Community Growth

The Rule of St. Benedict has governed monastic communities for centuries, but it is far more than a standard religious text. The Rule is, above all, a handbook for living a deliberate life - no matter your religious background or beliefs. It teaches the importance of contemplation and silence, of solitude, and the power of community and unity.

MY BEST STUFF: 21st Century Sermons for the Dawning New Age of Faith, Hope, and Love is a transformative collection of sermons that delve into the complexities of modern spirituality, social justice, and personal growth. Written by Rev. John Crestwell, a seasoned minister and thought leader, this book offers readers a profound exploration of what it means to live a life of purpose, authenticity, and interconnectedness in today’s world. Through 48 chapters, Rev. John addresses pressing issues such as toxic masculinity, racial justice, environmental stewardship, and the quest for a beloved ...

Terri Tomoff shares her informative and transformative memoir regarding her son’s distinction of being a 5X cancer survivor from childhood leukemia through adult cancers. Her unique storytelling skill chronicles the universal account of his (and her family’s) struggles from the day of his diagnosis in 1996, to his admired survivorship and where they all stand proudly today. She weaves her story with facts, humor, hope and gratitude. She then articulates the power of community and the unwavering support she and her family received from the doctors to the dog walkers for over 24 years. ...

Unlock the transformative power of Christian disciplines with Spiritual Disciplines: A Journey into Spiritual Growth. This insightful guide explores ten essential practices that nurture a closer relationship with God, strengthen spiritual resilience, and enrich daily living. Discover the power of: Prayer: Deepen your communication with God and find peace in His presence. Bible Study: Gain wisdom and spiritual nourishment through Scripture. Fasting: Experience renewal and heightened focus. Worship: Engage in worship that honors God and unifies the community. Service: Serve others with love ...

If you're longing to become more attentive to God - to listen to him, know his voice and experience his love, spiritual direction can point the way. In Seeking God Together, experienced spiritual director Alice Fryling offers a unique introduction specifically for group spiritual direction: a place where individuals can experience what it means to be listened to and loved by others, so that they can learn to listen more attentively to God in their daily lives and be used by God.

A series of shifts are happening in our economy: Millennials are trading in conventional career paths to launch tech start-ups, start small businesses that are rooted in local communities, or freelance their expertise. We are sharing everything, from bikes and cars, to extra rooms in our homes. We now create, buy and sell handcrafted products in our local communities with ease. CEO of Imperative Aaron Hurst argues in his latest book that while these developments seem unrelated at first, taken together they reveal a powerful pattern that points to purpose as the new driver of the American economy.

In her new book, Toni Collier shares how we can have hope in the midst of our most difficult days when we let others in. Opening up about her own experiences of walking through heartbreak, betrayal, and suffering, she shows us the importance of being vulnerable and allowing others to come alongside us as we heal—instead of trying to do it on our own—and gives us practical advice for how to actually heal.

Step into the sphere of community-building with the enlightening new eBook, "Building Community Connections." This comprehensive guide takes you on an insightful journey to mastering the art of creating, growing, and managing an engaging Discord server. "Building Community Connections" begins by familiarizing you with the essentials of Discord and its significance to communities worldwide. It lays the groundwork of server setup, guiding you through the process of creating server categories, channels, and establishing essential server settings. Elevating your understanding of Discord, this ...

We live in a culture that suppresses our ability to truly feel our grief—deeply, safely, and on our own terms. But each person’s experience is as unique as the grief itself. Here, Camille Barton’s take on grief speaks directly to the ways that BIPOC and queer readers disproportionately experience unique constellations of loss.

The book of Revelation is filled with angels and dragons, fantastic beasts and golden cities, bottomless pits and mysterious numbers. It’s dramatic, sure - but what exactly does that have to do with the tests we face today? Actually, a lot. When the apostle John penned the book of Revelation, believers lived in a time of deception and injustice. But his message doesn’t just reflect their cries for things to be made right; it reveals heaven’s perspective of the bigger picture.

Many bemoan the decline of the church. We hear a steady stream of reports about how droves of people, especially younger generations, are abandoning Christianity. But new research shows that unchurched Americans are surprisingly more receptive and open to the Christian faith than is commonly assumed. Researcher and practitioner Rick Richardson unveils the findings of the Billy Graham Center Institute's groundbreaking studies on the unchurched.

#2 AMAZON BEST-SELLING Christian Church Growth Book #4 AMAZON BEST-SELLING Christian Church Leadership Book Pastor, communicator, ministry leader... listen to your community! 80% of evangelical churches are in decline or stagnation. A third of our communities have no perceived need for a local church. Many churches aren’t known for anything relevant in their communities.SOLUTION: Be Known For Something that will reconnect you to your community. Embark on an eye-opening journey to revitalize your church’s reputation, control your message, and create a communication strategy for reaching ...

In this audiobook, Megan Hill answers a common question of churchgoers: What's so great about the church? With rich theology and practical direction, Hill encourages and equips both first-time visitors and regular members to delight in being a part of the local church - no matter how messy and ordinary it seems today. It is only when God's people begin to see one another as the Lord sees them that they will truly find a place to belong.

For every person who has felt lonely or isolated, The Sacred Us explores a new way of living through the practice of biblical community. In a world that celebrates individuality and autonomy, too many of us struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships. Loneliness is the norm, rich friendships are rare, and the church is no exception. We long for real community but often don’t know how to get there. What will it take to develop healthy friendships?

In Build My Church: Church Growth Formulas, Dr. Carl C. Liggin offers an indispensable guide for pastors, church leaders, and congregations committed to cultivating vibrant, growing churches that serve as transformative forces within their communities. This contemporary and comprehensive work is rooted in biblical principles, informed by historical insights, and enriched with practical strategies to achieve sustained spiritual and numerical growth. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience and scholarly expertise, Dr. Liggin provides a holistic framework for addressing modern churches' ...

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward mastering the art of conflict resolution and effective communication? "Navigating Life's Conflicts: Strategies for Effective De-Escalation and Communication" invites you to step into the heart of true-to-life scenarios where tensions rise, emotions flare, and understanding seems out of reach. In this immersive and scenario-driven approach, you'll not only learn invaluable conflict resolution skills, but you'll also apply them in these true-to-life situations, challenging yourself to navigate the complexities of human interaction. ...

Personal branding and reputation management expert, Lida Citroën guides leaders through this new paradigm of executive presence and influence. Through inspiring examples, compelling stories, and practical exercises, Citron helps leaders tap into their passion, connect authentically with others, and create space for inclusivity and community.

Explore the captivating story of how Christianity took root and flourished in Africa through the remarkable journey of two siblings. In the heart of South Sudan, nestled amidst the vast landscapes of the Upper Nile, Panyim and Nyakor, a brother and sister bound by an unbreakable bond, embark on a life-changing adventure. Their insatiable curiosity leads them to encounter a kind-hearted priest, Father Aloysius, who introduces them to the teachings of Christianity. Intrigued by the message of love, compassion, and forgiveness, Panyim and Nyakor grapple with the question of embracing a new ...

Unlock the hidden power of kindness with The Little Things That Matter, an enlightening guide that journeys through the profound impact of small gestures. This captivating eBook invites you to rethink the importance of everyday acts of kindness, guiding you through how they can ripple outward, transforming not just your life, but those around you. Discover how cultivating mindfulness enhances empathy and understanding in Chapter 2. Through simple practices and techniques, you’ll develop a richer sense of connection and attentiveness, the key to creating deeper, more meaningful ...

**Discover the Zen of Growth and Mindfulness with "Bonsai Philosophy"** In a world brimming with hustle and haste, "Bonsai Philosophy" emerges as a transformative force, bringing the ancient wisdom of bonsai into the heart of your daily existence. Venture into this enlightening eBook and embark on a journey that transcends mere horticulture, guiding you toward inner peace and balance through the delicate art of bonsai. **Delve Deep Into the Roots of Serenity and Self-Reflection** Your odyssey commences with an exploration of bonsai's storied past - understanding its historical underpinnings...