Books published by Abingdon Press

In Prayer and the Common Life, pioneering theologian Georgia Harkness argues that in response to the troubles of the world around us--one that is consumed with materialism, constantly at war, and filled with social injustices of all kinds--what is most needed is a revitalization of "vital, God-centered, intelligently grounded" prayer. Instead of prayer that merely insulates one from the world, focusing on psychological states or absolving a person from taking action, Harkness advocates prayer that "makes a difference in the common life"--that is, prayer that transforms both the person praying and the world for which he or she prays. The problem, says Harkness, is that many people simply have never experienced this kind of transforming prayer and have become skeptical about the effectiveness of prayer in their lives. She therefore describes "vital" prayer from three directions. The "foundations" of prayer relate prayer to the basic structures of Christian faith and show how prayer includes elements of adoration, thanksgiving, confession, petition, intercession, commitment, assurance, and ascription to Christ. The "methods" of prayer include hindrances to prayer as well as suggestions of how it may be engaged in both private devotions and congregational worship. And the "fruits" of prayer center on the ways vital, transforming prayer can contribute to peace in one's life and in the world. Written in the same accessible style that characterizes her other works, Georgia Harkness's Prayer and the Common Life addresses concerns that are still relevant to today's readers. "Scholarship and fine writing are united with a devotional approach to the supreme experience available to the human soul." -- Christian Herald "One of the most simple, comprehensive, and helpful books on prayer that we have." -- Journal of Bible and Religion "This marches straight toward its goal, which is to provide a manual ... for people who want to pray but know not how." -- Christian Century "This book is a rare combination of information and inspiration. It answers the whats, whys, and hows of prayer. It will inspire the slothful to new zeal in prayer; it will help the dissatisfied to find satisfaction in prayer; it will give the zealous new joy in prayer. . . . Deserves a place in every preacher's library." -- Review and Expositor

The temptation to focus only on their own internal problems and issues is powerful for congregations. Without realizing it, even churches that have a long tradition of outreach and social involvement become centered on issues of institutional survival and preservation. Worst of all are congregations that adopt a "fortress mentality," addressing the larger community rarely, and only in the "language of Zion" when they do. This tendency to isolation and insularity flies directly in the face of the gospel imperative to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian congregations exist as God's redeeming presence in the communities in which they are located. If churches are to live as though they take that seriously, they must learn to give themselves away to the community. The focus of every ministry and program must be to reach and make disciples of the unchurched. In this book, Paul Nixon paints a picture of what community based ministry is all about. Drawing on his experiences within a congregation that has seen twenty-five years of increased worship attendance, he lays out practical steps that churches can take to plant themselves firmly within the lives of the communities they serve. He demonstrates how churches can organize their facilities to become community centers, establish multiple locations for ministry throughout the community, and empower every member to become a minister of the congregation. Written with an infectious sense of hope, this book will become a critical tool for church leaders seeking to transform their congregations into outward-looking bodies of witness.

Churches know that if they are to reach people raised in an electronic culture, they must use the tools that this culture makes available. For people accustomed to checking their e-mail hourly, surfing the Internet daily, and receiving most if not all of their information through electronic media, our customary reliance on the printed page and the spoken word will no longer be good enough. Yet, recognizing this, where do you start? How does a congregation with little or no experience in the daunting world of the Web, projection technology, and computer presentations begin? Faced with too many choices and too little prior knowledge, congregations are opting not to use the new tools that electronic culture makes available, hence bypassing opportunities to spread the gospel and make disciples. John Jewell studies the issue confronting most congregations: the crucial question of knowing the appropriate ways to begin to use the new electronic media. In this helpful and practical guide, he offers simple incremental steps that churches can take to expand their ministries through electronic media. He outlines basic tools that are required to set up the congregational web page, focusing on software and designs that those with little or no experience in Web artistry can employ. He reviews different kinds of projection systems, understanding that most church budgets are not capable of purchasing the largest, most state-of the art equipment to start with. He explains how PowerPoint [MicroSoft trademark] and other presentation software can greatly enhance and extend the teaching and preaching ministry of the church, laying down fundamental principles for clean, simple, effective presentations. Animating all of the author's discussion is his concern that people start where they are, rather than insisting on an 'all or nothing' approach.

The reading of Scripture holds a central place in Christian worship. Every week the Word of God becomes flesh again as the words of the biblical text are read aloud. Those who take on the responsibility of reading Scripture in public do so knowing its importance, but rarely having the chance to train in how to do it better. Most readers have never been given the opportunity to consider how each act of public reading of Scripture is an interpretation of the text, nor have they been given the tools for an effective and faithful reading performance. These are the tools that Clay Schmit seeks to offer in this practical guide to the public reading of Scripture. He begins with a brief overview of the meaning and importance of the spoken word in worship. He then goes on to provide practical, detailed instructions on how to understand the text for reading, practice reading it aloud with proper emphasis, and deliver it in such a way that it becomes alive to the congregation. The book concludes with several appendices, including a pronunciation guide for biblical words and an annotated bibliography that will point the reader in the direction of further study.

Chances are, no church is immune to the drug demographics in America. Pointing out that addiction is a pervasive problem in North American society, Lynn Dann provides pastors and other pastoral caregivers with crucial help in understanding the needs of the addicted, their families, and the congregations of which they are a part. He draws on years of experience as a pastor and a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor to offer practical guidance on how to recognize the addicted and minister effectively to them. Dann begins by outlining, in clear and accessible terms, the best contemporary thinking on the nature of addiction. From there he moves to a discussion of the particular resources that Christian churches can add to the treatment of addiction and the support of the addicted and their families. Finally, he includes tools for preaching and teaching on the nature of our drug-obsessed culture and biblical themes related to the care of the addicted. Those who are just beginning in pastoral ministry, as well as those who have engaged in it for many years, will find this an invaluable resource for knowing how to deal with this tragic and increasingly prevalent problem.

Popular author Nell W. Mohney offers inspiration and encouragement for the storms of life. She provides time-honored suggestions for how we can draw upon the resources of faith, not simply to weather the storms, but instead to soar above them. This book is suitable for group study or individual use. Ten chapters.

This book argues that it is time for the church and its theology to remedy the situation of abuse by using an Asian religious concept called "han.

Building on the success of "Symbols of Faith, Marcia Stoner has written a follow-up volume, "Seasons of Faith. Based on the seasons of the Christian Year, the activities in this new volume may be used for short-term studies for older children, preteens, youth, and even adults. "Seasons of Faith includes photocopiable patterns and charts that will enhance ease of use, an Advent worship booklet for church and/or home use, a Lenten study, All Saints' Eve activities, and multicultural activities for Christmas, Pentecost, and World Communion Sunday. The author includes a brief history of each season.

This book focuses on the basic elements a pastoral counselor uses to do his/her job or calling effectively. Maldonado emphasizes the importance of pastoral counseling to the church's mission; gives a list of pastoral counseling basics; guidance on counseling individuals, couples, and families; provides a model for an effective pastoral counseling ministry; and a comprehensive bibliography of useful resources.