Nothing is more important for ministry today than small groups. (George Gallop Jr., a Christian who conducts polls on political and religious matters, quoted in chapter 1 of this book.) Lavin is quick to point out that this book is not merely about numerical growth. It is about nurturing spiritual growth, which in itself is a dynamic that leads to growth in numbers. Use this publication as a workbook. The chapters each end with fascinating questions for consideration and group discussion. Dr. Lavin offers five different kinds of group structures for discipleship development. Each is fully explored, offering the reader or study participant the opportunity to determine which style best fits their group. He also lists five essentials that must be present for any group to function effectively. Lavin has had over 35 years of experience in the ministry, during which time he has refined the methods that are most successful in leading people to commitment and discipleship. This book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and stories that have grown out of his experience with congregations where impressive growth has taken place. Dr. Ronald J. Lavin is Senior Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church, Fountain Valley, California. He previously served congregations in Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. In each church where he served as pastor the membership doubled. He graduated cum laude from Carthage College, Northwestern Theological School of Theology, and engaged in graduate studies at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. Lavin has published twelve books and numerous magazine articles. He has been in demand as a speaker and seminar leader at schools and churches throughout the country as well as in several foreign countries.
Who is Jesus Christ? These fourteen chapters answer that question in his own words: I AM the light of the world... I AM the way, the truth and the life... I AM the Good Shepherd... I AM the alpha and the omega... Why a book on the I AM sayings of Jesus? Because so much of our religious emphasis today focuses on "feeling more fulfilled..." or "improving our relationships with others." While these are important and have their place in our discussions, this book puts the emphasis on the place of God in our lives. The questions are practical: What shall I believe? What shall I do? And so Lavin writes for the people in the pews as well as for their pastors. When Ron Lavin preaches it is close to the ground, relevant for the right now, absent of high-sounding theological verbiage, and reveals a big pastor's heart. Read the book for exhilarating ideas for your own preaching, digest the book one chapter at a time to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in these turbulent, fast changing '90s. Prepare To Be Impressed. Jerry L. Schmalenberger, President Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Ronald J. Lavin is senior pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Fountain Valley, California: He is an active, dynamic preacher and public speaker, conducting workshops and seminars in the areas of church growth and small group development throughout the western United States. He has served on boards of directors for LCA and ELCA national committees and seminaries. He is well-known for pastoring two congregations that have increased between 1,000 and 2,000 in membership during his tenure. He is the author of ten books (seven published by CSS) and numerous articles.
Ron Lavin says that we desperately need to re-examine and return to the basics of the Christian faith -- and what better source of inspiration is there than the word of God and the sacraments, God's holy pipelines from heaven? In the latest installment of his popular Another Look series, Lavin explores God's Word, baptism, and communion, and demonstrates that far from being meaningless rituals, they are extremely relevant for modern living. Weaving together time-tested biblical truths with a series of vignettes about Grace Livingstone, a fictional character who is a typical church "outsider," Lavin illustrates how faithful proclamation of the Word and celebration of the sacraments can be effective tools for evangelism and outreach. The ups and downs of Grace's life, and her need for the Word and sacraments, are sure to resonate with you. Structured in three four-session sets, Saving Grace is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. Saving Grace is also great for new member or adult Sunday school classes, personal meditation, and sermon preparation. Ron Lavin's passion for the Word of God and zeal to reach humanity with the truth that Jesus is alive is a source of inspiration and hope. In Saving Grace, Lavin takes us back to the basics of our biblical and confessional heritage and shows us the interrelationship between what we confess and how we live. Robert Wallace Director for Evangelism Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Saving Grace is the story of one lonely heart's journey from uncertainty and fear into the warm comfort offered by God. Follow Grace Livingstone as she receives a gentle welcome into God's love. Saving Grace is a unique, insightful guide for those interested in helping others become part of God's community. Barbara Coulson President, Southern California Writers Association Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 19 books, including Turning Griping Into Gratitude and Way To Grow! (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.
The Ten Commandments continue to provide both significant prohibitions and helpful invitations for living a moral and godly life in the 21st century. I did not post the Ten Commandments on my classroom wall, but they were imprinted more boldly onto my heart. (from the Introduction) Melvin Kieschnick Former Director of Parish Education Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod The Ten Commandments are universally acknowledged as God's blueprint for human behavior -- yet they seem to be a major focus of controversy in today's headlines. Should these commands from God be prominently featured in classrooms and courtrooms? What difference do God's laws make for multitudes of people who can't even repeat them from memory, much less integrate them into everyday behavior? In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the Ten Commandments and suggests they offer a powerful biblical corrective for a society filled with ethical relativism and moral decay. But they are much more than just a list of do's and don'ts -- they are also the foundation for God's invitation to a full and abundant life. The Big Ten is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. The Big Ten is also great for new members, adult Sunday school, and confirmation classes, as well as for personal meditation or sermon preparation. Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 20 books, including Turning Griping Into Gratitude and Way To Grow (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.
People Who Met Jesus is a book that will command the undivided attention of readers who yearn to know more of the significance of their relationship to the risen Lord. By delving in depth into the words and experiences of both well-known and cameo biblical characters, readers will come to a greater appreciation of the life-pervading influence of their relationship to the living Lord. (from the Introduction) Reuben T. Swanson Former Secretary Evangelical Lutheran Church in America In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the final days of Jesus' life on earth through the eyes of the people whose lives were changed by their encounters with the Lord. Lavin examines their stories, both familiar and little-known, and highlights how their experiences intersect our lives. By telling the story of Jesus, they point us toward God. People Who Met Jesus is an ideal Lenten group study resource -- each chapter includes questions for stimulating discussion. It's also excellent for adult Sunday school or new member classes throughout the year, as well as for sermon preparation or personal meditation. Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, including the CSS titles Turning Griping Into Gratitude (on the Psalms) and Way To Grow (on small group dynamics). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on evangelism and small groups.
Ron Lavin provides an ideal resource for small groups who want to explore the Psalms, or for preachers who want to present an inspirational series of sermons. Discussion questions are provided at the end of each chapter, as well as a guide for leaders. Says Lavin: "Griping is one of the most insidious and divisive things into which we easily fall, while gratitude is the most productive of attitudes. The Psalms are filled with the battle between griping and gratitude, a battle we all fight. The psalmists knew both attitudes, including the self-defeating nature of griping and the wonder and majesty of gratitude." By both verbal and written word, Ron Lavin has the ability to communicate with hearers and readers in a probing yet assuring way, a challenging yet comforting manner, with a confronting yet assisting approach. Through his vignettes on the Psalms, he makes yesterday's prayers, hymns, confessions, and thanksgivings our own. Dr. Reuben Swanson, former secretary Evangelical Lutheran Church in America What an inspiration to read homilies which deal head-on with everyday problems and possibilities... it's always an event when Ron Lavin mounts the pulpit. Jerry L. Schmalenberger, former president Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary These are just some of the enthusiastic testimonials from those who have field-tested this study: This book got me to grow up and face some things I needed to face. My attitude toward life changed in light of Psalm 30: "You turned my wailing into dancing..." Each chapter increased my knowledge of scripture and strengthened my walk with God. The practical applications in the book have become a source for coping with the many struggles of my daily life. This is an excellent study book for leading group discussions on what the Psalms mean in our daily lives. By reading the chapters and following up with group discussion, you can't help but grow in faith, understanding, and gratitude for the many gifts God has given us. Ron Lavin has served congregations in Indiana, Iowa, Arizona and California -- and congregational membership doubled in four of the five churches he served. Membership in his Davenport, Iowa parish increased by over 2,000, while more than 1,000 new members were baptized during his pastorate in Tucson, Arizona. A popular speaker at major conferences and a prolific writer, he has led the church in understanding the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.
Nothing is more important for ministry today than small groups. (George Gallop Jr., a Christian who conducts polls on political and religious matters, quoted in chapter 1 of this book.) Lavin is quick to point out that this book is not merely about numerical growth. It is about nurturing spiritual growth, which in itself is a dynamic that leads to growth in numbers. Use this publication as a workbook. The chapters each end with fascinating questions for consideration and group discussion. Dr. Lavin offers five different kinds of group structures for discipleship development. Each is fully explored, offering the reader or study participant the opportunity to determine which style best fits their group. He also lists five essentials that must be present for any group to function effectively. Lavin has had over 35 years of experience in the ministry, during which time he has refined the methods that are most successful in leading people to commitment and discipleship. This book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and stories that have grown out of his experience with congregations where impressive growth has taken place. Dr. Ronald J. Lavin is Senior Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church, Fountain Valley, California. He previously served congregations in Indiana, Iowa, and Arizona. In each church where he served as pastor the membership doubled. He graduated cum laude from Carthage College, Northwestern Theological School of Theology, and engaged in graduate studies at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. Lavin has published twelve books and numerous magazine articles. He has been in demand as a speaker and seminar leader at schools and churches throughout the country as well as in several foreign countries.
The Lord's Prayer is the world's most well-known prayer -- yet because of its familiarity we often recite it by rote. This 8-session study helps you rediscover its spiritual power and depth. By using the term Abba, loosely translated as Daddy, to begin the prayer, Jesus tells us that the Ruler of the universe is not just our strong, dependable Father but also a compassionate and loving Daddy with whom we can have an affectionate, intimate relationship. Stimulating discussion questions and tips to assist small group leaders are included.
Who is Jesus Christ? These fourteen chapters answer that question in his own words: I AM the light of the world... I AM the way, the truth and the life... I AM the Good Shepherd... I AM the alpha and the omega... Why a book on the I AM sayings of Jesus? Because so much of our religious emphasis today focuses on "feeling more fulfilled..." or "improving our relationships with others." While these are important and have their place in our discussions, this book puts the emphasis on the place of God in our lives. The questions are practical: What shall I believe? What shall I do? And so Lavin writes for the people in the pews as well as for their pastors. When Ron Lavin preaches it is close to the ground, relevant for the right now, absent of high-sounding theological verbiage, and reveals a big pastor's heart. Read the book for exhilarating ideas for your own preaching, digest the book one chapter at a time to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in these turbulent, fast changing '90s. Prepare To Be Impressed. Jerry L. Schmalenberger, President Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Ronald J. Lavin is senior pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Fountain Valley, California: He is an active, dynamic preacher and public speaker, conducting workshops and seminars in the areas of church growth and small group development throughout the western United States. He has served on boards of directors for LCA and ELCA national committees and seminaries. He is well-known for pastoring two congregations that have increased between 1,000 and 2,000 in membership during his tenure. He is the author of ten books (seven published by CSS) and numerous articles.
Each one of these powerful messages fortifies the conviction that if God is for us, who can be against us! This is not only inspired preaching ... it is inspiring reading.
A study of the impact of Internet use on American society, based on a series of nationally representative surveys conducted from 1995 to 2000. Drawing on nationally representative telephone surveys conducted from 1995 to 2000, James Katz and Ronald Rice offer a rich and nuanced picture of Internet use in America. Using quantitative data, as well as case studies of Web sites, they explore the impact of the Internet on society from three perspectives: access to Internet technology (the digital divide), involvement with groups and communities through the Internet (social capital), and use of the Internet for social interaction and expression (identity). To provide a more comprehensive account of Internet use, the authors draw comparisons across media and include Internet nonusers and former users in their research. The authors call their research the Syntopia Project to convey the Internet's role as one among a host of communication technologies as well as the synergy between people's online activities and their real-world lives. Their major finding is that Americans use the Internet as an extension and enhancement of their daily routines. Contrary to media sensationalism, the Internet is neither a utopia, liberating people to form a global egalitarian community, nor a dystopia-producing armies of disembodied, lonely individuals. Like any form of communication, it is as helpful or harmful as those who use it.
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