Informative and controversial, this book explores the issue of domesticity in the 19th-century African Methodist Episcopal Church. For many in the church, their power to shape the dynamics of the family was the key to strengthening the spirit and role of African-Americans following the Civil War. In the midst of a hostile racial and political climate, black ministers and their congregations embraced Victorian notions of domesticity as a stabilizing force. Julius H. Bailey shows that they used the ideology to overcome regional tensions, restore families torn apart during slavery, challenge the legitimacy of female preachers, and nurture the spiritual growth of children and the religious life of the home. He also examines the ways male church leaders used the concept to defend their leadership, express hopes and fears, and fend off Social Darwinian attacks on their character. Discussions of domesticity helped African-Americans to understand the traits of a good father and mother, even as 19th-century ideas about the home were shifting. Were fathers to be stern heads of households or reclusive, prayerful figures who deferred to mothers? Were mothers natural nurturers? Or should they seek training to become domestic educators? For many of the diverse 19th-century black families, ministers of the AME church offered a universal familial philosophy that could bring harmony to the home. Using the voices of men and women and of clergy and laity and mining the principal publications of the AME church, Bailey presents a new understanding of family life in American religious history.

What if the key to changing your life--and yourself--is already in your hand? So many women struggle with what to do with their daily lives. They feel trapped in everyday drudgery and disappointment, in dull domestic duties, and in mundane jobs they despise. Where is the abundant, purposeful life they were promised? Kari Patterson shows readers the truth: in each unremarkable life lies an opportunity to see, know, love, and be utterly transformed by a God who meets everyone right where they are. Instead of stepping away from real life to find God, Patterson equips women with a six-step practice to move further in and meet Him in the humdrum moments of everyday existence. And when a woman's inner being is truly changed by the sacred, everything in her world changes too--right down to tackling the dirty dishes. Through entertaining narrative, candid real-life stories, Bible study, and practical instruction, Sacred Mundane guides individuals or small groups to discover the beautiful sacredness in the lives they already lead. Women who long to grow in God and make a real difference in the world--no matter how small--will reach eagerly for this book and the radical transformation it offers. "Our daily routine, with its mundane tasks and mindless repetition, is ultimately an offering of worship to God. What a great truth from a great God!" --Ann Byle, author of The Making of a Christian Bestseller and coauthor of Devotions for the Soul Surfer

Families are in crisis, and as a result, so is society. The number of children who are leaving the church and completely walking away from the faith is alarming. All of this is part of a deeper issuefamilies have stopped worshiping together at home. Dr. Clint Ritchie examines the change in family worship in Rebuilding the Family Altar and challenges parents to accept their God-given role as the leader in the spiritual development of their children. Ritchie provides a biblical foundation for the family altar, examines key elements of family worship, and offers fifty-two family worship devotionals. Rebuilding the Family Altar stresses the need for parents to include more than church attendance in their childrens spiritual journey. This resource strives to bring the church and parents together to revive family worship. With the precision of a surgeons scalpel, Dr. Ritchie dissects the cause of todays family struggles. With clarity he goes step by step in diagnosing the issues and along with it, offers solid biblical examples of how to move forward to be the family that God desires and to aid parents, even includes a years Bible study. This book, with Gods guidance, will convict parents and create a new, sold-out generation for His glory. Rev. John Yates, John Yates Ministry, LLC

"As the family goes, so goes the nation." Nations are in turmoil because of satan's attack on the family. As countless households have surrendered to the slumbering spell of the spirit of this age, the world has increasingly fallen into decay. But there is hope! Destruction of this demonic agenda is possible, and it begins at home! "Revival will come to a nation when the family altar is restored!" Cheryl Sacks, a dynamic Kingdom leader and prophetic intercessor, heard these words from the Lord. Today, she is wholeheartedly working to turn the tide by filling households across the nation with Holy Spirit power! In Fire on the Family Altar, Cheryl offers prophetic decrees and practical instructions for restoring the family altar in your home, so you can operate in the strength that God created families to maintain within culture. In this bold book, you will discover how to: Pray supernatural prayers that catapult children into divine destiny. Bring your household into encounters with the Holy Spirit. Safeguard your family from the powers of darkness. Raise up Kingdom reformers who will shape and impact every sphere of culture. Don't allow the spirit of this age to hold families captive any longer. One righteous family can make a difference! Restore the family altar in your home, and spark the flames of revival!

The newly updated and revised edition of the indispensable resource for Episcopal priests simplifies liturgical officiating and celebration of the rites of the Episcopal Church.