This journey book invites the reader to go with the author on her travels to dozens of congregations all over the United States, discovering their assets and strengths as well as their struggles and fears. She was not critic, nor teacher, nor consultant, but visitor. Guest. She learned from the people of God she met, appreciated them, and gave thanks. The book was written for enjoyment; it quite possibly also will challenge. The purpose of the book is to help congregations claim their identity in the body of Christ and be strengthened for their vocation in God's public world. The key to unlocking the book is to use the questions for reflection and discussion. Stories beget stories. By focusing on issues in other contexts congregations are sometimes able to talk more easily about important questions they face in our own settings.
Norma Cook Everist contends that it is meaningful to say that in ministries of administration, outreach, and pastoral care, the church is functioning as a learning community. Whenever and wherever Christians are being formed into the image of Jesus Christ through ministry, there Christian education is taking place. Christian education is the name we give to that process of formation. Building on this central insight, Everist has written a major new introduction to the tasks and practices of Christian education. Part 1 of the book focuses broadly on what it means to be the church in the world. Part 2 shows how being a learning community requires ongoing growth in faith throughout the span of life. Part 3 shifts focus to the church as it moves into the community and world.
Commissioned By God" is written by a Minister's Wife who felt the Spirit of the Lord move in her to write an inspirational book. It was not a matter of if she would write, but when should she get started. At the time, she was very busy between working part-time and her involvement with various activities at her church. Although she had no qualms about writing the book, she took too long and the Lord spoke to her while she was out training for a race, and said NOW!!! He also gave her the name of the book which is "Commissioned By God." After returning home, she immediately started writing the book, and turned in her resignation from her job the very next day.
Now Bring Your Joy To This Wedding by Norma Schweitzer Wood and Lisa M. Leber is a book on premarriage and marriage counseling. Here are some topics covered in the book: - marriage counseling - christian marriage counseling - premarriage counseling - premarriage counseling online books - premarriage cousiling - marriage counseling christain - christian counseling free marriage - wedding preparation checklist - wedding scripture - wedding scripture and prayer - wedding scripture texts - wedding scripture readings - wedding bible scripture One of the important, if often overlooked, tasks of the parish pastor is effective premarital counseling. Since many couples are overwhelmed by the arrangements for their wedding, it can often be difficult to lead them into a realistic and faithful dialogue that prepares them for the long-term implications of the marriage covenant. Developed by an experienced pastoral counselor/marriage therapist along with a parish pastor, Now Bring Your Joy To This Wedding is an excellent premarital resource with a practical, accessible approach to preparing couples for the joys and challenges of marriage. Its field-tested material is structured around four key areas of married life: intimacy, power, security, and freedom/responsibility. The text is addressed to couples in a friendly, conversational tone, and questions, exercises, cartoons, and guidelines stimulate active participation. Each chapter has prayer exercises that reveal God's grace-filled ways. Two workbooks (one each for the bride and groom) for writing down and sharing responses are also included. Whether the setting is a weekend retreat for a number of couples, individual counseling sessions with a pastor, or even use by a couple themselves, Now Bring Your Joy To This Wedding is sure to help couples grow in all phases of their relationship. Wood and Leber combine experienced counseling and pastoral skills in a volume that explores marriage through the lens of baptismal vocation, family history and formation, and cultural context. The examples and discussion are posed in language that is readily accessible to the average congregational couple. For those who plan worship at weddings and prepare homilies, the book's focus on the four areas of marital preparation provides rich resources. Susan K. Hedahl Associate Professor of Homiletics Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg Author of The Wedding Sermon
* A comprehensive, practical paradigm for nurturing congregational leadership * Tested in ten years of teaching, ministry, congregational research * Includes specific exercises for self-assessment and implementation
How can faith speak directly to people's real lives? How can conversation around Scripture make "all the difference" in the arenas of one's daily world? People who have heard the Bible many times--or for the first time--want to know in the terms and images of their life situation. "When my world seems to be shaking all around me, why doesn't it help to hear 'You are forgiven'?" And further, "What can I say to someone who feels totally alienated from God?" Seventy Images of Grace in the Epistles will help people make connections and empower them for their ministries in daily life. The book presents an interplay of stories of people's actual lives and Epistle images of grace. Readers will begin to recognize the depth of the human predicament and the power of the gospel, thereby becoming equipped for Christian discipleship and vocation, not from duty or guilt, but from freedom. "Guides for Engagement" will help readers turn the book into a learning event.
Painful as was this journey, I knew I needed to write this book. Many details were either obliterated by the trauma of some dark days, or I just could not bring myself to delve deeply enough to bring them up. However, I welcome any opportunity to dialogue with and to answer questions from individuals or interested groups, small or large. In an effort to protect the privacy of my daughter, all names - including my own - have been changed. In addition, the names of some locations have been changed. Even though the general public has come a long way in understanding mental illness since the events that took place in this book have occurred, there are still many people who cannot differentiate between deliberate sinful actions and involuntary sick behavior. It is my desire to help shocked and concerned loved ones be able to separate the person from the sickness. And finally, I wish to convey through the writing of this book that "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." Song of Solomon 8:7.
You love your work. You love the people--most of the time. They respect you, most of the time. You work together with colleagues, staff, and laity, with energy and enthusiasm, most of the time. But then something goes wrong: a word spoken in anger, a misunderstanding, and things turn sour. What do you do? How do you deal with conflict, whether it be long or short-term, low or high intensity? Conflict is a part of the human predicament, yet it need not define or control your ministry. This book is designed to help the reader ask certain key questions about the nature and scope of the conflict they are experiencing and, based on the answers to those questions, move beyond conflict. The author lays out the variety of responses to conflict, running the gamut from avoidance to accommodation to compromise to collaboration. Written with the real needs of congregations in mind, this book will serve as a reliable guide to all who wish to move through conflict into a more effective and authentic fulfillment of their calling.
From the author of fiction favorite Sunday Brunch comes an inspirational novel about two bitterly divided sisters struggling to forgive each other and renew their faith in God. Everything is not always sweet on Magnolia Lane, where the Ledoux clan had always gathered under the watchful eye of the family matriarch, Hannah. Years later, Hannah’s granddaughter Summer, a soon-to-be bride, has planned a weekend event that prompts a major family reunion. But once relatives come together to celebrate Summer’ s wedding, generational secrets that have spanned decades slowly come to the surface. Blowing in belatedly and stoking long-standing resentments is Summer’s older sister, Misa, an international model. Unbeknownst to them, the sisters share something besides a feud: they have inherited the depression that had darkened the life of their mother, Elizabeth. While Summer relies on God to keep her from the abyss, Misa submerges herself in drinks and men. But neither can avoid what happens when, after a particularly vitriolic argument, one of the sisters flees in anger into the darkness of a rain-swept night. The aftermath leads the sisters to uncover the truth about their family and themselves, testing their spiritual reserves. And along the way, God’s spirit continues to send them messages about the beauty of faith and love. Spiritual, dramatic, and a memorable tribute to our beloved New Orleans, Jarrett’s second novel is a confident step forward in an already bright career.
Lana is one who faced choices from childhood right on through time as she became aged. She faced the loss of a child, the loss of what would have been a generous inheritance, and triumph through Gods intervention in her life. Everyone has to make choicesfrom the moment of rising in the morning to the hour of settling in at night. Some choices are very difficult, while many result in great joy. The choices Lana made throughout her lifetime are encouragement for others who must make choices in their lives. Lanas choices may not always have been right, and you may think you would have chosen differently. But as you read this story, note how God weaves in and out of life according to our choices.
Norma Robinson currently resides in Fayetteville, NC. She has two daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. Norma received her call into ministry in 1985 and was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel. It was during this time that she was inspired by the Holy Spirit to organize an Intercessory Prayer Ministry. Norma served as Director of the Prayer Ministry at her local church. In 1992, Norma was trained in Telephone Prayer Ministry by John Hagee Ministries in San Antonio, Texas. She served as overseer of the Telephone Prayer Ministry and the School of Prayer at her church. Norma received a Diploma of Theology from International Seminary Bible College in Plymouth, Florida in June 2008. She received a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2015. Norma is the Founder and President of Intercessors on the Move Prayer Ministries in Fayetteville, NC. She has traveled with evangelical teams to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Costa Rica in Central America. Norma currently serves as an Elder at FirstFruit Family Ministry in Fayetteville, NC under the leadership of Bishop Jeffery and Pastor Belita Scott. She has a passion for prayer and is a prayer warrior. But most importantly, she loves the Lord and the work of the ministry. One of her favorite scriptures is "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all you might... Ecclesiastes 9:10.
What would life be without encouragement? That is why testimonies are so important; without them, the finish line so often becomes obscured by fear and disappointment. That is the beauty of this book. Every page is filled with wonderful stories of God’s provision, protection, healing, grace, mercy, and lovingkindness. Best of all, every story is true. The Faithfulness of God will fill you with joy, hope, and renewed motivation to stay the course, and to believe God for the impossible. This is a book to read and re-read to lift your spirits. The stories will never leave your heart and mind.
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy is a delightful story about a loving relationship between two young children and their grandparents. Bean and Charlie spend a week with their grandparents each summer. They especially enjoy listening to Papa's stories. One afternoon, Bean asks Papa to tell a story about when he was a little boy. Papa's story has an unexpected surprise as he shares about a life-changing lesson he learned from two dogs, an annoying little girl, and Psalm 23:6.
Taking your group on a short-term mission trip may sound like a good idea. It is . . . but it needs to be done well to be effective, life changing, and to draw people to God. So, how do you do it well? That's what this book is about. Norma Dunn will outline for you details, as well as major steps, that are crucial to organizing a short-term mission that will have a profound effect upon your team members as well as the people to whom you minister. The many illustrations she uses from years of experience make this a readable as well as informative book. "This book will challenge anyone wanting to lead a short-term mission trip to do it with excellence. At the same time it provides the design to make this excellence attainable." Jean Cooper Carey Author and Friend "This is a book that should be on the bookshelf of every Christian School Administrator. I wish it had been available to me during my eighteen years as an administrator! It is a must read for anyone who is considering organizing a short-term mission." Ferrin Kilby Ph.D. National Director of Student Recruitment and Field Operations Lesley University
We often times become tired of the painful and dysfunctional relationship with family and friends. It's about time you and I began to love others and yourself unconditionally for the time that the god of heaven have given you and I on this earth let us give back. Forgiving others: 1. In the book of Matthew 5:44-47 "But I say unto you. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you' and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven; for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For if ye love them which love you... What regard have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans..." 2. Matthew 6:12 "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." 3. Matthew 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you." 4. Ephesians 4:32 "Be ye kind one and another, tenderhearted... Forgive one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgive you." 5. Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying. Forgive if ye have aught against any that your father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." 6. Colossians 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgive one another. If any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgive you so also do ye." Know the personal changes you need to heal in your life so you can give the love which is healthy. Have you transformed your relationship with the god of heaven? Norma Burns brings a proven professional and unique and personal background to forget and forgive each other, beyond our faith. She holds a MA in Christian counseling and pastoral counseling. She worked as a nurse, for over 30 years. She has also been an assistant pastor, youth pastor, and pastoral care counselor.
Horrific Traumata shares the stories of persons whose meaning, hope, and faith were ripped from them by others or traumatic events and who live with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since the Vietnam War, therapists have come to understand victims of severe emotional trauma with new understanding and, with better ability, have come to learn how to heal the awful effects of their traumas. Now the ranks of traumatized Vietnam veterans are joined by others who have also experienced horrific traumata and need help to rebuild their lives from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)--victims and survivors of incest and rape, hostage situations, and other events outside the range of ordinary human suffering. Duncan Sinclair provides direct insight into the clinical and psychological aspects of PTSD. He presents a clear and workable understanding of the nature of PTSD which gives clergy and other involved persons direct insight into the causes of many behaviors. Horrific Traumata focuses on the church’s readiness and obligation to incorporate traumatized victims into the center of grace and healing. Clergy of all specialities now have a means of seeing behind the masks of hurt and isolation to the long-standing and disabling trauma. Sinclair shows how to promote the healing process through a range of parish activities as well as in clinical settings. Guidelines for promoting healing include the key concepts of how to listen compassionately and how to create safe places in which victims may heal during the rebuilding of hope and faith. Scriptures used throughout develop a hopefulness that must be maintained for healing. Based on the quintessential understanding that current life stressors open past wounds in ways that leave them open, Sinclair guides professionals and clergy in treating the whole traumatized person. Clergy of all specialities, pastors, chaplains, pastoral counselors, seminary students, clinical pastoral educators, and students will find healing words for hurting people in this book. Clinical specialists in all disciplines who wish to view clients’lives from a clinical and faith position will find the stories and clinical suggestions in this book to be a modern goldmine.
Time Period: 1923 For ten-year-old Carrie Moe, friendship with a Jewish immigrant is perfectly normal. So why are many of her other friends uptight about that? Sadly, in 1924, bigotry is a powerful force in society-so much so, that the white-robed members of the Ku Klux Klan plot violence against Jews. Carrie's Courage is the story of a young girl who stands up for a friend in the face of persecution. Using actual historical events as a backdrop, this young readers' novel shows that standing up for others, though not always popular, is always right. It's a perfect teaching tool, at an even better price!
Girls are girls wherever they live—and the Sisters in Time series shows that girls are girls whenever they lived, too! This new collection brings together four historical fiction books for 8–12-year-old girls: Maureen the Detective: The Age of Immigration (covering the year 1903), Maria Takes a Stand: The Battle for Women’s Rights (1914), Carrie’s Courage: Battling the Powers of Bigotry (1923), and Anna’s Fight for Hope: The Great Depression (1931), American Progress will transport readers back to America’s national maturation of the early twentieth century, teaching important lessons of history and Christian faith. Featuring bonus educational materials such as time lines and brief biographies of key historical figures, American Progress is ideal for anytime reading and an excellent resource for home schooling.
A Portrait of Love is a true love story about the romance and life of Norma Scarlett and her late husband, Joshua, affectionately known as Joshie. The couple enjoyed forty-three years of wedded bliss, five children, and a wonderful life together, ordained and blessed by God. Written by Norma, but through God's guidance and perspective, A Portrait of Love offers a shining example of what a beautiful, God-given marriage relationship can and should look like-the way God designed and intended marriage to be. This beautiful book also contains helpful tools on how a couple can greatly improve their own marriage by truly loving and serving each other to have a dynamic and successful marriage. It's a true love story that takes you into the lives of a couple who was passionate and madly in love with one another; only death could have separated them.
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