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Two of the most vocal activists on racial issues in the church here seek nothing less than a conversion of American Christianity. Campolo and Battle expose the sad history and present realities of racism in the churches and then lift up a vision of a church and society without racism. To achieve reconciliation among Christians, they argue, both black and white churches need to acknowledge and overcome substantial problems in their traditions. Campolo and Battle then directly challenge Christians to a deeper spirituality, enabling them to resume leadership in overcoming and redressing America's legacy of racial division.
Much has been written about the practice of one-to-one spiritual directions, but much less about small group communities that offer in-depth mutual spiritual support and guidance to its members. But small groups are most likely the more usual setting for spiritual companionship and have strong biblical, theological and historical foundation in the Christian tradition. This book offers a detailed presentation of ten small group models, plus guidance in group leadership dynamics. It also presents material related to group retreat work, spiritual guidance with organizations and peer supervision/consultation model for supporting leaders of spiritual companionship groups and retreats. Church leaders, spiritual directors and educators are looking for the kinds of resources this book provides to assist them in understanding and leading groups and retreats.
Parishioners today look to their congregations to feed their spiritual hunger. But many members and clergy are not sure how the words "congregation" and "spirituality" fit together. Author Celia Hahn interviewed 30 lay people and clergy from five Episcopal congregations to discover their stories of congregational spirituality and to help them identify the congregation's gifts for spiritual development. Hahn becomes a spiritual companion and resource for the searching congregation, guiding the church as it begins to discover its gifts. How is God at work in our congregation? How do members empowered by the transforming Spirit minister in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and families? How do members move into a deeper relationship with one another and with God?
There is a growing realisation across mainstream churches that age-segregated models of connecting with children, young people and families are not working. Drawing on their extensive experience, Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip set out a vision for bringing the generations back together to become the intergenerational church we are designed to be. In conversation with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they develop a theological rationale for intentional intergenerational relationships of mutuality lived out within the core activities of the church. Through an exploration of the Christian practices of humility, hospitality, participation, discipleship, joy, worship, discernment and testimony, they call the church to re-discover its DNA as an all-age community of transformation.
Small groups continue to be a significant part of church life and Christian formation in the twenty-first century, impacting a church and society characterized by loneliness and fragmentation. As such, Julie Gorman is prompted to declare, “Small groups have come of age! They have found unprecedented acceptance and endorsement.” This is a comprehensive book on small groups and Christian formation informed by theology, church history, and the social sciences. It addresses both the foundations and praxis of groups, with a special emphasis on leading dynamic group discussions.
Being a clergyperson can be stressful--mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. From pressure to grow their congregations to unrealistic expectations from church members to poorly defined guidelines about working hours or tasks, new pastors sometimes flounder. Even experienced pastors can get caught off guard by deep-seated dysfunction in their congregations or other circumstances that trigger psychological issues from their past. This book helps pastors explore the situations that make them vulnerable to burn-out, misconduct, spiritual dryness, health issues, depression, and more. Through real-life stories, pragmatic advice, and psychological and spiritual wisdom, the author will show readers how to practice good self-care while maintaining effectiveness and reignite the energy and passion that first fueled their call to ordained ministry.
This book invites us to consider ways to remain confident in our faith as we understand and appreciate the discoveries and advances of science. How can Christians integrate, believe, or accept all the teachings of science, the Bible, and Christian tradition? How can we believe in both the discoveries of science and the Bible? Are science and religion compatible or incompatible? Does the Christian understanding that God created the universe exclude the findings and discoveries of science? What is the role of faith in the world of education? What can we believe about intelligent design? If we believe in evolution, can we believe in God? Does the Big Bang theory exclude God? If we are Christian...
We need companions on our spiritual journey. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul, and Benner models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.
Written from an ecumenical standpoint as a practical aid for moving those experienced in individual spiritual direction toward group practices This book responds to the movement to expand spiritual direction beyond the classic on-with-one model. Group spiritual direction has the potential to offer the rich experience of individual spiritual direction to a much wider audience, yet very little has been written to provide guidance for starting such groups. This book responds to that challenge. It outlines ways that a diverse and ecumenical group of spiritual directors worked to initiate groups in multiple contexts. It examines the many variables-among directors, directees, even meeting spaces-that affect and enliven this ministry. And it summarizes pitfalls, success, and discoveries.
A collection of prayers from around the worldwide Anglican Communion that makes connections between women's personal lives and global concerns of women around the globe. It shows the connection, for example, between a woman's prayers for her child in the West and the plight of child labour in the third world.