R. Scott Rodin unpacks a theology of the abundant life, which encompasses our world, life and possessions, and appropriately begins with the very being of the Creator.
Eleven-year-old Mary Tucker dreams of visiting the Amazon. But if her father, a museum curator, has his way, she might be a grandmother before she ever gets the chance. One day, while mischievously exploring the museum's warehouse with her brother Ike and best friend Helen, Mary stumbles across an old travel trunk belonging to her grandfather. Inside, they discover an nondescript glass globe. Curious about the simple object, Mary touches the globe, and is shocked when the room is suddenly consumed by the most amazing view of Earth. The magnificent globe lets the friends zoom closer and closer toward the earth's surface, eventually bringing them close enough to touch the trees. That's when the globe entirely disappears, and they find themselves falling. Suddenly, they're far from home, in place that's either a paradise, or the place where they will die. Sleep, water, and food become precious and scarce. A native tribe may hold the keys to their survival as well as clues to help them get back home. But it won't be easy. The rain forest is a big place, and when others find out what the globe can do, Mary, Ike and Helen will need a plan, allies, and a little luck.
Block presents models of stewardship, both for entire companies and for individuals, to produce reforms in such areas as human resource practices, performance appraisal, and the role of staff groups.
Stewardship isn't just managing resources—it's soul care. Stewardship of time, talents, and treasure isn't just about sustaining the material of the church. It's about guiding those resources in service of the church's primary mission: proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Stewarding the lambs of Christ that make up your congregation encompasses all aspects of their lives—material and spiritual. Nathan Meador and Heath R. Curtis present a practical theology of stewardship focused on ministry in service of the gospel. Guiding pastors away from the pitfalls of idolatry around money, they instead call stewards to embrace their identity in Christ and encourage their congregations to do the same. This fresh approach to stewardship reorients both individuals and congregations toward their true purpose as stewards who have been baptized into Christ. Stewardship will help pastors to teach and preach stewardship as a call to repentance and new life.
In 1920, Iowa dedicated its first two state parks. In the century since, the Iowa State Parks system has evolved into a broad array of lands and waters that represent a legacy of tireless stewardship. Iowa State Parks commemorates the origins of our state parks and the riches they offer in the present. The photo essays at the heart of this book feature the artistry of well-known nature photographers such as Carl Kurtz, Brian Gibbs, Don Poggensee, and Larry Stone. The images help tell the stories of Iowa's state parks, recreation areas, preserves, and forests. A historical overview sets the stage, followed by essays on key aspects of our park system.
Biologists Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon and Raymond H. Brand provide hope for today's environmental crisis and bring Scripture into dialogue with current scientific findings and commitments.
This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Taking the images of "journey" and "steward" as metaphors for the Christian's life, and using parables of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke, Ronald Vallet helps focus a truly biblical understanding of the term steward and the role of believers as earthly caretakers, neighbors, and responsible servants of God. Written to inform and encourage pastors and laypersons who seek to explore new dimensions in their Christian journey, Vallet's inspirational study teaches Christians how to gain a sense of purpose, how to properly use their resources, talents, and money, and how to reach out with compassion for the welfare of others and for the planet. This revised and enlarged edition includes important new discussions in the areas of faith and money and environmental issues. M. Douglas Meeks has written the foreword, and a new epilogue by Vallet explores the mission funding crisis of the church in North America, the changing views on both the church and its mission, and the important role played by theological education. Thought-provoking questions and suggestions for further reflection follow each chapter, and a study guide outlines ways to adapt this volume to adult and youth church and school classes, planning groups, conferences, and small-group settings.
'Serve to Lead: 21st Century Leaders Manual' is an indispensable guide to effective leadership, management, and communication in our disruptive historical moment. Award-winning author James Strock distills actionable insights from a wide array of leaders in business, government, politics, the military, and non-governmental organizations.