The Renewal Of The Heart Is The Mission Of The Church

John Wesley has arguably influenced more American Christians than any other Protestant interpreter. One reason for this wide influence is that Wesley often spoke about the heart and its affections - that realm of life where all humans experience their deepest satisfactions, as well as some of their deepest conundrums. However, one of the problems of interpreting and appropriating Wesley is that we have been blinded to Wesley's actual views aboutJohn Wesley has arguably influenced more American Christiansthan any other Protestant interpreter. One reason for this wide influence is that Wesley often spoke about the heart and its affections - that realm of life where all humans experience their deepest satisfactions, as well as some of their deepest conundrums. However, one of the problems of interpreting and appropriating Wesley is that we have been blinded to Wesley's actual views about

As Christians, we know that we are new creations in Jesus. So we try to act differently, hoping this will make us more like Him. But changing our outward behavior doesn’t change our hearts. Only by God’s grace can we be transformed internally. Renovation of the Heart lays a biblical foundation for understanding what best-selling author Dallas Willard calls the “transformation of the spirit”—a divine process that “brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God.” This fresh approach to spiritual growth explains the biblical reasons why Christians need to undergo change in six aspects of life: thought, feeling, will, body, social context, and soul. Willard also outlines a general pattern of transformation in each area, not as a sterile formula but as a practical process that you can follow without the guilt or perfectionism so many Christians wrestle with. Don’t settle for complacency. Accept the challenge Renovation of the Heart offers to become an intentional apprentice of Jesus Christ, changing daily as you walk with Him.

Seeking the Lost, Keeping Them, Making Them Disciples By: Dr. Benoit Petit-Homme God bless Dr. Benoit Petit-Homme for all the work he has done in putting this book together. I believe that any church or leader who will follow these biblically-grounded principles will see beautiful results in changed lives for the kingdom. Teresa L. Reeve, PhD, Associate Dean, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Associate Professor of New Testament Contexts, Andrews University, United States of America Dr. Benoit Petit-Homme’s contribution to the discipleship crisis is a compelling re-examination of scripture, church history, and 21st century pastoral experience. Practical and convincing, his straightforward style brings real solutions to the evangelistic Achilles’ heels of attrition. He reminds us of what has been forgotten and calls us back to our relational roots. Pr. Ron Kelly, Senior Pastor, Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States of America Seeking the Lost, Keeping Them, Making Them Disciples by Dr. Benoit Petit-Homme is a handy Christ-based discipleship resource that will contribute to the mission of training and equipping church ministry leaders in the evangelistic work of reaping, retaining, and nurturing new believing Christians. This is a must-read for church officers, pastors, and ministry directors in the Christian church. Ron C. Smith, PhD., D.Min, President, Southern Union Conference of SDA Every year, many thousands of people hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and choose to be baptized and join a church community. Unfortunately, it is also true that every year many new converts leave a church relatively shortly after joining. The specific reasons that each person leaves the church could fill a book by themselves, but they all boil down to one thing: a lack of focus on the part of the church community on turning converts into disciples of our Savior. A disciple of Christ does more than attend church services. A disciple is an active member of the church community. A disciple is a witness to others. A disciple seeks to grow the church by seeking to lead everyone they meet to Christ. Dr. Benoit Petit-Homme is a committed disciple of Christ, and after extensive study of exactly why new converts leave the church, he has developed a process by which any church can make disciples. All it takes is a little extra work, a bit of encouragement, and an unwavering faith in the Lord.

In this scripturally rich exploration, senior missiologist Craig Ott unpacks the mission statement of the church: to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people. This concise yet robust biblical-theological treatment focuses on God's glory, a strong ecclesiology, the importance of Scripture, and practical implications for congregational and mission practice. Ideal for launching discussion and reflection, the book helps readers refocus their vision and reignite their commitment to fulfilling God's purposes for their church or mission.

Social justice and mission are hot topics today: there's a wonderful resurgence of motivated Christians passionate about spreading the gospel and caring for the needs of others. But in our zeal to get sharing and serving, many are unclear on gospel and mission. Yes, we are called to spend ourselves for the sake of others, but what is the church's unique priority as it engages the world? DeYoung and Gilbert write to help Christians "articulate and live out their views on the mission of the church in ways that are theologically faithful, exegetically careful, and personally sustainable." Looking at the Bible's teaching on evangelism, social justice, and shalom, they explore the what, why, and how of the church's mission. From defining "mission", to examining key passages on social justice and their application, to setting our efforts in the context of God's rule, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a wise, studied perspective to the missional conversation. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus' call to preach the Word and make disciples.

Discusses how to develop a church's strengths so that a renewal can take place. Explores the role of the Holy Spirit and provides tips on strengthening a personal relationship with God.

A Future that’s Bigger than the Past sets out a vision for renewing the local church that is energising, realistic and practical for small and large congregations alike. In response to prevailing narratives of decline, it reimagines how the church can live its vocation of receiving the abundance God gives us, and sharing that abundance far and wide. It recognises the surprising, exuberant and plentiful things that the Holy Spirit is doing in the world and calls the church to celebrate creation, enjoy culture and share in their flourishing. With a rich theological foundation and borne out in the practical experience of a growing number of local church communities, this groundbreaking book will enable churches to discover fresh ways in which they can become a blessing to the communities they serve.