Bøger af L. Roger Owens

Many urban congregations remember days of fame and fortunedays when their prominence downtown or in city neighborhoods mattered. Population shifts, the decline of congregations and neighborhoods, and demographic changes depleted the dreams of many urban churches. But not all churches gave up hope. Many congregations are struggling to survive, but thousands of urban churches are thriving again. Churches with revived hope learn to let go of nostalgic dreams and tired habits and to walk with God into a new day of vibrant mission and ministry.Donna Claycomb Sokol and Roger Owens share lessons they've learned on the job and from other urban pastors. Along the way, they challenge clichs about church leadership and strategic planning by showing what congregational renewal can look like and how it can become a reality. Each chapter features a set of practical guidelines for leading a congregation to address the questions that matter most.';The urban church can be quite a challenge. I know because I've served a couple. Now, two thoughtful pastors with actual urban church experience take an affectionate, positive, honest, and hopeful look at the urban church and give practical wisdom for the revival of languishing urban congregations. There's a remarkable revival of the urban church in North America. Donna and Roger can help you be part of it!' William H. Willimon, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC; retired bishop, The United Methodist Church';Three things excite me most about this book: First, these two young pastors understand the strategic importance of urban ministry and are passionately committed to it. Second, they show that when you turn from tired ';church growth' and corporate paradigms, choosing rather to model your ministry on Jesus, new life happens. And third, they explain that transformation is about journeying faithfully with the questions rather than looking for quick-fix techniques. This book could change your ministry.' Peter Storey, South African church leader; W. Ruth and A. Morris Williams Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC

"e;I challenge you to get through a chapter of this book without a desire for God being struck in your soul. Roger Owens wears his brilliance lightly and loves words tenderly and lavishly in these pages. He is ferociously gifted, and fast becoming one of the abbas to whom the reading church often turns for a word from the Lord."e; -Jason Byassee, Senior Pastor of Boone United Methodist Church and a Fellow in Theology & Leadership at Duke Divinity SchoolWith a style and warmth of presentation that will remind readers of Henri Nouwen's most popular work, Abba Give Me a Word interweaves the author's personal stories of struggle - and transformation - with reflections on the history and purpose of spiritual direction. The result is a wise introduction to an ancient art and practice of "e;soul care"e; - directed at Christians of all backgrounds. "e;This is a guide for those eager for a serious yet joyful journey from isolation to communion. It is about companionship on the greatest journey anyone can undertake. It is about kindness in the old sense of the word."e; -Alan Jones - Dean Emeritus of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, and the author of Soul Making

-Thoughtful exploration of midlife spirituality through the prism of nature walks -Study questions for each section