Download or read book The Shared Pulpit written by Erika Hewitt and published by Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. This book was released on 2014 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Here is a complete workshop to help lay people gain experience writing and preaching a full-length sermon for their congregation. This easy-to-use guide for both facilitators and participants provides a step-by-step lesson plan for eight sessions. Workshop members learn about the theory and theology of preaching, then practice writing and speaking with authenticity, gradually building toward composing quality 20-minute sermons. Workshop leaders learn to foster a supportive environment in which participants offer one another helpful feedback. The Shared Pulpit includes a separate leader's guide, readings for homework, sample sermons, and exercises to help first-time preachers polish their preaching craft."--Back cover.

Download or read book How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon written by Frank A. Thomas and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2018-02-20 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn to use four characteristics of "preaching with moral imagination" to proclaim freedom for all. The author describes the four characteristics using examples like Robert F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,Prathia Hall, and the Moral Monday Movement, along with musicians and other artists of today. Moral imagination helps the hearer to see what they cannot see, to hear what they cannot hear--to inhabit the lives of others, so that they can embody Christ and true freedom for those others. This book equips and empowers preachers to transcend their basic skills and techniques, so that their proclamation of the Word causes actual turnaround in the hearts and lives of their hearers, and in their communities. "Frank Thomas has written a passionate summons: amid the current destructive chaos of our society there is an urgent need for moral imagination. Such imagination is the antithesis of “diabolic” and “idolatrous” imagination that is all to the fore in our public discourse and practice. Thomas fleshes out “moral imagination” with close reflection on the practice of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Before he finishes Thomas shows how the urgency of “moral imagination” belongs peculiarly to the work of the preacher. This book is a welcome call for gospel-grounded courage and truth about the neighbor issued in a way that refuses the self-serving fakery that dominates our public life." --Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary "Timely and prophetic, How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon presents a homiletic essential for our churches today. Thomas insists that it is up to the preacher to recapture and reclaim the moral imagination of our nation so that the Gospel’s message of freedom is true for all people. With attention to specific figures whose witness models the qualities and characteristics of moral imagination, Thomas inspires the preacher toward powerful proclamation that both challenges and critiques any speech that subjugates or subordinates. How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon is must read for preachers to recover and reimagine the leadership role of the church for the sake of justice for all." --Karoline M. Lewis, Associate Professor of Biblical Preaching and the Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary; author of She: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry. "In this lucid and compelling book, Frank Thomas plumbs the depths of American moral rhetoric for insights that will help preachers. How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon provides new and dramatic ways in which the moral imagination in a democratic society can be nurtured by visionary, empathic, wise, and artistic preachers."--John S. McClure, Charles G. Finney Professor of Preaching and Worship, Vanderbilt Divinity School "Warning: Preachers, if you are comfortable with the status quo of white privilege, patriarchy, hetero-normativity, and classism, do not read this book. If you are comfortable with sermon series that reduce the gospel to self-help acronyms, don’t read this book. But if you have the courage to look honestly at our landscape and bring the moral imagination of the Christian tradition to bear on it, open these pages and your sermons may never be the same again. But then again neither will the church--or the world--be the same anymore, if enough of us follow Thomas’s advice." --O. Wesley Allen, Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

Download or read book Introduction to the Practice of African American Preaching written by Frank A. Thomas and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2016-11-15 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Introduction to African American Preaching is an important, groundbreaking book. This book acknowledges African American preaching as an academic discipline, and invites all students and preachers into a scholarly, dynamic, and useful exploration of the topic. Author Frank Thomas opens with a “bus tour” study of African American preaching. He shows how African American preaching has gradually moved from an almost exclusively oral to an oral/written tradition. Readers will gain insight into the history of the study of the African American preaching tradition, and catch the author’s enthusiasm for it. Next Thomas traces the relationship between homiletics and rhetoric in Western preaching, demonstrating how African American preaching is inherently theological and rhetorical. He then explores the question, “what is black preaching?” Thomas introduces the reader to methods of “close reading” and “ideological criticism.” And then demonstrates how to use these methods, using a sermon by Gardner Calvin Taylor as his example. The next chapter considers the question, “what is excellence in black preaching?” The next chapter seeks to create bridges and dialogue within the field of homiletics, and in particular, the Euro-American homiletic tradition. The goal of this chapter is to clearly demonstrate connections between the African American preaching tradition and the field of homiletics. Thomas next turns to questions about the relevancy of the church to the Millennial generation. Specifically, how will the African American church remain relevant to this generation, which is so deeply concerned with social justice?

Download or read book Surviving a Dangerous Sermon written by Frank A. Thomas and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 2020-04-07 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Preachers increasingly see the need for to deliver sermons that are "dangerous" in a variety of ways, the way they challenge hearers' comfort levels and challenge established powers and hierachies. Thomas helps readers understand those dangers—especially the forces of power and hierarchy that are so intrinsic in our everyday lives and in society as a whole. He teaches how to anticipate and navigate those forces, to open opportunities for dangerous preaching, and to mitigate negative impact on congregants, the preacher, and the preacher-congregation relationships. Surviving a Dangerous Sermon is a logical follow-up to Thomas's previous book, How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon.It equips preachers to say what must be said, in a way that it is heard, so that the sermon has a chance to do its work on human hearts, without negative consequences.

Download or read book Now That I m a Christian written by C. Michael Patton and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2014-02-28 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do we help our friends who have just become Christians or are young in the faith? In this concise and accessible book, Mike Patton unpacks the basics of the Christian faith, helping new believers think rightly about God and live fully for God as they begin their new life in Christ. In ten easy-to-read chapters, Patton introduces readers to the foundational teachings and life-giving practices of Christianity—from the doctrine of the Trinity to reading and understanding the Bible. Designed for individual use or small group discussion, this handbook on the Christian faith has the potential to become the go-to guide for new believers wanting to follow Jesus with their heads and their hands.

Download or read book Pastoral Preaching written by Conrad Mbewe and published by Langham Preaching Resources. This book was released on 2017-03-03 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More and more pulpits are occupied by motivational speakers rather than preachers. Church congregations are not being given a comprehensive, biblical understanding of the faith. Drawing on his own experience as a pastor in Zambia, Conrad Mbewe tackles issues such as the content of pastoral preaching, how pastoral preaching relates to church life, finding the time to prepare pastoral sermons, and dealing with discouragement. Throughout the book, it is clear that the author’s conviction is to see preachers grow strong churches, to build a people for God.

Download or read book Songs in the Night written by Michael A. Milton and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2024-10-18 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Always preach to broken hearts and you will never lack for a congregation,” an old saying goes. And for that reason, this book is for everyone—because there are many, many things that break our hearts. Sicknesses, spiritual depression, disabilities, painful memories, strained relationships... all of these weigh on Christians’ hearts at one time or another. And even when our hearts feel light, there is a longing that runs through us—a crying of the soul for eternity, for a new heavens and a new earth. Yet even in the midst of our heartache, we know there is a faith that comes from Jesus Christ that not only encourages us through our pain, but can even transform our pain... as long as we let it. And here is a collection of warm, pastoral messages, filled with personal illustration, that does just that: helps the brokenhearted Christian to locate the God of all comfort in the center of all pain. We are not left there, either; Mike Milton takes us a step further to see how the gospel actually transforms our private pain into personal praise. So read and discover how God uses the things that seek to destroy us to become the very things that bring us salvation, bring us hope, bring us to prayer, bring us together, and ultimately bring us to heaven.

Download or read book Preaching Women written by Liz Shercliff and published by SCM Press. This book was released on 2019-10-30 with total page 125 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Should women who preach, preach as women? Preaching Women argues that far from being a gender-neutral space, the pulpit is a critical place in which a gender imbalance can begin to be redressed. There is a vital need for women preachers to speak out of their experience of living as women in today’s culture and church Filling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics, Filling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics, Preaching Women considers reasons why women preachers should preach from their experiences as women, what women bring to preaching that is missing without us, and how women preachers can go about the task of biblical preaching. With a foreword by Libby Lane.

Download or read book Preaching That Speaks to Women written by Alice Mathews and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2003-05 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Invites preachers to consider how gender affects the way sermons are understood and calls them to preaching that relates to the entire congregation.

Download or read book Fight for Your Pastor written by Peter Orr and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2022-10-31 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Practical Ways to Support and Care for Your Pastor Do you pray for your pastors? Do you encourage them? Do you have realistic expectations for them? The office of pastor is simultaneously a rewarding and draining position. Pastors today have immense pressure on their shoulders and they need the support of their congregations. Peter Orr has written Fight for Your Pastor as an exhortation for church members to stand behind their pastors through the difficulties of ministry. Orr specifies ways in which congregations can be intentional in caring for church leaders, including prayer, encouragement, generosity, and forgiveness. Featuring stories from current pastors about their struggles, this book is perfect for thoughtful church members eager to understand the weight of their pastors' positions and support leaders in their important ministry. For Thoughtful Christians: Specifically those wanting to know more about their pastors and how to care for them Current: Features insight from pastors about their personal experiences in ministry Applicable: Gives practical examples of how to love and care for pastors, including specific prayers for church leaders and the best ways to encourage them

Download or read book 5 Minutes in Church History written by Stephen J. Nichols and published by Reformation Trust Publishing. This book was released on 2019 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of the church is filled with stories. Stories of triumph, stories of defeat, stories of joy, and stories of sorrow. These stories are a legacy of God's faithfulness to His people. In this book, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols provides postcards from the church through the centuries. These snapshots capture the richness of Christian history with glimpses of fascinating saints, curious places, precious artifacts, and surprising turns of events. In exploring them, Dr. Nichols takes the reader on a lively and informative journey through the record of God's providence to encourage, challenge, and enjoy. This is our story--our family history. "THE CENTURIES OF CHURCH HISTORY GIVE US A LITANY OF GOD'S DELIVERANCES. GOD HAS DONE IT BEFORE, MANY TIMES AND IN MANY WAYS, AND HE CAN DO IT AGAIN. HE WILL DO IT AGAIN. AND IN THAT, WE FIND COURAGE FOR TODAY AND FOR TOMORROW."

Download or read book Apologetics at the Cross written by Joshua D. Chatraw and published by Zondervan Academic. This book was released on 2018-05-15 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 2019 Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year: Apologetics • 2018 The Gospel Coalition Book Award: Evangelism & Apologetics Apologetics at the Cross describes a much-needed approach to defending Christianity that uses Jesus as a model and the letter of 1 Peter as a guiding text. This is a guidebook for how to defend Christianity with Christ-like gentleness and respect toward those who persecute the faith, making you a stronger witness to the good news of the gospel than many other apologetics books that focus on crafting unbreachable arguments. Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen first provide an introduction to the rich field of apologetics and Christian witness, acquainting students and lay learners with the rich history, biblical foundation, and ongoing relevance of apologetics. Unique in its approach, Apologetics at the Cross: Presents the biblical and historical foundations for apologetics. Explores various contemporary methods for approaching apologetics. Gives practical guidance in "how to" chapters that feature many real-life illustrations. But their approach pays special attention to the attitude and posture of the apologist, outlining instructions for the Christian community centered on reasoned answers, a humble spirit, and joy; rather than anger, arrogance, and aggression. Chatraw and Allen equip Christians to engage skeptics with the heart as well as the mind. Conversational in tone and balanced in approach, Apologetics at the Cross provides a readable introduction to the field of apologetics. You'll be informed and equipped for engaging a wide range of contemporary challenges with the best in Christian thought.

Download or read book Songs in the Night written by Charles H. Spurgeon and published by Curiosmith. This book was released on 2014-06-25 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Songs in the Night” is a poetic phrase from Job 35:10 which describes God’s strength given to believers to sing and praise God while in affliction. Spurgeon describes the origin of the songs, the content of the songs, the different qualities of the songs, and how God might use the songs. Spurgeon exhorts us “to carry a smile, for you will cheer up many a poor, wayward pilgrim by it.” This is the complete version of this very popular sermon and was updated to modern language.

Download or read book Preaching for Today written by Clyde E. Fant and published by Harpercollins. This book was released on 1987-01-01 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The planning delivery and content of sermons are discussed as well as the theoretical foundations of Christian ministry through oral communication

Download or read book Sex Dating and Relationships written by Gerald Hiestand and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2012-02-29 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Considering the pervasive immorality and high divorce rate of our contemporary Christian culture, we evidently need a biblically based, theologically compelling, practical understanding of sex, dating, and relationships. Pastors Gerald Hiestand and Jay Thomas counteract this problem with their paradigm-shifting view of purity and relationships—a view that challenges even the basic assumptions of evangelical subculture. Unlike most books on dating, this one cuts straight to the heart of dating relationships, asserting with confidence that the line must be drawn at "no sexual activity" whatever. Few have dared to define and apply the Bible's understanding of purity in premarital relationships to this degree, but Heistand and Thomas have done it. Furthermore, both authors are vocational pastors who communicate regularly with the target audience and have a proven ability to express biblical truth in a winsome and compelling manner. Sex, Dating, and Relationships adds a new, almost provocative voice to the conversation that, with straightforward theological insight, pleads with Christians to get serious about honoring Christ with their sexuality.

Download or read book Deep and Wide written by Andy Stanley and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2016-02-09 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Create a church unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Deep and Wide provides church leaders with an in-depth look into North Point Community Church and its strategy for creating churches unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Now available in an expanded edition, this trusted resource has sold over 250,000 copies. In it, Andy Stanley explains: His strategy for preaching and programming to both mature believers and cynical unbelievers North Point's spiritual formation model: The Five Faith Catalysts Three essential ingredients for creating irresistible environments How to tackle the challenge of transitioning a local congregation If your team is more concerned with who you are reaching than who you are keeping, the expanded edition of Deep and Wide will be more than a book you read; it will be a resource you come back to over and over! New bonus content includes a study guide, church staff helps, and an interview with Andy on the most frequently asked questions about Deep and Wide.

Download or read book Porn again Christian written by M. Driscoll and published by Рипол Классик. This book was released on 2009 with total page 57 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: