It Doesn’t Have to Be This Weird When it comes to relationships between men and women, we have more questions than answers: How do we keep relationships with the opposite sex healthy—and still hug each other after small group? Is it possible for married men and women to be friends with people of the opposite sex? What does it mean to be a woman if you’re not a wife, or a man if you’re not a husband? Jesus’ pattern for church living was one of family—of brothers and sisters living in intimate, life-giving community with each other. With story, sensitivity, and hope, Beyond Awkward Side Hugs invites us to leave behind eroticized, fear-based patterns and move toward gendered, generous relationships between men and women of character as we love one another as Jesus did. “Beyond Awkward Side Hugs is a deep well of biblical wisdom, and Lea has written with nuance and clarity, humor and grace.” —Jen Pollock Michel, author of Surprised by Paradox and Keeping Place “The church desperately needs a bigger vision for how men and women can flourish together in ministry and friendship, and Bronwyn Lea paints a vivid picture for how we’ll get there.” —Steve Wiens, author of Shining Like the Sun, Beginnings, and Whole

This volume fulfills the need for an accessible academic book that addresses the gender issues that women face as Christian disciples, whether in formal leadership roles or engaging leadership in informal means, and considers these issues in the context of world Christianity. In an era in which mission is “from everywhere, to everywhere,” when local churches strive to be missional, and when Christians are engaged in intercultural ministry, this book invites a scholar-practitioner conversation, engaging multiple disciplines and perspectives to explore the role of women in the mission of God. An interdisciplinary and intercultural conversation about women will enrich the church’s ongoing effort to be faithful to God’s call to women (and men) to participate in God’s work in the world.

Is it possible for churches and organizations to foster healthy mixed-gender ministry collaboration? Longtime ministry leader Rob Dixon casts a compelling—and encouraging—vision for flourishing partnerships between women and men. With research findings, biblical examples, real-life stories, and practical next steps, this roadmap equips teams and individuals with next steps for making that vision a reality.

The book of Psalms is full of wonderful passages that illuminate the intimate connection we get to have with our Father. Despite the chaos of our busy lives, the Father is frequently whispering to our souls to spend time with Him. Dive into the power of the Psalms and be inspired to praise God as you read Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms.

Trouble in life is inevitable. Collapse is not. You want to live a "good life" and be a "good person," but life can shift right under your feet and get messy and unpredictable. How do you stay strong and hopeful when you see cracks forming in your relationships, at work, or even in your own character? Is your faith strong enough to help you stand when life tries to knock you down? In How to Stay Standing, Alli Patterson will show you how to build a faith that can withstand anything the world throws at it. Drawing insight from the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Alli helps you get honest about the foundation you are building on and offers three simple rhythms revealed from the words of Jesus--come, hear, practice--that will produce a faith that cannot be shaken and a life that stands firm. You already know the place in your life where something is just not working right now. But the next storm doesn't have to take you down. The waters may be rising, but Jesus left you the wisdom and practical help you need to stay standing. "Alli Patterson's contagious joy and generous spirit make her a trusted guide through Scripture to help you build a life--and faith--that can stand against anything."--Lisa Harper, speaker, Bible teacher, and bestselling author of Life 100 Day Devotional

Does the thought of joining a dating site invoke feelings of fear and anxiety—or, worse, insecurity or unworthiness? If so, then The Grown Woman’s Guide to Online Dating is the book for you. With practical advice about how these sites work, what to expect, and when to join and quit, along with proven tips for making the most of them, The Grown Woman’s Guide equips readers with all they need to take the plunge. Four years after an unexpected divorce, bestselling writer and funny lady Margot Starbuck found herself venturing into the unknown waters of online dating. What she discovered surprised her—and changed her. With her signature sharp wit and a solid biblical foundation, Margot shares what she learned, including how to: determine which sites are best and what to expect; write a first message that is most likely to get a response; avoid common pitfalls in creating your profile; and live out the truth that you are God’s beloved. So dive into embracing your true value and drawing closer to God even in the midst of fear and questions. Because whatever your endgame might be, richness awaits. Margot promises, “You got this, girl!” “Gives you concrete steps for dating well, from the beginning to the end, all while reminding you just how loved you already are.” —Chrystal Evans Hurst, bestselling author and speaker “With humor, wisdom, and practical answers, Margot’s heart and voice shine through this book, and I can’t wait to send it to my single friends!” —Bianca Juarez Olthoff, pastor, speaker, and author of the bestselling How to Have Your Life Not Suck

Jesus commands us to love our neighbors. So why are so many Christians taught to fear their neighbors? The American church is known as a people who are afraid, who have been nurtured through fear into hatred, and who have moved from hatred to violence--or at least to neglect. This fear, too often lived out boldly in the name of Jesus, is a false religion. God instructs us to welcome strangers. We are not to withhold hospitality or help from anyone in need. So why do we fear strangers, especially those needing hospitality, afraid that their presence may threaten what we have? Jesus taught us to love our enemies. We are to pray for those who actively harm us. Instead, we create enemies in our minds, seeing anyone who thinks, believes, looks, or lives differently from us as dangerous, a threat to our way of living. The Christian community exists to declare and demonstrate God's love and to follow Jesus in practicing love over fear, even in unsafe times and places. It's time to reclaim our brave fear of God and risk transformative love for the sake of our neighbors, the strangers among us, and our enemies. We are people of the Kingdom. Fearing Bravely teaches us that we have nothing to fear. Instead, we can respond to our fear problem with a brave love that emerges from choosing to let our fear of God overcome our fear of everything else. Catherine McNiel writes with conviction, wisely guiding us to recognize our fear and, with God's help, not let it limit us to love courageously all who are among us.