Essential Church

Why do so many young adults (18 to 22) leave the church, and what will it take to bring them back? This important question is examined and duly answered in Essential Church?, a follow-up to Thom S. Rainer's best-selling Simple Church and cowritten with his son, research expert Sam Rainer.

Small Church Essentials is for leaders of smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church. Based on the popular six-hour lecture that Karl Vaters delivers to church leaders across the country, Small Church Essentials will affirm small church leaders and show them how to identify what they do well and how to do it even better.

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it’s time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation's leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults. It profiles innovative churches that are engaging 15- to 29-year-olds and as a result are growing - spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically.

Modern readers of the New Testament often notice its varying ideas about women. Some passages encouraged women to be submissive and remain silent. Yet in others, women characters owned property, headed households, or spoke with approval. Women in the New Testament World helps listeners understand this conflicting evidence. It argues that social norms of the time encouraged traditional feminine virtues. However, as Susan Hylen argues, women in the culture enacted these virtues in a variety of ways, including active leadership in households, associations, and cities.

Easily the most important advance in Judeo-Christian relations in 100 years, Commonwealth Theology (CT) cuts across denominational divisions to reveal God’s plan for the Church and the Jews. CT is based on a more literal interpretation of the Scriptures. Interpretations have, since the 2nd century, been influenced by man’s philosophy and politics. Beyond the basics of Christian salvation, mainstream theologies are at odds. Catholic, Reform, and Evangelical interpretations of Bible prophecy don’t agree because they have all overlooked the obvious. Is it possible that the truth has been...

Anne Willan, multi-award-winning culinary historian, cookbook writer, teacher, and founder of La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, explores the lives and work of women cookbook authors whose essential books have defined cooking over the past 300 years. Beginning with the first published cookbook by Hannah Woolley in 1661 to the early colonial days to the transformative popular works by Fannie Farmer, Irma Rombauer, Julia Child, Edna Lewis, Marcella Hazan, and up to Alice Waters working today.

The church is said to be a mystery according to Colossians 1:25,26 “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” What is this Mystery - this is something that was hidden in the past during the Old Testament period but now in the New Testament it is revealed to us. This mystery is that the Gentiles should be partakers with the Jews in the gospel and be in the same church. This Book Teaches ...

An overview of the life and controversial teachings of W. Carl Ketcherside (1908–1989), as reflected in his journal, Mission Messenger, and the numerous books he published over the years. Much of what Ketcherside wrote can be found in the writings of the fathers of the Stone-Campbell restoration movement, from which this book quotes extensively in support of his position. It is significant to note that division among Christians in early nineteenth-century America arose from differences in doctrinal deductions or interpretations, as expressed in various creeds. The Campbells proposed that ...

Perhaps no subject about church generates more opinion and passion than worship. Walk with the typical church-going family on their way to the car after the service and just listen. Everybody really does talk about worship. Now, veteran worship leader and experienced ministry coach Mike Harland offers the tools worship leaders need to build biblically-faithful and effective worship ministries without bringing the disruption that often accompanies change.

This is a basic book of leadership in the local church with a biblical approach. At the end of the book, you will gain a general biblical knowledge of leadership in the local church (Examples: led by the Holy Spirit, the spiritual life of the leader, imitating the leadership of Jesus, formation of the leader and the leader makes leaders). Enroll in our Bible studies courses at: https://biblestudy.gnomio.com/

Many people do not realize the pain that some leaders carry. So much pressure is placed upon them that they are afraid to be seen as weak or vulnerable, so they hold in their feelings. Leaders often pour out everything they have to others, only to be betrayed and hurt by the people they love. A wounded leader is someone in leadership who has injured feelings, scars from past experiences, and damage to their soul. Does this definition sound like you?

It was the summer of 1961. Vince Lombardi, the iconic coach of the Green Bay Packers, started the training camp by holding something that needed no explanation. His words have since become legendary. He said, Gentlemen, this is a football. He made his point with five simple words: If we want to be successful, were going to have to remember the basics and make sure were executing the fundamentals.

Few challenges unsettle church leaders like facility expansions. The problem is much bigger than simply figuring out what to build. Tim Cool reveals how churches can properly execute a comprehensive master plan. Plan 4 It shows the process of implementing the vision of four key master plans: Ministry, Finance, Facility, and Sustainability. Unlike anyone else in his field, Cool has a knack for writing about technical details in a relatable way. You will learn and laugh as you read this book.

Quality management - a discipline that started in manufacturing has migrated to service industries such as hospitality, hotels, and health care. As these industries have embraced quality management practices, we, as consumers, have developed higher expectations for positive, error-free service experiences. Because of this phenomenon, there is increased pressure on non-profit and church organizations to make excellence a guiding principle of managing operations – and who, more than the church, should be doing things with excellence? This book is perfect for anyone who manages the day-to-...

As a preacher, you are the response of Heaven to the cry of your city!Clarify your calling, strengthen your character, and develop your craft as a preacher.In this book, Samuel Deuth, the author of the best selling book, Following Jesus, shares from his 20+ years of preaching and ministry leadership experience.Whether you're just beginning in ministry or you've been following the call for years, this book will stir and encourage you in three specific areas that are the building blocks of your ministry role.This book from Samuel Deuth, is packed with powerful and practical training to help ...

"This book is a masterful description of the distinct difference biblical leadership makes. Mike Ayers has addressed this issue in a scholarly, yet very practical way. We have needed these pages that focus so clearly on the Word of God and the biblical description of leadership.” —James T. Draper Jr.President Emeritus, LifeWay Christian Resources" "In Power to Lead, Mike Ayers shares a wealth of practical wisdom, but he goes first and foremost at the most important component of biblical leadership—the heart. This challenging and insightful work is a must-read for anyone wanting to ...

Too many parents, pastors, and people focus on what they value but often neglect to express why it is critical or essential. The fundamentals of the apostles’ doctrine are eternally essential. They are not creeds of words of mere man; they are God’s absolute Word. Because we belong to Jesus, we should want to please Him and obey His Word.

Persecution. It is not a matter of “if” it will come upon us, but a question of “when” it will happen. When it happens, will we remain faithful to God, even if the trials and persecution are unto death? We, as believers, face difficulties every day in the form of trials, tribulations, sorrows, and disappointments. With each problem, there is a test of our faith. The Bible states that because sin is increasing, the hearts of many will grow cold. God is looking for the faithful few who will stand as warriors and be righteous witnesses. This verse-by-verse commentary on John chapter 16...