This Tools for Ministry manual is a compilation of teachings that Apostle Paul Thornton has done for Ministers and Leaders all across the U.S. and Internationally. This Tools for Ministry manual is written for Ministers & Students of the Word who want to gain knowledge on how to conduct themselves in the Kingdom of God. Regardless of what level of ministry you are in, novice or seasoned, you will glean fresh insight from these relevant ministerial subjects every time you study them. This manual is packed full of information that will lead you to new levels of wisdom, revelation and understanding in your ministry and personal study.
This up-to-date, highly selective bibliography is designed to acquaint students and ministers with major works, significant publishers and prominent scholars in biblical studies. It is the perfect guide for beginning a research project or building a ministerial library. References are included based on the following considerations: (1) usefulness for the theological interpretation of the Bible within the context of the faith of the church; (2) significance in the history of interpretation; and (3) representation of evangelical and especially evangelical Wesleyan scholarship.
This toolkit of intentional and compassionate strategies takes an encouraging, incremental approach to help even small groups get started quickly. Study the separate chapters on: imaginative marketing; the ministry of greeting, crafting welcoming materials, tracking and involving newcomers and structuring groups for growth. Then adapt an additional 34 pages of template forms, brochures, and procedures to your needs while employing Weeks' point-by-point recommendations to: make sure your signs and property invite, not confuse; create powerful, welcoming ads and print communication, train and prepare greeters; and develop programs to incorporate and track newcomers during their first critical months.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church associate pastor Michael Lawrence contributes to the IXMarks series as he centers on the practical importance of biblical theology to ministry. He begins with an examination of a pastor's tools of the trade: exegesis and biblical and systematic theology. The book distinguishes between the power of narrative in biblical theology and the power of application in systematic theology, but also emphasizes the importance of their collaboration in ministry. Having laid the foundation for pastoral ministry, Lawrence uses the three tools to build a biblical theology, telling the entire story of the Bible from five different angles. He puts biblical theology to work in four areas: counseling, missions, caring for the poor, and church/state relations. Rich in application and practical insight, this book will equip pastors and church leaders to think, preach, and do ministry through the framework of biblical theology.
“The church has needed this book for a long time.” — Russell Moore If you are considering the ministry, there are two mistakes to avoid. The first is taking up a calling that isn’t yours. The second is neglecting one that is. Discerning Your Call to Ministry will help you know the difference. A tool for seminary students, pastors-in-training, and even current pastors, it serves to confirm or prompt deep thought about the calling to ministry through 10 probing questions, including: Do you desire the ministry? Does your church affirm your calling? Do you love the people of God? Are you willing to surrender? Pastoral dropout rates are high, and seminary admission rates are declining—signs that many of us don’t quite know what we’re signing ourselves up for. Author Jason Allen, a former pastor and the president of North America’s fastest growing seminary, gives readers a better picture of the calling. Presenting a series of diagnostic questions informed by Scripture, church history, and his own experience, he helps those seeking ordination or ministry positions make confident decisions about their service to God, one way or the other.
Theological field education, in which a ministry student steps out of the classroom and begins practicing with the supervision of a mentor, is a critical part of accredited ministry programs. Engage equips both students and their supervisor-mentors to engage in this important opportunity with energy and imagination, and it prepares students for the challenging work of integrating theory into real-world practice. Engage provides coaching from recognized experts in the arts of ministry: preaching, administration, evangelism, pastoral care, public ministry, leadership, faith formation, liturgical arts and more. Other chapters address themes such as race, gender, and ministry across faith traditions (or no faith tradition). The book addresses field education in a range of contexts—from churches to non-profits. Engage offers a valuable resource for students making the most of their transition from the classroom into real world ministry with all its joys and many challenges.
Have you ever found yourself thinking: "This isn't a big deal. I'm naturally wired this way. All guys struggle with this kind of thing." But at the same time feeling: "I hope she never finds out. I can't be authentic with people I care about the most. I always have something to hide." Such is the nature of the trap of sexual struggles, pornography, and addiction. Research shows that a majority of men struggle with sexual purity. They are slaves to their hormones and desires. As Nick shares his journey, you will discover how God shows up in unexpected ways and places to bring true and lasting freedom. This isn't just another how-to book on trying to control your behavior. This is the story of redemption-how God redeems what has been broken and recreates something awesome in a man's heart.
Apostles! Didn't they all die out at the end of the first century? Didn't I hear a person using that title on my radio? Today, this theological debate rages: in these last days, is God again raising up apostles with first-century capabilities? Certainly Bertril Baird knows the answer. In a ministry spanning five decades, this "Admiral" has brought hope and deliverance throughout the Caribbean region, the Americas, Africa, and India. God has uniquely prepared him to take up this debate. Thanks to his countless stories, in-depth biblical and historical knowledge, as well as balanced perspective, you will gain fresh insights into the mindset, outcomes, and supernatural tools needed to exercise the Admiral Gift.
The Minister Companion Bible returns with this volume covering the first 8 chapters of the Gospel of Mark. Clear and fresh outlines that are either topical or expostitory will make your messages inspire as well as captivate. Like the previous volume, this book is loaded with commentary from great Christian writers, Greek word studies, cross references, and illustrations. Everything you need to dig deeper into God's Word and deliver it with power!
Black Church Chronicles: The Hireling (Hustler) is a thought-provoking critique of the modern Black Church leadership, written by Senior Pastor/Watchman B.D. Dale. In this first volume of a six-part series, Dale exposes the damaging influence of corrupt African American pastors, whom Jesus Christ referred to as "hirelings"—individuals who have abandoned their spiritual responsibilities in pursuit of personal power, prestige, and position. Drawing solely on biblical doctrine, rather than denominational orthodoxy, Dale critiques both the uncalled and unanointed leaders, as well as those genuinely called, for abandoning biblical principles and exploiting their congregations in search of praise that belongs only to the Lord God. This devotional-style book also sheds light on how the Black Church’s integrity has been compromised by the toxic "hey doc" culture, eroding its spiritual impact on those most in need of an encounter with Jesus. Dale unpacks how false doctrines, akin to the leaven of the Pharisees, have crippled the Black Church's effectiveness and weakened its witness. Through clear, concise, and powerful teaching, Dale addresses the deceptive practices of black pulpit elitism, the neglect of righteous judgment, and the misinterpretation of "touch not God's anointed" as a blanket command. He contrasts these errors with what Scripture truly says, offering much-needed correction to what has often been inaccurately preached in African American churches.
