"In a society where many people search desperately for elusive 'family values,' this book roots hospitality where it belongs—in the graciousness of God," writes one reviewer. In The Faith-Sharing Congregation, Swanson and Clement reclaim the local congregation as the center of ministry and mission, demonstrating that evangelism is the responsibility of the entire congregation—clergy and laity—working together. The Faith-Sharing Congregation suggests a threefold evangelism strategy that includ...

It's hard to know which is more intimidating: a roomful of wiggling pre-schoolers or know-all adults. "Adult students come with their own agendas and will connect learning to what's going on in their lives," writes Bruce. "They learn what they want to learn." Both facts present challenge and great opportunity to teachers, according to Bruce. "Adults are eager to learn and are searching for meaning, but we must break through their initial reluctance to encourage them to think, question, and ma...

Each One a Minister, a revised and enlarged edition of Carter's previous book by the same title, begins with a 6-session study of Ephesians. Carter engages the reader in discovering the meaning of church, ministry, and gifts — from the early church up to the present. As a follow-up to the Bible study, readers and study groups look at ways in which God's gifts are practical as well as spiritual. Four ministry categories, closely connected to the congregational primary task (receive, relate, e...

This booklet is ideal for potential Chrysalis participants and church leaders. It introduces readers to the ideas behind Chrysalis and helps them know what to expect during a life-changing Chrysalis weekend.

Accountable Discipleship: Living in God's Household is a book about pastoral leadership in the Wesleyan tradition. Pastoral leadership is the ministry of caring for the household of God. Both laity and clergy are called to this ministry. Those who read and study this book will be invited to discover their own ministry as pastoral leaders. All who follow Jesus Christ and seek to obey his teachings to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind," and "love your...

The Way of Blessedness Participant's Book is also available for small-group members. The Way of Blessedness Leader's Guide provides everything you need to lead small groups through this 9-week study of the Beatitudes, including a preparatory meeting. The Leader's Guide contains detailed weekly session plans and a list of Weekly Needs at a Glance to make preparation for each meeting simple and quick. Each Leader's Guide in the Companions in Christ series assumes leaders are new to the formati...

The Way of Blessedness Leader's Guide is also available. The Way of Blessedness invites readers to cultivate the dispositions of the soul as outlined in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which suit us for the reign of God while drawing us into its realm. Jesus portrays the reign of God in terms that are contrary to social hierarchy — in his time as well as our own. It is a realm of outlandish generosity and uncommon compassion. This is a 9-week study of the spiritual practices that help us turn a...