Thousands of Protestant churches are perplexed by plateaued or declining attendance, while other congregations nearby thrive. Is there a way for them to combine forces, drawing on both their strengths, in ways that also increase their missional impact? Church merger consultant Jim Tomberlin, with co-writer Warren Bird, makes the case that mergers today work best not with two struggling churches but with a vital, momentum-filled lead church partnering with a joining church. In this new book, they provide a complete, practical, hands-on guide for church leaders of both struggling and vibrant churches so that they can understand the issues, develop strategies, and execute a variety of forms of merger for church expansion and renewal to reinvigorate declining churches and give them a "second life."

Revelation is probably the most read, but least understood book of the Bible. History is replete with examples of how not to interpret it, and books featuring end-of-world prophecy claims based on Revelation consistently top the bestseller lists. But how can the message of such an enigmatic book be applied to our lives today? In Discipleship on the Edge, Darrell W. Johnson drives home the challenging and practical message of Revelation in thirty carefully crafted sermons. Paying careful attention to the original context of Revelation and the circumstances surrounding its composition, Johnson shows that the book is not a "crystal ball" but rather a "discipleship manual." Thoroughly researched and yet accessible, this collection of sermons is a helpful resource for pastors and small group leaders who are looking for models to help them preach and teach the message of Revelation in a time when there is much confusion about the end times. Darrell W. Johnson serves as Scholar-in-Residence at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A popular conference and retreat speaker, he has also served as the preaching pastor for a number of congregations in North America and the Philippines, as well as serving as Adjunct Professor of Preaching for the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. His other books include Experiencing the Trinity and Fifty-Seven Words That Change The World.

An impassioned plea and workable solution for women and men to imagine a better world, embrace their differences, find ways to end oppression, and learn how to work better together. We are currently at a strategic cultural intersection with relationships between women and men eroding. And it seems no one knows what to do. While it is good for women to expose their pain, what often happens is that they immediately blame the person at the other end of it, which sets up a never-ending cycle of accusations, denial, avoidance, and ultimately devastation for everyone involved. This moment of discovery should not signal the end but instead become an opportunity to create a different world where men and women are better together. Better Together is a beacon of hope in a challenging storm. It’s where thoughts can be rechanneled and hope rekindled as author Danielle Strickland offers steps toward a real and workable solution. Her premise is that two things are needed for change: 1) imagine a better world, and 2) understand oppression. Understanding how oppression works is an important part of undoing it. Danielle says, “I refuse to believe that all men are bad. I also refuse to believe that all women are victims. I don’t want to be just hopeful, I want to be strategically hopeful. I want to work toward a better world with a shared view of the future that looks like equality, freedom, and flourishing.”

"The landscape of discipleship in the American Church consists of a vast array of different ideas, programs, and processes, many of which rely on works as a litmus test to measure people's faith. But discipleship looks different when it is founded on our identity in the Gospel and fueled by the good gifts God gives to us. This Lutheran sacramental outlook shows that discipleship is a simple but difficult process lived in the daily rhythms of life. Simply put, discipleship is trusting the promises of Jesus and seeking to follow Him. The author will lead readers on a journey to discover the rhythm of simple discipleship as they trust Christ's Word, seek God's wisdom, and follow His will"--

We grow in Christ as we seek him together. Jesus' own pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others. This expanded 25-session workbook by Greg Ogden, perfect for small groups or individuals, helps us influence others as Jesus did—by investing in a few. Working through it will deepen your knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen your faith.

Connor's book, Rugged Discipleship, is a unique, fun and motivating fusion of Biblical principles, adventure literature and travelogue while always encouraging the reader to be and make rugged disciples. The writer introduces us to the North Georgia mountains, a wee village in Scotland, jumping trains to Canada, adventures in India, mysterious friends in Cambodia- from wild skydivers and a motorcycle stolen in Bulgaria. Each story reveals something Connor has learned through failures and successes in the context of working with people. The lessons learned have something of the radiance of Divine leading and purpose shining through. An inspiring Read. - Dr. Jerry Root, Author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Professor Wheaton College and Bill Graham Center of Evangelism.