Church Ministry & Practical Theology

Rethinking Philosophy in Light of the Bible by Brayton Polka Rethinking Philosophy in Light of the Bible analyzes the ideas that are central to the philosophy of Kant, Hegel, and Kierkegaard in order to show that they are biblical in origin, both ontologically and historically. Brayton Polka argues that Schopenhauer has an altogether false conception of the fundamental ideas of the Bible--creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, and covenantal love--and of Christianity, which leaves his philosophy irredeemably contradictory, as he himself acknowledges. The aim, then, is to show that our modern values, the values that constitute modernity, are biblical in origin. It is only when we come to understand that modernity is biblical from the beginning and that the Bible is modern unto the end that we are able to overcome the opposition, so evident today, between philosophy and theology, between reason and faith, and between the secular and the religious. Polka makes central the distinction that Kierkegaard draws between Christianity and Christendom: Christianity represents the coming into historical existence of the single individual; Christendom represents Christian values that are rationalized in pagan terms. As Kierkegaard shows us, if God has always existed eternally, then he has never existed eternally, then he has never come into historical existence for the single individual. The distinction between Christianity and Christendom is the distinction not between faith and reason, but between truth and idolatry. While theology and philosophy each represent the truth of Christianity, Schopenhauer's idolatrous concepts of faith, no less than of reason, represent Christendom.

KINGDOM CALLING : the vocation, ministry and discipleship of the whole people of god. by Church of England. Faith and Order Commission

Ordained ministry in Free Church perspective : retrieving Robert Browne (c. 1550-1633) for contemporary ecclesiology by Jan Martijn Abrahamse

Formation for transformation : an approach to renewing the teaching ministry within the Church by Edith Vilamajó Sanchis

Ushering in His Presence by Olanrewaju Asiru WHEN YOU SERVE DO SO WITH EXCELLENCE. This is an ideal resource not just for ushers and greeters but for all who serve others in a church or other ministry capacity. Your role in serving others is vital to advancing the kingdom of God. Every page will help you better appreciate your unique position and ability to bring glory to God through service. Everyone from church goers to ministry members and leaders to church staff and pastors should read this book. Expect to be better equipped to structure your ministry and position each person on your team for a higher level of unity, growth, and fulfillment of common objectives. Along the way you will gain a deeper sense of appreciation for the kingdom work you do and will have more passion and motivation to encourage others to join you. Get ready to enjoy more success, fruitfulness, and impact in service as you apply the principles shared in this book. Experience more joy and satisfaction in serving others.

Ministry Loves Company by John Galloway; John M. Buchanan (Foreword by) In Ministry Loves Company, John Galloway provides new and veteran pastors with insights on establishing and maintaining a vital parish ministry while remaining invigorated by the practice of ministry. Drawing on the image of a congregation as a family, Galloway uses anecdotes to describe the life of a congregation and the life of a pastor, who have both been called to be the body of Christ. Poignant, memorable, and often humorous, Galloway's reflections derive from his own personal experiences as a pastor. Ministry Loves Companyuniquely addresses the many challenges facing today's pastors and serves as a practical guide for those entering the minstry as well as those veteran pastors who are seeking to remain courageous and excited about parish ministry.

Essentials for Biblical Preaching by Al Fasol

Sermon Preparation by Bill Hybels; Craig Brian Larson On top of all the responsibilities that comprise their vocation, pastors must write sermons that are original, insightful, useful, challenging, and comforting--once a week. Sermon Preparationexplores the art and craft of sitting down to a blank page and writing a message that nourishes and speaks truth to the listener. Every chapter, written by an expert in the field, provides insights and techniques that are the result of years of sermon preparation.Articles Include Writing a good message in a bad week Five Hammer Strokes for Creating Expository Sermon Outlines How Prayer Transforms Prep If You Dislike Sermon Prep Four Ways to Get out of a "One Pitch" Preaching Rut How to Plan and Package a Year-Long Preaching Series The Spiritual Importance of Being an Emotionally Healthy Preacher A special hands on section from leading pastors entitled How I Prepare a Sermonbrings theory into practice and will give you the benefit of decades of experience. Contributors to this special section include: Timothy Keller Mark Driscoll Lee Eclov Matt Chandler Justin Buzzrd and many more...!

Creative Bible Study Methods by Ray Baughman

The Gospel According to Matthew by Leon Morris In the Christian Church the Gospel of Matthew has been considered the most important portrait of Jesus' life and message. Containing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and a uniquely rich collection of parables, among many other things, Matthew has made a major contribution to the church throughout the centuries, and it still has much to say to the church today. This superb commentary in the Pillar series explores the meaning and relevance of Matthew in an eminently straightforward fashion. Leon Morris writes for readers who use commentaries to discover further what the Bible means. Throughout, he makes clear what he considers to be the meaning of the Greek text that Matthew has bequeathed to the church. A perceptive introduction precedes Morris's warmhearted verse-by-verse exposition of Matthew, an exposition based on his own literal translation of the text. Now a standard reference work on the Gospel of Matthew, this mature, evangelically oriented commentary will continue to meet the needs of students, pastor, and general readers alike.

Paul's Letter to the Romans by Peter Stuhlmacher; Scott J. Hafemann (Translator) In this book, Peter Stuhlmacher stresses the Old Testament and postbiblical Jewish traditions as the primary backdrop to Paul's thought, as these traditions were known by Paul himself or mediated to him through Jesus and the early church. The themes of the righteousness of God and the corresponding justification of both Jews and Gentiles are viewed as the center of Romans. Finally, Stuhlmacher seeks to place the apostle's theology within its historical context. He overcomes the false dichotomy that has often characterized the study of Romans, mediating between the view that it is a general theological treatise that functions as Paul's last testament to his Christian faith, on the one hand, and the view that it is one particular and occasion-bound expression of Paul's thinking.

Jeremiah by F. B. Huey

The annotated Bible; the Holy Scriptures analyzed and annotated by Gaebelein, Arno Clemens