Download or read book Springs of Living Water written by David Samuel Young and published by Herald Press (VA). This book was released on 2008 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: David S. Young approaches the need for renewal with a spiritual thrust and an active servant leader style. He gives systematic help in how to be a healthy church with an urgent mission. This manual helps a church cultivate its spiritual life, train leaders, and focus efforts in ministries which express its identity and call. Rather than the pastor working solo, a renewal team is trained that gets the entire congregation involved. The team works with the church to look at its strengths and discover new life. Rather than using a diagnostic model of church renewal, find out what is wrong and fix it, the process uses an affirmative model, find out what is right and builds upon it. This book is written from David Young's experience in pastoring in the local church, teaching in seminaries, leading cluster work, writing two books in the field, and keeping one foot planted in a church working on renewal. Young has learned, developed, lived, taught and tested this model.

Download or read book Recovering the Sacred Center written by Howard E. Friend and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a reflexive approach designed to help readers discover new ways of understanding themselves and the mission of the church, Howard D. Friend, Jr. explores the process of renewing the contemporary church and examines the implications for new models and fresh ideas that the church is seeking.

Download or read book Minding the Good Ground written by Professor of Theology Jason E Vickers and published by . This book was released on 2020-11-15 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Declining memberships. Pastoral scandals. A fear of secularism and the New Atheism. Christians are worried about the church's future. Despite such despair, Jason Vickers believes the church also sits upon the cusp of renewal. Some emerging voices promise to lead the church out of decay but focus only upon its structure, while others encourage the Spirit's work to the exclusion of all else. Minding the Good Ground organizes the multitude of voices and proposes a new way forward--rooting these renewal movements in a robust historical theology. Moving beyond quick-fix solutions, this new theological vision grounds renewal in the good and life-giving work of the Holy Spirit.

Download or read book The Radical Wesley and Patterns for Church Renewal written by Howard A. Snyder and published by . This book was released on 1996-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The world needs radical Christianity,Ó writes Howard Snyder. In two thousand years the church has not noticeably improved on the gospel or the biblical picture of Christian community and discipleship. One of the clearest lessons from twenty centuries of experience is that the church has always been most faithful when it has gotten back to is biblical spiritual roots. Snyder traces eighteenth-century revival preacher John Wesley's spiritual pilgrimage and then looks at his views on the church and the Christian life in order to shed light on radical faith today.

Download or read book Renovation of the Church written by Kent Carlson and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-11-21 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christianity Today Book Award winner Leadership Journal Top Book of the Year Copastors Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken tell the story of how God took their thriving, consumer-oriented church and transformed it into a modest congregation of unformed believers committed to the growth of the spirit--even when it meant a decline in numbers. As Kent and Mike found out, a decade of major change is not easy on a church. Oak Hills Church, from the pastoral staff to the congregation, had to confront addiction to personal ambition, resist consumerism and reorient their lives around the teachings of Jesus. Their renewed focus on spiritual formation over numerical growth triggered major changes in the content of their sermons, the tenor of their worship services, and the reason for their outreach. They lost members. But the health and spiritual depth of their church today is a testimony of God's transforming work and enduring faithfulness to the people he loves. Honest and humble, this is Kent and Mike's story of a church they love, written to inspire and challenge other churches to let God rewrite their stories as well. Read it for the church you love.

Download or read book Reassessing Reform written by Christopher M. Bellitto and published by CUA Press. This book was released on 2012-11-07 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Intro -- Contents -- Preface - John Howe -- 1. Introduction - Christopher M. Bellitto and David Zachariah Flanagin -- I. Gerhart Ladner's The Idea of Reform After 50 Years -- 2. My Debt to Gerd: His Legacy as Teacher of History and Historian of Ideas, Fifty Years after The Idea of Reform and in Light of Present Research - Lester L. Field Jr. -- 3. Gerhart Ladner's The Idea of Reform: Reflections on Terminology and Ideology - Louis B. Pascoe, S.J. -- 4. The Continuing Relevance of The Idea of Reform - Phillip H. Stump -- II. Models and Case Studies of Medieval and Reformation Reform -- 5. "He does not say, 'I am custom'": Pope Gregory VII's Idea of Reform - Ken A. Grant -- 6. Administrative Change in the Fourteenth-Century Dominican Order: A Case Study in Partial Reforms and Incomplete Theories - Michael Vargas -- 7. The Six Errors: Hus on Simony - C. Colt Anderson -- 8. Church, Bible, and Reform in the Hussite Debates at the Council of Basel, 1433 - Gerald Christianson -- 9. In Search of Unity: Reform and Mathematical Form in the Conciliarist Arguments of Heymeric de Campo's Disputatio de potestate ecclesiastica (1433) - David Albertson -- 10. Premonstratensian Voices of Reform at the Fifteenth-Century Councils - William P. Hyland -- 11. "Memoriam Fecit": The Eucharist, Memory, Reform, and Regeneration in Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias and Nicholas of Cusa's Sermons - Ann W. Astell -- 12. Visions of Reform: Lay Piety as a Form of Thinking in Nicholas of Cusa - Inigo Bocken -- 13. Carthusians as Public Intellectuals: Cloistered Religious as Advisors to Lay Elites on the Eve of the Protestant Reformation - Dennis D. Martin -- 14. Black and White and Re-Read all Over: Conceptualizing Reform across the Long Sixteenth Century, 1414-1633 - William V. Hudon -- Contributors -- Index

Download or read book Turning Around the Mainline written by Thomas C. Oden and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An accessible case study that introduces the current issues in today's churches, providing clarity and civil discourse on renewal movements and how they are impacting mainline denominations.

Download or read book The Church Awakening written by Charles R. Swindoll and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2010-09-08 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In THE CHURCH AWAKENING, Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century. He reveals the problems inherent in the entertainment-based postmodern church and shows how a return to biblical teaching will restore its strength and impact. Now being replaced by a feel-good message instead of what Christians need to know to stand strong in a world that's lost its way--Swindoll exposes the problems of--and solutions for--the postmodern evangelical church. Just as he opened readers' eyes with his bold statements in The Grace Awakening, now he offers a straightforward volume revealing how to reestablish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master. Illuminating and empowering, THE CHURCH AWAKENING will ignite a revolution in the way Christians "do church" for years to come.

Download or read book Rebuild My Church written by Alan Schreck and published by Servant Publications. This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can we--as St. Francis and so many of the saints have done--hear and obey God's call to 'Rebuild My Church'? --From chapter seven Authentic renewal of the Church isn't an issue for the hierarchy alone. Church renewal depends on every Catholic, including you--your personal growth in holiness, your readiness to use the gifts God has given you, your willingness to learn how to discern and support authentic renewal. In straightforward, engaging language, Dr. Schreck examines the meaning and nature of renewal, the challenges and pitfalls that can divert it, historical examples of renewal, the impact of repentance and prayer, the influence of saints and other notable figures, the role of those in ecclesial office, renewal in the twenty-first century, and more. Informative and inspiring, Rebuild My Church underscores the critical importance of renewal throughout history and equips us to participate in God's plan for the Church in these challenging times.

Download or read book Waking to God s Dream written by Bishop Dick Wills and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2010-10-01 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The demands of congregational ministry are many, the rewards sometimes seem few, and burnout becomes a real possibility. Small wonder, then, that churches become stuck in a state of arrested spiritual development. When the pastor is functioning in a survival or maintenance mode, the church's vitality is often the first casualty. Yet Wills's own experience demonstrates that churches can turn around; the wind of the Spirit can be felt anew. This happens when the congregation is infected by the vision of what God is doing in their midst--a vision which the leaders, particularly the pastor, must bring before them. In Waking to God's Dream, Richard Wills shares the spiritual disciplines and insights which he believes account for the transformation of the congregation he serves from a large church in decline to one that is growing and reaching out to its community in a variety of creative ministries. Detailing the steps and initiatives that led to this turnaround, Wills demonstrates how personal commitment on the part of the congregation's leaders and ministers have been the key to the work they have accomplished.

Download or read book Renewal written by Anne Hendershott and published by Encounter Books. This book was released on 2013-12-03 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the wake of the clergy abuse scandal of the last decade, many media commentators predicted the “end” of the Catholic priesthood. Demands for an end to celibacy, coupled with calls for women’s ordination, dominated discussions on the effectiveness of the Catholic Church in America. Renewal argues that rather than a decline of the priesthood and a diminishing influence of the Catholic Church, we are living in a time of transformation and revitalization. The aging generation of progressives that continues to lobby Church leaders to change Catholic teachings on reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and women's ordination is being replaced by younger men and women who are attracted to the Church because of the very timelessness of its teachings.

Download or read book Truth Aflame written by Larry D. Hart and published by Zondervan Academic. This book was released on 2010-02-23 with total page 609 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Larry Hart’s Truth Aflame brings together charismatic renewal and classic evangelical faith better than anything I have read. An important contribution to the contemporary renaissance in systematic theology!” Timothy George Dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, Executive Editor of Christianity Today As the Pentecostal/charismatic movement continues to grow, so does the need for solid theological resources for its members. While there are many volumes of systematic theology available, very few are written from a distinctly charismatic perspective. Truth Aflame seeks to meet that need. While academically sound, Truth Aflame is written with a practical, pastoral flavor. Larry Hart defines systematic theology as the process of taking what the Bible teaches and relating it to contemporary questions and knowledge. His passion for the subject is evident: he is concerned that the reader both grasps the magnificence of the study of God and allows these great truths to be transformative. This Truth, then—liberating, enlivening, and transforming Truth—becomes central to the ongoing renewal of the church that we are seeing in our day. Dr. Hart treats each of the traditional categories—revelation, God, creation, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, the church, and last things—from a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective. He addresses other theological viewpoints but does not get bogged down in analysis and rebuttal. Further, he seeks to build bridges of understanding to those evangelicals outside the charismatic tradition. Clear, succinct, and readable, this revised and updated edition of Truth Aflame is well-suited not only for students, but for anyone desiring a greater understanding of Pentecostal/charismatic theology.

Download or read book Concern for Church Renewal written by Laura Schmidt Roberts and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2022-03-31 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From its first issue in 1954, CONCERN: A Pamphlet Series for Questions of Christian Renewal ran statements identifying it as an independent publication whose purpose was to stimulate study and discussion through intentional juxtaposition of viewpoints. What constitutes the church? Do existing structures engender or hinder the church’s ever-present need for renewal? What approaches or formats might more effectively “structure” its renewal? CONCERN’s Mennonite editorial board and the essays gathered here address these themes in reference to a Believers’ Church or Anabaptist framework, reflecting differing viewpoints but a shared sense that community and discipleship are essential. Two contemporary responses reflect current iterations of these questions, which are shaped by pronounced concerns for the exercise of power within the community, and the role response to structural, systemic inequalities plays in discipleship.

Download or read book Servant Leadership for Church Renewal written by David S. Young and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2012-12-01 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "David Young's Servant Leadership for Church Renewal is a logical sequel to his earlier book, A New Heart and a New Spirit. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and a teacher of pastors, the author offers his own thorough, practical, and biblically based perspective on the meaning, implications, and importance of servant leadership. This is a useful resource for seminary students, pastors, and lay leaders." --Richard Stoll Armstrong, Princeton Theological Seminary "Young's book is a highly recommended read for any pastor seeking to bring renewal to the church through self-renewal and a commitment to a godly leadership so needed in the church today." --Scott Rodin, President, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary "Young's book will be a strong stimulus to pastors and congregational leaders in many settings. It balances content and programming in a flexible and sensitive way. I recommend this book on servant leadership." --George R. Brunk III, Dean, Eastern Mennonite Seminary "David Young's presentations have effective references to Scripture, clear and concise outlines, and practical applications and illustrations. I have always been enriched in seminars taught by David Young." --Richard Sisco, Pastor, Akron (PA) Church of the Brethren "When we were developing a church vision, we consulted with David. His time with us was beneficial in helping us to be sensitive to the ministry God is uniquely creating at Frazer Mennonite Church." --Jason Kuniholm, Pastor, Frazer (PA) Mennonite Church "Servant Leadership for Church Renewal is a must read book for any and all servant leaders in the Kingdom of God. David S. Young masterfully explores the Bible and creatively teaches leaders the challenge of being in leadership in the Christian Church. This book was long overdue for the body of Christ. Every leader, every church member, every laity should be required to read this book before being allowed to serve in any capacity in the church. The author shows us through the word that we are called not to just be leaders who hold a position and title but rather we are called to lead people to a deeper and more fulfilling place in God. I have designed all my Leadership Training at Union Baptist Church around this book. It is a must have and a must read for all pastors and laity." --Rev. Antonio D. Anderson, Union Baptist Church in the Village of Harlem, New York

Download or read book A Creative Church written by Anthony Todd Smith and published by Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. This book was released on 2015-07-10 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Creative Church: The Arts and a Century of Renewal

Download or read book The Church Revitalization ChecklistThe Church Revitalization Checklist written by Sam Rainer and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2022 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Your church has the opportunity of a lifetime. The world has shifted, and a new, brighter tomorrow awaits. The Church Revitalization Checklist is a tool to help you start fresh, leverage your strengths, and discover hidden opportunities for church growth. God has placed you exactly where He wants you. But let's be honest, if you're leading a church, it isn't easy. Maybe your church has been in the doldrums for years. Maybe you're hearing a lot of complaints, and you're simply tired or disheartened. Maybe you've been hurt. But you are not alone. Many church leaders have sore backs from carrying a heavy load. This book will lighten that load. The Church Revitalization Checklist provides a step-by-step path to a hope-filled future for both you and your church. Popular church expert Sam Rainer will walk you and your leadership team through a seven-point checklist--everything from reconsidering your priorities to evaluating your location and facilities. It is an extremely practical tool to unleash your congregation and help them step into God's unique purpose for them. Your brighter future starts now.

Download or read book Disappearing Church written by Mark Sayers and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2016-01-19 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When church and culture look the same... For the many Christians eager to prove we can be both holy and cool, cultural pressures are too much. We either compartmentalize our faith or drift from it altogether—into a world that’s so alluring. Have you wondered lately: Why does the Western church look so much like the world? Why are so many of my friends leaving the faith? How can we get back to our roots? Disappearing Church will help you sort through concerns like these, guiding you in a thoughtful, faithful, and hopeful response. Weaving together art, history, and theology, pastor and cultural observer Mark Sayers reminds us that real growth happens when the church embraces its countercultural witness, not when it blends in. It’s like Jesus said long ago, “If the salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything…”