Christians chronically and desperately need prophecy, says award winning biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson. In this and every age, the church needs the bold proclamation of God's transforming vision to challenge its very human tendency toward expediency and self interest -- to jolt it into new insight and energy. For Johnson, the New Testament books Luke and Acts provide that much-needed jolt to conventional wisdom. To read Luke-Acts as a literary unit, he says, is to uncover a startling prophetic vision of Jesus and the church -- one that imagines a reality very different from the one humans would construct on their own. Johnson identifies in Luke's writings an ongoing call for today's church, grounded in the prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ, to embody and enact God's vision for the world--from publisher's website.
Where have all the prophets gone? And why do preachers seem to shy away from prophetic witness? Astute preacher Leonora Tisdale considers these vexing questions while providing guidance and encouragement to pastors who want to recommit themselves to the task of prophetic witness. With a keen sensitivity to pastoral contexts, Tisdale's work is full of helpful suggestions and examples to help pastors structure and preach prophetic sermons, considered by many to be one of the most difficult tasks pastors are called to undertake.
The American church avoids lament. But lament is a missing, essential component of Christian faith. Soong-Chan Rah's prophetic exposition of the book of Lamentations provides a biblical and theological lens for examining the church's relationship with a suffering world. Hear the prophet's lament as the necessary corrective for Christianity's future.
Hearing the Heart of Heaven is an exploration of the Biblical prophetic gifts. Full of accessible teaching, practical tips and helpful examples, this book will help you develop your own personal prophetic culture. Comprised of three sections that examine prophetic definition, prophetic structure and prophetic character, it contains the following chapters: Divine Testimony
How can pastors become resilient in a rapidly changing world? Is it possible to love well and lead faithfully? In the wake of crises that have exposed and accelerated massive cultural shifts, we see more clearly the seismic shifts of post-Christendom, the surging storms of a new paganism and pluralism, and the scattered debris of the cultural aftermath. Drawing on new research from the Barna Group, Scripture, and church history, pastor, theologian, and researcher Glenn Packiam addresses some of the most pressing questions for today's leaders, including - What is a pastor's calling and vocation? - How do church leaders regain credibility in a disillusioned world? - How do church leaders cultivate a deeper life with God? - How do pastors develop meaningful relationships? - Why does the church gather in worship? Does it still matter if we do? - How do we actually make disciples in this new landscape? - How can we face the challenges to unity presented by nationalism and racism? - What is the church's mission in the world? - How do we welcome the presence and power of God in our churches? This book is for all who are burdened by the challenges facing the church as well as the turbulence of our times. With infographics, enlightening data, and insights from other ministry leaders, this book is the perfect resource for church leaders who want to cultivate resilience in their ministry today.
The Essential Guide for Prophets Mining from years on the frontlines of prophetic ministry, and overseeing the internationally renowned Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, bestselling author Kris Vallotton takes you deep into the heart of one of the most crucial, compelling and controversial topics today: the office of prophet. In this definitive guide, Kris offers often-neglected foundational teaching and provides critical advanced training, including how to · discern your calling and grow in your gift · define your divinely appointed sphere of influence and depth of authority · recognize the six different types of prophets--and how to deal with false ones · navigate potential relational difficulties as you step into your gifting · understand the complex ways God communicates · prepare for the common, but dangerous, spiritual attacks prophets face Vallotton offers a balanced view of not only what modern-day prophets are, but also what they are not. You will come away empowered and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for this beautiful, vital, supernatural ministry. "The New Testament of Jesus Christ is a message of faith, hope and love. It is called the Good News. My friend and colleague Kris Vallotton is one of the best in the prophetic community to help shape, teach and model these 'Good News Prophets.' Thanks for honoring my generation's pioneering work and picking up the baton and carrying it forth!"--Dr. James Goll, founder, Encounters Network, Prayer Storm and GET eSchool "My friend Kris Vallotton has masterfully crafted this treatise, School of the Prophets, on the dynamics and framework of building a prophetic community in the 21st century. His life experience and seasoning in Christ have afforded the Spirit the opportunity to make him an influencer of influencers and a prophetic voice to the nations with a global footprint."--Mark J. Chironna, M.A., Ph.D.; Mark Chironna Ministries; Church on the Living Edge, Orlando, Florida "I love this book! As a person passionate to see the most desired gift in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14:1) flourish all over the world, I would recommend this book wholesale. It clearly and biblically describes how to function in the New Testament gift of prophecy and articulates various kinds of biblical prophets. If one heeds its principles, it will give greater understanding and produce higher levels of maturity in prophetic ministry."--Stacey Campbell, founder, Canadian Prophetic Council; author, Ecstatic Prophecy "This is a must-read for all ministries. As an apostolic ministry, we recognize the gifts and callings that God has placed on the lives of those we pastor. Reading School of the Prophets has given us greater insight and understanding of how to help develop and prepare others to walk in their divine assignment. Kris Vallotton brings much clarity in what it means to be called in the office of a prophet and eliminates the fear of giving and receiving the prophetic."--Tony and Cynthia Brazelton, founders and pastors, Victory Christian Ministries International "Kris Vallotton's book reminds us that the heart of prophecy should be God's heart to build up, encourage and speak life. Kris goes through strategic and important teaching about prophecy versus the office of prophet, specifically in the context of the Church. I highly recommend this book and pray that it helps you to understand the prophetic and to 'call the gold' out of those around you."--Heidi Baker, Ph.D.; co-founder and director, Iris Global "As I read this book, I could hear the sound of an entire generation of voices emerge that will transform culture. Kris Vallotton is a father to these voices. School of the Prophets presents a practical methodology for prophetic community and a powerful manifesto for prophetic transformation in this generation."--Bob Hazlett, author, The Roar: God's Sound in a Raging World; Future Perspectives, New Haven, Connecticut
Fernando Arzola Jr. addresses the gap in the literature of youth ministry resources conceived and realized in an urban setting. He brings together three dominant paradigms--traditional, liberal and activist--to create an approach that is informed by Scripture and the contemporary realities of adolescent development in an urban setting.
The gift of prophecy has always invited some degree of opposition and controversy. It is one of the most vivid displays of God's presence and power among his people. Many people struggle with the very concept of the validity of prophecy today. They are troubled by the possibility that God may have direct access to our minds. Greg Haslam argues that such concerns are misplaced. Following St Paul's injunction that we should be 'eager to prophesy' he considers how God speaks, and how we should hear him; how we can test and deliver a prophetic word; and how we can grow in confidence as we learn to discern what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Thirty years ago John Hull wrote What Prevents Christian Adults from Learning?. This new book asks What Prevents Christian Adults from Acting? How has it come about that the Church appears to be so preoccupied with itself? What happened to the quest for the social justice of the Kingdom of God? John Hull's search for understanding took him back to the prophetic tradition of the Bible, and he discovered that this has become neglected and even betrayed. Christian discipleship must be more than church-going and prayer. Christians must resist the unjust structures of society in the prophetic tradition. Theological reflection is not enough!
