missions in the contemporary world. It provides a broad overview of the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for missions. It also considers personal and practical issues involved in becoming a missionary, the process of getting to the mission field, and contemporary challenges a mission worker must face. Sidebars, charts, maps, and numerous case studies are included. This new edition has been updated and revised throughout and features a full-color interior. Additional resources for professors and students are available online through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.
Western mission often centers the senders, without as much understanding of the receivers' experiences. Weaving together theology and stories from diaspora groups, Ethiopian American mission practitioner Mekdes Haddis provides a postcolonial critique of Western mission, upending the white savior complex and arguing for a globally just approach.
Pieris confronts two of the most urgent and complex questions facing Christians today - so many poor people and so many religions. He believes that the approaches of the Christian Churches to these questions will determine whether Christianity will continue to have any relevance for Asia or not.
These are volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous times for the Christian church. The Mission Filter is one of those Christian leadership books that provides practical advice on how to make difficult decisions and stay focused on the mission. Centered on the prayer of Jesus for his disciples in John chapter 17, The Mission Filter demonstrates how leaders can apply a question or statement as a practical, empowering strategy to stay focused on the mission and be fruitful. With a plethora of issues facing the church today, you’ll find essential principles of Christian Leadership that will help improve your decision-making and help you make the best use of resources. Leadership in an organization is tiring, and without the right filter, you can quickly lose focus on your mission. Imagine what it would look like if your organization had a filter for planning and decision-making? What if your leaders had a question they could ask their teams to keep the process focused on the “why”? We all know people engage more effectively when they understand the “why” behind the “what.” When tensions rise and ideas compete, leaders find that The Mission Filter helps redirect the group's attention so they can make better decisions faster. It gives you laser focus on your mission to tackle every project, initiative, and activity and let God use it to His Glory. Challenges and decisions go hand in hand. Christian Leadership isn’t straightforward, but when you’re facing a pandemic or other crisis, the right filter can create a guidepost to ensure you’re meeting the spiritual needs and physical safety of the people you’re shepherding. The Mission Filter is one of those Christian Leadership books the world sorely needs. It can give business leaders and ministry leaders alike a framework to stay the course and raise up the next generation. A culmination of more than 50 years of ministry successes and failures, it will inspire you to live intentionally and meet the needs of your neighbors around you.
"Live Jesus in Our Hearts" is a prayer said daily by Lasallians all over the world. Our new high school religion curriculum reflects this prayer, and our mission--that every young person would invite Jesus' presence into their hearts. We sought to begin answering the needs of today's youth, in a generation where the spiritual and religious landscape has shifted dramatically. Revelation and the Old Testament is the first semester course in the new high school series Live Jesus in Our Hearts. This series takes a fresh approach to the Framework outline, bringing in new themes such as in-depth use of scripture, extensive online resources, and an invitational, evangelizing approach. Revelation and the Old Testament is an Old Testament overview (with a sneak peak of the New Testament) that includes all the required Framework content related to Revelation. Used with Jesus Christ and the New Testament, you can now teach an overview of the Bible in freshman year using a Framework approved curriculum! Plus, help students connect using: Short stories about young people that relate a teaching or belief to a young person's lived experience. Focus questions introduce each unit in the voice of a teen, guiding students in focusing on what they might learn; units end with an image of a real student and his or her reflections on the unit focus question, inviting the students to check their own understanding. A Unit Highlights section that uses graphic organizers to visually represent the key concepts from each chapter "Hmmm" questions at the end of each article that encourage students to think critically about Christian beliefs. A full page visual feature at the end of each chapter that engages students to reflect on the chapter content in a unique way.
