Community Growth

Paul Sparks, Tim Soerens, and Dwight J. Friesen have seen—in cities, suburbs, and small towns all over North America—how powerful the gospel can be when it takes root in the context of a place, at the intersection of geography, demography, economy, and culture. This is not a new idea—the concept of a parish is as old as Paul's letters to the various communities of the ancient church. But in an age of dislocation and disengagement, the notion of a church that knows its place and gives itself to where it finds itself is like a breath of fresh air, like a sign of new life.

Unlock the extraordinary potential of kindness with "Creating a Culture of Care," a transformative journey into the profound impact of small, caring actions. This inspiring eBook delves into the power of empathy and mindful awareness, revealing how simple gestures and thoughtful interactions can create ripples of positive change. Embark on a path to cultivate a caring mindset, where empathy becomes second nature and everyday life is filled with opportunities for compassion. Learn the art of connection through acknowledgment, small acts of kindness, and genuine presence, as you reinforce ...

The premise of serving as a small group leader sounds simple: Invite people to join you in studying the Bible. But the real-world implications of that role are incredibly complex. Today's small group leaders are asked to function as semi-experts in theology, psychology, evangelism, worship, apologetics, counseling, education, and nutrition—all in service to God and His church. The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders provides basic training and support to help small group leaders succeed in the critical mission of leading others toward spiritual growth and transformation.

Step into the sphere of thriving news aggregation websites with the captivating eBook, "Engage and Empower". This comprehensive guide promises a deep dive into the intricate facets of news aggregator platforms, precisely dissecting the concept, purpose, and possibilities surrounding them. The first chapter offers an overview of the vast world of news aggregation and the significance it holds in the modern age. Empower yourself with a profound understanding of user-generated content and the immense value it brings to digital platforms. As you delve deeper into this exciting read, you'll ...

Discover the essence of self-reliance and transform your family into a thriving, resilient unit with "Thriving Together." This insightful eBook is your guide to understanding and nurturing mental and emotional resilience in the context of self-sufficient family living. Begin your journey with an exploration of what it means to be resilient and the powerful role family dynamics play in building strength. Learn the values that underpin self-sufficiency and how to unify your family under a shared vision. Master the art of effective communication, essential for fostering resilience and ...

Unleashed and Anointed for Kingdom Business is a call to action for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who hunger to be used by God in the marketplace. Now is the time to say "YES" to the calling upon your life. In an era marred by turmoil and moral decay, this book invites leaders to rise above the status quo and ignite a divine revolution of Kingdom boldness and authority that creates transformational change in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Immerse yourself in "Connecting D20s," a comprehensive guide for building effective, engaging, and prosperous role-playing game (RPG) communities! This essential e-book explores the multilayered facets of RPG communities and the pivotal role they play in the thriving RPG industry. In Chapter 1, the book lays a sturdy foundation for apprehension, touching on key terms and concepts such as defining role-playing games and discerning community needs. The book delves into the power of outreach, presenting its significance in bolstering and fostering community expansion. As you delve deeper, ...

Embark on an exhilarating adventure along the Appalachian Trail with "Peak to Peak," a compelling narrative that captures the essence of one of America's most iconic hiking routes. Spanning over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, this journey is a testament to the human spirit and the profound connection to nature. Unforgettable Landscapes: Traverse diverse terrain from lush valleys and cascading waterfalls to rugged mountain peaks and expansive vistas. Seasonal Exploration: Experience the trail's dynamic beauty through the changing seasons, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the serene ...

Disobedience. It’s normal, right? For hundreds of years, the Church has struggled with how to overcome sin in the Christian life. We know that the cross takes care of our past sins at salvation and assures us life after death. But what do we do with the time in between? In Dead and Alive, Jim Wilson discusses the neglected requirement of obedience and explains God’s provision for it from Scripture. May the thoughts in it lead you into a victorious, obedient life in Christ.

The role of organized religion in our society is undergoing monumental changes. Church attendance is decreasing at unprecedented rates. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Clearly, the need for religion remains as strong as ever, yet more and more, people are seeking spirituality elsewhere. Why? What accounts for these trends? Can organized religion still play a valuable role in today’s world?

When a gardener plants a seed in an empty lot, it changes everything for the guarded, unhappy town. From the cynical bookseller to the grieving mechanic, from the struggling butcher to the lonely grocer and more: the gardener and forgotten plot of dirt offer simple wisdom to all that comforts, guides, and cures. A warm, welcoming, modern parable of hope about how small changes can solve big problems. "The kind of story you can read in an hour, but will think about the rest of your life."

Lying Flat: A Journey to Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity In a world obsessed with success, productivity, and material gain, four friends—Claire, Natsuko, Dexter, and Lee—find themselves on the edge of burnout, yearning for a different way of life. "Lying Flat" is an inspiring and heartwarming novel that chronicles their unconventional journey towards simplicity, connection, and true happiness. When a serendipitous opportunity to house-sit a charming cottage with a lush garden arises, the friends seize the chance to escape their hectic lives and embark on an experiment in sustainable ...

Christ heals wounds that no one else can heal. The Holy Spirit offers to reconcile us to God and to each other. We don’t think much about sin until the Spirit catches us red-handed. But He is not a policeman; He is the Friend of the guilty. He convicts in order to liberate.

Welcome to a digital arena that's exploding with engagement opportunities! This brand new eBook, "Level Up Your Discord," is your definitive guide to mastering the thriving realm of Discord and its servers. Delve into a collective experience that unites users worldwide, turning mere interaction into unforgettable experiences. In this in-depth exploration of Discord servers, you'll unravel the core of its functionalities, and the myriad purpose and benefits it offers. The spotlight then shifts to 'engagement', the heartbeat of server success, identifying the golden opportunities to make your...

I’m surrounded by people at church...so why do I feel so alone? You show up at church every Sunday. You see people you know. You listen to a sermon together. And then you go home feeling just as isolated as you did before. What’s going on? We all know that a church is supposed to be a community. The trick is to actually make it one. Communities don’t happen by chance - certainly not in our Lone Ranger culture that values independence and individualism.

Many Americans balk at the idea of setting aside a whole day for worship, rest, and time with those who matter most to them. Yet we long for more time to spend on what matters most—unrushed time to rest, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God. An ancient spiritual practice exists that can help restore balance to our lives: the practice of keeping sabbath. But how exactly do we manage to build time for sabbath into our busy lives? Dana Trent explores this question in For Sabbath's Sake.

With all the hostility boiling just under the surface of our world, we need a renewed vision of Jesus as the Lamb of God who can lead us in the peaceable ways of the Kingdom. When we fail to keep Jesus at the center of our lives, we lean into the desires of our hearts more than the desires God has for us. As a result, our entire spirituality becomes driven by the self and for the self. We need renewed practices of centering Jesus in our hearts and minds. Derek Vreeland invites you to imagine what it looks like to keep Jesus as the Lamb of God at the center of three key areas of our lives.

Unleash the power of niche communities with this indispensable guide, "Niche Communities Unleashed". Step into a world of focused, specialized communities where individual interests thrive within the dynamic realm of Discord. This groundbreaking book leads you through the complexities of Discord, a platform where unique niche communities uniquely prosper. Get your bearings as you navigate the discord labyrinth in Chapter 1. Grasp the very crux of Discord, its structure, purpose, and unique vocabulary that shapes experience on this bustling platform. Discover the importance of niche ...

Embark on a transformative journey with Navigating New Beginnings, your essential companion for embracing life's pivotal transitions. Whether you're relocating to a bustling city across the globe, shifting careers, or seeking personal growth, this comprehensive guide offers the support and insights you need to thrive in new environments. Begin by gaining a deep understanding of the emotional landscape that accompanies change. Explore the psychological impacts of moving and learn to identify the often-overlooked stresses and loneliness that may arise. Delve into the science behind these ...

Everyone wants to belong. But what does belonging—to God, ourselves, and each other—look like in the context of living within an empire and its ideologies? In Liturgies for Resisting Empire, Cuban American writer Kat Armas explores this question both for the New Testament church and for us today. Armas gives listeners a sense of hope and belonging in their daily lives—belonging to ourselves, God, each other, and the earth—in ways that resist the lies of empire. Each chapter begins with a brief liturgy.