The Predictability Factor is a unique book addressing the predictability of future success of new churches and existing churches attempting to turn from decline to growth. Predictability is something sought in virtually every field. For example, in weather forecasting, the ability to understand what components in the atmosphere produce predictable results can save many lives. In the field of church starting and church revitalization, the ability to identify the key components necessary to ...

“It is better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot” ANATOLE FRANCE This book provides a user friendly introduction to atheism. Does god exist? The problem of evil, misconceptions, contradictions and how these and more influence todays societies. Not dwelling on any point for too long, the author manages to hold your interest and engage your intellect. Many points are raised in the book, this is done in such a way as to let the reader explore and discover the a...

Christmas is our most important holiday, and its literature is correspondingly rich. Yet until now no adequate bundle of Christmas treasures in poetry and prose has found its way into the library of Santa Claus. While this book brings to children of all ages, in school and at home, the best lyrics, carols, essays, plays and stories of Christmas, its scope is yet wider. For the Introduction gives a rapid view of the holiday's origin and development, its relation to cognate pagan festivals, ...

Assigned to a quiet corner of Ireland's most remote county, Martin Ridge was heading for retirement after a long career with An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force. All that changed when a call from a local priest set in motion what would become the most horrific sex abuse investigation the island had ever known. At Christmas 1997 a local priest Fr Eugene Greene reported to the Gardaí that a man had tried to blackmail him. This call, an act of hubris, set in motion a Garda investigation...

"I can't recall ever making this statement about a book: church leaders need this."--Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO, LifeWay Christian ResourcesChurch health is measured by more than just numbers, but declining membership is often a key symptom of a church in crisis. Drawing on lessons he's learned in his own journey of leading church transformation, pastor Andrew Davis offers strategic, proven, and biblically grounded advice on how to move forward with hope and...

We say the Creed at Mass every Sunday, but how did it come to be and what does it really mean for our lives? The Creed: A Catechist's Guide shows how the Creed can take us into the heart of the Christian mystery and fill us with awe. Rooted in Scripture and Church teaching, each succinct chapter addresses one statement of the Apostle's Creed, offering a wealth of historical and biblical background, reflection questions, meditations, prayers, and activity ideas you may have never associated...

A missional imagination is needed to create environments for Christians in which to flourish as active agents of Christ promoting an engaging and harmonious life with God and with neighbors. This book will name several key theological principles and strategic principles to be implemented for creating environments for missional engagement. The local church will be utilized to provide examples of how these principles can be deployed. The book will also propose future endeavours that ...

David Anderson writes about multicultural leadership not from the perspective of an ivory tower intellectual, but as a hands-on practitioner who loves and believes in the body of Christ. . . . If you believe there is no solution to the race problem, I urge you to reconsider and to learn from someone who is on the frontlines of making multicultural ministry a reality in the church today.—Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor, Willow Creek Community ChurchMulticulturalism isn’t a trend, it...

Younger Christians are leaving the church in droves, frustrated and disillusioned by the track record of American Christianity. Older Christians, who still lead most churches, are concerned about this trend. But the generations don't see eye to eye on many things. Here two evangelical leaders forty years apart in age discuss some of the biggest issues challenging Christianity today and into the future, such as marriage, homosexuality, creation care, and politics. The authors model and cult...

Just as physical families have to face difficulties, so every group of believers will face challenges in their life together. In Christ Alone, Jon Zens opens up five crucial areas that every group will wrestle with at some point in their journey. The first challenge—for Christ to be everything—is the first priority and the other four challenges flow out of it. How do we show that we trust Christ as our Leader? How can we deepen our relationships with one another? Do w...

Melody Lavin challenges pastors, worship leaders, music ministers, choir directors and worship team members in her new book To None But God.  True worship and anointed teaching from God’s Word are the power team that God uses to encourage and equip His people.  When we get past ourselves, our personal agendas and the song set list, and we allow God’s Spirit to direct our worship of the Father God, we connect with Him.  To None But God shares how to get there. The author pres...