Books published by Abingdon Press

This is another way of saying that some people smell the roses, while others just complain about the thorns. In his warm, conversational style, popular author James W. Moore explores the reasons why some people are able to see our time on earth as a gracious gift from God rather than as an agonizing endurance test; and, simply put, why some people have the ability to celebrate life with an abundance of gratitude.Each chapter in this book includes a reference to an important passage of Scripture, powerful stories and examples from the lives of others, and practical suggestions for better daily living. Also included is a sixteen-page study guide for both individual and group use with questions related to each chapter.

This book was written just for you, to help you know what happens and what to do when someone you loves dies. An explanation of death for children.

Prayer nurtures our faith and encourages spiritual growth. This thematic Bible study calls individuals and small groups to a deeper life of prayer during the season of Lent. It guides readers to spiritual transformation and application of Bible study to everyday, practical life experience. By coming near the cross through prayer, we can know and imitate heart of Christ. This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during the Lent 2016 season. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages readers to engage in a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith. On the whole, this thematic seasonal Bible study series is designed for transformation and application of Bible study to everyday, practical life experience.

Ordained ministry, says Will Willimon, is a gift of God to the churchbut that doesn't mean that it is easy. Always a difficult vocation, changes in society and the church in recent years have made the ordained life all the more complex and challenging. Is the pastor primarily a preacher, a professional caregiver, an administrator? Given the call of all Christians to be ministers to the world, what is the distinctive ministry of the ordained? When does one's ministry take on the character of prophet, and when does it become that of priest? What are the special ethical obligations and disciplines of the ordained?Pastor: Revised Edition explores these and other central questions about the vocation of ordained ministry. It begins with a discussion of who pastors are, asking about the theological underpinnings of ordained ministry, and then moves on to what pastors do, looking at the distinctive roles the pastor must fulfill. The book also draws on great teachers of the Christian tradition to demonstrate that, while much about Christian ministry has changed, its core concernspreaching the word, the care of souls, the sacramental life of congregationsremains the same.Ordained ministry is a vocation to which we are called, not a profession that we choose. To answer that call is to open oneself to heartache and sometimes hardship; yet, given the one who calls, it is to make oneself available to deep and profound joy as well.

How can anyone completely answer the difficult questions that children ask: Who created God? Will there be another flood? Is the Bible true? But then, we adults have questions too: With so many options and Bible translations, where can I go for help? What is the best Bible for my child? How do we talk about miracle stories, healing stories, and the creation stories? What about violence? When kids ask about the relevancy of the Bible for today, what do we say?How we read and interpret the Bible with children may mean the difference between whether or not it will continue to be an important source for their faith development as they become young adults.Written by an expert in children's ministry, I Wonder is a resource for adults who want to explore ways to help children read, engage, wrestle, and grow into deeper understanding of the Bible. It is for those who come to the Bible with souls open to be fed and who want their children to seek faith and wisdom. It will also help readers address timeless questions and issues including recent biblical scholarship, literary analysis, reading the Bible from their social location and reading the Bible in a multi-faith world.

Christian pastoral care is a narrative, ecclesial, theological practice (NET). As a narrative practice, pastoral care attends to the inseparable interconnection between our own lifestories, others' stories, the larger cultural stories, and God's story. As a ministry of the church, pastoral care is an ecclesial practice that derives its motivation, purpose, and identity from the larger mission of the church to bear witness to and embody God's mission of love that extends beyond the church for the transformation of the world. As a theological practice, pastoral care is grounded in God's love story. God's profound love for humankind heals our brokenness when human love fails and invites us into an ongoing process of growth in love of God, self, and neighbor.Intended for those who provide care with and on behalf of religious communities, author Karen Scheib focuses on listening and ';restorying' practices occurring in the context and setting of congregations. By coauthoring narratives that promote healing and growth in love, pastoral caregivers become cocreators and companions who help others revise and construct life-stories reshaped by the grace of God.What Karen Scheib has done in this book is to reposition pastoral care as a theological activity performed in the context of the church. She draws deeply upon her Wesleyan theological heritage, upon an understanding of life in its fullness as growth in love and grace, and upon a ';communion ecclesiology' undergirded by a communal understanding of the Trinitarian life of God. Thus grounded, she envisions pastoral care first as a rhythm of the life of the whole church and secondarily as a work of trained pastors.In her vision, pastoral care is rescued from a narrow understanding of it as exceptional acts of intervention performed only in moments of dire crisis. Instead, it becomes a ';daily practice of pastoral care,' an attending, in love, to the stories of others and a ';listening for ways God is already present in a life story.' Solidly theological, grounded in the life of the church, and eminently teachable Karen Scheib has given us a great gift in this book.' from the Foreword -Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Emeritus, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. "e;In a wonderfully engaging, reflective, and useful way, Karen Scheib captures something absolutely essential to pastoral care and yet often overlookedthe utter centrality of storytelling/listening, the power of stories to heal, and their vital connection to bigger stories told within religious communities. This book is a real milestone, reclaiming the importance of ';narrative knowing' and grounding care not only in community but also within a comprehensive theological framework."e; --Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, The Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion, Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Nashville, TN';Implementing narrative personality and therapy theories and anchored in ecclesiology and Wesleyan theology (NET), Karen Scheib's book advances a long awaited and holistic approach to pastoral care. Her NET approach presents the embodiment of pastoral care by emphasizing both narrative and paradigmatic knowing, proposes the subjectivity of our stories in pastoral care by pointing out the interchangeability between us and our stories as subject and object, and underscores the dynamic process of pastoral care through the interconnection of the storyteller, listener, and context. Scheib's image of story companion contributes to the field as a new paradigm of pastoral care and promises to be a significant resource in generating hope and growth in love for both pastoral caregiver and receiver.' Angella Son, Associate Professor, Drew University, Madison, NJ"e;Pastoral theologian Scheib describes a narrative, ecclesial, and theological approach for listening to people's life stories in such a way as to engender spiritual formation and growth in love. Scheib clarifies the connections between caring conversations and Christian theology. Clear and accessible prose as well as helpful exercises and discussion starters make this a fine teaching text."e; -The Christian Century, Sept. 29, 2016.

Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvaniaand encouraged his siblings to followafter their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father's house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed. Lavina hasn't forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David's father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it's too late. Still, forgiveness isn't easy. Even if she can get David to return, she's not sure he will forgive his father. And she's not sure she can forgive David, either.

How and why God loves usGod's good creationThis book will talk about the doctrine of creation and invite us to look closely at who God is and who we are in relationship with God. As people of faith, we believe that our gracious God created all there is, but does that also mean that God also created evil? How does creation jive with what scientists are telling us about the origin of the universe? What does the doctrine of creation tell us about what we call "e;the creation,"e; that is, the world, its value, purpose, etc? How does understanding the world as God's creation teach us about our role in creation care?The Bible tells us that God created the heavens and earth, but does that deny the science of the Big Bang? What does believing that God is the Creator say about how God loves, redeems, and sustains us today or does creation say something only about the past? What about the "e;new creation''? Does this have anything to do with the old creation? Does it mean simply that God is so tired of the rebelliousness of creation that it seems best to erase the present one and start anew? Or is there a connection between the two?What does the doctrine of creation say about us? Aren't we created in God's image and aren't we part of the good creation of a loving God? If so, why is there evil and rebelliousness in us? Where does our ill-will, our desire to do evil, come from? Is there freedom of the will or are all things preordained by God? Just how detailed is God's plan for us?While no one author can deal with all these questions, this book will help us begin the conversation and gain new understanding of how the doctrine of creation can help us address these very human and timeless questions.Series Description:Belief Matters: How to Love God with Your Mind is a series of books written by widely recognized authors who will help readers think more clearly about their faith and better understand their beliefs, so that they can live more faithfully. These books will also help readers become aware of thoughtful resources and conceptual frames of reference that not only will deepen their faith, but also help them better understand what we say and do in Church. Conversational in tone, these books are reflections on major theological topics and are suitable for a 4-session individual or group study. The intent of the series is to help readers feel as though they are sitting, having coffee as authors share their ';take' and show that by thinking more clearly about the faith, persons can love God more fully, live with confidence, and change the world.

Recent years have seen heightened interest in how to read scripturefrom a missional perspective. This book addresses that question byexploring both how the New Testament bears witness to the mission of Godand how it energizes the church to participate in that mission. It alsomakes a distinctive contribution by applying a missional reading to avariety of New Testament books, offering insights into New Testamenttheology and serving today's discussions about mission and the church.';Dean Flemming has written a game-changing book on the interpretationof scripture for the mission of the church. This relatively slim butrich volume is absolutely mandatory reading for all serious students ofthe New Testament and for all who wish to understand the church'sparticipation in the mission of God. It should be on the syllabus ofevery ecclesially focused course on the New Testament and everybiblically attuned course in ecclesiology and in missiology.' Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD';I am always grateful when another book by Dean Flemming appears. Hiswriting arises out of his significant cross-cultural experience, hisoutstanding scholarship, and his careful listening to the Spirit in thetext. This book is written clearly and is full of nourishing insight.' Michael W. Goheen, Professor of Missiology, CalvinTheological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI; former Geneva Chair of WorldviewStudies, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC; and Teaching Fellowin Mission Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, BC ';';Why mission?' is a critical question, one not asked or understoodoften enough. Here is a stirring reading of the New Testament thatdemonstrates a living triune God on mission, bringing redemption to theworld through a living apostolic church. So much rich theologicalinterpretation packed into a small book!' Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR';Since writing The Mission of God, I have felt guilty thatit paid so much more attention to a missional reading of the Old than ofthe New Testament. This fine book relieves me of that guilt. This is anoutstandingly clear and faithful exposition of what it means to readthe New Testament from the perspective of, and with the intention ofparticipating in, the mission of God as revealed in the whole Bible.' Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership

In this concise guide, Dr. Knowles Wallace gives practical worship and preaching suggestions for each season of the Christian year as it relates to the Revised Common Lectionary. She describes the unique features and colors of each season as well as its historical overview, theological grounding, and significance for faith formation.The Christian Yeargives ways to draw upon the gifts of existing congregations while seeking to expand their witness and faith formation. The authorwalks the reader through each season, beginning with Advent, followed by Christmas, Epiphany, Ordinary Time in Light of Epiphany, Lent, Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, Easter through Pentecost, and Ordinary Time as People of the Resurrection, giving sample services with suitable lectionary readings, hymns, prayers, and spatial and visual suggestions for each season in either traditional or contemporary worship styles."

There can be no doubt about what Jesus thought was ';the main thing,' the Great Commandments to love God with our heart, soul, and mind and to love neighbor as yourself.What were the non-negotiables for the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley? Wesley's first priority was to grow Christian disciples who loved God and neighbor with a holy love that keeps those Commandments.Using John Wesley as guide, Top 10 United Methodist Beliefs describes the 10 most important United Methodist beliefs, so that we are equipped for every good work. It also describes how a passionate Wesley can still inspire us to travel the road to perfection using these basic beliefs as signposts, not hitching posts, so that we can more fully follow Jesus.But discipleship can be arduous and God's grace is not cheap. We must be prepared to walk and walk and not just talk. The Christian life is action packed with surprises at every turn. ';Are you able?' as the old hymn asks. Yes, Lord, we are able through the power and love of God to be accountable to Jesus and each other. Each chapter includes study questions suitable for personal reflection and group conversation.

A fresh new look at the Bible, from beginning to end, and what it means in believers' lives

Church after church faces eventual death while helplessly lamenting its fate. What perversity is at work that causes those who sincerely love the church to become obstacles to growth? Like the apostle Paul, churches don't always do the things they want, but instead they do the very thing they hate. Why? While the theological answer is sin at work in us, the organizational answer may just be that members of dying churches unconsciously find a payoff in the church's decline. They are tempted by church.

The church leader's guide to thoughtfully managing church finances. Each mini-chapter attacks a particular problem or perennially critical theme related to church money management and stewardship.

A thorough explanation extending beyond what is usually covered in standard textbooks

The preachers' words are meant to connect, to resonate with and influence hearers. Too often, sermons fall short. Preaching in Pictures: Using Images for Sermons that Connect shows how to choose, use, and illustrate a controlling image in every sermon.Readers learn how one effective image can cause the proclaimed word tosink in and transform the listener. Peter Jonker helps readers to buildskill and confidence, with practical instruction, examples, andstraightforward teaching. ';Goodpreaching isn't just the dissemination of information; it is a conduitof Spirit-empowered formation. Such formative preaching doesn't convincethe intellect; it captures the imagination. A controlling image has thepower to do just thisto capture the imagination. Peter Jonker invitespreachers to understand and to effectively use controlling images forformation of the hearer. This great book is erudite and accessible,theoretically grounded and yet intensely practical, complete withexercises. I'll be pointing preachers to it from now on.' --James K.A. Smith, author of Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation';Preaching in Pictures opened eyes of my imagination. I can't wait to write my next sermon.' --Heidi DeJonge Pastor, Westside Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, Kingston, Ontario';PeterJonker offers preachers practical ways to connect the gospel in thehearts of listeners, with a wealth of helpful examples. This is a freshand welcome perspective, just the book for preachers whose sermons havereached their shelf life and are in need of new energy.' --John MichaelRottman, Professor of Preaching Calvin Theological Seminary';Sane,balanced, assured--but also strikingly insightful--Peter Jonker'swriting is a sheer gift to anyone interested in eventfulpreaching. Every page is worth pondering. Jonker writes with greatverve and authority.' --Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., Author of Reading for Preaching: The Preacher in Conversation with Storytellers, Biographers, Poets, and Journalists

Abby s shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco."

Will those who survived the Titanic's sinking and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now he's waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.

In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.

A highly skilled Search and Rescue (SAR) team leader, Honor Mackenzie, works almost as hard at guarding the dark secrets of her past as she does when training SAR dogs. As for widowed reporter Matt Phillips, not even his former SAR work is as important as protecting his 10-year-old twin boys.