|
In Just Walk Across the Room, Bill Hybels introduces the next era in
personal evangelism with a natural, relational approach that follows
Jesus' own example. When Christ "walked" clear across the cosmos 2,000
years ago, he had no formulas and no script - just an offer of
redemption to people like us, many of whom were neck-deep in pain of
their own making. Astounding things happen when you follow the model
set by Jesus. Emphasizing the leading of the Holy Spirit, Hybels
invites you to step out of your "Circle of Comfort" and into encounters
with people who long for someone to take an interest in them - men and
women with stories to tell and hearts that yearn to experience God's
love reaching out to them through your smile, your encouragement, your
transparency, your friendship.
Ten years ago, Steve Sjogren published this
groundbreaking book that has helped thousands of Christians win others
to Jesus and the Church by performing simple, unexpected services.
Conspiracy of Kindness enables every Christian to become an effective
evangelist by demonstrating with teaching, example and testimony how
unassuming acts of kindness convince people of the love of God more
persuasively than words. The
message of servant evangelism is creating a wave of excitement across
North America as churches are grasping its simple but powerful
evangelistic effects. Emphasis is placed on showing the love of God in
helpful ways, which in turn, opens avenues to people’s hearts. Steve
Sjogren addresses both the practical and spiritual benefits to this
type of outreach and how it can become “doable” in any church.
In the bestseller Missional Renaissance, Reggie McNeal shows us the three significant shifts in thinking and
behavior that we need to make that will allow leaders to chart a
course toward being missional: (1) from an internal to an external
focus, ending the church as exclusive social club model; (2) from
running programs and ministries to developing people as its core
activity; and (3) from professional leadership to leadership that is
shared by everyone in the community. With in-depth discussions of the
"what" and the "how" of transitioning to being a missional church,
readers will be equipped to move into what McNeal sees as the most
viable future for Christianity.
Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions
about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do
considerable harm to poor people and themselves. When Helping Hurts
provides foundational concepts, clearly articulated general principles
and relevant applications. The result is an effective and holistic
ministry to the poor, not a truncated gospel. A situation is
assessed for whether relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best
response to a situation. Efforts are characterized by an "assest
based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach. Short term
mission efforts are addressed and microenterprise development (MED) is
explored.
In Acts 2, Luke described a church where everyone shared their
possessions, had everything in common and was devoted to practices like
fellowship and prayer. If you've looked around the modern Church and
wondered where that kind of gathering is hiding, we suggest you read
"Reimagining Church," which will help form your convictions into
revolutionizing thoughts. Frank Viola, a leader in the home-church
movement for 20 years, lays out the complicated issue of "redoing
church" in a tangible and practical way, never skimming over the hard
issues like unity, authority, and spiritual status quo. Spilling over
with relevant scriptures and illustrations, Viola's convictions are
sure to challenge and excite you.
 
|
