Essential Church

Why do so many young adults (18 to 22) leave the church, and what will it take to bring them back? This important question is examined and duly answered in Essential Church?, a follow-up to Thom S. Rainer's best-selling Simple Church and cowritten with his son, research expert Sam Rainer.

Small Church Essentials is for leaders of smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church. Based on the popular six-hour lecture that Karl Vaters delivers to church leaders across the country, Small Church Essentials will affirm small church leaders and show them how to identify what they do well and how to do it even better.

Churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation's leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults. It profiles innovative churches that are engaging 15- to 29-year-olds and as a result are growing - spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically.

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

Modern readers of the New Testament often notice its varying ideas about women. Some passages encouraged women to be submissive and remain silent. Yet in others, women characters owned property, headed households, or spoke with approval. Women in the New Testament World helps listeners understand this conflicting evidence. It argues that social norms of the time encouraged traditional feminine virtues. However, as Susan Hylen argues, women in the culture enacted these virtues in a variety of ways, including active leadership in households, associations, and cities.

Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it’s time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Too many parents, pastors, and people focus on what they value but often neglect to express why it is critical or essential. The fundamentals of the apostles’ doctrine are eternally essential. They are not creeds of words of mere man; they are God’s absolute Word. Because we belong to Jesus, we should want to please Him and obey His Word.

It was the summer of 1961. Vince Lombardi, the iconic coach of the Green Bay Packers, started the training camp by holding something that needed no explanation. His words have since become legendary. He said, Gentlemen, this is a football. He made his point with five simple words: If we want to be successful, were going to have to remember the basics and make sure were executing the fundamentals.

Anne Willan, multi-award-winning culinary historian, cookbook writer, teacher, and founder of La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, explores the lives and work of women cookbook authors whose essential books have defined cooking over the past 300 years. Beginning with the first published cookbook by Hannah Woolley in 1661 to the early colonial days to the transformative popular works by Fannie Farmer, Irma Rombauer, Julia Child, Edna Lewis, Marcella Hazan, and up to Alice Waters working today.

As a preacher, you are the response of Heaven to the cry of your city!Clarify your calling, strengthen your character, and develop your craft as a preacher.In this book, Samuel Deuth, the author of the best selling book, Following Jesus, shares from his 20+ years of preaching and ministry leadership experience.Whether you're just beginning in ministry or you've been following the call for years, this book will stir and encourage you in three specific areas that are the building blocks of your ministry role.This book from Samuel Deuth, is packed with powerful and practical training to help ...

Persecution. It is not a matter of “if” it will come upon us, but a question of “when” it will happen. When it happens, will we remain faithful to God, even if the trials and persecution are unto death? We, as believers, face difficulties every day in the form of trials, tribulations, sorrows, and disappointments. With each problem, there is a test of our faith. The Bible states that because sin is increasing, the hearts of many will grow cold. God is looking for the faithful few who will stand as warriors and be righteous witnesses. This verse-by-verse commentary on John chapter 16...

Perhaps no subject about church generates more opinion and passion than worship. Walk with the typical church-going family on their way to the car after the service and just listen. Everybody really does talk about worship. Now, veteran worship leader and experienced ministry coach Mike Harland offers the tools worship leaders need to build biblically-faithful and effective worship ministries without bringing the disruption that often accompanies change.

Many people do not realize the pain that some leaders carry. So much pressure is placed upon them that they are afraid to be seen as weak or vulnerable, so they hold in their feelings. Leaders often pour out everything they have to others, only to be betrayed and hurt by the people they love. A wounded leader is someone in leadership who has injured feelings, scars from past experiences, and damage to their soul. Does this definition sound like you?

The Luciferian Spirit has for years run wild within the Prophetic Circles of Prophets and Seers. Luciferian Spirit among The Prophets exposes the craftiness and precision of this demonic general from the prophet’s perspective. This book is your study guide and reference point for direction in defeating this enemy who dares raise his head against the plan for the prophet's lives.

In today's world, there are way too many unfathered children. A father's love is needed in a child's life. A mother can be a superwoman, but she cannot replace the role of a father. A father or father figure is needed to bring balance. Too many unpastored pastors try to lead followers when they have never been followers themselves. This book explains the dangers of being unfathered and unpastored and also discusses how to correct this. "The Danger of Un-Pastored Pastors," written by Bishop Adrian R. Rodgers and Bishop Ron Webb, is a collaborative masterpiece that will educate you on God's ...

Quality management - a discipline that started in manufacturing has migrated to service industries such as hospitality, hotels, and health care. As these industries have embraced quality management practices, we, as consumers, have developed higher expectations for positive, error-free service experiences. Because of this phenomenon, there is increased pressure on non-profit and church organizations to make excellence a guiding principle of managing operations – and who, more than the church, should be doing things with excellence? This book is perfect for anyone who manages the day-to-...

"Developing A Servant Leadership Curriculum To Excite, Equip And Empower Pastors And Church Leaders," authored by Dr. Bernard P. Goode is a must-read. It is the perfect tool to equip the saints in the body of Christ to become unified and better the overall team. This book focuses on the absence of servant leadership within Churches, which has caused an impediment in the church's growth both spiritually and numerically. Arguably, if the pastor and church leaders received leadership training in servant leadership, then they will be aware of their Biblical role and responsibility to be part of...

This book is a scripture-based read for the new believer or those who need enlightenment on what to expect as you walk with Jesus Christ. “Zeal Without Knowledge?” explains the different areas of salvation and levels you must maintain as you pursue God’s will concerning your life. It will encourage you in temptation, persecution, sacrifice, and dedication to God. After reading this manual, you will be able to walk confidently, knowing that no matter what it looks like, all things are working for your good because you love the Lord and are called according to his purpose!

Tyrin loves Sunday school and he's so excited to tell his parents what he learned. God Is a book that's told in an animated way by Tyrin. Share it with your little ones and watch their excitement in learning about God.

It's no secret that men and women burn out in ministry every single day. While the current statistics regarding ministry burnout are alarming, there is hope. Using his own experiences as a minister, Pastor Phil shares four key insights that will help you stay sane while serving in the local church. He offers practical advice and specific instructions on topics such as managing your time, your family, and your finances. Pastor Phil also presents some thought-provoking questions and challenges his listeners to take the next step.