Download or read book Greening Spaces for Worship and Ministry written by Mark A. Torgerson and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2012-05-04 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Greening Spaces for Worship and Ministry is a comprehensive guide. The book provides a rationale, strategies, and resources for fulfilling environmental stewardship through the land and buildings of Christian and Jewish congregations. New construction, renovation, and historic preservation projects are addressed. Site development, material choices, energy generation and consumption, water use, interior air quality, green cleaning programs, and beauty are discussed. Ten congregations from across the United States and Canada are featured as examples of excellence in creation care in and through their built environments.

Download or read book Seven Simple Steps to Green Your Church written by Rebekah Simon-Peter and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2010-03-01 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You’re concerned about care of Creation, and you want to help. Start by greening your church! This little handbook takes you, step by step, through the process of making your church more environmentally friendly. Areas of focus include: The Resurrected Life: Recycling Let There Be Light: Lighting Praise the Lord: Worship Jesus Saves: Electricity and Energy Efficiency To Everything There is a Season: Heating and Cooling The Wells of Salvation: Water Train Up a Child: Christian Education What Would Jesus Drive: Vehicles and Travel Bread of Life: The Kitchen Gifts of Administration: The Office Go and Do Likewise: Missions The Gardener of Eden: Grounds Rebekah Simon-Peter, an ordained United Methodist pastor with a degree in Environmental Studies, worked as an acid rain researcher and volunteer naturalist before receiving her call to ministry. After more than a decade of pastoring churches, she is now a sought-after presenter, sharing the “green” gospel with churches, interfaith groups, and community groups. She lives in Rawlins, Wyoming, where she is the director of BridgeWorks, a ministry that specializes in building bridges of understanding.

Download or read book Evangelism through the Local Church written by Michael Green and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2023-09-28 with total page 712 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive guide to practical evangelism: its biblical basis, theological backbone, and current practice Michael Green draws from a lifetime’s experience in this seminal work on the theory and practice of evangelism. Green shows how the good news of Christ is communicated most effectively through the local church. This comprehensive resource includes a primer on Christian apologetics and concrete suggestions for congregations and individuals sharing the gospel. Green challenges the hang-ups which so often accompany the very mention of evangelism. His classic work will continue to inspire new generations of evangelists.

Download or read book Theological Foundations of Worship Worship Foundations written by Khalia J. Williams and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2021-07-20 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume brings together an ecumenical team of scholars to present key theological concepts related to worship to help readers articulate their own theology of worship. Contributors explore the history of theology's impact on worship practices across the Christian tradition, highlighting themes such as creation, pneumatology, sanctification, and mission. The book includes introductions by N. T. Wright and Nicholas Wolterstorff. A forthcoming volume will address the historical foundations of worship.

Download or read book Glimpses of the New Creation written by W. David O. Taylor and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2019-09-03 with total page 412 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do the arts in worship form individuals and communities? Every choice of art in worship opens up and closes down possibilities for the formation of our humanity. Every practice of music, every decision about language, every use of our bodies, every approach to visual media or church buildings forms our desires, shapes our imaginations, habituates our emotional instincts, and reconfigures our identity as Christians in contextually meaningful ways, generating thereby a sense of the triune God and of our place in the world. Glimpses of the New Creation argues that the arts form us in worship by bringing us into intentional and intensive participation in the aesthetic aspect of our humanity—that is, our physical, emotional, imaginative, and metaphorical capacities. In so doing they invite the people of God to be conformed to Christ and to participate in the praise of Christ and in the praise of creation, which by the Spirit’s power raises its peculiar voice to the Father in heaven, for the sake of the world that God so loves.

Download or read book Ecology of Vocation written by Kiara A. Jorgenson and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2020-05-15 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Critically surveying various approaches to Christian ecological ethics alongside the vexing moral ambiguities of the Anthropocene, Ecology of Vocation offers an integrative approach to responsible living vis à vis one of Protestantism’s key theological resources— the doctrine of vocation. Drawing on H. Richard Niebuhr’s germinal ethical framework with a decidedly ecofeminist perspective, Kiara A. Jorgenson demonstrates how vocation’s emphasis on right relationship practically speaks to the embodied realities of planetary interrelatedness. By excavating the ecological promise of the early Reformers’ democratized renderings of calling and linking their concerns to the contemporary context, she argues that vocation cannot be reduced to the particular aim of monetized work, nor to an elitist escape from it. Rather, vocation must be recast as the dynamic and vibrant space among the myriad roles any of us inhabits at any given time in a particular place. When understood in this light, vocation signals much more than a job, a passion, or a quest for self-discovery. An alternative understanding of vocation’s very ecology can extend Christian conceptions of the neighbor beyond the human and lead the church to more faithfully pursue lives characterized by humility, restraint, wisdom, justice, and love.

Download or read book An Architecture of Immanence written by Mark A. Torgerson and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2007-01-22 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Torgerson begins by discussing God's transcendence and immanence and showing how church architecture has traditionally interpreted these key concepts. He then traces the theological roots of immanence's priority from liberal theology and liturgical innovation to modern architecture. Next, Torgerson illustrates this new architecture of immanence through particular practitioners, focusing especially on the work of theologically savvy architect Edward Anders Sövik. Finally, he addresses the future of church architecture as congregations are buffeted by the twin forces of liturgical change and postmodernism.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States written by George Thomas Kurian and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2016-11-10 with total page 2849 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Founding Fathers through the present, Christianity has exercised powerful influence in the United States—from its role in shaping politics and social institutions to its hand in inspiring art and culture. The Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States outlines the myriad roles Christianity has played and continues to play. This masterful five-volume reference work includes biographies of major figures in the Christian church in the United States, influential religious documents and Supreme Court decisions, and information on theology and theologians, denominations, faith-based organizations, immigration, art—from decorative arts and film to music and literature—evangelism and crusades, the significant role of women, racial issues, civil religion, and more. The first volume opens with introductory essays that provide snapshots of Christianity in the U.S. from pre-colonial times to the present, as well as a statistical profile and a timeline of key dates and events. Entries are organized from A to Z. The final volume closes with essays exploring impressions of Christianity in the United States from other faiths and other parts of the world, as well as a select yet comprehensive bibliography. Appendices help readers locate entries by thematic section and author, and a comprehensive index further aids navigation.

Download or read book A Life of Grace for the Whole World Leader s Guide written by Jerry Cappel and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2017-03 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: - Engages the church with the teaching and pastoral plea from the House of Bishops on creation care - Unique focus on sacramental, prayer, and liturgical life alongside practical responses

Download or read book Life of Grace for the Whole World Adult book written by Jerry Cappel and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2017-03-01 with total page 65 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop's Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God's work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches. The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God's active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session. Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

Download or read book Distinctive Discipleship Bible Study written by Travis Agnew and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-23 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Generalized approaches can never fully address distinct disciples. If every Christian is in a unique place surrounded by specific challenges, why do we think that a widespread approach will work for every single one of us? In the Distinctive Discipleship Bible Study, learn how to design a specific plan for Christian maturity.

Download or read book Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology written by Daniel L. Brunner and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2014-10-14 with total page 395 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today's church finds itself in a new world, one in which climate change and ecological degradation are front-page news. In the eyes of many, the evangelical community has been slow to take up a call to creation care. How do Christians address this issue in a faithful way? This evangelically centered but ecumenically informed introduction to ecological theology (ecotheology) explores the global dimensions of creation care, calling Christians to meet contemporary ecological challenges with courage and hope. The book provides a biblical, theological, ecological, and historical rationale for earthcare as well as specific practices to engage both individuals and churches. Drawing from a variety of Christian traditions, the book promotes a spirit of hospitality, civility, honesty, and partnership. It includes a foreword by Bill McKibben and an afterword by Matthew Sleeth.

Download or read book Let It Go written by T.D. Jakes and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2013-01-29 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shares uplifting advice about the virtues of forgiveness, offering strategic and biblically based advice on how to achieve peace and personal fulfillment by letting go of past wrongs.

Download or read book 100 Year Tribute to First Baptist Church Brandon Florida written by Rear Admiral Joseph H. Miller and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2016-03-29 with total page 632 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is unique. There is no other tribute like it. The church is the people. The people who are true Christians are listed in Gods Book in heaven. This church has survived for 100 years because of small groups of people. There is no church history book that lists over 100 pages of testimonies from people about how their church has blessed them. Their testimonials are a book in itself. One cannot read the testimonial section and not be blessed. True Christians, for the first time, have been given the opportunity to speak for God as a testimony to the world about one of His universal churches. This book lists some of the great sermons of the ministry leaders of the church. The many problems that Gods people and the church must face the next hundred years are listed. The churches in America are in a spiritual declined in influence and numbers. The people must act! Probably the only known course for this to happen is in the summary of this book. There is only One Church that will be exalted and glorified during the End Times. Gods church, founded by Jesus Apostles 2000 years ago, is based on the teachings of Christ Jesus. The First Baptist Church of Brandon was brought into existence by men of God based on New Testament teachings. 700 years before Jesus was born there were fifty prophecies about Jesus in Isaiah alone. Some scholars call Isaiah The Fifth Gospel after Matthew Mark, Luke, and John. (46, p. 187) Love your neighbor as yourself. (Lev. 19:18) was written 1400 years before Christ. John describes Jesus at the Creation. In the beginning was the Word ,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) This tribute is a model for any church.

Download or read book Animals and Religion written by Dave Aftandilian and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2024-02-06 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What do animals—other than human animals—have to do with religion? How do our religious ideas about animals affect the lives of real animals in the world? How can we deepen our understanding of both animals and religion by considering them together? Animals and Religion explores how animals have crucially shaped how we understand ourselves, the other living beings around us, and our relationships with them. Through incisive analyses of religious examples from around the world, the original contributions to this volume demonstrate how animals have played key roles in every known religious tradition, whether as sacred beings, symbols, objects of concern, fellow creatures, or religious teachers. And through our religious imagination, ethics, and practices, we have deeply impacted animal lives, whether by domesticating, sacrificing, dominating, eating, refraining from eating, blessing, rescuing, releasing, commemorating, or contemplating them. Drawing primarily on perspectives from religious studies and Christian theology, augmented by cutting-edge work in anthropology, biology, philosophy, and psychology, Animals and Religion offers the reader a richer understanding of who animals are and who we humans are. Do animals have emotions? Do they think or use language? Are they persons? How we answer questions like these affects diverse aspects of religion that shape not only how we relate to other animals, but also how we perceive and misperceive each other along axes of gender, race, and (dis)ability. Accessibly written and thoughtfully argued, Animals and Religion will interest anyone who wants to learn more about animals, religion, and what it means to be a human animal.

Download or read book Already Missional written by Bradley T. Morrison and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2016-01-13 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Your congregation is teeming with people already doing community ministry. They just don't know it yet. This book knocks down the church walls that keep parishioner ministry hidden from congregational view. Do parishioners know that their already-mission counts as ministry in your congregation? Parishioners are already on mission raising their children, caring for elderly parents, volunteering in the community, supporting neighbors in crisis, serving on charity boards, donating to food banks, and fundraising for important causes. This book counts this already-mission as Christian service. When parishioners sacrifice their time, talents, and treasures to be the good news for others, they are on mission for God. Even if they don't know it. Already missional congregations help people connect their personal mission with their faith. Already missional congregations see parishioners as community partners in ministry. This book provides the steps needed to connect your congregation's mission strategy with the rich and varied already-mission lived daily by parishioners. Already Missional is your congregation's guide to being a community partner.

Download or read book Making Space at the Well written by Jessica Brown and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "When it comes to ministry related to mental health concerns, prayer and Scripture are not enough. Beginning with the biblical motif of going to the village well for the waters that sustain life and exploring the communal significance of that well, pastor, professor, and clinical psychologist Jessica Young Brown calls on the Black Church to rally its historic resilience and creativity to acknowledge and engage those in its pews who are struggling with mental health concerns. Using the acronym of SPACE, the author discusses: Silencing the Stigma ... naming the negative attitudes and mistaken assumptions about mental illness, especially in the African American community Presence & Persistence ... identifying the importance of authentic relationships in healing mind and spirit Application & Action ... highlighting practical steps to address the needs as they emerge Cautions ... being real about the fears and risks related to mental health crises, including the importance of referrals Expression & Exhortation ... calling on the cultural power of testimony to encourage the entire congregation to access the healing power of God Rev. Dr. Young Brown concludes with a practical exploration of "Now What? Digging the Well and Drawing from It." The book's appendix features a brief primer on common mental disorders that frequently affect members of our family, neighborhood, and church"--