In urban ministry, Christians too often treat the poor as goodwill projects instead of people. How can the people of God develop healthy, local, urban churches that will seek the common good of their communities? In this essential resource, Alvin Sanders engages hard truths about urban neighborhoods and provides a model for how to do ministry in difficult conditions.
Chris Glaser describes his personal journey of coming out to his family, friends, church - and to himself. He tells the story of how the church reacted to his disclosure and his subsequent "uncommon" calling that led him to devote his professional life to reconciliation between the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community and the church. By openly and honestly telling his story, Glaser furthers his calling - demonstrating that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals are not abstractions, but real people struggling to remain faithful. Gay Christians will recognize elements of their own stories in Glaser's narrative. And the whole church may discover its own uncommon calling to fully welcome all Christians into the family of faith.
How can Christians today interact with those around them in a way that shows respect to those whose beliefs are radically different but that also remains faithful to the gospel? Join bestselling author Timothy Keller and legal scholar John Inazu as they bring together illuminating stories to answer this vital question. In Uncommon Ground, Keller and Inazu bring together a thrilling range of artists, thinkers, and leaders to provide a guide to living faithfully in a divided world, including: Lecrae, a recording artist, songwriter, and record producer Claude Richard Alexander Jr., senior pastor of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina Rudy Carrasco, a program officer for the Murdock Charitable Trust Sara Groves, a singer and songwriter Shirley V. Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Kristen Deede Johnson, a professor of theology and Christian formation at Western Theological Seminary Warren Kinghorn, a professor of psychiatry and theology at Duke University Tom Lin, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Trillia Newbell, director of community outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention Tish Harrison Warren, an Anglican priest at the Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania With varied and enlightening approaches to reaching faithfully across deep and often painful differences, Uncommon Ground shows us how to live with confidence, joy, and hope in a complex and fragmented age. Praise for Uncommon Ground: "For anyone struggling to engage well with others in an era of toxic conflict, this book provides a framework, steeped in humility, that is not only insightful but is readily actionable. I'm grateful for the vulnerability and wisdom offered by each of the twelve leaders who contributed to this book. The task of learning to love well--neighbors and enemies alike--is long and urgent, and it can be costly. And yet, as this book shows us because it is the work of Jesus, we can pursue this love with great hope." --Gary A. Haugen, founder and CEO, International Justice Mission
This book explores the early years of Opus Dei and shows why St. Josemaría Escrivá so quickly became renowned for his sanctity. Bringing to light details found only in hard-to-find Spanish sources, author John Coverdale highlights St. Josemaría's tireless, courageous efforts to spread the message of lay holiness even amid the terror and uncertainty of the Spanish Civil War. Coverdale explains how St. Josemaría helped others find Jesus Christ through a lay spirituality that anticipated Vatican II by thirty years.
"Amazingly enough, Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the God of Israel. It was Christ who led the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, and it was he who gave and fulfilled the Law of Moses." This book is different from other books about the Latter-day Saints (LDS) in at least two ways. First, it focuses on details of LDS doctrine that are relatively unknown, even to church members. Second, because its purpose is to inform, not persuade, it presents these details in a neutral, unflinching, warts-and-all way. The reader can then decide for him- or herself what to believe. As Jensen states in his Introduction, he wrote the book for three audiences. First, he wrote it for himself. Although he grew up in the church and served a church mission, he was often confused about the more cryptic points of LDS doctrine, of which there are many. For example, if someone had asked him to explain in detail the LDS position on angels, or Jews, or Zion, he knew wouldn't have been able to. So he wrote the book to understand - to "get to the bottom of" - the church's more obscure beliefs and follow the implications to their logical conclusion. Second, he wrote it for non-Mormons who are curious about the religion and seek a book that is unbiased and informative while also being light and readable. Third, he wrote it for members of the church who are fuzzy on the details of the topics discussed in the book and would like to understand them better. The church has always placed great stock in education, especially as it relates to God's plans for us. This book will help educate church members on the finer points of their doctrine - on what one actually believes, or should believe, as a Latter-day Saint. Were Adam and Eve married? Is there a hell of fire and brimstone? Does the earth have a spirit? Does Satan have a body? Who are the Lost 10 Tribes? Where did Noah set off from in his ark? Will animals and plants be resurrected? In this book, you'll find unflinching answers (from the LDS perspective) to those important and interesting questions - and many more.
Written by clergy and lay women from around the country, this compilation of prayers and poems is the collective wisdom of contemporary women who base their search for such understanding on the belief that must be seen against the backdrop of a vital faith. These prayers touch on a variety of topics organized under the categories of identity, daily life, stages of life, spirituality and ministry.
What does it take to build a marriage that will last? Tony and Lauren Dungy have together known the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. They fell in love, built a family, and made sports history when Tony became the first African American head coach to win the Super Bowl. Yet they’ve also gone through difficult, relationship-testing setbacks, including job loss and devastating personal tragedy. In a culture where it seems harder and harder to make marriage last, what has kept the Dungys strong through it all? In Uncommon Marriage, Tony and Lauren share the secrets that hold them together, revealing what they’ve learned so far about being a good husband or wife; getting through times of loss, grief, or change; staying connected despite busy schedules; supporting each other’s dreams and goals; and helping each other grow spiritually. They offer encouragement and practical advice to equip your marriage to survive tough issues and flourish with joy, purpose, and partnership—in other words, to be a marriage that is truly uncommon.
What am I going to do with my retirement? People talk about retirement like it’s supposed to be an endless vacation. But what if, like the majority of those facing retirement, you can’t afford such a luxury? Or, what if you just want something more from retirement? Some advocate for no retirement at all. But you’ve worked for decades and a rest and reprieve do sound appealing. What should you do? Does God have a purpose for your retirement? Yes, He does. Learn how to discern what it is by taking an uncommon approach. Jeff Haanen looks biblically and practically at the need for rest and purpose in retirement. And teaches you how to: Take a sabbatical rest in early retirement Listen to God’s voice for their calling in retirement Rethink “work” in retirement Understand family systems and leaving a legacy Planning retirement doesn’t have to be distressing. Retire in a way that’s God-honoring, purpose-filled, restful, and truly biblical.
This Super Bowl-winning coach has spent his life shaping young men. Now Tony Dungy is ready to share core truths he wants every man to understand, live by, and pass on to others. This Leader Pack is designed to help you explore key principles found in Tony Dungy's UNcommon(tm)(Tyndale House Publishers). Through Scripture, discussions, and activities--plus character-building insights and candid "pep talks" from Tony Dungy--men will be challenged to examine their lives and aspire to a life of true significance. A life of renewed integrity...influence...and faith. Seven sessions reinforce important life lessons captured in Uncommon: 1. Strengthening Your Core 2. Loving Your Family 3. Lifting Your Friends and Others 4. Your Full Potential 5. A Mission That Matters 6. Influence Over Image 7. Live Your Faith This Leader Pack includes: Dare to Be Uncommon Men's BIble Study (you'll want one per participant) DVD with sent Coach Dungy "pep talks." Play one per session. Each 2-minute talk motivates men to personally apply Coach Dungy's strategies. Bonus Booklet! R.E.A.L.: Surprisingly Simple Ways to Engage Adults
