A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward

A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward PDF

Author: Ralph Martin

Publisher: Emmaus Road Publishing

Published: 2020-10-01

Total Pages: 435

ISBN-13: 1949013758

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Nearly forty years ago, Ralph Martin’s bestselling A Crisis of Truth exposed the damaging trends in Catholic teaching and preaching that, combined with attacks from secular society, threatened the mission and life of the Catholic Church. While much has been done to counter false teaching over the last four decades, today the Church faces even more insidious threats—from outside and within. In A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward, Martin offers a detailed look at the growing hostility to the Catholic Church and its teaching. With copious evidence, Martin uncovers the forces working to undermine the Body of Christ and offers hope to those looking for clarity. A Church in Crisis covers: -polarization in the Church caused by ambiguous teachings -initiatives that accommodate the culture without calling for conversion -Vatican-sponsored partnerships with organizations that actively contradict the teaching of the Catholic Church -and the recycling of theological errors long settled by Vatican II, Pope St. John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI. Powerfully written, A Church in Crisis reminds all readers to heed Jesus’ express command not to lead His children astray. With ample resources to encourage readers, Ralph Martin provides the solid foundation of Catholic teaching—both Scripture and Tradition—to fortify Catholics against the errors that threaten us from all directions.

Church Ahead

Church Ahead PDF

Author: Bruce G. Epperly

Publisher: Energion Publications

Published: 2020-07-14

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1631995170

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How do you feel when you see a yellow caution sign that reads “Church Ahead?” Is it a place of potential answers and guidance, or a stumbling block, holding you back? In Church Ahead, Bruce Epperly, pastor, professor, and adventurous pilgrim looks about what this sign could mean. He looks at the kinds of spiritual practice that a congregation can embrace in order to be renewed themselves, and restore their mission to those around them who are hurting and in need. This is not a rejection of “church” as an institution, but a challenge to make church into a beacon of hope and light. The mission presented in this book is not just abstract theology and spirituality. It calls for, describes, and embraces spiritual practices that have an impact on the church, the community, and the world. Each chapter includes specific activities designed to change attitudes and energize action. In answer to the ancient question voiced by the prophet Ezekiel – can these bones live? – Epperly gives an emphatic “Yes!” But the path to that life involves an embrace of spiritual life, change, and adventure in every aspect of ministry.

Do Something Else

Do Something Else PDF

Author: Nathaniel D. Phillips

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2016-02-05

Total Pages: 151

ISBN-13: 1498226388

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Do Something Else is meant to encourage faith communities and their leaders to reconsider "church as usual," reengage Spirit-led entrepreneurialism, and reimagine new models of ministry bubbling up in their midst. Many churches and leaders are already setting the pace. They are establishing new gatherings in old buildings and using new building to do old things. They are emphasizing diversity, welcome, and friendship. If these stories are hidden from view, they shouldn't be. These pages will uncover how new expressions get started, how they are led, how they struggle, and how they are sustained. Do Something Else will encourage candidates for ministry who see limited options, ministers who wonder about staying in ministry, clergy call-seekers trying to find hope in a desolate career landscape, and churches attempting to manage staffs with limited resources. It will also offer permission to small churches resigned to be "without a pastor," larger churches looking to do a new thing in an unorthodox way, and middle governing bodies who need promising examples of working models in order to take the risk on new opportunities.

Virtual Reality Church

Virtual Reality Church PDF

Author: Darrell Bock

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Published: 2021-03-02

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 0802499082

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Is Virtual Reality a Biblical Reality? The invention of the printing press catalyzed Martin Luther’s reformation; radios and televisions delivered Billy Graham’s gospel proclamations to millions of households. Technological advancements have undoubtedly advanced kingdom work for centuries—but is the same true for the burgeoning technologies of today? As virtual reality becomes increasingly prominent throughout society, churches must assess how to respond thoughtfully and biblically. In Virtual Reality Church, theologians Darrell Bock and Jonathan Armstrong present a systematic reflection on how to faithfully apply virtual reality for ministry purposes. They examine the risks—like compromising the meaning of tangible worship—and opportunities—like safely reaching persecuted churches—of integrating revolutionary technologies into the Christian life. Learn to think critically, theologically, and pastorally about new technologies so that you can faithfully advance the gospel into the future.

What's Ahead for Old First Church

What's Ahead for Old First Church PDF

Author: Ezra Earl Jones

Publisher:

Published: 1974

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13:

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This book is about the Old First Churches in the central business districts of American cities. The term Old First Church refers to a church characterized by a downtown location, members who are drawn from many sections of the city, and varied programs of activities that appeal to a wide range of people. More often than not, the name First (First Baptist, First Presbyterian, First Methodist, etc.) was chosen because it signified the first congregation of a particular denomination to be organized in the town. The material presented here is the result of a three-year study of more than three hundred downtown congregations in over one hundred cities across the country.

The Task Ahead

The Task Ahead PDF

Author: Elmer Talmage Clark

Publisher:

Published: 1925

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13:

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The missionary crisis of the Methodist Church as published and distributed under the authority of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

The A.L.A. Green Book

The A.L.A. Green Book PDF

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1922

Total Pages: 904

ISBN-13:

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Includes detail maps of all states east of Mississippi river, Ontario, Quebec and Maritime provinces.

The Witness of the Student Christian Movement

The Witness of the Student Christian Movement PDF

Author: Robin H. S. Boyd

Publisher: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13:

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The Student Christian Movement was one of the most influential movements in the 20th century. This book is the story of 'the SCM tradition' as it began and developed, as it suffered division, struggle and perhaps went astray, and as it has sought to rediscover its roots, as it faces the future in hope. "Robin Boyd shows just how much the ecumenical movement of the twentieth century owes to the SCM. So why did a movement that changed the course of church history decline in the late 1960s? Here is a well argued, penetrating and convincing answer which sheds light on today's complex ecumenical scene and has implications for the future direction of the ecumenical journey." Mary Tanner, Vice-President, World Council of Churches