What is the role of a grandparent? While the world tells you it's time to retire and relax, you have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your grandchildren and leave a lasting heritage for your family that will bless generations to come. Biblical Grandparenting explains culture's misleading messages about grandparenting, provides a biblical overview of the role of grandparents, and shares groundbreaking research that will give you...

Promiseland is Willow Creek's highly successful children's ministry. Using examples from Promiseland and churches of all sizes around the country, this book provides step by step guidance and creative application exercises to help churches develop a thriving children's ministry-one that strives to be the best hour of every kid's week. Included are Scripture-based principles and practical resources for church staff members and volunteers who agree...

According to a study by George Barna, a person is most likely to become a Christian between the ages of four and fourteen. Yet the majority of evangelism training is designed to reach adults, not children. Leading Kids to Jesus equips children's ministry leaders with proven principles to help them have life-changing discussions with kids. The focus is exclusively on personal interactions, not corporate presentations or prop-driven illustrations. Readers...

Most congregations today exist in what George Thompson calls the "middle of anywhere." They live comfortably with their surrounding culture, focusing their energies on serving the needs of their current members. These congregations have many strengths and gifts that they can exercise without changing a thing. But Thompson envisions a deeper, more prophetic call for congregations to explore the meaning of being in the world but not of it-a church on...

This pamphlet covers 100 topics for dating couples to consider as they spend time talking and getting to know each other. Singles are encouraged to slow down and think twice before getting into a relationship that might not be good for them. Questions cover topics such as character, responsibility, Christian faith, honesty, motivation, habits, addictions, and danger areas. Worksheets cover basic tips on seeking God's will, dating with integrity, and...

Michael Beates's concern with disability issues began nearly 30 years ago when his eldest child was born with multiple profound disabilities. Now, as more families like Michael's are affected by a growing number of difficulties ranging from down syndrome to autism to food allergies, the need for church programs and personal paradigm shifts is greater than ever. Working through key Bible passages on brokenness and disability while answering hard questions,...

This foundational book will equip each believer with the basic steps to a life-transforming, deeper intimacy with the Father. Transforming the Inner Man introduces the keys that reach to the depth of the heart with the power of the cross and resurrection to effect lasting change through continual death and rebirth. John and Paula Sandford take a no-nonsense approach to Christian living. A few of their chapter titles are as follows: • Sanctification...

The training of a prophet is sometimes painful. God will deal with every area in his life to prepare him for service. Those called to the prophetic office should understand that preparation for ministry is in character, not solely in the development of spiritual gifts. In this book, we will discuss how God builds the prophet and prophetic minister for ministry.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they will see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). That is Nancy Petrey's life verse, which provides the title for this, her sixth book. Nancy is a recorded pianist, as well as serving as a church pianist. From age 5 to age 78, her life has been filled with music. One of the major ways she has let her light shine for Jesus is through music, but there is much more to her...

A compelling and extensive resource with ways for all congregations to reach beyond themselves to better serve. Spiritually vibrant congregations of all faiths thrive on the call to be left in today's world. Addresses the ups and downs on the way to success. Lively illuminates and offers practical wisdom for faith communities to engage in public ministries that express and enhance their core mission and identity.