Bishops' statement for pastors and parish leaders seeking to strengthen parish social ministry. Presents seven elements of the social mission of parishes as a framework for planning and assessing that ministry.
The publication of the King James version of the Bible, translated between 1603 and 1611, coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English literature and is universally acknowledged as the greatest influence on English-language literature in history. Now, world-class literary writers introduce the book of the King James Bible in a series of beautifully designed, small-format volumes. The introducers' passionate, provocative, and personal engagements with the spirituality and the language of the text make the Bible come alive as a stunning work of literature and remind us of its overwhelming contemporary relevance.
Transform Lives and Change the Course of HistoryMany countries are facing possibly the greatest crises of their entire history. What a tragedy it would be if we Christians failed to make any positive effect on the needs of the nation in which we live! Yet victory is the destiny of God’s people. Be part of His plan to transform your life, the lives of other people, and the very life of your country. Jesus Christ never encountered a situation in which He said, “I’m sorry. There is nothing to be done.” Instead, He taught that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The world is in desperate need of change, and we are the people who must bring about that change. Best-selling author and Bible teacher Derek Prince outlines our strategic position as Christians in the world—including both our privileges and responsibilities to impact individual lives, communities, and entire nations. He provides timely teaching on how to… Take spiritual initiative in your area of influence Identify with God’s purposes and extend His kingdom in the world Wage spiritual warfare and defeat the schemes of the devil Utilize the weapons of prayer, fasting, praise, and testimony Become a history changer for a better world We have the means to alter the course of events in our cities and nations according to God’s will—transforming lives and changing the course of history.
What does living for Jesus look like in the everyday stuff of life? Many Christians have unwittingly embraced the idea that “church” is a once-a-week event rather than a community of Spirit-empowered people; that “ministry” is what pastors do on Sundays rather than the 24/7 calling of all believers; and that “discipleship” is a program rather than the normal state of every follower of Jesus. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and church planter, Jeff Vanderstelt wants us to see that there’s more—much more—to the Christian life than sitting in a pew once a week. God has called his people to something bigger: a view of the Christian life that encompasses the ordinary, the extraordinary, and everything in between. Packed full of biblical teaching, compelling stories, and real-world advice, this book will remind you that Jesus is filling the world with his presence through the everyday lives of everyday people... People just like you.
The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
In this scripturally rich exploration, senior missiologist Craig Ott unpacks the mission statement of the church: to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people. This concise yet robust biblical-theological treatment focuses on God's glory, a strong ecclesiology, the importance of Scripture, and practical implications for congregational and mission practice. Ideal for launching discussion and reflection, the book helps readers refocus their vision and reignite their commitment to fulfilling God's purposes for their church or mission.
Heeding the growing cries for help, this statement calls on the Catholic community in the United States to stand in solidarity with the Church and the peoples of Africa.
"We all know a church is supposed to be a community. In A Field Guide for Genuine Community, Ben Connelly shows that the biblical model is the family of God. The church isn't a collection of strangers. God wants you to find a unified, purposeful household where you truly belong"--