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Dallas Willard was a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers. His presence and ideas rippled through the lives of many prominent leaders and authors, such as John Ortberg, Richard Foster, James Bryan Smith, Paula Huston, and J. P. Moreland. As a result of these relationships and the books he wrote, he fundamentally altered the way tens of thousands of Christians have understood and experienced the spiritual life. Whether great or small, everyone who met Dallas was impressed by his personal attention, his calm confidence, his wisdom, and his profound sense of the spiritual. But he was not always the man who lived on a different plane of reality than so many of the rest of us. He was someone who had to learn to be a husband, a parent, a teacher, a Christ follower. The journey was not an easy one. He absorbed some of the harshest and most unfair blows life can land. His mother died when he was two, and after his father remarried he was exiled from his stepmother's home. Growing up in Depression-era, rural Missouri and educated in a one-room schoolhouse, he knew poverty, deprivation, anxiety, self-doubt, and depression. Though the pews he sat in during his early years were not offering much by way of love and mercy, Dallas, instead of turning away, kept looking for the company of a living, present, and personal God. In Gary W. Moon's candid and inspiring biography, we read how Willard became the person who mentored and partnered with his young pastor, Richard Foster, to inspire some of the most influential books on spirituality of the last generation. We see how his love of learning took him on to Baylor, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Southern California, where he became a beloved professor and one of the most versatile members of the philosophy department. The life of Dallas Willard deserves attention because he became a person who himself experienced authentic transformation of life and character. Dallas Willard not only taught about spiritual disciplines, he became a different person because of them. He became a grounded person, a spiritually alive person as he put them into practice, finding God, as he often said, "at the end of his rope." Here is a life that gives us all hope.

"In the first of the Practicing Change Series, Tod Bolsinger presents the opportunity available in a reality shaken by health, financial, social, and political disasters. He says this is as a chance to stop trying harder and begin embracing adaptability. Through observation, interpretation, and intervention, we as leaders can explore a way forward"--

"We are in a season of church meltdown.The apostle John-the beloved disciple and the author of the Gospel by the same name-wrote letters to churches caught in a turbulent season of leadership failures, divisions over interpretation and practice, church splits, and even a powerful leader stirring up dissent. Sound familiar? It seems as though the church is melting under an angry heat wave of national politics, racism, injustice, and abuse.Is there any hope?Tara Beth Leach invites us to listen for John's guidance to the church. The same message John sent to Christians in his day is also a message for us today! Darkness seems to surround us, leaving so many without hope. But Jesus, the Light of the world, invites his followers to share that light with others and become the kind of community that brings love, hope, and healing to every darkened space.Join us for these next six weeks and learn to live in the light!A New Bible Study Experience From IVP!These Bible studies offer you a fresh opportunity to engage with Scripture. Each study includes:weekly group sessions-for a group of any sizeaccess to weekly teaching videosfive days of individual study and reflection each weekThe refreshing, accessible, and insightful content from trusted Bible teachers will encourage you in your faith!"

"Greatness is overrated.People tend to measure success by worldly standards. We assume that greatness comes from charisma, influence, and followers. But God cares more about our character than about what people around us think of our reputations.Pastor Jae Hoon Lee challenges us not to pursue greatness but to grow in goodness. Jesus called his followers to cultivate character of goodness, not to aspire to positions of power. The faithful Christian life is one that seeks to become good. These reflections and meditations on the good Christian life unpack what it means for the church to live in obedience and faith, to strip away ambitious self-glorification, and to instead live humble lives of goodness and love"--

" Have you ever tasted true freedom?Russell Joyce was born with a rare craniofacial disorder called Goldenhar syndrome, where the left side of his face was not formed. Years of patchwork surgeries made him more outwardly presentable, but not without deep pain and physical and emotional scars. But a life-changing encounter broke through to him with a power he never thought possible, in the very place he never thought to look-his broken face.This set Russell on a journey to understand what was hindering him and others from experiencing the power of God's grace and being truly set free. During a season of starting a new church in Brooklyn, New York, he learned how the broken places of our lives can be transformed when Jesus meets us in the realities of our woundedness. God doesn't love us despite our wounds but through those very wounds. By his scars we are healed, and we can find new depths of freedom in Christ, scars and all.A warning: this journey will not be easy. A promise: it will be well worth the risk"--

"Since leaving local church ministry, Mike Cosper spent time examining the church's often troubled witness, its ongoing crisis of leadership, and the epidemic of narcissism, abuse, and cover-up that has continued to emerge. This book shares his journey-the shattering of dreams and the grace that restored a broken faith in the aftermath"--

"Prayers for every aspect of lifeDuring the pandemic, priest and theologian David Taylor began writing collects (an ancient form of short prayer) as a daily spiritual exercise. It was a way for him to offer back to God his own fears and anxieties. As time went on, he began to receive requests for written prayers from friends and even strangers for a wide variety of circumstances and needs. His collection of prayers grew until it numbered in the hundreds.Prayers for the Pilgrimage is a compilation of Taylor's prayers, arranged by topic and accompanied by a series of paintings by his wife, Phaedra. Here are prayers for morning and evening, work and play, public life and private life, doubt and faith-from Advent to Lent, from birth to death.The Christian faith invites us to pray all of our lives back to God, lest we begin to believe that there is any part of our lives that God doesn't see or isn't interested in seeing. Prayers for the Pilgrimage gives us not only specific prayers but also a model for understanding our whole lives as prayer"--

"You are welcome.No one is a stranger to loneliness. Despite how social we are via text, chat, and notifications, we are far from being truly connected. We all want someone else to really see us and choose us for who we are. We want a place to finally fit in. But what if finding the right people or the right place is not the answer?From her community-building background, Sarah E. Westfall takes our longing to belong as an invitation to embrace and extend the deep love of God. After years contemplating how she fit in and trying to earn acceptance, she realized "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." Through narrative, research, Scripture, and spiritual practice, she teaches how belonging is a way of being-a posture of welcome in the spirit of the Father who extends his arms to those returning and those who don't yet know they've resisted his love.Whether you understand the perspective of the outsider in need of acceptance well or you're eager to include, the barriers to belonging can come down as Sarah gently guides us toward deep connection-a connection where our humanity draws us closer to people and envelops us in the heart of God. Embark with Sarah on this challenge that will awaken your empathy and affirm you with the truth of these words: "You are welcome."Includes a two-session group guide"--

God's kingdom is not far away, a remote and future promise. It is here, now. In this deeply joyful book, Anglican priest and retreat director Chris Webb invites us to live in the reality of God's presence in our everyday lives and experience its freedom. Enter into community, fearless honesty, the daily experience of God, and a new life of love and service in the broken world.

"Grace Ji-Sun Kim explores the historical origins and theological implications of the myth of the white male God. Examining the roots of the distortion and its harmful impact on the world, Kim shows what it looks like to recover the biblical reality of a nonwhite, nongendered God, leading us to a more just faith and a better church and world"--

"Life's biggest setbacks and disasters can actually be essential passageways in our relationship with God and opportunities to grow in leadership. In this illuminating guidebook, Gayle D. Beebe identifies seven crucibles-powerful catalysts for transformation-that, when embraced, shape us on our journey and become a bedrock for a better, richer faith"--

"Every day, an unseen battle is going on around us in the spiritual realm. God has provided everything we need to stand firm and resist evil, but we are called to be actively aware of both the struggle and the resources available.In Ephesians 6 the apostle Paul gives us the clearest description anywhere in Scripture of believers' resources for the spiritual battle. He vividly describes them as armor, which we must repeatedly take up in prayerful reliance on God.In this eight-session LifeGuideª Bible Study, Douglas Connelly unpacks each element of the armor of God, from the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit. Readers will explore the context of the Ephesians 6 passage along with additional texts that help them dig deeper into each theme. This guide features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, plus leader's notes to help facilitate discussion.For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions-making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies"--

"After assuming the rapid pace and stress of city living in the States, Jodie Grubbs realized God was bidding her to return to the "island time" of her childhood home. Evoking the gentle rhythms of Bonaire in the Caribbean, Jodie invites you to a life anchored by the forced pauses of spiritual practices and an openhandedness before God"--

"Part spiritual memoir, part nature observation, part devotional, this book invites the reader to travel with other pilgrims in order to grow in Christ throughout the year. It begins with Advent, and the manger scene, then travels through the seasons of the church year, of nature, and of life, offering weekly reflections on various themes connected with holiday and ordinary times alike"--

"The world has changed, and we minister in places we have never been in before. As the world screams for our focus, it's essential to become attentive to God, our congregation, and our community. Kevin Ford and Jim Singleton call for attentive churches with attentive leaders to discern cultural and organizational change and pivot accordingly"--

"Does prayer matter?What we believe about prayer reflects what we believe about God. Maybe you believe God is all-powerful and wise, but not attentive to your little corner of the world? Fortunately, the Bible tells us a different story. Over and over again, we are reminded that God is both great and good, and that we are cared for and fully known by him. So God welcomes all our prayers and invites us to pray about everything-to entrust him with all things both big and small, joyful and enraging, and to pray fervently.Whether you consider yourself a prayer warrior or prayer newbie (or even a prayer skeptic), you are invited to join this six-week Bible study experience. Liz Ditty, an experienced spiritual director and retreat leader, invites groups and individuals to experience dozens of ways to pray alone and together. As she engages the story of Elijah and his encounters with God, she guides us toward less awkward, more authentic prayer.A New Bible Study Experience From IVPThese Bible studies offer you a fresh opportunity to engage with Scripture. Each study includes:weekly sessions for a group of any sizeaccess to weekly teaching videosfive days of individual study and reflection each weekThe refreshing, accessible, and insightful content from trusted Bible teachers will encourage you in your faith!"

Many Christians don't disciple others because they think it's the church leaders' responsibility. But Jesus commanded all his disciples to go and make disciples. If we're honest, many of us hesitate to disciple others because we don't feel qualified, fear we'll do more harm than good, and think we don't have time for it. Yolanda Solomon provides a practical guide to help us become disciples who are empowered by Jesus to make disciples.Through biblical exposition and personal narrative, Solomon describes the beauty of discipleship in a way that will (re)ignite your passion to disciple others. Discipleship as Holy Collaboration describes the traits of a disciple and examines how disciples are made as people encounter a love that empowers and compels them to continue Jesus' mission. She walks us through the life of Jesus, pointing out numerous examples of embodied discipleship that we can implement in our own context. Solomon describes Jesus' call to make disciples as an invitation to collaborate with God in a sacred group project. The book also includes a discussion guide and multiple step-by-step praxis activities to encourage and equip you to answer the call.

In recent years there has been a revival of interest in the Book of Common Prayer, especially the classic 1662 version. Beloved for its language and theology, the classic Prayer Book is the fountainhead for almost all later editions of the Book of Common Prayer and remains a widely recognized standard for worship in the Anglican tradition. More than simply a collection of prayers, the Book of Common Prayer offers a transformative engagement with the Bible and a framework for our spiritual lives.In How to Use the Book of Common Prayer, Samuel Bray and Drew Keane (editors of The 1662 Book of Common Prayer: International Edition) introduce the classic Prayer Book to newcomers. Beginning with a brief history and case for liturgical prayer, they walk through daily morning and evening prayer, baptism and Communion, the church year, and the Prayer Book's plan for reading the Bible. This is not only an introduction to the Prayer Book--it's a guide to letting it form your faith.

Sometimes hope can feel like a scam--a swindle, a hustle. You thought it was real, and you bought into it. But then the tables turn, and you feel like you've been hustled--like you've been had.As Christians, we often respond to the brokenness of life as if we do not actually have hope--as if the promises of God are not really certain. But Pastor Irwyn Ince assures us that not only do we have hope, but that hope cannot disappoint us because it is validated by God himself. Hope Ain't a Hustle is a clear and accessible exploration of the epistle to the Hebrews, urging us to place our confidence in the finished work of our great high priest, Jesus Christ, and showing how that confidence changes the way we live in the here and now.It's not that Christians don't face grief or anger, disappointment or deep sorrow. It's that we don't face them as those "who have no hope."

"Is anxiety an unwelcome shadow over your days, bringing with it clenched teeth and an upset stomach? Alan Fadling brings counsel on how to learn a better way and who to look to for it: Jesus, "the ultimate non-anxious presence." Join Alan in releasing anxiety and taking up authentic love in A Non-Anxious Life"--

For too many of us, work seems tedious, painful, or meaningless. And we don't know what to do about it. Jeff Haanen offers a way out of disintegration and shows work can become a way to love God, serve our neighbors, and demonstrate the gospel to the world. Living from the inside out can change our work and heal our world.

365 Devotional based on the Food for the Journey Themes series from Keswick Ministries.

"Sometimes, we feel stretched further than we ever thought physically, emotionally, or spiritually possible. In this honest, inspirational, and humorous book, Katie Schnack looks at the hard realities of life with no sugar coating or toxic positivity, but also gently reminds us of the good. Even in dark times, we can get glimpses of life"--

"e;So you want to witness! I did too, but I didn't have a clue about how to do it without stubbing my toe in the process."e; So begins the book that has helped more than a million people give their faith to others. Paul Little's humor and down-to-earth approach help show how friendly and natural evangelism can really be. "e;Impossible!"e; you may say. "e;I just don't know what I'd tell people. What if I can't answer their questions? What if they think I'm just strange?"e; Paul Little has faced these sames fears and found effective and bibilcal ways to overcome them. Thoroughly revised by Marie Little and featuring a study guide for individuals or groups, How to Give Away Your Faith is as current as it is classic. Now more than ever, here is the book to excite you about giving away your faith.

"Though many translations aim to make Scripture as accessible as possible, in fact it speaks to us as an ancient text to the modern world. Clever in its expression and stunning in its boldness, this daring approach to Scripture will challenge readers to experience God's Word anew without masking the distance between the text and modern readers"--

"The more you understand someone's history, the better you can see their humanity. Terence Lester shares the buried history of the struggles that Black people have faced against unjust systems, paving the way for the church to move beyond showing support from a distance toward long-term solidarity, advocacy, and friendship"--