They are not leaving their churches and getting other jobs. Instead, they have become "a company of shopkeepers, and the shops they keep are churches." Pastors and the communities they serve have become preoccupied with image and standing, with administration, measurable success, sociological impact, and economic viability. In Working the Angles, Peterson calls the attention of his fellow pastors to three basic acts--which he sees as the three angles of a triangle--that are so critical to the pastoral ministry that they determine the shape of everything else. The acts--prayer, reading Scripture, and giving spiritual direction--are acts of attention to God in three different contexts: oneself, the community of faith, and another person. Only by being attentive to these three critical acts, says Peterson, can pastors fulfill their prime responsibility of keeping the religious community attentive to God. Written out of the author's own experience as pastor of a "single pastor church," this well-written, provocative book will be stimulating reading for lay Christians and pastors alike.

    (Moroni 7:44.) Why is meekness such an important requirement for salvation? What does it mean to be meek? How can we attain meekness? In Meek and Lowly, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discusses this critical-but often misunderstood-principle. "The rigorous requirements of Christian discipleship are clearly unattainable without meekness," he writes. "In fact, meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the intellect, in the management of power, in the dissolution of personal pride, or in coping with the challenges of daily life." The first step, Elder Maxwell claims, is to take upon us the Savior's yoke and to learn about Him and His teachings. Other requirements are to develop humbleness of mind; to be humble in our dealings with others, particularly those whom we lead; and to overcome the deadly sin of pride. Elder Maxwell also explains the relation between meekness and the grace of God, the blessings that come through being meek, and the examples of meekness found in the lives of prophets both ancient and modern. "Meekness, though lowly, has its own quiet majesty," he concludes, for "by being yoked to Jesus and His gospel, we are drawn closer to Him. Proximity only increases our meekness."

    Frustration in Christian work often results when efforts are not evaluated with biblical perspective. Like many in Christian service, Kent and Barbara Hughes struggled with defining success. Based on their experiences, "Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome" is for anyone in ministry facing the disappointment of unmet expectations. As the authors recount the biblical lessons that turned their life around, others will learn to reexamine their understanding of success in light of Scripture.

    There are carols suitable for both sacred and secular occasions, and both accompanied andunaccompanied material. The Order of Service for a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is included.

    Chuck Smith's amazing story of Calvary Chapel and the unlikely leaders God called to minister His Gospel. Read the exciting story of how Calvary Chapel has grown. Coming from all walks of life, ten Calvary Chapel pastors share how God broke through the barriers of evil, pride, addiction, complacency and anger to carry out His plan for this vital ministry. Free MP3 CD Included!

    Francis de Sales gives totally fresh and surprising insights into the truths of our religion including: the Sacred Name of Jesus, Our Lady's wisdom at Cana, St. John the Baptist\'s temptation, etc. Nine insightful sermons. Published here for the first time in English. Great wisdom from a great saint and Doctor of the Church; excellent spiritual reading for Advent or any other time of the year!

    for more than forty years. She is the founder of Sarah's Circle, a ministry with the elderly of an inner-city neighborhood. The author shares more intimately than usual in this newest work, offering personal reflections, journal style, on her own development over the last few years as she struggled to hear and respond to a call to build an inner-city residence for elderly women. O'Connor's concern with integrating the inward and outward journeys is certainly not new for her, but her willingness to reveal herself so fully represents a real departure from her earlier writing on this church's corporate story.

    

    A collection of stories for young Mormon women illustrating the values of faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity.

    Adapted from a true story, this dramatic novel explores the biblical evidence of Christ's true church. It also explores the motivations of the four friends: Jamie's single-minded concentration, Joseph's sincere desire, Will's doubt, and Susan's pure hope. As love blossoms between Joseph and Susan, the war separates them and jeopardizes their quest for God. Finally, when Joseph's life hangs in the balance, the truth is revealed in stunning simplicity. The Greatest Quest is the perfect book for those who love truth, and for those who seek it.

    A 1980s classic updated for the New Millennium This revised and expanded third edition presents a penetrating analysis of cultural and church-related issues that affect young people.

    This book is an insightful guide for sharing the Gospel with Mormons. Its detailed information and specific strategies will help you speak convincingly to Mormons about the errors of their religion and lead them to personal faith in Jesus Christ.

    

    450 AD - newly translated from the original Greek, Latin, and Syriac. As there are no musical sources of the period, music historians must rely upon remarks about music in literary sources to gain some knowledge of early Christian liturgical music. This volume makes a large and representative collection of the material conveniently available. The passages are arranged chronologically and regionally in eleven chapters with brief commentary. An introduction sets out the major subjects and themes of the original source material.

    He shows that the life of prayer involves all the human faculties--reason, imagination, emotion, and will. As ways of deepening knowledge and love of God, he considers meditation and contemplation and gives helpful suggestions for their practice. He shows how a deeper awareness of God has social implications and leads to a vision of a transformed world. Johnson discusses his own need for a guide on the spiritual journey, illustrating how such a companion can help others. He emphasizes the importance of keeping a journal and gives practical help in getting started with it.

    

    

    Each of the 66 chapters contains a clear, concise examination of every book of the Bible. The well-planned format helps give an immediate grasp of the general contents of each book plus imporant background details showing the context in which the book was originally written.