This means church leaders need to create no-fail; practical ways to ensure a visitor's first impression is the best impression. Author Mark Waltz shares the strategies that work in his church--and takes "greeting" to a whole new level.When guests feel valued, they will return. And when they do, they'll have the opportunity to experience Jesus' love. Let visitors know "You matter to God, so you matter to us."Adapt these practical ideas to your church's unique setting, and it won't be long before everyone feels welcome: Learn how to create a church that's welcoming to guests with strategies on:— developing senior leadership— traffic flow— the walk to the door— to shake hands or not?— directional signs or people? Address the philosophy, strategy and implementation of a ministry that welcomes first-time and returning guests. Gain sure-fire, practical ways to make the first impression the best impression.

    Readers learn the effects that their listening has on others and insight into the effects that the listening skills of others have upon them.

    Maybe you chose to be, maybe someone else chose it for you—no matter how you got here, God has a plan to use you in ministry. You and your youth worker know that you’re new at this thing. You have leadership abilities, but you’re still a student—so how do you do it? Doug Fields has been a youth pastor for a long time, and he has helped a few students here and there figure out how to be leaders in his ministry. Now he’s here to help you. You may be afraid or overwhelmed, or you may feel privileged … or even a little cocky ... whatever the case, the tools in this book will help you get the most of your time as a leader. Here’s a little bit of what’s inside: • Learning how Jesus led others • Lightening the load of your adult leaders • Discovering the secrets of getting others involved• Deepening your own faith by serving others • Balancing your schedule—family, school, faith, leadership • Becoming an encourager You’ve been entrusted with leadership responsibilities, and Help! I’m a Student Leader! is full of hands-on leadership ideas and guidance that’ll help you discover the leadership role that you were created to fill.

    Takes the blinders off and opens your eyes to some strange and unique ways God works.”-Stephen Arterburn“This book will speak to everyong who has ever felt ‘left out’ spiritually. Larry’s insights cut through the commonly accepted, guilt-induced world of religion as he caputures the raw essence of New Testament relationship.” -Craig Groeschel

    Each of Jethro’s boys has their own character and stubborn ways, but they are no match for Jethro’s quest to get each of them married off to a good and godly young lady. Jethro enlists the help of one of the marvellous Mrs. Molly White, the proprietor of the Cozy Bridal Agency. To Jethro’s delight, Molly helps him find suitable mail order brides for each of his sons, but she also has a big surprise up her sleeve that will forever change Jethro’s world too! Every story in the 8 book series is a satisfying standalone read, but I am certain that once you are introduced to Jethro’s rambunctious household, you will want to read them all. IN THIS EDITON YOU GET 2 BOOKS IN 1!!! BOOK 1: THE SEVEN SONS OF JETHRO Jethro and Miriam Knerr decide to move their young family west, in the hopes offinding a new freedom. Five years go by and their family has swelled – Miriam and Jethro have been blessed with seven healthy sons. Anthony, the youngest, and his mother both love fishing. Despite Jethro’s warning not to go to the river one day, Miriam takes Anthony. A sudden, torrential rain swells the river in moments and Anthony and Miriam are swept away by the current. Ten more years pass and Jethro remains unmarried and faithful to his one love. But he is concerned that not one of his growing sons has yet found a wife. Taking matters into his own hands he secretly calls upon the services of one Molly White, proprietor of the Cozy Bridal Agency, to find godly wives for each of his boys. With that request, and Molly’s dedication, a family wide romantic adventure begins that leads to more weddings than old Jethro bargained for! BOOK 2: THE FLIGHT OF LOVE - The Story of Alan & Cynthia Cynthia Knowles fears for her young brothers. Ever since their parentǯs death the boys have been led astray by unsavory company. Cynthia seeks the advice of an older friend, Molly White, who has a brilliant idea –head west, away from the gangs and the unemployment and poverty of Philadelphia. Molly encourages Cynthia to accept the invitation of Jethro Knerr, to join one of his sons on their ranch. Alan, the eldest of the Knerr boys, has other ideas. The last thing he wants is the responsibility of a wife. After all, since his mother's death he has felt responsible for his aging father and younger brothers. But his father and siblings know that his stubbornness hides a deep hurt, one that has been dammed and needs to burst. Can Cynthia reach beyond Alan's grief and fear, and allow his huge heart to one again celebrate a bright and hopeful future? Or will his dismissal and rejection of her turn her away forever? The Seven Sons of Jethro is a delightful series that follows the trail of long-suffering father, Jethro's quest to marry each of his sons to a good Christian wife. The Seven Sons of Jethro is a delightful series that follows the trail of long-suffering father, Jethro’s quest to marry each of his sons to a good Christian wife. Each story is a wonderful tale in itself, and can be read as a satisfying standalone, but be warned, once you read one, you won’t be able to resist finding out what became of the other sons and their stories.

    We cage them or clip their wings to keep them where we want them. Scot McKnight contends that many, conservatives and liberals alike, attempt the same thing with the Bible. We all try to tame it. McKnight’s The Blue Parakeet has emerged at the perfect time to cool the flames of a world on fire with contention and controversy. It calls Christians to a way to read the Bible that leads beyond old debates and denominational battles. It calls Christians to stop taming the Bible and to let it speak anew for a new generation.In his books The Jesus Creed and Embracing Grace, Scot McKnight established himself as one of America’s finest Christian thinkers, an author to be reckoned with. In The Blue Parakeet, McKnight again touches the hearts and minds of today’s Christians, this time challenging them to rethink how to read the Bible, not just to puzzle it together into some systematic theology but to see it as a Story that we’re summoned to enter and to carry forward in our day. In his own inimitable style, McKnight sets traditional and liberal Christianity on its ear, leaving readers equipped, encouraged, and emboldened to be the people of faith they long to be.

    Made in the image of God and called to follow a risen Lord through the world God made--we're anything but normal. Given all that, it should not be surprising to us when miraculous things happen in our midst. Still, many of us are intimidated at the thought of it, and we stop short of trying so we won't disappoint God with our lack of faith, or--if we're being honest--so we won't be disappointed when God fails to deliver. InMiracle Work Jordan Seng tells remarkable stories of physical healings and prophetic messages. He reflects on the possibility and limitations of a contemporary ministry that believes in the power of God, and helps us train and prepare ourselves for when God works through us in the lives of others. Read Miracle Work for a better understanding of what it means to be agents of grace, healing and even miracles in a world that desperately needs the good news of God's loving, healing touch.

    Instead of clinging to grace, we strive for good and believe that the Christian life means hard work and a sweet disposition. As good girls, we focus on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods. When we fail to measure up to our own impossible standards, we hide behind our good girl masks, determined to keep our weakness a secret.In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites women to let go of the try-hard life and realize that in Christ we are free to receive from him rather than constantly try to achieve for him. With an open hand and a whimsical style, Emily uncovers the truth about the hiding, encouraging women to move from hiding behind girl-made masks and do-good performances to a life hidden with Christ in God.

    Simple. Straight to the Point. But Powerful Prayers to Renounce all Unholy Ties, Agreements, Relationships & Covenants That Are Working Against Your Life and Destiny It is possible for someone to come under demonic attacks and oppression as a result of an unholy agreement, covenant, soul-tie or relationship. In this book, I will lead you to discover, renounce and break all unholy agreements, covenants, and relationships that you have entered into, knowingly or unknowingly, which is now a spiritual barrier to God’s plans for your life.

    This inspiring, popular book has been speaking to the hearts of men for the past 10 years, and its words are still relevant. Using engaging illustrations, scriptural wisdom, practical suggestions and study questions, Kent Hughes offers a frank biblical discussion on major areas of Christian manhood: family, godliness, leadership, ministry and more. This newly revised edition is for every man who wants to know what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

    Grief Journey

    How when you take a step away from the uncertainty, the to-do list, the busy life, the worries and excuses, you take a step toward the One who promises to delight and surprise. Who brings you deeper than you ever thought possible.Two thousand years ago, 12 men answered the call to follow a man they hardly knew--and they were changed in ways they never imagined. Today that same invitation echoes across history, beckoning you to an adventure that will spill into every aspect of your faith and life. Come with Me. Will you say yes?

    Jesus established this model for us by forming and leading the first discipleship group—and it worked. The men who emerged from that group took the gospel to the world and ultimately laid down their lives for Christ. Discipleship groups can create an atmosphere for fellowship, encouragement, and accountability—building an environment where God can work. In Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples, Robby Gallaty presents a practical, easy-to-implement system for growing in one's faith. This guide offers a manual for making disciples, addressing the what, why, where, and how of discipleship. D-Groups, as Gallaty calls them, can teach you and others how to grow your relationship with God, how to defend your faith, and how to guide others in their relationships with God.Growing Up provides you with an interactive manual and resource for creating and working with discipleship groups, allowing you to gain positive information both for yourself and for others as you learn how to help others become better disciples for Christ.

    In this book Pastor Chuck teaches the call to the ministry, church government, the rapture of the church and the priority of studying the Word of God.

    Hughes, author of the Word Writers Bible study series, has been there, yet she's found a peace that runs deeper than her circumstances. In Deeper Waters, she invites you to...learn to hear God's voice through the pages of His Worddiscover a joy you never thought possible when reading the Biblemake connections in Scripture that transform your way of thinking and livingYou don't have to be in seminary to be a serious student of the Bible. God's Word is for everyone. Dive in and experience the joy that awaits in deeper waters.