A Church Called Tov
A Church Called Tov

Author: Scot McKnight

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2020-10-06

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 149644602X

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“Scot and Laura do an amazing job of teaching us what a good church looks like.” —Beth Moore What is the way forward for the church? Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches—from Willow Creek to Harvest, from Southern Baptist pastors to Sovereign Grace churches. Respected author and theologian Scot McKnight and former Willow Creek member Laura Barringer wrote this book to paint a pathway forward for the church. We need a better way. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. Abuses occur most frequently when Christians neglect to create a culture that resists abuse and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. How do we keep these devastating events from repeating themselves? We need a map to get us from where we are today to where we ought to be as the body of Christ. That map is in a mysterious and beautiful little Hebrew word in Scripture that we translate “good,” the word tov. In this book, McKnight and Barringer explore the concept of tov—unpacking its richness and how it can help Christians and churches rise up to fulfill their true calling as imitators of Jesus.

Church Membership
Church Membership

Author: Jonathan Leeman

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2012-04-30

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 1433532409

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Jonathan Leeman addresses the commonly asked (and often unanswered) question of, "Why should I join a church?" in a time when many are shunning the practice of organized religion. By offering a brief, straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it's important, Leeman gives the local church its proper due and builds a case for committing to the local body. Church Membership is a useful tool for churches to distribute en masse to new and potential members of their congregation. This volume is part of the 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches series. Look for upcoming, quick-read formats of the following marks of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, evangelism, church discipline, discipleship and growth, and church leadership.

A Bigger Table
A Bigger Table

Author: John Pavlovitz

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2017-09-22

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1611648254

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No one likes to eat alone; to approach a table filled with people, only to be told that despite the open chairs there isn't room for you. The rejection stings. It leaves a mark. Yet this is exactly what the church has been saying to far too many people for far too long: “You're not welcome here. Find someplace else to sit.†How can we extend unconditional welcome and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion? Pastor John Pavlovitz invites readers to join him on the journey to findâ€"or buildâ€"a church that is big enough for everyone. He speaks clearly into the heart of the issues the Christian community has been earnestly wrestling with: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, and global concerns. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, Hopeful Spiritual Community asks if organized Christianity can find a new way of faithfully continuing the work Jesus began two thousand years ago, where everyone gets a seat. Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories and his careful observations as a pastor to set the table for a new, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. He invites us to build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.

Building a Church
Building a Church

Author: Terry Harpool

Publisher:

Published: 2017-09-05

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 9781640797499

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Navigating the church construction process can be a daunting task for a seasoned professional and even more so for a first time project manager. In his book, Terry Harpool discusses many of the aspects of this process beginning with prayer. Prayer is an absolutely essential requirement in seeking God's will from the very start of the project to its completion. Paramount to the success of the construction process is the selection of a qualified project manager to oversee the construction. This is vital, along with selecting a group of church experts, to help provide the needed inputs for requirements and budget. The book also provides tips on how to select the most qualified architect and general contractor based on the specific needs of the church. This ensures the building is specifically designed to meet church requirements and that it can be built on time and on budget. Also in the book, there is a discussion of the bid letter contents. These include special instructions to the general contractor, which help outline the parameters of the project and also prevents confusion during the construction phase. The book discusses many of the pitfalls that can occur during the construction phase with valuable insight on how to avoid these pitfalls. Additionally, there is a discussion of the dreaded "change order" and how it can impact the project. The critical relationship of "time, quality, and money" is addressed in the book, providing insight of how these three elements are interrelated in church construction. And finally, the book emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God for the successful completion and celebration of the new church building. With project completion, the ultimate realization for the project manager is knowing that he has laid up treasure for his faithfulness in a job "well done."

What Is the Mission of the Church?
What Is the Mission of the Church?

Author: Kevin DeYoung

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2011-09-08

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 143352693X

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Social justice and mission are hot topics today: there's a wonderful resurgence of motivated Christians passionate about spreading the gospel and caring for the needs of others. But in our zeal to get sharing and serving, many are unclear on gospel and mission. Yes, we are called to spend ourselves for the sake of others, but what is the church's unique priority as it engages the world? DeYoung and Gilbert write to help Christians "articulate and live out their views on the mission of the church in ways that are theologically faithful, exegetically careful, and personally sustainable." Looking at the Bible's teaching on evangelism, social justice, and shalom, they explore the what, why, and how of the church's mission. From defining "mission", to examining key passages on social justice and their application, to setting our efforts in the context of God's rule, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a wise, studied perspective to the missional conversation. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus' call to preach the Word and make disciples.

The Sending Church
The Sending Church

Author: Pat Hood

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1433681765

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A pastor uses examples from his own congregation to show how a church isn't really a church until it leaves the building and expands God's Kingdom in the local neighborhood and around the world.

The Church of Irresistible Influence
The Church of Irresistible Influence

Author: Robert Lewis

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2002-10-27

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 0310250153

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Now available in paperback. The inspiring story of how a church showed God's love to a dying culture by building bridges to its neighborhood, community, and world.

The Relationship Principles of Jesus
The Relationship Principles of Jesus

Author: Tom Holladay

Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM

Published: 2009-01-06

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0310320569

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What would you give to radically improve, even transform, what matters most in your relationships? You can thrive in your career, acquire wealth, or build a great reputation. But if your relationships aren't thriving, nothing else matters. This 40-day journey will bring new depth and health to your marriage, your family, and your friendships. Saddleback Church teaching pastor Tom Holladay helps you explore and begin to practice six foundational principles including how to give your relationships the highest value, love as Jesus loves you, and communicate from the heart. You'll be equipped with insights and a practical path for fulfilling God’s intention for all your relationships--even the difficult ones. The Relationship Principles of Jesus walks you step by step through learning the foundational relationship truths taught by Jesus. Shaped after Rick Warren's monumental bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life, this book invites you to learn from the Master of relationships.

Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church
Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church

Author: Mark DeYmaz

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 2020-10-06

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 1506463401

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Through personal stories, proven experience, and a thorough analysis of the biblical text, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church illustrates both the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and the seven core commitments required to bring it about. Mark DeYmaz, pastor of one of the most proven multi-ethnic churches in the country, writes from both his experience and his extensive study of how to plant, grow, and encourage more ethnically diverse churches. He argues that the "homogenous unit principle" will soon become irrelevant and that the most effective way to spread the gospel in an increasingly diverse world is through strong and vital multi-ethnic churches. Apart from ethnically and economically diverse relationships, we cannot understand others different from ourselves, develop trust for others who are different than us, and/or love others different than ourselves. Apart from understanding, trust, and love, we are less likely to get involved in the plight of others different than ourselves. Without involvement, nothing changes, and the disparaging consequences of systemic racism remain entrenched in our culture. Surely, it breaks the heart of God to see so many churches segregated ethnically or economically from one another, and that little has changed in the many years since it was first observed that eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in the land.

The Purpose Driven Church
The Purpose Driven Church

Author: Rick Warren

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2007-09-04

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 0310294088

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The issue is church health, not church growth—if your church is healthy, growth will occur naturally. So how do we make healthy churches, driven by purpose? In order for any church to thrive, it must be built around the five New Testament purposes given to the church by Jesus Christ. In this classic of Christian church stability, pastor and bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren unpacks this proven five-part strategy that will enable your church to grow: Warmer through fellowship. Deeper through discipleship. Stronger through worship. Broader through ministry. Larger through evangelism. Every church is driven by something. Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, seekers, and even buildings can each be the controlling force in a church. But Warren will show you how to concentrate on building people and let God build the church. In other words, healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. And The Purpose Driven Church will show you how to do that. “The Purpose Driven Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. What a gift!”—John Ortberg, bestselling author.