Rediscovering The Ministry Of Blessing

The Bible teaches us', Russ Parker writes, 'that blessing is a unique ministry resource gifted to believers to effect the purposes of God in peoples' lives.' In this enthralling book, the author tells of situations of family estrangement, depression and chronic illness; of times of hopelessness and helplessness where miraculous transformation has been wrought through calling on God to bless someone with the richest blessing they are able to receive. As he has travelled the country teaching on the ministry of blessing, Russ has seen an enthusiastic response and uptake, especially amongst those involved in prayer ministry. He believes it is time for all who want to be part of God's renewal - both in church and through reaching out to the wider community - to consider how we might help others to flourish as the people God has called them to be. 'Russ Parker's ground breaking work on healing community history will be so helpful to churches. It has greatly helped me.' The Rt Revd Graeme Dow, former Bishop of Carlisle

It is not possible to look at the ministry of Jesus without noticing his concern for the poor and the sick. He not only had a huge sense of compassion for people who were suffering, but sent people out to heal the sick and tell them the Kingdom of God is near them. This concern for health and wholeness has inspired Christians through the ages as they have cared for the sick, founded hospitals, and been at the forefront of public health movements. In the nineteenth century, the church was one of the major influencers in initiating ministries of health, both through the work of its own deaconesses and the involvement of its members as they felt a sense of vocation to nursing and public health work. Florence Nightingale was a theologian and statistician as well as being a nurse leader. However, with the advent of state health provision and private health insurance schemes, the role of the local church in health has diminished. This book describes a simple way for churches to re-engage with health ministry and presents evidence that underlines not only a Biblical authenticity for its place in the mission of a local church, but also a compelling rationale for its implementation. It will be of interest to church leaders and all those involved in health care.

Best-selling authors Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson offer encouragement to pastors. Pastors are strategically placed to counter the culture. No other profession looks so inoffensive but is in fact so dangerous to the status quo. Their weapon? A gospel that is profoundly countercultural. But standing firm in today's world isn't easy. Powerful forces, both subtle and obvious, attempt to domesticate pastors, to make them, in a word, unnecessary. In this book, two of today's most respected authors help pastors recover their gospel identity and maintain a pure vision of Christian leadership. Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson reconnect pastors with the biblical texts that will train them as countercultural servants of the gospel. Marva Dawn looks to Paul's letter to the Ephesians for instruction for churches seeking to live faithfully in today's world. In turn, Eugene Peterson explores Romans, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus, drawing from them the correct view of pastoral identity.

John Koenig presents a rich variety of prayer practices that reflect the real prayer experience of Christ and his followers. Recapturing the earliest believers' extraordinary encounters with the Holy, Koenig offers prayer as instruction for the mind, renewal of the spirit, and help in effecting positive change in one's life.

In the hands of those looking for relevant ways to carry out personal ministry, this book provides quick access to blessings for common situations in everyday life. (Christian)

Our affluent culture often equates blessing with prosperity, health, success, and the accumulation of material possessions. That simplistic definition misses the ultimate blessing -- to know God and to be used for His purpose. The Ultimate Blessing is a snapshot of the blessed life. Jo Anne Lyon's personal stories of power, loss, reconciliation, and hope show that those who experience God's greatest blessing will be changed -- and will be world changers! Discover the blessing that is deeper than personal comfort. Book jacket.

Military chaplains are highly trained professionals with multiple graduate degrees and varying civilian pastoral experience. They enter the chaplaincy after a rigorous selection process and military courses, which all must verify their calling to military ministry. Throughout a chaplain’s career, he or she will attend many continuing education seminars, civilian education graduate programs, and conferences, all provided by the military. However, chaplains are challenged with the rigorous multitasked environment of this ministry. Multiple deployments into combat have negatively impacted the personal lives of those seeking to care for the souls of the soldier. This book encourages the importance of spiritual resiliency in the lives of leaders, both military and civilian. Leaders who regularly practice spiritual disciplines will be less likely to suffer personal and professional failure, or burnout. Second, the leader’s practice of spiritual disciplines is essential to fostering positive modeling and mentoring for young chaplains and those wishing to serve. Third, practicing historic Christian spiritual disciplines will benefit those who strive to lead congregations and especially military installations in the free exercise of their faith.

You’re invited on a spiritual pilgrimage to the windswept hills of Wales. Within that small, praying community known as Ffald-y-Brenin, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the broken receive healing. Roy Godwin reveals how God has given believers the authority to bless others. As the executive director of the Wales retreat center, he shares how this ministry began, stories of miraculous healings, and ways you can usher God’s presence into your community. It begins when we stop chasing blessings and become God’s conduit for blessing others.