FEATURED LINKS
RETURNING TO GOD'S
PROCESS FOR MAKING DISCIPLES
By Thom S. Rainer, Eric Geiger
The simple revolution has
begun. From the design of
the iPod to
the uncluttered
Google home page, simple
ideas are changing the world.
Simple Church calls for
Christians to return to the
simple gospel-sharing
methods of Jesus. No bells
or whistles required,
so to speak.
Based on case studies
of four hundred American
churches,
authors Thom
Rainer and Eric Geiger
prove that the process
for making disciples has
become too complex. Simple churches are thriving, and
they
are doing so by
taking these
four
ideas
to heart:
Clarity.
Movement.
Alignment. Focus.
Each idea is examined in
the book, showing why it is
time to simplify.
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welcome to the reading room
The following resources have been suggested by fellow Free Will Baptist pastors and leaders. However, the inclusion of a product or service in the Reading Room should not be considered a blanket endorsement. We encourage discernment on the part of our readers. Each of the resources on this page can be ordered from Randall House Publications.
In addition to the Featured Titles below, be sure to visit:
featured titles
By Dr. John Gilmore
Dr. Gilmore provides honest reflections on the pros and cons of current Protestant church polities. With both humor and honesty, he deals with such manners "when to leave," "why one is asked to leave" and "principled-protest resignations" are necessary. These Bumpy pastoral exits also have both their horror and humor. A key feature of this book is its ability to see good and genuine humor in grueling experiences.
Pastoral Politics is not a grudge-book, nor is a payback book for current and past mistreatment. The author does not advise a pastor to quit just because he is facing conflict. The book provides the church board and the pastor valuable insights—theologically, psychologically, and procedurally—enabling pastors and members to be more flexible and charitable. The book is necessary reading for church board members, seminary student with a pastoral calling, and every pastor who has and could face the prospects of moving on.
By Andy Stanley
There’s no scoreboard in the sanctuary, and the only plate is probably for the offering. But every church leader needs to know how to win, and every congregation needs to know when to cheer. This insightful book speaks to every church leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry. An engaging parable about one overwhelmed pastor is followed by an overview of seven successful team practices, each one developed and applied in a ministry setting. Reinforced by relevant discussion questions, these clear, easy, and strategic practices can turn any ministry into a winning team.
By Henry and Richard Blackaby
Instructing those who hold leadership positions—not only in religious capacities but also including CEOs and teachers—best-selling authors Henry and Richard Blackaby teach leadership from a biblical perspective. The twenty-first century is the most advanced age in history, but effective biblical leadership is rare. The Blackabys share practical guidelines for being an effective Christian leader.
About the Authors
Henry T. Blackaby serves as a special consultant to the presidents of the North American Mission Board, International Mission Board, and LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is a popular speaker and writer whose study course Experiencing God has sold more than 3,000,000 copies. Blackaby lives in Rex, Georgia.
A Philosophical, Practical, and Passionate Approach to Sunday School
by Allan Taylor
The principles in the Word of God often do not fit our “microwave” world. Dr. Clarence Benson, renowned Christian educator, once said “Methods are many. Principles are few. Methods may change. Principles never do.”
The Six Core Values of Sunday School lays out the heart of Sunday School. The author shares with readers what it takes to minister
through the local church to reach the community for Jesus Christ.
The six principles are:
1. Reaching People
2. Teaching People
3. Ministering to People
4. Involving People
5. Assimilating People
6. Building Relationships with People
by Aubrey Malphurs
Set within the fictional story of a successful, experienced pastor counseling a younger, struggling peer, Aubrey Malphurs explores the essential elements of pastoral leadership in a changing world. He provides pastors the opportunity to examine their vocations structure and participate in a process of definition and discovery in the following areas:
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balancing achievement with personal character development
understanding the three-faceted role of leader, protector, and teacher
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defining core values, mission statement, and strategy
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clarifying relationships with congregation, staff, and board
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developing a theology to accommodate change and the surrounding culture
The book includes a core values audit for use in the church and sample core values and vision statements. The Dynamics of Church Leadership is the first in a six-volume series that provides both experienced and beginning pastors with concise information to help them perform the task of ministry with efficiency, fruitfulness, and joy.
About the Author
Aubrey Malphurs is an experienced pastor, professor, church consultant, and author of several books, including Developing a Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century, Planting Growing Churches in the 21st Century, and Maximize Your Effectiveness.
By John MacArthur
Best-selling author and respected pastor John MacArthur shares his thoughts on more than 60 key character qualities essential for fail-proof biblical leadership.
Our country is facing a leadership crisis, with fewer leaders available than are needed. Even more distressing, the church is facing the same crisis. Failures in church leadership seem to be at an epidemic level, reminding us of the adage, "As the leaders go, so go the people." With so much at stake, how can we raise up effective leaders who have genuine and lasting impact on their charge?
Author John MacArthur writes on more than 60 traits every leader needs. These elements of character form the framework from which MacArthur details the qualifications and responsibilities of effective leaders, no matter if they are full-time staff members or Christians seeking to serve God at church, home, work, and with friends.
This three-volume set of the writings of James Arminius is a reprinting of the London edition, the English translation by James Nichols (1825, 1828) and William Nichols (1875). The Works of James Arminius is an anthology of classic Protestant theology, pertinent to scholars interested in the Calvinist-Arminian debate as well as to students of the history of Christian thought.
Price $174.99, set
By Dennis Bickers
In his new book, The Healthy Small Church, small church pastor Dennis Bickers diagnoses the issues that threaten the life of the smaller church and prescribes practical remedies for treating these issues. He reminds churches that transformation and healing are never easy but always worth it. He emphasizes that to maintain a healthy church one must be aware of the symptoms and act accordingly to prevent new problems from arising.
The Healthy Small Church offers pastors and church leaders a great diagnostic tool for small churches that want to be healthy and stay that way. It includes a number of diagnostic questions at the end of the book that they can use to determine the health of their church.
By Aubrey Malphurs
Advanced Strategic Planning presents a new strategic planning process to help church leaders think through the core issues of ministry and adjust to cultural shifts without compromising the church’s values, mission, or vision.
Based on a biblical and pastoral perspective, this book is divided into two parts. Part one takes readers through the preparation for strategic thinking and acting. Part two raises nine fundamental questions of ministry, guiding leaders through the process of planning and implementation. Pastors, denominational leaders, teachers, and students of church management and renewal will want to read this practical, step-by-step guide for church and parachurch ministry in the twenty-first century.
About the Author
Aubrey Malphurs is president of Vision Ministries International, conducts training and consulting in churches, teaches at Dallas Theological Seminary, and is the author of numerous books on church life and renewal, including Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century and Developing a Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century.
By Leith Anderson
Dying for Change discusses the present and multiple changes in our world and their impact on the church. If the church ignores these changes, it will do so at its own peril. To avoid effectual or actual death, churches must learn to meet the challenges that change presents.
About the Author
Leith Anderson, pastor of Wooddale Church in Minnesota, devotes much of the book to exploring the differences between generations, possible responses to change, spiritual and sociological renewal, and diagnostic questions to help in the growing process. He challenges readers to begin
implementing change and planning for the long haul.
By Stan Toler
In the hotel trade, it equals excellence in efficiency and service. What are the marks of a "five star" church? Packed with practical tips, this guide will help you pursue Christian excellence by obeying the Lord's command to "honor one another above yourselves." Discover how to build a quality church where everybody feels welcome.
About the Author
Stan Toler serves as senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and hosts the television program "Leadership Today."
Dr. Toler trains pastors and church leaders throughout North America. He conducts seminars on strategic planning, stewardship, outreach, and leadership.
Raised in a rural mountain community in Welch, West Virginia, Stan knew at an early age that God wanted him to be a full-time minister. He adopted this role with a youthful zeal and, at the age of seventeen, became pastor of Westside Church in Newark, Ohio. Since then, he has pastored some of the fastest-growing churches in Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee and has traveled around the world helping churches and missions organizations develop plans for growth.
By Mark Mittleburg
Evangelism. It’s one of the highest values in the church. So why do so few churches put real time, money, and effort into it? Maybe it’s because we don’t understand the evangelistic potential of the church well enough to get excited about it.
Building a Contagious Church will change that.
The provocative book dispels outdated preconceptions and reveals the potential of effective evangelism. The book walks readers through a 6-stage process toward a lasting commitment to evangelism.
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