It is difficult to choose a single book or author that has influenced me. Miroslav Volf helped me to understand grace and forgiveness in a new way that has impacted my ministry (Volf, 2005). Eugene Peterson showed me that ministry looks different for every person and in every context (Peterson, 1992). Donald Miller reminded me of how Christianity looks from the outside (Miller, 2004). And Fernando Arzola Jr. gave me an entirely new paradigm for youth ministry (Arzola, 2008). But the book that most resonated with my own calling was Slow Church, written by C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison a few years ago. This book told many stories and covered a diversity of topics, but the few that stood out the most to me were their understanding of …show more content…
Smith and Pattison reminded us that an “emphasis on homogeneity seems to imply that [the church growth movement] sets its sights on something less than God’s reconciliation of all humanity and all creation (Smith & Pattison, 2014, p. 110). In my own ministry, I have focused on reconciliation
between generations and ethnic groups, but there is still so much work in those areas and others that needs to be done. And a change of heart is needed for many of us, as we learn to let go of our most sacred cows for the sake of God’s kingdom.
I desire to be part of a community that values creativity in how we partner with God in ministry, commitment to a particular people and place, and the necessary work to facilitate reconciliation between all people and God. Slow Church helped me to better articulate these ideas, but I am still learning how to lead others in living them out. As Smith and Pattison reminded me repeatedly through their book, these are all ordinary things, lived out in our day to day lives (Smith & Pattison, 2014, p. 223). It is my intention and my hope, by the grace of God, to keep practicing them for as long as I have
Many people consider themselves spiritual, but they would not consider themselves religious. People seek deep meaning in everyday life, but they are not church goers. Barbara Brown Taylor seeks to speak into this divide in An Altar in the World by revealing meaningful practices to discover the sacred in everyday life. Taylor outlines twelve practices addressing vision, reverence, incarnation, groundedness, wilderness, community, vocation, Sabbath, physical labor, breakthrough, prayer, benediction and how through these simple practices we can engage God in different and new ways.
The Art of Personal Evangelism: Sharing Jesus in a changing culture By Will McRaney, Jr. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Academic, 2003, 268 pp., $19.99 paper.
The book was very well put together with principal concepts, but it was not always easy to follow and some sections had to be read twice for clear comprehension. The message could have been portrayed using straightforward writing that would enable undergraduates and others that are not seeking higher levels of education to process the information. In simpler terms, this book can be essential to pastors, for personal relationships, and other professions if the language is simplified and made more user-friendly.
Since, “Religion's initial and primary thrust is conservative”(Pg. 17), as such, the Church today is open to racial reconciliation, but the initial thrust is conservative in nature, thus leading us to take a passive approach. Though admirable, it isn’t taking the necessary and progressive steps needed for a racial reconciliation within itself, let alone society at large, which is why Evangelicalism has fallen short of brining forth change towards this issue.
Galindo analyzes that the fundamental “mission” of a congregation is the same as any other congregation that exists in any part of the world. He argues that though every congregation has a mission and a vision, at the same time, it shares a basic common mission. (43) This reminds me of my home church The First Church of Evanston and my Field Site, The Evanston Vineyard Church. Both churches have a common mission of welcoming people to the church, irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, racial, and economic and, gender backgrounds. The mission is to help people be received in the house of God with due and deserved Christian love so that they feel loved and welcomed. Both these churches encourage church attendees to attend the service and receive the Eucharist.
Earley & Gutierrez (2010) “Ministry Is…How to Serve Jesus with Passion and Confidence” (Nashville: Broadman & Holman).
In a world that does not know the Gospel anymore, we must indulge in it, and love our fellow community though they may not share similar values, but find balancing in still remaining in our own values. Though many of times we find ourselves in opposition of the majority of the world, we must exude Christ love onto others as He does to us unconditionally. The author addresses ways in which we are able to live out our faith and still find a place within our community though they may not share similar values.
Personally, in section one, chapter two was the most, not necessarily challenging, rather more thought provoking. It sort of laid out the vision and steps for Christian Community Development. The chapter starts by redirecting our minds and hearts to what our true purpose should be. “If we are not helping people find a relationship with Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life, then we are
This paper is the final results of my internship ministry practicum II experiences reflection in my church organization work settings and training. My experiences from different areas of exposure sharpened my skills for my professional role of the Doctor of Ministry Program in the theological field of counseling and teaching. My ministry practicum consists of direct involvements with hands-on, real-life interactions under the supervision of my Supervisor, Chaplain Andrea Fletcher. This Comprehensive Written Review analyzes the full spectrum of my observation and participation in tasks from my Ministry Learning Agreement Form. The opportunity allowed me to view other leaders in ministry exercising their gift and in turns
God expects individuals that call themselves “Christian” to grow spiritually. The Word of God encourages personal examination as a part of the growth process, as found in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Becoming more Christ-like focuses on how He works in us and not on our work for Him. The Cycle of Works demonstrates that regardless of work we complete, the acceptance of others, the sustainability of our works and the significance it brings, we cannot compete with God’s Cycle of Grace that show us that we are significant in His sight and that brings us sustenance and acceptance
love the Sermon on the Mount. Every Christian knows something from this sermon, it is probably the most famous sermons of Jesus in the Bible. It is deffinately one of the most relevent sermons, or block of instructions for totally living the christian life given to us by Jesus on how exactly we can and should live our lives devoted to God! For us to take this sermon and begin following it and applying it to our lives daily will grow us, shape us and honor God. In this sermon we learn how to pray, how to love effectively, how to give, how to act and how to be! We see the principles of God established for us on such things as divorce and marriage, anger, adultry as well as even how to recognize false teachers. This sermon is everything a follower
I chose the book of Ephesians because It’s my favorite book. From chapter one straight through until the end, it is inspirational and encouraging. The book of Ephesians was penned by Paul the apostle, while he was imprisoned. This letter was written to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus is located in the western Asia Minor at the mouth of the Caster River, an important Seaport (HCSB, 2010). The message of this letter is so powerful. Paul opens this book by encouraging the audience to give thanks for the amazing work of the cross and all the blessings that entail the work of the cross upon reception of Christ. Paul encourages the unite created by God known as family; solidifying humanity, both Jew and Gentile. Teachings of church maturity
This course has had a great impact on my walk with Christ as well as my witness for Christ. I pastor a church and teach two classes and for me I thought that I was doing plenty. However this course has helped rekindle my passion for sharing Jesus Christ with people through personal evangelism. This paper will demonstrate what I have learned throughout this course.
My call to ministry was actually not my own doing. At the start of my Christian life, my mother and grandmother raised me in the church where I would sacrifice my life to be a part of ministry. I participate in different ministries as a child. I became a choir member at an early age. Then, I became a praise dancer, a junior deacon, and a Sunday school teacher. This transition to different ministries became a part of my true purpose for God: to fulfill His purpose in my life.
In this paper, the student-writer will discuss the methods that are taught in In Effective biblical counseling: A model for helping caring Christians become capable counselors by Crabb (1977). The student-writer will also use what is taught in this book with the skills that are expressed in Creating a Healthier Church; Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and congregational life by Richardson (1996) and Blessed Connections: Relationships that sustain vital ministry, by Schwanz (2008). The student-writer will compare and contrast the skills that are mentioned in these books to establish a well maintained way in which to ministry to clients, and meet their needs as a counselor.