Growing Your Church Through Training And Motivation

The Library of Leadership Development series. Practical insight for pastors and lay leaders to encourage and equip the whole church for the work of ministry.

A research-based approach to developing more active and involved congregations In this practical resource, well-known and respected researcher Scott Thumma and professional co-writer Warren Bird draw upon new and heretofore unpublished research across a broad range of Protestant churches of all sizes and show how to create more active members. Offers solid information of what church leaders need to know about the factors and practices that create church members who are more actively and passionately involved in their congregations. Offers a first of its kind resource for developing engaged congregations Lead author Scott Thumma is a noted researcher and writer on congregational studies Warren Bird is coauthor of Culture Shift and Viral Churches This book offers advice for moving church members from being spectators to living a life of discipleship and faith.

Everyone struggles to find explanations for their suffering. Dr. Paul Enns answers several tough, critical questions that all revolve around this central quandary of "why." Why does God allow suffering? Is suffering the result of judgment for sin? Are there even explanations for the terrors and trials we face? Dr. Enns brings answers from Scripture and from his experience as a professor and pastor, and a wounded one at that. More than anything, he brings comfort and clarity to people who are desperate for it.

Do you have a desire or calling to lead and no idea where to begin or where you are headed? Do you feel you must have a title or position to be a leader? Have you been a pastor for years but not effective in developing your leadership team? If any of this is trueXthis book is for you. This book was not written exclusively for church leadership. It will examine leadership principles that are pertinent in every area of life. Step by step it will guide you through the process of personal leadership development. It is guaranteed to give everyone who is serious about leadership useful tools and incentives to transform lives. In Part I it will introduce and define a new term with an old flavorXLeadership Christianity. Within its pages you will see how creating change and making good sound decisions are essential in your life as a leader. Part II includes a detailed examination and application of the five most important characteristics of a leader who C.A.R.E.S. Character Attitude Relationships Effective Communications Self-Discipline The final chapters of Part III are geared toward action. Showing you, the leader, how these principles can be utilized in your everyday life at home, in your church, and in your community. Rev. Wayne P. Bowman, DMin

Longtime pastor Gary Fenton writes candidly about the changes of ministry at mid-life and how pastors can finish strong in the second half. He shows pastors how to keep their ministries vibrant at any age and how to use their gifts to their full potential.

The Ministry of Helps Handbook by Buddy Bell is a unique combination of teaching, seminar guidelines and answers to often-asked questions. This useful and complete book provides pastors, and members with the tools and insights to restore the ministry of helps to their church.

As a response to the unique challenges facing the twenty-first-century American church, church planting has become a popular topic. But at a time when churches that spread the seed of the Word through preaching, the sacraments, and prayer are greatly needed, much of the focus has been on planting churches that adapt pop culture to meet “consumer demand.” In Planting, Watering, Growing, the authors of this collection of essays weave together theological wisdom, personal experiences, and practical suggestions, guiding readers through the foundations and methods of planting confessional churches that uphold the Word of God.

This is the story of the kids who built a world-class church — Heart of God Church started as a divine experiment to build a prototype Youth Church. Now it has developed into a proof of concept that Youths can build a STRONG CHURCH. GenerationS is a mindset-shifting, heart-changing book that shows you how to raise up generations of young people in your church to build His kingdom. After over 20 years, this youth church, operated by youths, for youths to reach youths, still has an average age of 22. “I see a great struggle in the global churches in keeping the young people… At Heart of God Church, things are different. After ministering in the biggest churches and conferences all over the world, what I’ve witnessed at Heart of God Church is unlike anything I have experienced before. What Heart of God Church has wonderfully modelled for us all should not only be applauded and admired; it should also be reproduced everywhere.” – JOHN BEVERE, International bestselling author The Bait of Satan, Co-Founder, Messenger International “On my most recent visit, one of my band was so wowed by the environment of the visual/video tech room – where he saw not just one operator at each station, but three... (This) was so impressive – there was one operator, one trainer and one trainee. These were people in their mid to high teens, some as young as 12 or 13... Considering the amount of responsibility a video/visual team carries in a large service, and how much specialised technical skill there is to learn... he was amazed. There was a beautiful trust being placed in these young people... and ultimately it’s the Jesus model of discipleship.” – MATT REDMAN, Two-time Grammy Award winner, singer-songwriter and worship leader Bonus #1: Contributors and ‘Inside Stories’ Read 1,000+ word contributions from 13 other contributing writers that provide an ‘inside look’ and 360º view of HOGC.

• Director of Global Relations, a Westerner’s perspective on an Asian church
• Board member in his 60s, on what older people do in a youth church
• Chief of Staff, on what goes on inside the Senior Pastors’ Office
• Head of Global Partnerships, on what co-senior pastoring looks like

Bonus #2: Comes with Digital Companion Go beyond the chapters! Access 100+ bonus content and interactive materials when you scan QR codes from within the book.