Ministry In Three Dimensions

In Ministry in Three Dimensions, Steven Croft outlines the challenges - greater geographical and social mobility, and older, smaller congregations, for example - that today’s society presents to the churches, explaining that models of mission and ministry which were once perfectly adequate no longer work in this new situation.The author identifies some of the potentially harmful ways in which attempts have been made to meet these new challenges, suggesting the use of secular management models as one such false trail. Far better and more fruitful is to recover a biblically-based understanding of ministry.In scripture and through Church history he explores the dimensions of ministry indicated by three different Greek words found in the New Testament: diakonia, presbyteros and episcope, uncovering the rich tradition surrounding what it means to be an ordained leader in the Church.Steven Croft draws out insights from which a new, relevant understanding of ordained ministry can be built across the denominations, and explores how to put these insights into practice, suggesting ways in which each minister can balance the three dimensions in their own setting.

Paul of Tarsus, the Pharisee who tried to destroy the church of God, experienced a conversion to faith in Jesus Christ that was to turn his life upside down and lead to his becoming one of the greatest missionaries and theologians of all time. His theology is highly controversial and has both inspired and appalled his listeners. Richard Bell presents the major themes in Paul’s theology and also asks what he got right, what he got wrong, and what in his theology needs reinterpreting for the twenty-first century. The book thereby shows the ongoing relevance of Paul’s thought for today. To accompany this volume, a website of music designed to add an experiential dimension in discovering Paul’s message for the world can be found at richardhbell.co.uk.

"Is your gospel 3D? Western theology emphasizes legal forgiveness of sins, but people in the Majority World seek honor or spiritual power. In today's globalized world, Christians need a three-dimensional gospel. Learn how the Bible speaks to cultures of guilt, shame, and fear, and enhance your cross-cultural ministry among the nations! The 3D Gospel is a concise book explaining the world's three primary culture types and how Christians can fruitfully minister cross-culturally. To equip believers with a dynamic view of gospel, The 3D Gospel explains the following aspects of guilt, shame, and fear cultures: The main cultural characteristics; How people function in everyday life; The biblical narrative of salvation; Doctrines of original sin and the atonement of Jesus; Definitions of 40+ theological categories; Key verses from scripture; Two separate evangelistic approaches; A contextualized form of Christian witness; Practical tips for relationships and communication."--HonorShame.com

Could there be anything more exciting and blessed assurance in our life than knowing that the creator of the universe loves us? That is what this book “God’s love in 3-dimensions” is about, God’s love for us, and His designed purpose for our lives; Reflecting back over more than forty years of service in the Body of Christ; I have found the most important things to be taught and expressed, to bring love and unity, and success to the life of the Church, and to our personal lives are, “God’s love for us,” “Our love for God,” and “Our love for one another.” For the success and the life of the Church, and for our personal lives, God’s love must prevail. “God’s Love in 3-dimensions” reiterates the plea of the writings of our Lord’s Apostles, and the prayer of our Lord, for love and unity. The apostles of our Lord pleaded for us throughout the scriptures to have love and unity through the Spirit of God’s love. Jesus our Lord prayed for God’s unity and love for His followers; “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You.” “I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them.”(John 17:21&26). What great accomplishments and success await us when we walk in unity with our Lord and Heavenly Father. The greatness of God’s love, joy and peace fills our hearts, souls and minds, providing divine direction and assurance as we walk in our Lord’s Spirit of love. And what great accomplishments have been made by the body of Christ when our Lord’s love and unity prevail among His body members, when working together in the directives and spirit of their Lord. What creates and produces unity with the Heavenly Father, within us, and within the body of Christ? God’s love! What motivated God’s plan of salvation for mankind? God’s love! What power innovated and sustained our Lord, and Savior, in carrying out God’s plan of salvation? God’s love! What would be the greatest and most significant news a person could receive? God loves you! What is the greatest and most significant news one could ever share with another? God loves you! What brings unity and peace within our individual selves, and the Lord’s Church? The knowledge, the receiving, and the expression of God’s love! This book is written through the spiritual desire to glorify and praise the Triune God Head, for their love.

Is 'Leadership' a useful sociological tool in the increasing professionalisation of the Church's ministry and mission, or a dangerous threat, akin to a heresy? Every human endeavour, from a primary school to the government, needs leadership. The Church believes itself to have a clear understanding of what constitutes Christian leadership, but advocates of leadership have been unable to give a clear, concise and universally accepted definition of the term. Justin Lewis-Anthony argues that our understanding of both secular ('managerial') and religious ('missional') leadership has been fatally compromised by the unconscious functioning of 'mythic' leadership, presented through the medium of the dominant culture of our own day, popular Hollywood film. We describe our leaders as if they should be collaborative, enabling, saints and/or expect them to show our enemies who is boss. We search for the 'great man' who will rescue us from all our problems through redemptive violence - within the Church, we talk about Jesus Christ but we expect John Wayne. This book shows how leadership is, at best, a 'contested concept' and at worst a dangerous, violent and totalitarian heresy.

Ministry Training Academies are dynamic ministries that train and release children to do ministry. They provide children with a unique opportunity to learn ministry through hands-on experience. Ministry Training Academies also help to fulfill the purpose of the local church. Given that children make up approximately 25% of the church population, it would be unlikely for a church to fulfill what God has called it to do unless children are engaged in helping fulfill that purpose. Can you imagine if every evangelical church equipped and released their children in ministry? Not only would there be radical changes in the church of Jesus Christ, there would be changes in homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Children who walk in newness of Christ as a believer AND partner with Him in ministry, will have a profound impact in their world. Let's stop doing ministry to our children and begin a chapter in church history where we begin doing ministry WITH children.

An invitation to vital Christianity through an exploration of the practical implications of the doctrine of the Trinity, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Christ through His Body, the church. Praise for Christianity in 3D The Word, the Spirit, and the Community of Faith guide Hart’s heart in this endeavor. The reader will discover a God of infinite dimensions who desires to redeem, transform, and empower us and to involve us in the work of his kingdom—preaching, teaching, and healing. Hart as an author is a scholar and an evangelist. His commitment to truth and his passion for souls merge in this volume. Indeed truth is aflame here! —Dr. Thomson Mathew, Dean, College of Theology and Ministry, Oral Roberts University The life of faith is not supposed to be a dental appointment interrupted every now and again by falling asleep. Dr. Larry Hart calls us to put on the right glasses, turn them on and watch the adventure leap off the screen. Hart is a bold heart! And he summons us into the fray. A terrific book—if you’re not afraid of 3D! —Dr. Mark Rutland, Founder and President of Global Servants, Founder and Director of the National Institute of Christian Leadership Larry Hart of Oral Roberts University is one the most cheerful and positive Christians I have ever known. His new book, Christianity in 3D, glows with his personality and his joyful love of theology. A very good writer, Hart connects with the reader with a most readable summary of just who God is. If you love the Lord, you will love this book. —Dr. Vinson Synan, Dean Emeritus, Regent University School of Divinity