Some Things I Never Learned In Bible College

This book explores several different aspects of a pastoraEUR(tm)s ministry and life. What is written here is the result of nearly fifty years of experience and observations. It is my hope that this will help many pastors who are relatively new to their mission. I wished I had known some of these matters when I first entered the ministry. Being a pastor is a difficult challenge of which I hope to ease in some small way.The chapters in this book are topical in nature with some connecting to others but often many exploring entirely different subjects. Pastors are leaders, and some are quite opinionated. I would suspect that many pastors will be agreeable with some chapters and opposed to others. ThataEUR(tm)s okay. I want to suggest ideas and challenge other concepts. Use what you can, and may some of these ideas promote and advance the cause of Christ.

For many believers, the preferred approach to Christianity is passive; that is, they would prefer to let church leaders give them answers about their faith rather than engaging in an active pursuit on their own. As a result, traditional doctrines and beliefs are generally accepted without question. This was the path the author followed for over fifteen years. Surprisingly, it wasn't until she left Christianity that she began an in-depth study of the Christian faith. "Things I Never Learned in Sunday School" is the result of her efforts. With nearly 200 reference notes and numerous scripture quotations, she examines the infallibility of the bible, the resurrection, the existence of Satan, the fate of the unsaved, the Antichrist, the end times, even the identity of God. She also provides extensive insight into why Paul played such an important role in establishing Christianity. The final conclusion? Many doctrines taught in Sunday School and church often have little basis in fact - and several are not addressed at all. Some readers may find the contents of this book unsettling. On the other hand, when read with an open and inquiring mind, it could very well result in a spiritual awakening.

In churches today, there are ever fewer older pastors speaking into the lives of younger leaders, and fewer younger leaders feeling there is much to be learned from the experience of their elders. Street-smart wisdom is gone from training as there are many men and women preparing pastors who have never themselves pastored a church. Intriguingly, even older, more seasoned pastors yearn for insight into their task, as they remain "undiscipled" in the school of leadership. In What They Didn't Teach You in Seminary, veteran pastor James Emery White provides the kind of mentoring young pastors desperately need but cannot get from academia or leadership books. These "from the trenches" insights will help them transform their relationships with staff and parishoners, develop healthy boundaries, deliver hard truths, avoid spiritual pitfalls, use their time effectively, and much more.

“Hilarious. . . . It’s Cliff Notes for Scripture—screenplay by Plotz, story by God. . . . In the end, though, the book is made by the spirit of the writer.” — The New York Times Book Review “Like the Bible itself, Good Book contains multitudes—it is by turns thought-provoking, funny, enlightening and moving.” — A. J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically “Plotz is a genius writer.” — Franklin Foer, author of How Soccer Explains the World A whip-smart, laugh-out-loud tour through the most important book in the world, a book most people have never read: the Bible.

Ten African-American leaders in the church tell their stories of how they embraced Reformed theology and what effect it has had on their lives and ministries. The ten men who have contributed to this book are often asked, "How did you come to embrace Reformed theology?" With the recent surge in popularity of Reformed theology in the broader evangelical world and the growing interest among African-Americans, it shouldn't seem curious that more and more African-American churchmen are embracing Reformed theology. But the question remains, and Glory Road provides an answer, using personal accounts tracing their conversion to Christianity, their introduction to and embrace of Reformed theology, and this theology's effect on their lives and ministries. Ultimately, Glory Road is about the glory of God in providentially bringing men and women to the truths of salvation. In addition to the book's editor, Anthony J. Carter, Glory Road includes contributions from such notable pastors as Thabiti Anyabwile, Ken Jones, Michael Leach, and Eric Redmond.

Joe came out of prison a changed man. There would be no more drugs and no more crime. He had lived precariously all his adult life, but he hoped to leave all that behind. He was starting over. Joe found his way to his grandfather's house in a small town. He faced his challenges head on, but there was one memory he couldn't shake. Coming out of prison, Joe discovered that he had a two-year-old son. Little Stevie was thriving with parents who loved him, and Joe wouldn't interfere. Long ago, he'd decided to never have kids. No sweet little kid deserved a dad like him. Joe went to church and joined a men's Bible study. Many of the people he met there reminded him about-but more importantly, showed him-God's love and grace. Compelled by this truth, Joe gave his life to Christ, and God began to use him. But then tragedy struck. After picking up the newspaper at the coffee shop, Joe shouted out in anguish at what he had read. His mind was numb. His heart was broken. What could he do? Joe didn't understand, but soon he would stand amazed as he watched God's plan unfold.

What will Heaven be like? Randy Alcorn presents a thoroughly biblical answer, based on years of careful study. His conclusions will surprise readers and stretch their thinking about this important subject.