Books by Carl Shank

What is wrong with our church? As a pastor and church consultant I have heard that question over and over again. Concerned pastors, frustrated church boards and upset congregational members have struggled over what to do about shrinking attendances, unmet budgets, dissatisfied church people and ministry programs that just never seem to get off the ground. This book with its stories and illustrations from many churches with whom I have worked has been written to provide an encouraging and enlightening answer to that question. My approach in consulting with churches and ministers has been to be keenly honest, strongly biblical, and engagingly sensitive. It has always been positive from the start and refreshingly to-the-point.

This book provides a brief "slice" of historical theology up to 1900. It includes summary theological studies on the Trinity, Christology, and Anthropology. An appendix provides an in-depth look into the revivalist Charles Finney and his methods. A second appendix offers Teaching Aids for Bible studies or small groups. This summary is good for those wishing to study a brief sketch of the history of doctrines.

Paul's message to the Thessalonian Church is all about authenticity - authentic conversion, authentic Christian service, authentic encouragement, authentic lifestyles and authentic expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Learn how to live the Christian life authentically in this study guide.

I am going to contend in this book that faith in Jesus is simply and profoundly faithfulness to Jesus. Faithfulness is what God wants in a follower of Christ. What I am at the end of my faith journey is what God looks at, not my moments of greatness or excitement or visionary declarations. God's measuring stick is faithfulness.

Nehemiah was an unknown servant to a great ancient Near Eastern king, a cupbearer by trade. Although he was not a famous Jewish prophet, scribe, or known leader, he was able to rebuild the torn down and burnt walls of Jerusalem in fifty-two days. Facing all kinds of opposition and internal turmoil, Nehemiah's leadership was unequalled. This study outlines his sterling leadership and life lessons.

Romans: The Glory of God As Seen In The Righteousness of God is a thematic Bible study of the Letter to the Romans. This study guide contains a student and a leader's manual, along with supplementary notes. This guide is from several InterVarsity Growth in Christ Training Conferences in the 1990s and updated for today.

This is a study guide for selected Psalms from the Bible. It's fill-in-the blanks format is perfect for a small group study, or even a personal study of the Psalms. It references 67 of the most read Psalms and includes a special study of Psalm 1. A selection of "Psalms for Christmas" is included in the study. Carl Shank is a seasoned pastor, author, and church health consultant and has written several books on church health and leadership.