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Psalms for Black Lives includes thirty devotions, each containing a psalm, a reflection, and an invitation for the reader to develop a justice imagination through further engagement with the text. Psalms for Black Lives also includes daily discussion questions to support small-group study and a guide for congregational and community groups who want to embody the words of the Psalms together.

With this guide on baptism and confirmation in The United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Gift Machinga provides an essential resource for the church in Africa. The book is intended to motivate pastors to consider the ministry of education and to guide pastors and lay members in preparing their people for baptism and confirmation.

This book is the first of two volumes on Preaching in the African Context. For both seasoned preachers and beginners, including students in seminaries, Bible colleges, and universities, this first volume explores why we preach and the principles of contextual preaching in Africa. Nhiwatiwa demonstrates that contextual preaching serves as the most appropriate way of communicating the gospel in Africa-it can connect with and engage the minds of people in effective ways. Read these volumes to see why preaching is an urgent aspect of ministry that can open new horizons and give fresh outlook for the future.

Getting to know God means getting to know ourselves. The more we know who God is the more we know who we are. The Gospel of John records several declarations of Jesus known as the "I Am" sayings. This 7-week study is designed for the entire congregation to explore each of those sayings and will help you find and form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, "Who do you say I am?"One by one, Jesus' statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first "I Am." These significant yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known.

We all need companions and guides on our spiritual journey. W. Paul Jones believes that spiritual direction is essential for every Christian. "Along each person's pilgrimage are those who can make one's journey accountable and whose hospitality makes it possible," Jones says.In The Art of Spiritual Direction, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more: What is spiritual direction?What is the difference between spiritual direction and counseling?How can you know if you are called to the ministry of spiritual direction?What should happen in direction sessions?The appendixes feature helpful tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a Theological Worlds Inventory, the Enneagram, and other resources. Whether you are a pastor, church leader, or a layperson, you will benefit from the wealth of information contained in this book.

For many churches, the call to make disciples comes with a realization that the church's current worship opportunities do not reach certain groups in their surrounding community. New worship services offer the most promising strategy for renewing established churches and planting new worship communities. In a post-pandemic world, churches will be challenged to reach new people with the gospel and to help them meet in a way that is meaningful to them.Accessible to ministry professionals and lay leaders, Launching a New Worship Community is a comprehensive guide to starting a new worship community-whether that means an established church beginning a new worship service or a church startup designing its first worship offering. The authors, writing with a team of church planting experts, provide practical advice rooted in solid academics, theology, and real-world experience. With this guide, readers will have the tools they need to begin and sustain a new worship community.

Though the shadow side of aging is a reality, author Missy Buchanan brings spiritual light and nourishment to people in the later years of life. Older adults struggle with chronic pain and diminished physical abilities. They contend with losses that pile up like the dry bones in the prophet Ezekiel's vision--the loss of loved ones and friends, the loss of their home and belongings, the loss of independence, and the loss of purpose. In a culture that values youth more than age, older adults often feel forgotten and without purpose. Each chapter of From Dry Bones to Living Hope opens with an intimate, prayerful lament to God from the perspective of the older adult who longs for spiritual renewal and purpose. The authentic voice of lament establishes credibility with older readers who yearn for others to empathize with their struggles. The second part of each chapter, Cultivating Hope, guides them to God's perspective on aging and specific actions they can take that lead to hope and joy.

Whom Shall I Fear? encourages church leaders and congregations to step back from fear and examine their security policies in the light of scripture. It provides thought-provoking reflections on topics such as locked doors, whether congregations should have armed security, and Christians' duty to extend hospitality to their neighbors. Author Rosalind Hughes tells stories from survivors of gun violence and shares wisdom on how churches can work to transform an anxious, fear-driven world. Includes a Leader's Guide that can be used for a 5- to 10-session study.

"Often when we experience the heartache of a significant loss, we choose to patch ourselves up, put our heads down, and contort ourselves around our pain. The rush is on to get back to status quo. Yet, what if our good, compassionate God longs for each of us to be on the formational journey towards becoming an emotionally and spiritually mature adult and offers us an "on-ramp" to that experience through stewarding our pain? Typically, though, we want to shut pain down in the fastest way possible-and most of us have many strategic ways of doing so. Set in the context of the author's own story of loss, What Loss Can Teach Us offers stepping stones for the journey of not "getting through" the chaos of loss and pain but saying yes to the invitation of emotional and spiritual formation. Spiritual practices that serve as meaningful companions for the process are included"--

Magill encourages churches to move beyond giving food to people in need to share all aspects of food ministry with them--planning, setting up, leading, serving, and cleaning. Those donating food or money eat with people in need and get to know them as they serve with them. Full of practical advice, this book emphasizes that building relationships and offering radical welcome is more important work for churches than efficiency or order.

"Fifty-two uplifting Christian devotions for older adults"--

Sometimes a pause is good for the soul. It gives us the chance to regroup, reflect, and refocus on God. In Pauses for Lent, Trevor Hudson offers a beautifully minimalist book in which he focuses on one word for each day of Lent. You are invited to pause, focus on the word, read a scripture and a brief meditation related to the word, and then offer a prayer. Pausing in this way will help you carve out time for God and refresh your spirit even in the midst of a busy life. You may find yourself sensing God's presence in a new way and discovering that God wants to meet you in the midst of your life as it is, muddles and all.

Taking time to pause for a few minutes each day can help us maintain balance in our lives, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons. In this simple yet not simplistic book, Trevor Hudson focuses on one biblical word of wonder for each day of Advent. His insightful reflections on the word for each day invite individuals and groups to a deeper understanding of Advent. Hudson also briefly explores the lives and thoughts of 4 significant characters in the Christmas story, encouraging us to immerse ourselves in the dramatic story. He offers a simple daily practice that helps us become involved in the Advent drama. Hudson's minimalist approach and conversational writing lead us to discover how we can open our hearts and lives more generously to God.

Take a closer look at familiar biblical characters through the eyes of a psychologist. Revealed contains compelling, relatable stories that can help the Bible come alive for us. Author Angela Schaffner weaves in her personal story of healing and expertly draws on her background as a professional therapist to present an in-depth, personalized perspective on biblical characters and what they can teach us about self-awareness and spiritual growth. This 6-week Bible study is ideal for small groups or individuals. Includes a Facilitator's Guide.

Discover a spiritual practice that helps you maintain spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health."We toiled on computers seven days per week, rising as early as 4:00 a.m. to squeeze in spiritual quiet time before we both retreated to our respective laptops, typing the days (and weekends) away. Though I grew up keeping Sundays sacred, six years into our marriage, we'd fallen into the trap of using the Lord's Day to catch up. ... At its worst, our church attendance was less than 50 percent. ... I began, for the first time in my life, to understand why people don't attend church services."-J. Dana Trent, chapter 1In our culture of constant busyness, most of us feel like we're never caught up. The lines between home and work have blurred as we stay tethered to our mobile devices and computers. Many people use weekends to catch up on errands and other work that doesn't get done during the week. God's commandment to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" seems like a relic from a simpler time.Many Americans balk at the idea of setting aside a whole day for worship, rest, and time with those who matter most to them. Yet we long for more time to spend on what matters most-unrushed time to rest, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God.An ancient spiritual practice exists that can help restore balance to our lives: the practice of keeping sabbath. But how exactly do we manage to build time for sabbath into our busy lives? Dana Trent explores this question in For Sabbath's Sake.With humor and honesty, Trent reveals her own struggles with setting apart a day devoted to God, rest, and community. This book traces the rich history of sabbath, helps you find ways to overcome barriers to this spiritual practice, and suggests achievable ways to build sabbath into your life.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of John Wesley presents excerpts from the hugely influential 18th-century preacher, writer, and founder of Methodism. This volume includes selections from Wesley's journals, sermons, and books, offering a clear picture not only of Wesley but also of the spiritual vitality that ignited a movement and continues to transform lives today.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.William Law's classic book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, excerpted in this volume, shows the joy and worth of a disciplined life. Law offers extensive advice for those who are dedicated to holy living and shows how daily prayer can shape the rest of our lives into praise to God and love for neighbor.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Evelyn Underhill, a 20th-century British spiritual writer and retreat leader, is widely known for her compelling exploration of the spiritual life. Underhill offers profoundly simple advice on opening ourselves to God. This volume includes a cross-section of her letters and her published retreat and radio talks.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.Writings of Thomas Kelly presents inspiring essays from this 20th-century Quaker whom Richard Foster called "a giant soul." This volume includes excerpts from Kelly's beloved Testament of Devotion, along with letters and other writings, some of which have not been widely available

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis has perhaps influenced Christian spirituality more than any other book except the Bible. From the time of its appearance around 1420, it has been a best seller. This volume includes accessible selections from this classic of Christian spirituality and Western literature.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.In the time between World Wars I and II, Japanese Christian Toyohiko Kagawa was often mentioned, along with Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer as a model of how to blend prayer, personal caring, and social action. Excerpts in this volume include autobiographical reflections and thoughts concerning the Lord's Prayer.

With: Historical commentaryBiographical infoAppendix with further readingsFor nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike.The 18th-century Quaker John Woolman dedicated his life to the struggles of others. His extensive Journals, sampled in this volume, show how his concern grew from those chained in slavery to include all who were poor, oppressed, or exploited. Now a spiritual classic, the Journals reveal the development of a Christian soul seeking to do and know God's will in all things.