Book picks similar to
Planting an Orthodox Presbyterian Church by Presbyterian Church (USA)


missiology
practical-theology
biblical-books
christian-ministry

Guarding Your Heart


Arthur W. Pink - 2012
    If this be neglected, if the principal part of your time be not improved with respect unto this end, you will yet fall under the sentence of it unto eternity” (John Owen, 1670).

Call the Sabbath a Delight


Walter J. Chantry - 1991
    An important book for all Christians to read.

Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper


Keith A. Mathison - 2002
    It is the thesis of this book that Calvin's doctrine of the Lord's Supper is the biblical doctrine, the basic doctrine of the sixteenth century Reformed churches, and the doctrine that should be reclaimed and proclaimed in the Reformed church today.

Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal


T. David Gordon - 2010
    Gordon looks at changes in worship from the fresh viewpoint of a Media Ecology perspective. Changes in music have changed the way we think, and the way we worship - or are even able to worship. The musical culture we are immersed in has altered our ability to understand other genres of music - so much so that we find them strangely unhelpful. This means that worship has become a conflict area, rather than a source of unity. Dr. Gordon not only shows the problems, he also provides solutions - it's important, because how we sing affects how we live.

The Reformed Pastor


Richard Baxter - 1656
    One of the best known classics on the work of the Christian ministry.

Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships


Sherwood G. Lingenfelter - 1986
    The authors examine how this can help us better understand what it means to establish relationships of grace with those from different cultural and social backgrounds. With more than 70,000 copies of the first edition in print, this incarnational model of ministry has proven successful for many people. Several sections in this second edition have been rewritten, and the entire book has been updated to reflect development in the authors' thinking. Drawing from the authors' rich experience on the mission field, this book will benefit anyone who wants to be salt and light in a multicultural and multiethnic world.

God's Good Design: What the Bible Really Says About Men and Women


Claire Smith - 2012
    Studying these passages led to radical changes in her life. Too often we put these same passages in the 'too hard basket', or we make up our minds without taking a close look at them for ourselves. But we must let God's word determine these issues, and not the culture in which we live.Claire takes us through the same process she went through herself, looking closely at seven key Bible passages about men and women and how they should relate together in God's purposes. Along the way she deals with many common objections, and applies the teaching of the Bible simply and practically to our relationships at home and in church. The warmth and simplicity of the book means it will benefit every Christian—whether you have looked at these passages a thousand times, or you've never thought about them in your life.About the author...After working for some years as a nurse, Claire Smith spent many years at Moore College closely studying the Bible, completing a BTh, MA (Theology), and a PhD in New Testament. These days she spends her time writing and speaking at conferences. To relax, she writes letters to the paper and talks theology with the two men in her life--her husband, Rob, and their son, Nathanael (both avid musicians). She will also happily watch any sport on TV (although her favourite is rugby).

Pia Desideria


Philipp J. Spener - 1675
    In it a young pastor, born and raised during the devastating Thirty Years War, voiced a plea for reform of the church which made the author and his proposals famous. A lifelong friend of the philosopher Leibnitz, Spener was an important influence in the life of the next leader of German Pietism, August Herman Francke. He was also a sponsor at the baptism of Nicholas Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Church, whose members played a crucial role in the life of John Wesley.

Western Christians in Global Mission: What's the Role of the North American Church?


Paul Borthwick - 2012
    By the dawn of the twenty-first century, Christianity had become a truly global faith, with Christians in Asia, Africa and Latin America outpacing those in the rest of the world. There are now more Christians in China than in all of Europe, more Pentecostals in Brazil than in the United States, and more Anglicans in Kenya than in Great Britain, Canada and the United States combined. Countries that were once destinations for western missionaries are now sending their own missionaries to North America.Given these changes, some think the day of the Western missionary is over. Some are wary that American mission efforts may perpetuate an imperialistic colonialism. Some say that global outreach is best left to indigenous leaders. Others simply feel that resources should be focused on the home front. Is there an ongoing role for the North American church in global mission?Missions specialist Paul Borthwick brings an urgent report on how the Western church can best continue in global mission. He provides a current analysis of the state of the world and how Majority World leaders perceive North American Christians' place. Borthwick offers concrete advice for how Western Christians can be involved without being paternalistic or creating dependency. Using their human and material resources with wise and strategic stewardship, North Americans can join forces with the Majority World in new, interdependent ways to answer God's call to global involvement.In this critical age, the global body of Christ needs one another more than ever. Discover how the Western church can contribute to a new era of mission marked by mutuality, reciprocity and humility.

Preaching


Fred B. Craddock - 1984
    Craddock weaves history, theology, and hermeneutics into an exhaustive text on sermon preparation and preaching.Painstakingly prepared for seminary students and clergy, this book answers the fundamental question: How does one prepare and deliver a sermon? Craddock's approach is practical, but also allows for concentrated study of any particular dimension of the process."Filled with practical wisdom. . . . A liberating book."--Richard Lischer, Duke University.

Possessed by God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness


David G. Peterson - 1995
    He argues that its emphasis falls upon sanctification as a definitive event, God's way of taking possession of us in Christ, setting us apart to belong to him and to fulfill his purpose for us. Simply to identify sanctification with growth and holiness, he contends, obscures the emphasis and balance of New Testament teaching and creates unrealistic expectations. Throughout this study Peterson builds his case on the careful exegesis of relevant passages, with a keen eye for the pastoral implications of his findings. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.

Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church


J. Todd Billings - 2011
    Todd Billings recovers the biblical theme of union with Christ for today's church, making a fresh contribution to the theological discussion with important applications for theology and ministry. Drawing on Scripture and the thought of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Bavinck, and Barth, Billings shows how a theology of union with Christ can change the way believers approach worship, justice, mission, and the Christian life. He illuminates how union with Christ can change the theological conversation about thorny topics such as total depravity and the mystery of God. Billings also provides a critique and alternative to the widely accepted paradigm of incarnational ministry and explores a gospel-centered approach to social justice. Throughout, he offers a unique and lively exploration of what is so amazing about being united to the living Christ.

The First 100 Days: A Pastor's Guide


T. Scott Daniels - 2011
    Not only do these pastors have to transition into a new congregation and community, but they also have to think about building strong relationships with other influential people in the area. Almost every day, pastors of new churches face unexpected hardships and challenges. Some of the issues are financial mismanagement from their predecessor, moral or ethical misbehavior, or unresolved conflict that has just been suppressed long enough to find a new pastor. The fact is, pastors of new churches need guidance. The First 100 Days is for these pastors who need some guidance and insight to help them lead with godly wisdom and purpose during the first few months.

God Has Spoken: Revelation and the Bible


J.I. Packer - 1979
    He points the way to understanding and applying the life-changing truths of the Bible.

Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures


Dennis E. Johnson - 2007
    But moving beyond theory, Him We Proclaim provides examples of how this method applies to all Old and New Testament genres, from history and law to psalm and prophecy to doctrine and exhortation.