Finally, a book for men's spiritual development that actually starts with Jesus. Not lightly baptized Jungian archetypes. Not secular stereotypes that seek to present Jesus as a "man's man." This is good stuff. —John OrtbergPastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian ChurchAuthor of The Life You've Always Wanted What exactly does it mean to be a Christian in today's world? Particularly, what does it mean to be a Christian man in 21st-century American culture? Derek Maul, an award-winning columnist and ...

Let the Children Give provides adults the resources to demonstrate and teach a stewardship lifestyle to kids. Stewardship is more than a church committee assigned to raise money for the budget. Christians are expected to act as responsible caretakers of everything we've been given by God. All have abilities to accomplish this work, and the apostle Paul reminds us that everyone, including children, must work together. Each of us holds an important role in Christ's mission. "With our abilities ...

"Sometimes it's tough to accept the truth that God did not create us to take on this world alone. Sure, Jesus, works powerfully in our individual lives. But God typically achieves his most compelling work where two or three—or just a few more—are gathered together." Maul offers practical suggestions for a 10-week study of Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men. This Leader's Guide can be used in a number of ways: with small groups of 6-12 men who meet and study together on a regular basis wi...

Like many mainline denominations, The United Methodist Church is ailing. Declining membership, worship and Sunday school attendance, outreach, and giving—all troubling signs. In an age of megachurches, "Ten Steps to…" congregational self-help programs point to models that may not be in the church's best interest. Following the suggestions of this new conventional wisdom may reverse the trends and attract thousands to highly entertaining services (bolstered by a strong budget and marketing pla...

To many, the word liturgy brings to mind juggling a hymnal, Bible and a bulletin printed with formal responsive texts as you worship in a cavernous Gothic-styled church. With great faith and affection, Benedict rescues liturgy from its stuffy associations, revealing it as a momentous occasion every Sunday, no matter the worship style. Worship is a remarkable spiritual adventure and the liturgy itself is God's playground—a pilgrimage of individuals and faith communities joining the divine purp...

Many of us go through our busy lives with many acquaintances but few true close friends. Most of our daily conversations focus on the mundane, or we barely scratch the surface of what's going on in our friends' lives as we try to catch up on the run. We weren't meant to travel alone. Yet many of us are afraid to reveal our innermost thoughts, of being too nosy or not "religious enough" to commit to spiritual kinships. Using the story of Ruth and Naomi as an example, Stephanie Ford describes h...

The Way of Prayer Leader's Guide is also available. It's said that prayer is so primal an urge for humankind that we're born into the world praying. Yet, something so natural and seemingly so easy comes hard sometimes. The Way of Prayer is a 10-week small-group study about the nature, practice, and results of prayer. Some forms of prayer arise in our lives spontaneously, some are learned by rote, and others are stumbled upon as we move through life. "All prayer, formal or informal, is about ...