Seventy-five percent of American churches have an attendance of less than 150, yet they often find themselves in the shadow of a few mega-churches with boundless entrepreneurial skills and ministry resources. When the pastors of the typically-sized church attend church growth and leadership conferences, they can easily come away discouraged, disillusioned, and finding little help to impact their ministries. Glenn Daman is an experienced small church pastor and ministry director who knows that effectiveness is not determined by numbers, programs, and buildings. Instead it is defined by faithful service that results in transformed lives--one person at a time. He offers several keys to effective church ministry--no matter the number of members--including: Understanding the cultures of the community and the church Developing a theological foundation Learning to love God and love others Developing a mission of reaching, teaching, and recruiting Uniting the Body through vision Designed for pastors and lay leadership to work through together, Shepherding the Small Church includes chapter-by-chapter suggestions for implementation as well as several appendices of helpful assessment tools. It is an indispensable source of advice and encouragement for the pastor of the majority of American churches. Glenn Daman (D.Min., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; M.A. in New Testament Studies and M.A. in Old Testament Studies, Western Seminary) serves as Director for Small Church Health, Western Seminary. He also ministers as senior pastor of Cascade Locks Community Church in Cascade Locks, Oregon, and First Baptist Church in Stevenson, Washington.
This thorough study answers those who would revise the message of Scripture. Using the Bible, Jewish literature, and information from ancient cultures, it provides the knowledge necessary to respond with confidence, compassion, and honesty to demands that Christians accept active homosexuality.
A full-color resource for Bible geography and historical study. Carefully organized, competently annotated, and completely accessible information will make this a standard reference book for years to come.
The book of Hebrews presents interpretive challenges and theological comparisons unrivaled in the New Testament. Charts on the Book of Hebrews puts this demanding yet rewarding information in an accessible and useful format. The charts fall into four categories: Introductory matters (e.g., authorship of Hebrews) Influences in Hebrews (e.g. Second Temple messianic figures) Theological issues (e.g. words of exhortation) Exegetical concerns (e.g. figures of speech) Students will find this an invaluable companion to classes on Hebrews. Pastors and teachers will benefit from these insightful charts to quickly clarify difficult concepts while teaching. And all visual learners will find that these charts make Hebrews more comprehensible.
A beneficial resource that aids both leaders and congregations. In his more than fifteen years as the pastor of a small church, Glenn Daman has learned what it takes to make a church board successful. In Developing Leaders for the Small Church, Daman explores the nature of spiritual leadership, illustrating why the focus of a church board shouldnt be dictated by organizational duties, but guided by spiritual responsibilities.
"We must rid ourselves of the notion that faith and learning are somehow opposites or enemies. Faith and learning are interwoven with each other for the full functioning of the human mind." Foundations of Christian Thought is a clear, even-handed presentation of the interconnection between faith and learning, and the modern worldviews competing for our attention, including naturalism, secular humanism, atheistic existentialism, pantheism, and the New Age movement. Guided by the author's fresh approach, readers on the college campus, in the workforce, and elsewhere will learn to relate their faith to their own intellectual journey and the ideas they encounter along the way. "Mark Cosgrove has accomplished the difficult task of making the issues of worldview and faith integration with academic disciples accessible to the non-expert. . . . Highly useful as an introduction to these issues." --Harry Lee Poe Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture, Union University "Mark Cosgrove refuses to dodge the hard questions and presents the Christian worldview with honesty and humility. I strongly recommend Foundations of Christian Thought as well tested and effective." --Jay Kesler President Emeritus, Taylor University "As a consummate teacher, using more leisurely language and current examples, Mark Cosgrove leads the reader--as if in a classroom--to ask the questions that compel a carefully reasoned response." --D. Bruce Lockerbie Chairman, PAIDEIA, Inc., Stony Brook, NY Author, Thinking and Acting Like a Christian "Foundations of Christian Thought offers a completely new and fresh approach to exploring and engaging the inescapable commingling of faith, learning, and worldview. [It] takes the reader on an intellectual expedition." --Richard C. Chewning Emeritus Professor of Christian Ethics, Baylor University Mark P. Cosgrove (Ph.D., Purdue University) is a professor and chairman of the psychology department at Taylor University and the author of several books. He has taught the subject of Foundations of Christian Thought for more than thirty years.
A well-rounded and practical approach to the issues and crisis faced by pastors everyday
A philosophical foundation may be the last thing that parents think about in the middle of the day-to-day commotion of childrearing. But, Michael Austin writes, a philosophical understanding of parenting is not only vital, it's also practical. In this insightful resource, Austin argues that wise parents should view themselves as stewards of their children, and with this mindset they can gain a new understanding of the family. Wise Stewards combines biblical, theological, and philosophical reflection to construct an everyday ethic and practice of parenthood that is distinctly Christian. Addressing practical concerns such as how family members should relate to one another, how they should conceive of their roles, and how they should carry out their tasks, Austin helps parents apply these core ideas to their daily lives. Filling a noticeable gap in parenting literature, Wise Stewards brings the methods and insights of Christian philosophy to bear on the family in a way that is accessible, theoretically sound, and intensely practical.
Written in a verse-by-verse style, Bullinger devotes major discussion to key problems contained in Revelation.
This cutting-edge book presents the legal, scientific, medical, and theological perspectives of genetic engineering based on a Christian worldview.
A source of instruction and encouragement for all ministers of the gospel. Highly recommended by Warren W. Wiersbe.
Can believers lose their salvation if they fall away from God's grace? Is there no restoration for a backslidden believer? Does salvation involve past, present, and/or future dimensions? These and other questions challenge readers of the five warning passages in Hebrews (2:1-4; 3:7-4:13; 5:11-6:12; 10:19-39; 12:14-29), verses that deliver both stern warnings and positive encouragement. Using the popular four-views format, this volume explores the original and contemporary meaning of these difficult passages, and promises to become a definitive resource for readers in both the academy and the local church. Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews brings together four internationally known biblical scholars--Gareth Cockerill, Buist Fanning, Grant Osborne, and Randall Gleason, all of whom have previously written on Hebrews. After each contributor presents and defends his position, it is critiqued by the other three contributors. Additional features include an introduction by the editor and a conclusion by George H. Guthrie, who summarizes the issues and offers pointed questions for further reflection. Herbert W. Bateman IV (Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. He is the author or editor of several books, including Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism (Kregel). Before teaching at Moody, Dr. Bateman was professor of New Testament studies at Grace Theological Seminary.
Arnot's thoughts on selected texts offer practical instruction and spiritual direction for a Christ-centered life.
This classic lexicon and concordance is now back in print based on popular demand! English words appear in alphabetical order along with the equivalent Greek words, their literal and derivative meanings, and a list of passages in which they appear. Includes a comprehensive Greek-English index.
For several years two groups of dispensationalists, commonly known by the terms traditionalists and progressives, have engaged in an ongoing debate centered around three crucial issues: 1. The interpretation of Scripture. What rules of hermeneutics our understanding of Scripture? 2. The Abrahamic, Davidic, and new covenants. To whom do these covenants apply and how are they fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled? 3. Israel and the church. How are we to understand the present relationship and future destiny of these two peoples of God? In an irenic debate format, this book demonstrates that those on either side of the issues care deeply about Scripture and its meaning. "Each (contributor) should be given credit for a congenial and helpful contribution to the dispensational discussion."
Personal stories aren't enough to offer individuals peace when they question their own existence. But the Bible's story comes not from humanity, but from God. Author, T. Desmond Alexander, suggests that God has given us the reasons for creation and our existence in the Bible. "by resolving an intricate plot that sheds light on the entire story," Alexander writes. Using this theory to start from the denouement, or resolution, in Revelation's last verses and work backward, Alexander pieces together the Bible's overarching plot. The resulting picture reveals the reasons for creation and life that have eluded those who seek to answer life's biggest questions without first placing themselves in God's story.
The inaugural volume in the Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis series, Interpreting the Pauline Letters begins by exploring the components of narrative--setting, characterization, and plot--and then develops the foremost theological themes in each of the books traditionally ascribed to Paul. The method sets the task of exegesis within the literary context of first-century letters as well as the theological context of major themes present in Paul's letters. The book goes beyond exegesis to discuss strategies for communicating the central truthesof Paul's first-century messages to a twenty-first-century audience. Each chapter includes a list of helpful resources to the step of interpretation discussed. A glossary defining technical words and samples of moving from exegesis to proclamation make this guide practical and user-friendly. Designed as a handbook for seminary and graduate students, the book provides a go-to guide that will also serve seminary-trained pastors, upper-level college students, and well-motivated lay people. As readers work through this handbook, they will begin to see and interpret the narrative writings as Paul intended them to be understood.
This valuable reference tool for students and pastors explores the components of the narrative genre--setting, characterization, and plot--and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books.
Written for ministry students, Bible college and seminary professors, church leaders, and nonprofit organization leaders, Preparing for Ministry addresses many of the questions raised by field education, contextualized learning experiences, and internship programs. Readers will learn about the value of theological field education, its purpose and challenges, the need for flexibility in education, and the resources available for students and instructors. Reminding readers that field education is part of spiritual formation, each chapter begins with Scripture and ends with prayer. Each chapter also includes reflection questions and recommended reading. CONTRIBUTORS " Harley Atkinson, Toccoa Falls College " Joye Baker, Dallas Theological Seminary " Luke Bobo, Lindenwood University " Thomas Fuller, Samford University " Nelson Grimm, Northeastern Seminary " Dipa Hart, Dallas Theological Seminary " Tara Hornbacker, Bethany Theological Seminary " Walter Kime, Ashland Theological Seminary " Katherine Kyte, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary " Doran McCarty, Southern Baptist Seminaries " Don Payne, Denver Seminary " Paul Pettit, Dallas Theological Seminary " Mary Sanders and Jeff Sanders, Bethel University " Phillip Sell, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School " Daryl Smith, Asbury Theological Seminary " William Torgesen, Moody Bible Institute " Timothy Witmer, Westminster Theological Seminary George M. Hillman Jr. is assistant professor of spiritual formation and leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is cochair of the Evangelical Association of Theological Field Educators. Religion / Christian Ministry / Pastoral Resources
Usable Greek helps for all New Testamentstudents, from novice to veteran
A study of Genesis 1 to 6, plus an extended discussion of Eastern religions and the occult.
A biblical, historical, and practical examination of wealth and social justicePeople of faith have always been in search of a homeland--from God's first calling-out of Abraham to the Pilgrims who came to America to establish the "city upon a hill". Fundamental to this quest for a just, holy civilization--and one of the critical questions facing us today--has been the progress of humankind on the earth When has human progress served the vision of "seeking the [heavenly] city which is to come" (Hebrews 13:14) and God's mandate for humanity to fill and rule over the earth? And in what ways has progress undermined that vision?In Seeking the City, Chad Brand and Tom Pratt sketch out a biblical vision for how God providentially works throughout history as well as through society's structures of politics and economy to cause His kingdom, the City of God, to come on earth. Complicating the pursuit of the ideal city is the fact that the ability to make a living is threatened and new pressures to conform to the rising world system will mount as Jesus has warned us. This book will help Christians to understand the times through the trifocal lens of the Bible, history, and theology and then to respond with wisdom to the many pressing issues of the day, including work, wealth, the size of government, taxation, welfare, the environment, and social justice." Theologically grounded, historically conscious, and notably relevant to today's world, Seeking the City presents an invaluable vision for Christian political engagement in the twenty-first century."--Art Lindsley, PhD, Vice President of Theological Initiatives, Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics"A cogent argument for responsible free-market capitalism. They demonstrate that the conducting of business is, at its foundation, a moral activity."--Ken Keathley, Director of the L Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
An accessible, full-color OT survey textbook focusing on the message of each bookWritten from an irenic, evangelical perspective, this Old Testament survey is designed to unpack what the biblical authors most intended to communicate in the Scripture that Jesus read. As the corresponding volume to the previously published What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About (Kregel Academic, 2008), it is well-suited for use in a college, seminary, or church context. Students of the Bible will find this full-color textbook accessible and engaging.What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About is gospel-centered, portraying the Old Testament as the foundation for a fulfillment found in the New Testament. Each chapter is written by an Old Testament scholar who is a skilled teacher at one of the finest evangelical schools across North America and specializes in the biblical book covered.Readers will find: - Introductory issues (who, when, where, why) condensed to one-page snapshots of essential information at the beginning of each chapter- The clarity of the biblical message enhanced through nearly two hundred high-resolution photographs, over eighty charts and tables, and twelve color maps- Very readable text, appropriate for broad audiences- A format simpler and intentionally shorter than many other surveys, making it a very manageable textbook for a single semester Old Testament survey course or a useful guide to accompany devotional reading of Scripture Interview with Jason DeRouchie: part 1 part 2
"If Donald Sunukjian writes something about preaching, I read it. He is a master at understanding how ideas work and how to develop them. If your messages have ever been less than crystal clear, read what he has to say." --Craig Brian Larson Editor, PreachingToday.com "Filled with examples, appended with helpful samples, and written in the vernacular of the people, Invitation to Biblical Preaching will take its rightful place among the homiletics textbooks of our classrooms and in the stacks of refreshing readings for experienced pastors." --G. Charles Sackett Professor of Preaching Lincoln Christian Seminary "Invitation to Biblical Preaching guides readers with proven principles stated in a fresh way. If every seasoned preacher will study this book and every novice take it as a primer, our pulpits would resound with a clear and authoritative, 'Here is what God is saying . . . to us.'" --Calvin Pearson E. Hermond Westmoreland Chair of Preaching Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary "Provides succinct instruction and numerous concrete examples. . . . The chapter on oral clarity is worth its weight in gold. I heartily recommend this book for serious students who wish to handle God's Word well." --Kenneth E. Bickel Professor of Pastoral Studies Grace Theological Seminary "A practical guide to developing twenty-first century sermons that are biblically faithful, clear, and engaging. This is not ivory-tower theory; Invitation to Biblical Preaching offers down-to-earth insights and enough examples to spark dozens of great sermon ideas for any preacher!" --Michael Duduit Editor, Preaching magazine Invitation to Biblical Preaching takes the reader step-by-step through the entire process of biblical preaching--from biblical study to planning to delivery. Both current pastors and those training for the pulpit will especially appreciate the book's original content, profuse examples, and clear instruction. Two complete sermons (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament) reinforce the text's principles. Donald R. Sunukjian (Ph.D., UCLA; Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of preaching and chair of the Christian Ministry and Leadership Department at Talbot School of Theology. He is a frequent contributor to various preaching books, magazines, and Web sites, including PreachingToday.com.
Joseph Hellerman (PhD, UCLA) is Professor of New Testament at Biola University. He also currently serves as Team Pastor at Oceanside Christian Fellowship Church. Hellerman's other publications include The Ancient Church as Family, Reconstructing Honor in Roman Philippi, When the Church Was Family, and Jesus and the People of God.
The reality of ministry is that pastors often struggle-they struggle with the week-to-week demands of ministry that sap the physical and spiritual energy needed for sermon preparation and presentation. The result is that many pastors feen "buned out" in their preaching. For some, the only cure is a move to a new church that hasn't yet heard the same messages. Pastor Bruce Mawhinney has been there, done that, and has a hopeful and helpful word for pastors. Staleness in ministry can be replaced with freshness and vitality. It is possible to move up to a higher level of effectiveness rather than just move on to a new location. The format of Preaching with Freshness is as distinctive as its title: a narrative story outlines the real-life difficulties of an ordinary pastor who discovers principles of preaching that revive his own enthusiasm and effectiveness in ministry. If the worst sin a preacher can commit is to bore people with the Bible, then Preaching with Freshness is every pastor's guidebook to a vital, engaging pulpit ministry. Bruce Mawhinney is senior pastor of New Covenant Fellowship in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He received his M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and his D. Min from Westminister Theological Seminary.
Robert B. Chisholm Jr. (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is Department Chair and Professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is a translator and the Senior Old Testament Editor of the NET Bible. Chisholm's other publications include Interpreting the Minor Prophets, Handbook on the Prophets, and A Workbook for Intermediate Hebrew.
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