One of the biggest challenges in youth ministry is finding effective ways to minister to teenagers during school breaks and summer vacations—those times when the usual routines of education and structure aren’t there. Families are vacationing. Youth groups get smaller. And very often youth ministry takes a noticeable dip in attendance and excitement. Ready-to-Go School’s Out!: Youth Ministry Ideas for School Breaks and Summer Vacation by Todd Outcalt is a book that can help. Here youth workers can find support and practical ideas that can help them minister to teens during the “down times” such as: · Fall & Spring Breaks · Summer Vacation · Christmas Break · Special Days such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving · New Years Eve Ready-to-Go School’s Out! will be a welcome addition to the youth leader’s arsenal of resources. It includes learning activities, outings, games, worship services, and suggestions for the busy youth worker—in addition to renewal activities for tired youth leaders—all collected in one resource.
Start Your Marriage with Money in the Bank, not Bills in the Mail. In a world where the average wedding costs around $30,000, a realistic plan for a dream wedding no matter what your budget. Many couples are unnecessarily going deeply into debt to pay for their own weddings. Pastor Todd Outcalt has counseled hundreds of couples on how to avoid this strain on a new marriage, and now he's bringing his message to brides and grooms everywhere. With costs rising, the economy faltering, and the future uncertain, Outcalt provides an overall plan for cost-saving and dream-building. Unlike other books, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget creates a plan tailored to your financial reality, not a specific dollar amount. It offers the most flexibility, showing: How to prioritize what's important so you know where to spend $$$ and where to spend $ Planning strategies for realistic costs of each component How to use the internet to save money Couples can now plan the wedding of their dreams, and go on their honeymoon knowing that every expense is paid for! Learn How To: Determine what kind of unique day you can afford: Design your own plan using sample budgets as a guide Have an elegant wedding without the high costs Host a large wedding on a small income Increase the funds for your wedding and spend that cash smartly Cut wedding costs easily and painlessly Prioritize what's important to you so you know where to splurge and where to save Work with parents and others who have a say in wedding money matters Create a debt-free wedding if you're already in debt Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget reveals how to craft a debt-free big day, giving you the techniques and strategies to help you enter into marriage with a bigger wallet and lower stress level. Rather than focusing on a certain dollar amount, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget allows you to design a plan tailored to your financial reality, whatever that may be.
Each heartfelt story offers an integration of personal faith and daily life. Readers will discover relatable insights from some of the best-known personalities in the church today, as well as stories about some of the largest churches in America. There are dozens of poignant stories from "regular" folk—mothers and fathers, young and elderly, the infirm, the well, even prisoners who served their time and are now serving God. No matter the path or recollection, the perspective, or the take-away, each richly told tale confirms that God has a plan for us all and that you can count on His love forever. There's the powerful story of a family whose daughter's writing assignment about a cancer-stricken tennis player foreshadows a frightening yet hopeful future. There's Stella the former felon who shows up on the church steps one day with a surprise for the preacher's wife. There's the autistic child who receives his First Communion with the loving support of the church community pouring into his family. The woman who awakens post surgery to meet a mysterious yet attentive male nurse with the nametag Chris, yet no one at the hospital has ever heard of him. The schoolteacher whose children keep drawing Thanksgiving turkeys with striped socks and the hidden message she finally opens herself to receiving. Page after page, For the Love of God offers readers encouragement and hope, and a chance to live a deeper, more faith-filled Christian life. Finding God in stories from others . . . sharing a ministry of hope with people from all walks of life . . . these are the ultimate blessings of For the Love of God.
As the spice maker’s cabinet is full of many herbs, so should a scholar be full of Scripture, Talmud, and Legend—an ancient Jewish proverb This reference to legend—or the teaching tales used by the sages—is a remarkable testimony to the power of story and its place in the history, development, and culture of a people. Legends have helped people understand one another, and offer a context for utilizing ancient beliefs in new ways. A Common Ground is an eclectic volume of the greatest legends of the world including those from Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and more, along with a discussion on why these stories still matter today. The tales featured demonstrate how seemingly disparate beliefs share common ideas and concerns that are more similar than they are different, helping readers to see the world around them with a fresh perspective. These stories and parables attributed to saints and sages will offer inspiration for those who desire to live a life of generosity, understanding, and hope. As the book brings together the most marvelous teachings of the world’s great faiths, readers will discover new points of conversation and understanding. Likewise, this collection of stories from voices as diverse as Tolstoy and Lao Tzu, from Buddha to Jesus, create a beautiful tapestry of teaching that can be applied to contemporary problems and personal choices
Relationship counselor Todd Outcalt encourages couples to engage each other with in-depth conversations, and share life histories and experiences, in order to build a strong foundation before marriage-and avoid making mistakes.
This charming devotional book takes readers on an inward journey to the miracle of Christ's birth in the little town of Bethlehem. Many who will read this book probably haven't actually traveled to Bethlehem. "But that is of little consequence to the adventure of arriving there, to the adventure of discovery that awaits the mystery and wonder in the birth of Jesus," Todd Outcalt writes. The devotions are both personal and challenging. "I hope readers can discover something new that they may have overlooked in the old, old story," says Outcalt. It's important to stay alert on the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Outcalt reminds readers, for they may encounter Jesus in unexpected moments and surprising people or when they are most tired or confused. "The way to Bethlehem is saturated with stops and starts, with both darkness and light, with angels and the common touch of shepherds," writes Outcalt. Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem contains devotions for the 28 days of Advent, the 12 days of Christmas, and the day of Epiphany. For small-group leaders, the book includes a 6-week study guide with weekly questions for reflection and conversation, a suggested scripture passage for each week, and an invitation to ponder the happenings of that week. As the Gospel of Luke attests, Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem is both an expectant declaration filled with mystery and a declaration of faith. Each day can offer these same expectations and wonders for readers if they open themselves to awe and joy.
Helps youth better understand the traditions, beliefs and practices that make the Easter season so holy. A source for Lenten programming ideas - in addition to seven Sunday programs - this work contains devotional programs for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
We’re familiar with the Jesus portrayed in the New Testament, but many people are surprised to learn that a wealth of stories and traditions about Jesus have always existed alongside the usual Biblical sources. Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism—among other religions—have created their own tales about Jesus, sometimes out of necessary self-preservation and reaction to the claims of the church, but more often through thoughtful and artistic adaptation. The Other Jesus explores these varied traditions and offers a fresh exploration of Jesus—new perspectives that challenge long-accepted beliefs about his place in history and his impact on other religions.
The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever. "Not all Christmases are white; some are blue," Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "Blue Christmas" worship service, and reflection questions. In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God's love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus' promise "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.
Ready-Made Event Packages ...Just Add Youth Group FULLY LOADEDAll Options, Extras & Side Items IncludedThese ready-made event packages are completely accessorized with everything you need to easilyprepare and smoothly execute fun and instructive youth activities. You can spend less time on planning event details, and more time directly engaging your teens.These plans cover every detail, even laying out hour-by-hour schedules for you.Think of the convenience. Think of all the up-front prep time you can save. The unique benefit of the Ready-To-Go series is that these activity materials go beyond merely offering ideas. Ready to Go resources instead provide fully developed activity & event plans. These allow the youth leader to host youth events of substance & quality, with a minimal up-front time investment. It’s like offering a baked cake instead of a cake recipe & ingredients. Or, offering a fully-assembled ready-to-use playground set...instead of loose components in a box with assembly instructions. This book features 101 ready-to-go lessons that Youth Leaders can use in a Sunday School setting, in youth meetings, or retreats. It also contains meeting ideas and lessons that can be utilized quickly and effectively when the need arises. Ready-to-Go Youth Group Activities includes -- Meeting starters Short Bible studies Test worksheets Fliers Parable studies with skits Games Small events with little or no prep time Meeting closers A scripture index. All materials are reproducible.Ready-To-Go resources are equipped with event themes that target contemporary issues teens face in the real world. These relevant messages are delivered with impact, through coordinated devotional plans, discussion frameworks, and captivating activities. All the event accessories you need, down to publicity fliers and parental forms are included. Just add youth.
Life is experienced from each individual's perspective. Our views of the world are often influenced by nationality, race, creed, or religion. But there may be no greater factor influencing our perspective on life than our gender. He Said , She Said: Biblical Stories From a Male and Female Perspective, explores a host of Biblical narratives from both a male and female perspective, offering readers a unique blend of thought and commentary on relationships, marriage, parenting, work, and aging. This book is sure to strike a chord with pastors, study groups, and classes who are looking for a unique and engaging vantage point from which to explore the Bible.
Here's how your church can create a spot teenagers like hanging out-whether it's a youth room or the back of the church bus! Mix dozens of creative decorating ideas with faith-building program ideas based on decorating themes & you've got a recipe for a great youth meeting place! And because you involve your teenagers in making the changes, you'll see your group grow closer! Here are the nuts & bolts of involving kids in creating a meeting place, plus tips for getting around small budgets, frowning board members, & ugly furniture.
Don't just tell youth the Good News, show them with the 100 youth talks in Seeing Is Believing! Scripture, interesting stories, everyday objects, and you combine to illustrate the Christian faith to youth. Seeing Is Believing! provides object lessons for youth leaders to present in every setting and for any occasion, including *Crowdbreaker Youth Talks *Worship Youth Talks *Retreat Youth Talks *Outdoor Youth Talks *Games Youth Talks *and many more! Check out the other resources in Abingdon's Youth Ministry Trilogy- Holidays, Holy Days, And Other Big Days for Youth and The Heat Is On! Cool Ideas for Summertime Youth Events- written by Todd Outcalt.
Faith. Love. Family. Power. Success. Goodness. Generosity. Could these virtues ever become stumbling blocks to your Christian walk? Todd Outcalt explores the fine line between virtues and vices, uncovering ways our flawed priorities can masquerade as healthy religious goals and showing us how to reorient ourselves toward truly virtuous living.
In the tradition of inspiring wisdom and unwavering faith of his first book, The Best Things in Life Are Free, Todd Outcalt reveals to readers how they can find healing for their emotions, life, and pain through their awareness and faith in God. What does it mean to be healed? This question is at the heart of The Healing Touch - a book that explores the biblical concepts of healing and wholeness. Through biblical accounts and personal testimonies, Todd Outcalt Offers readers a deeper glimpse into the ways that God's marvelous grace touches our lives and heals us of our emotional, psychological, relational and physical scars. Each chapter of The Healing Touch takes the reader to a deeper level of understanding and insight into the ways that God's healing work is continued every day in our lives. Outcalt also invites readers to explore their own needs and to glimpse the amazing work of God that has been revealed in their own lives. Suitable for personal or group study, The Healing Touch is a book that offers a rich tapestry of understanding and biblical insight without shying away from the deepest questions of faith and human struggle.
You’ve planned every detail of your wedding, but have you planned your marriage? This updated third edition of Before You Say "I Do" will help every bride and groom discover what they need to know about themselves, each other, and their marriage—before the wedding. Featuring questions designed to inspire in-depth conversations between you and your future spouse, this book also invites parents, friends, future in-laws, clergy, and children from previous marriages into the discussions to offer their own perspectives. Together, couples are encouraged to explore their life histories and experiences, their hopes and dreams, and their views on love, children, religion, work, and politics, to find both common and uncommon ground on which to strengthen the foundation of their marriage.
The heat is usually on youth leaders every summer. Summer jobs, irregular church schedules, vacations, and the casual nature of the season pose a challenge for summertime youth ministry. The Heat Is On! provides 100 creative, fun, and meaningful ideas for youth. With splash, crash, riot, and quiet, youth leaders can use the cool ideas in dozens of summertime settings and occasions, including: *Cool Worship Sites and Spiritual Adventures *Blazing Ready-to-Go Retreats *Sizzling Summer Games *and many more! Check out the other resources in Abingdon's youth ministry trilogy- Seeing is Believing! 100 Youth Talks for Every Occasion and Holidays, Holy Days, and Other Big Days for Youth: 100 Ideas for Youth Ministry- written by Todd Outcalt.
Ready-Made Event Packages ...Just Add Youth Group FULLY LOADEDAll Options, Extras & Side Items IncludedThese ready-made event packages are completely accessorized with everything you need to easilyprepare and smoothly execute fun and instructive youth activities. You can spend less time on planning event details, and more time directly engaging your teens.These plans cover every detail, even laying out hour-by-hour schedules for you.Think of the convenience. Think of all the up-front prep time you can save. The unique benefit of the Ready-To-Go series is that these activity materials go beyond merely offering ideas. Ready to Go resources instead provide fully developed activity & event plans. These allow the youth leader to host youth events of substance & quality, with a minimal up-front time investment. It’s like offering a baked cake instead of a cake recipe & ingredients. Or, offering a fully-assembled ready-to-use playground set...instead of loose components in a box with assembly instructions. This book features 101 ready-to-go lessons that Youth Leaders can use in a Sunday School setting, in youth meetings, or retreats. It also contains meeting ideas and lessons that can be utilized quickly and effectively when the need arises. Ready-to-Go Youth Group Activities includes -- Meeting starters Short Bible studies Test worksheets Fliers Parable studies with skits Games Small events with little or no prep time Meeting closers A scripture index. All materials are reproducible.Ready-To-Go resources are equipped with event themes that target contemporary issues teens face in the real world. These relevant messages are delivered with impact, through coordinated devotional plans, discussion frameworks, and captivating activities. All the event accessories you need, down to publicity fliers and parental forms are included. Just add youth.
One of the biggest challenges in youth ministry is finding effective ways to minister to teenagers during school breaks and summer vacations—those times when the usual routines of education and structure aren’t there. Families are vacationing. Youth groups get smaller. And very often youth ministry takes a noticeable dip in attendance and excitement. Ready-to-Go School’s Out!: Youth Ministry Ideas for School Breaks and Summer Vacation by Todd Outcalt is a book that can help. Here youth workers can find support and practical ideas that can help them minister to teens during the “down times” such as: · Fall & Spring Breaks · Summer Vacation · Christmas Break · Special Days such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving · New Years Eve Ready-to-Go School’s Out! will be a welcome addition to the youth leader’s arsenal of resources. It includes learning activities, outings, games, worship services, and suggestions for the busy youth worker—in addition to renewal activities for tired youth leaders—all collected in one resource.
Life is experienced from each individual's perspective. Our views of the world are often influenced by nationality, race, creed, or religion. But there may be no greater factor influencing our perspective on life than our gender. He Said , She Said: Biblical Stories From a Male and Female Perspective, explores a host of Biblical narratives from both a male and female perspective, offering readers a unique blend of thought and commentary on relationships, marriage, parenting, work, and aging. This book is sure to strike a chord with pastors, study groups, and classes who are looking for a unique and engaging vantage point from which to explore the Bible.
You’ve Planned Every Detail of Your Wedding—But Have You Planned Your Marriage? Written by a pastor who has counseled hundreds of couples, Before You Say "I Do" will help every bride and groom discover what they need to know about themselves, each other, and their marriage—before the wedding. Featuring questions designed to inspire in-depth conversations between you and your future spouse, this book also invites parents, friends, future in-laws, clergy, and children from previous marriages into the discussions to offer their own perspectives. Together, couples are encouraged to explore their life histories and experiences, their hopes and dreams, and their views on love, children, religion, work, and politics—to find both common and uncommon ground on which to strengthen the foundation of their relationship.
Our first reaction when the doctor says it's cancer: Why me? Receiving a cancer diagnosis is traumatic, both for the person diagnosed and family and friends. Todd Outcalt writes from the perspective of a husband who has accompanied his wife, a breast cancer survivor, through her cancer journey. Praying Through Cancer is a practical guide for anyone seeking strength, support, and hope for coping with cancer. This personal book addresses the raw emotions and deep questions evoked by cancer. Each devotion helps the reader encounter God through comforting scriptures, insightful reflections, and heartfelt prayers. Daily readings provide an uplifting connection with God to help readers face their situation with faith and hope. Reflection questions for family conversation or group discussion (especially cancer support groups). The author shares wisdom from his pastoral counseling, plus his personal experience of supporting his wife as she lived with breast cancer. The 28 Days of Prayer Series Depending on who you ask, it takes 21-28 days to create a habit. The point is to commit for a consecutive number of days. This series follows the same concept. Each book is designed to cover a specific topic and help you develop a daily prayer practice that hopefully continues beyond the 28 days.
Each heartfelt story offers an integration of personal faith and daily life. Readers will discover relatable insights from some of the best-known personalities in the church today, as well as stories about some of the largest churches in America. There are dozens of poignant stories from "regular" folk—mothers and fathers, young and elderly, the infirm, the well, even prisoners who served their time and are now serving God. No matter the path or recollection, the perspective, or the take-away, each richly told tale confirms that God has a plan for us all and that you can count on His love forever. There's the powerful story of a family whose daughter's writing assignment about a cancer-stricken tennis player foreshadows a frightening yet hopeful future. There's Stella the former felon who shows up on the church steps one day with a surprise for the preacher's wife. There's the autistic child who receives his First Communion with the loving support of the church community pouring into his family. The woman who awakens post surgery to meet a mysterious yet attentive male nurse with the nametag Chris, yet no one at the hospital has ever heard of him. The schoolteacher whose children keep drawing Thanksgiving turkeys with striped socks and the hidden message she finally opens herself to receiving. Page after page, For the Love of God offers readers encouragement and hope, and a chance to live a deeper, more faith-filled Christian life. Finding God in stories from others . . . sharing a ministry of hope with people from all walks of life . . . these are the ultimate blessings of For the Love of God.
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