Download or read book Church Membership written by Jonathan Leeman and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2012-04-30 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jonathan Leeman addresses the commonly asked (and often unanswered) question of, "Why should I join a church?" in a time when many are shunning the practice of organized religion. By offering a brief, straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it's important, Leeman gives the local church its proper due and builds a case for committing to the local body. Church Membership is a useful tool for churches to distribute en masse to new and potential members of their congregation. This volume is part of the 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches series. Look for upcoming, quick-read formats of the following marks of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, evangelism, church discipline, discipleship and growth, and church leadership.

Download or read book I Am a Church Member written by Thom S. Rainer and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2013-05 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is impossible to grow to spiritual maturity by yourself. You must be connected to the other parts of the Body. This wonderful little book explains the power of belonging to a church family.

Download or read book High Expectations written by Thom S. Rainer and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 1999-02-15 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For over a quarter of a century the problem of losing church members has progressively increased. Today the situation is so bad that less than one-third of the members in some churches attend worship services. Church leaders are crying for help.In an effort to help church leaders, the Billy Graham School of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary conducted a massive research project involving nearly 287 churches. The most revealing aspect of the study was that the higher expectations placed on members, the greater the likelihood that the members would stay and be involved with the church. Using the data gathered from this project, Thom Rainer presents the first-ever comprehensive study about 'closing the back door.' Rainer looks at why people are leaving the church and how church leaders can keep the members.

Download or read book How to Attract and Keep Active Church Members written by Donald P. Smith and published by Westminster John Knox Press. This book was released on 1992-01-01 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this study of church growth and membership retention, Smith argues that if a church is to survive, it must concentrate on keeping its present members as well as attracting new ones. Interviewing people from 600 churches of various sizes and reviewing the causes of membership decline and retention in those churches, Smith asserts that churches must meet members' needs in order to attract and keep them.

Download or read book What People Ask about the Church written by Dale A. Robbins and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Sojourners and Strangers written by Gregg R. Allison and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2012-11-30 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is a church? This can be a difficult question to answer and Christians have offered a variety of perspectives. Gregg Allison thus explores and synthesizes all that Scripture affirms about the new covenant people of God, capturing a full picture of the biblical church. He covers the topics of the church's identity and characteristics; its growth through purity, unity, and discipline; its offices and leadership structures; its ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper; and its ministries. Here is a rich approach to ecclesiology consisting of sustained doctrinal reflection and wise, practical application. Part of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.

Download or read book What s Best Next written by Matt Perman and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2014-03-04 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By anchoring your understanding of productivity in God's plan, What's Best Next gives you a practical approach for increasing your effectiveness in everything you do. There are a lot of myths about productivity--what it means to get things done and how to accomplish work that really matters. In our current era of innovation and information overload, it may feel harder than ever to understand the meaning of work or to have a sense of vocation or calling. So how do you get more of the right things done without confusing mere activity for actual productivity? Matt Perman has spent his career helping people learn how to do work in a gospel-centered and effective way. What's Best Next explains his approach to unlocking productivity and fulfillment in work by showing how faith relates to work, even in our everyday grind. What's Best Next is packed with biblical and theological insight and practical counsel that you can put into practice today, such as: How to create a mission statement for your life that's actually practicable. How to delegate to people in a way that really empowers them. How to overcome time killers like procrastination, interruptions, and multitasking by turning them around and making them work for you. How to process workflow efficiently and get your email inbox to zero every day. How to have peace of mind without needing to have everything under control. How generosity is actually the key to unlocking productivity. This expanded edition includes: a new chapter on productivity in a fallen world a new appendix on being more productive with work that requires creative thinking. Productivity isn't just about getting more things done. It's about getting the right things done--the things that count, make a difference, and move the world forward. You can learn how to do work that matters and how to do it well.

Download or read book Am I Really a Christian Foreword by Kirk Cameron written by Mike McKinley and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2011-06-07 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jesus divided the world into two groups—those who follow him and those who don't. But what happens when someone thinks he or she is a Christian, but isn't? With his witty, engaging style, Mike McKinley takes readers on a journey of what it means to be a Christian. He asserts that "manipulative evangelism techniques and a poor understanding of the gospel have resulted in an abundance of professing Christians who have no idea what it means to follow Christ." Each chapter title begins with "You're not a Christian [if/when/just because you]..." As he surveys what it means to be Christian, McKinley offers criteria for evaluating one's standing before God. Readers are guided through a series of challenges to reflect, repent, remember, and report to another person. Am I Really a Christian? ends with chapters on salvation and the local church. This unique book is written for nominal or new Christians and can be used in personal or small-group study.

Download or read book Zwingli written by F. Bruce Gordon and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2021-11-30 with total page 385 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A major new biography of Huldrych Zwingli—the warrior preacher who shaped the early Reformation Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531) was the most significant early reformer after Martin Luther. As the architect of the Reformation in Switzerland, he created the Reformed tradition later inherited by John Calvin. His movement ultimately became a global religion. A visionary of a new society, Zwingli was also a divisive and fiercely radical figure. Bruce Gordon presents a fresh interpretation of the early Reformation and the key role played by Zwingli. A charismatic preacher and politician, Zwingli transformed church and society in Zurich and inspired supporters throughout Europe. Yet, Gordon shows, he was seen as an agitator and heretic by many and his bellicose, unyielding efforts to realize his vision would prove his undoing. Unable to control the movement he had launched, Zwingli died on the battlefield fighting his Catholic opponents.

Download or read book Keeping Members in the Church written by Albert W. Dock and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2008-06-25 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From his pen, the Reverend Dr. A. W. Dock has provided us with a comprehensive study of attrition, assimilation and the retention of new members within the church community. While this study was primarily confined to his own congregation, he has gathered data from pastors of other denominations and traditions in order to give creditability and expose the limits of his findings. This book will be helpful to both pastors and lay persons alike who are faced with the never-ending reality of attrition, assimilation and retention of new members. Reverend Dr. Clayton D. Furlow, Author A Theology of Preaching In the African America Context Philadelphia, PA Reverend Dr. Albert W. Dock has helped us to put the issues surrounding the retention of members on the front burner of ministry as we seek to slow down the "revolving door" syndrome. This book helps both ministers and church leaders understand how better to move new members into the mainstream of church life from membership to discipleship. Reverend Dr. J. Wendell Mapson, Pastor Monumental Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA Pastor Dock gives the reader strategies which were arrived at through careful gathering of data, and through meticulous evaluation and analysis of that data - so that the results presented to us are practical, believable, and doable. Reverend James T. Betts, Planter/Pastor Saint James Community Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA The Reverend Albert Wilson Dock has pastored Philadelphia's Berean Baptist Church since 1984. He has pastored previously in Georgia and South Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA/(Center for Urban Theological Studies), Philadelphia, PA., his Master of Divinity Degree and Doctor of Ministry Degree were earned at Palmer Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA.

Download or read book Church Planting Is for Wimps Redesign written by Mike McKinley and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2017-03-20 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book tells the story of the revitalization of Guilford Baptist Church in northern Virginia. Weaving together scripture and biblical principles with humor and personal anecdotes, author Michael McKinley asserts that a pastor's faithful exposition of God's Word, passion for sharing the gospel, and care in the training of other godly leaders are more important than the size of his church. McKinley honestly shares his own fears and rookie mistakes, along with encouraging stories of how God moved at Guilford Baptist. We are reminded that God uses weak and fearful pastors in plants and revitalizations; church planting is indeed for "wimps." For pastors and seminarians considering a church plant and those already struggling in their own fledgling congregations, this book is a thoughtful and encouraging resource.

Download or read book The Gospel Driven Life written by Michael Horton and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2009-10-01 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In his well-received Christless Christianity Michael Horton offered a prophetic wake-up call for a self-centered American church. With The Gospel-Driven Life he turns from the crisis to the solutions, offering his recommendations for a new reformation in the faith, practice, and witness of contemporary Christianity. This insightful book will guide readers in reorienting their faith and the church's purpose toward the good news of the gospel. The first six chapters explore that breaking news from heaven, while the rest of the book focuses on the kind of community that the gospel generates and the surprising ways in which God is at work in the world. Here is fresh news for Christians who are burned out on hype and are looking for hope.

Download or read book Keeping Your Church Safe written by Ron Aguiar and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2008-08-01 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When church leaders fail to provide for the well-being and protection of everyone involved in congregational programs, they are derelict in their duty to shepherd and protect the flock. A conscientious and well run safety program gives a sense of security and comfort to those who attend and helps provide an atmosphere where worship, fellowship, edification and service can take place without incident. Keeping Your Church Safe is a practical blueprint for churches covering all aspects of church security and safety for staff, premises and members. It's a well-outlined, easy-to-follow guide in establishing an effective security program for congregations of all sizes. "Given the uncertain times in which we live and increasing threats to our churches, Ron has written a practical, thorough, easy-to-read book that should be a textbook for any church. More importantly, he loves the Lord and His church and has dedicated his life to making sure Christ is exalted in the best and safest way possible." Bob Russell (retired) Senior Minister Southeast Christian Church Louisville, Kentucky "Addressing topics rarely discussed but realistic, this book is an excellent guide for church administrators, security managers, board chairpersons, volunteers or anyone serious about protecting our places of worship. It has been written as a result of years invested in "front line" experience. It contains the insight of a safety manager, site security chief, dignitary protection administrator and a special event commander, all in one." Major Bill Weedman (retired) Commander of Special Operations and Event Management Louisville Metro Police Department Ron Aguiar has been at Southeast Christian Church for 10 years as Director of Safety & Security, with an additional 10 years spent in public law enforcement and private security. Ron is a sought-after speaker, consultant to churches, para-church organizations and public law enforcement agencies. Contact Information: [email protected]

Download or read book The United Methodist Church Membership Records Manual 2017 2020 written by Gen. Council Finance & Admin. and published by . This book was released on 2017-01-20 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record.

Download or read book Church Membership Log written by Inspirational Logs and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-01-11 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Church Membership Log: Use the membership log to keep track of your church members. The log includes the a section for the names of members, date converted, date of water baptism, transferred, dis-fellowshipped. It also includes a summary of the total members added, transferred and the net increase/decrease of membership.

Download or read book Smart Church Management A Quality Approach to Church Administraton written by Patricia S. Lotich and published by Bowkers. This book was released on 2020-01-17 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Church leaders understand that managing the day-to-day operations of a church can be challenging because of limited resources, managing volunteer labor, and supporting the needs of the congregation. Smart Church Management: A Quality Approach to Church Administration, Third Edition is an updated guide for managing the resources of a church - which is people, time and money. This book provides tools and examples for decision making and problem-solving for church administration that is easy to understand and more importantly, quick to implement! This book also includes discussion questions to provoke thought and discussion for church teams. This book is ideal for ministry students, church boards, church leadership and church administrators.

Download or read book The Sin That Will Keep Many Church Members Out of Heaven written by William A. Shackleford, Sr. and published by Xulon Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The Sin That Will Keep Many Church Members Out of Heaven" gives some often overlooked insights into the sin Jesus said in Matthew at the end of the Sermon on the Mount will keep many praying church members and great church workers out of heaven. This sin is the core sin for which Jesus died and is very often overlooked or lightly regarded as just another sin or seen simply as gross sin. This sin drives every other sin that can be found in man. It is the mother and father of all sins and often, according to Jesus, remains in the lives of many who have united with the church and are very active in the works and ministries of the church. This sin is very subtle and is the most devastating sin of all because it can be very easily overlooked. William A. Shackleford, Sr. has served 23 years as the pastor of the St. Paul High Street Baptist Church in Martinsville, Virginia. He served 4 years at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Charles City County, Virginia. The author has served for over forty years in The Baptist Sunday School and BTU Congress of Virginia, the Christian Education Auxiliary of the Virginia Baptist State Convention. He is a member of the Executive Board of the congress and has served as the chairman of the executive board and president of the Congress. He has served over 25 years as a regular staff instructor for the Christian Educational Institute of the congress and has taught in many seminars and workshops in Virginia and around the United States. William Shackleford has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the VA Seminary and College, Lynchburg, VA and served nine years on the Martinsville City School Board, Martinsville, VA.