The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Gentzler affirms that the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience, and talents. Gentzler stresses that older adult ministries need to be by and with elders as well as for them, since participants will represent all stages of retirement and activity levels. In addition to the practical issues of programming, Gentzler t...

"This book is food for all who are hungry for an inner transformation in their lives. Tapping into ancient spiritual practices, Daniel Vestal connects biblically based mysticism with evangelism and social justice." —Tony Campolo Professor Emeritus, Eastern University Author of more than 35 books and one of the founders of the Red Letter Christian movement Do you long to make a difference in the world? Learn how to be Christ's presence. As Christians, we can continually embody Jesus Christ...

Do we act, live, and breathe our faith? What do United Methodists believe? Do people notice a difference between the way United Methodists practice faith in the church and in the world? A Year with John Wesley and Our Methodist Values is an engaging and provocative study of the practices of discipleship that are of "the Methodist way." Brief scholarly reflections on Wesleyan themes are followed by short essays making recurring Wesley tenets timely and relevant to today's world. Covering on...

In a culture where it's easy to think of ourselves as self-made, we need a reminder that all blessings have been given to us by a generous God. In many congregations, the offering happens without much forethought. We may even consider it a crass interruption to the spiritual flow of worship. But it's actually an important, biblical part of the service. It gives us a chance to focus on giving thanks and giving back to the God who has so generously given to us. If you're looking to revitalize ...

You've packed your duffel bag, cut back and repacked, gotten your passport in order, winced your way through the vaccinations, researched the culture and learned critical phrases in the native language. Perhaps you've been so busy preparing to do mission that you've overlooked preparing to be mission. Sometimes, it's only after you return from a journey that you realize just how much you received compared to what you gave. Mission trips and alternative spring breaks are on the rise. Millions ...

"Let me tell you a story." Since childhood, those introductory words capture our attention like few others. Sharing our faith story can be just as captivating and influential. Yet even the most experienced public speaker may need help preparing a sermon that's both engaging and compelling. Franks and Carroll will help you develop such a sermon. The parts of this helpful experiential guide for novice and already certified lay speakers include types of sermons, from exegetical to topical to t...

The instructor's guide for From Your Heart to Theirs breaks down the important ideas to relate as you plan your study, the preparatory tasks, logistical steps, and the session goals in short, practical outlines. The objective of this guide is to help you lead a 10-hour advanced course for certified lay speakers who want to hone their preaching skills. During the training, you'll lay the groundwork to help each speaker present a short sermon, and you'll be equipped to coach them to do their be...

Stewardship is a dirty word in most churches. Pastors preach about it knowing they must while members sit uncomfortably through the "it's-that-time-again" sermons and other appeals. Afire with God urges ministries and congregations to become stewards-in-action of all God has entrusted to us. Members go beyond thinking in terms of dollars contributed to see stewardship as becoming living examples of the gospel. "Real stewardship is radical, which means going to the roots of our faith," writes ...

"Imagine my surprise at learning that I needed to get to know my God a lot better." Despite lifelong Christian devotion, Maricle came to this startling realization after experiencing a crisis of faith. "I needed answers that are so fundamental to Christian living," he writes. "Why is this life, at times, so hard? Why isn't my faith helping me? Why am I finding no comfort in prayer? These questions—and the struggles behind them—challenged all my notions of faith, my perception of God and the...