In this 15th volume of the Participatory Study Series, Bob McKibben opens up the gospel of Mark in new ways. Often considered of secondary theological value, more of a short story version of the gospel, Bob presents Mark as history and serious theology with a very relevant message for followers of Jesus today. The participatory study method is especially fruitful in this guide as readers walk with Jesus through the story of the apostles, watch as the cross approaches and wonder with them what...
When called on to preach, whether you are a pastor or lay preacher, do you sometimes find yourself blocked? "Writer's block is a common complaint from many authors. They reach a point sometimes when they simply cannot produce anything worth reading. Preachers often encounter this same kind of roadblock when they attempt to prepare sermons."– William Powell Tuck With this opening sentence, Dr Tuck brings his many years of experience as professor and pastor and freely gives some «nuts...
Theology is often seen as a discussion of dry doctrines, suitable mostly for academic institutions, but separated from the practice of faith. In this third volume of the Academy of Parish Clergy's Conversations in Ministry series Dr. Bob Cornwall, church historian, theologian, and pastor, shows the ways in which one's theology shapes one's ministry in the church and in the world. Besides discussing the theological roots of ministry and mission, this book is firmly placed in the...
What are your mornings like? Rushing out the door to work, to school, to however many task a day holds? How can your to-do list be longer than the hours in the day? We know we should spend some time with God because He can help us get through this day, but where do we find the time? Help! Linda Estes invites you to join her in a “one minute devotion” each day with our LORD. Take a thought that He has laid on her heart into your day. Let it surround your thoughts, your tasks and see what God...
The question of what happens after death has fascinated human beings for as long as we’ve had any sense of spirituality. There have been popular books, stories of speculative fiction, reports of visions, and serious Bible studies attempted to explain to us what happens at death and beyond. In Death, Immortality, and Resurrection, Dr. Edward Vick explores this question from the viewpoint of a philosopher and theologian. In this book, he examines scriptural sources along with a variety of...
What is wrong with the author of Ecclesiastes? Why is there a book in the Bible that tells us that all is vanity? Who is the author? Ecclesiastes: A Participatory Study Guide is the ninth volume in the Participatory Study Series and the first that is a guide to an Old Testament book. There has been much controversy about the correct approach to interpreting Ecclesiastes. Is the author clinically depressed? Should you read the book when you're down in order to find someone who can join...
The world today is filled with angry voices, voices that often call for isolation and even violence against those who differ from us by race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. At the same time there are many voices that call for us to change, to make peace, to open ourselves up to others and hear what they’re saying. Most of these voices bring religious arguments to bear on the issue.Rev. Janice Springer goes a step, indeed several steps, further. She tells us how to...
Support for marriage equality is booming across America and the world. As people become more acquainted with gays and lesbians, they find their attitudes shifting and are rethinking their opposition not only to same-sex marriage but to gay rights in general. This book introduces the gay community to those who want to know more about their lives, their struggles, and their pursuit of full equality. If you are giving this serious thought, and want reliable information, this book is for you. It...
Pastor and author Bob LaRochelle believes that young people are much like adults in that we battle constantly with many questions. Some of these questions go well beyond “what” to ask some ultimate “why” questions. Whether we aim to or not, at some point we will encounter these questions. This book, suitable for youth classes at any time, approaches learning about the faith as an exploration of the questions. It is not an attempt to provide all the answers, but rather to explore and even...
The Beatitudes, as they have been later known, the guiding path set before every disciple of Jesus Christ, since the beginning of His ministry. Jesus demonstrated each one in everyday life experiences. However, He also made known to the disciples that it is the Spirit of God that guides the true Believer into a right and focused intimate relationship with Him. Being able to understand the roles of the Trinity in the life of the individual Believer will assist the one seeking that perfect...