An introduction to pastoral care for pastors of small membership churches. "If you spend your whole life serving small membership churches and doing it well, yours will have been a life well spent." Small membership churches have a real advantage when it comes to incorporating people into a fellowship where they are known and where their needs are met. These churches and their pastors have an opportunity for excellence in this area, and should make the most of it. Good pastoral care can be the key to effectiveness in all of the other ministries of the church.From getting acquainted with your congregation, weddings and funerals, picking up on subtle cues in a conversation to not-so-subtle conflicts, Killen shares insights from years of ministry in a small membership church setting. James L. Killen, Jr. is a retired elder of the Texas Conference, contributor to Circuit Rider, and author of Who Do You Say That I Am? A Personal Reader.
Contemporary life is filled with a host of contentious moral and social issues. There are many thorny topics, both personal and political, which bring out a cacophony of opinions that can overwhelm us. While we are inundated with questions, there often seem to be no clear answers. So how should we respond? As Christians, we must constantly ask ourselves, "What does the Lord require of me?" In this outstanding collection of meditations, James Killen examines many of today's hot-button issues with an eye toward helping readers think through their beliefs and responsibilities. Mindful of our call to live in faithfulness to God's purpose, each essay draws on the Bible and the Christian faith to discern how God would have us respond to the emerging situations of our world's history. What Does The Lord Require? is topical, inspiring reading -- and with thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each meditation, it's an excellent resource for adult classes or study groups, as well as for a sermon series that is sure to connect with congregations. Among the issues addressed are: * religious pluralism * economic justice * materialism * environmental stewardship * gender roles * suicide * abortion * personal integrity * homosexuality * AIDS * race relations * war The timid pulpit is too often the platform of pastors who choose not to unsettle their parishioners. As a result, words that address the critical social and moral issues of our day go unspoken. The messages of this book inspire the reader to new heights of courage as these difficult issues are presented with clear, forthright challenges. You will be informed and motivated as the cost of discipleship awakens your Christian journey in the 21st century. Joe A. Wilson United Methodist bishop James Killen does a remarkable job of reminding us that being a Christian is more than "individual religiosity." Rather, it encompasses every facet of our existence, personal and corporate. These meditations explore issues that Christians cannot afford to ignore. A must read! Brig. Gen. Hiram "Doc" Jones, USAF (retired) Former Deputy Chief, Air Force Chaplain Service James L. Killen has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is also the author of Who Do You Say That I Am?
An introduction to pastoral care for pastors of small membership churches.“If you spend your whole life serving small membership churches and doing it well, yours will have been a life well spent.” Small membership churches have a real advantage when it comes to incorporating people into a fellowship where they are known and where their needs are met. These churches and their pastors have an opportunity for excellence in this area, and should make the most of it. Good pastoral care can be the key to effectiveness in all of the other ministries of the church.From getting acquainted with your congregation, weddings and funerals, picking up on subtle cues in a conversation to not-so-subtle conflicts, Killen shares insights from years of ministry in a small membership church setting.James L. Killen, Jr. is a retired elder of the Texas Conference, contributor to Circuit Rider, and author of Who Do You Say That I Am? A Personal Reader.
This superb collection of biblically sound sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary covers every Sunday and major celebration of the church year. Five outstanding preachers from diverse denominations combine imaginative insights into the New Testament epistle texts with fresh, inspiring illustrations that enlighten the mind and warm the heart. By reliving the journey of Jesus through the prism of the early church's practical and moral concerns, these messages offer valuable lessons for Christian living in the modern world. This essential resource is useful for: * Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts * Preaching illustrations * Understanding scripture passages * Adult study and discussion groups * Personal devotions and Bible study Thoughtful, insightful, and sprinkled with good humor, these sermons from Rich Ferris will warm your heart and give you fresh ideas. Most importantly, they clearly communicate the good news of Christ! Brian Cowan Pastor, Barberton Evangelical Friends Church Barberton, Ohio William Carter's sermons are an eruption of ingenious images, powerful experiences, and inventive connections. The result of interplay between creativity and fidelity, they are a splash of wildflowers growing in rich and loamy soil. Thomas G. Long Bandy Professor of Preaching Candler School of Theology, Emory University
Bring the Old Testament to life with this inspiring and thought-provoking collection of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. Based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, these powerful messages by five exceptional preachers from diverse denominations explore the meaning of the Hebrew scriptures for today's Christian living. Abundant insights into vital current issues are woven together with powerful proclamation of timeless themes of justice and righteousness -- and these imaginative homilies are full of compelling examples of how a loving God uses us to further his divine plan. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - Understanding scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study In this anthology, John T. Ball leads the reader from the biblical text into daily life while employing a wide array of theological and literary references. An exciting excursion into a thinking person's faith journey, Ball's sermons are a helpful primer for critically informed preachers and anyone who seeks to make sense of ancient truth in these perilous times. C. Joseph Sprague Bishop, Chicago Area United Methodist Church By weaving the biblical text together with appropriate stories and illustrations, Arley Fadness crafts messages that are engaging and compelling. Readers will find much useful material, not only for sermon preparation, but also for personal spiritual growth. Robert Dovenmuehler Pastor, St. John American Lutheran Church Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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