Life as a pastor's wife offers meaningful opportunities to play a significant part in God's work, to witness and participate in the beauty of changed lives. Yet it also carries the potential for deep wounds and great conflict that can drain the joy out of service. Is it worth it? Oh, yes, says Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren and cofounder of Saddleback Church. It is more than worth the risk--it's a sacred privilege. Drawing on more than forty years in ministry in every possible size church, Kay provides encouraging principles and life lessons, along with intimate personal stories, that will give readers the confidence needed to lead and live well. Pastor's wives learn to - accept who they are - adapt to change - help their children survive and thrive - protect their private lives - deal with criticism - live with integrity - develop an eternal perspective Whether she is excited, struggling, or feeling broken and tired, every pastor's wife will find hope and encouragement for their calling in Kay's warm and wise words.

Exposes the invisible ways in which white Christian privilege disadvantages racial and religious minorities in America The United States is recognized as the most religiously diverse country in the world, and yet its laws and customs, which many have come to see as normal features of American life, actually keep the Constitutional ideal of “religious freedom for all” from becoming a reality. Christian beliefs, norms, and practices infuse our society; they are embedded in our institutions, creating the structures and expectations that define the idea of “Americanness.” Religious minorities still struggle for recognition and for the opportunity to be treated as fully and equally legitimate members of American society. From the courtroom to the classroom, their scriptures and practices are viewed with suspicion, and bias embedded in centuries of Supreme Court rulings create structural disadvantages that endure today. In White Christian Privilege, Khyati Y. Joshi traces Christianity’s influence on the American experiment from before the founding of the Republic to the social movements of today. Mapping the way through centuries of slavery, westward expansion, immigration, and citizenship laws, she also reveals the ways Christian privilege in the United States has always been entangled with notions of White supremacy. Through the voices of Christians and religious minorities, Joshi explores how Christian privilege and White racial norms affect the lives of all Americans, often in subtle ways that society overlooks. By shining a light on the inequalities these privileges create, Joshi points the way forward, urging readers to help remake America as a diverse democracy with a commitment to true religious freedom.

Despite what most evidence law texts say, religious confession privilege does exist at common law. This book provides proof from both historical and common law materials with consequences even in jurisdictions where the privilege now exists in statutory form.

Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics with compelling stories, groundbreaking research, and theological grounding. Christian summer camp is an integral part of the ecology of faith formation in North America, though it has received surprisingly little attention in the scholarly community until now. Camping ministry is often dismissed as simple fun and games or a brief spiritual high that does not last. However, camp experiences often serve as deeply relational and immersive faith experiences that have lasting impacts on participants. Five fundamental characteristics combine dynamically in the effective camp experience: participatory, faith-centered, safe space, relational, and unplugged from home. Together, they open the space for participants to consider new understandings of God, to have time for deep self-reflection, and to build intentional Christian community. These camp experiences are essential components in a larger ecology of faith formation, including the home and congregation. The insight and evidence presented in this book demonstrate that the contributions of camping ministry must be taken seriously among scholars, Christian educators, and ministry professionals.

FEEL ALIVE AND CONNECTED ONCE AGAIN! Lonely No More: The Astonishing Power of Inner Bonding takes the reader on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and personal transformation, exploring the often-conflicting relationship between the false beliefs of the ego wounded self, how those false beliefs leave a person lonely and disconnected, and how to achieve true spiritual connection. Through engaging narratives and practical exercises, this book offers valuable insights into achieving a balanced, fulfilling relationship with both the self and the Divine. Throughout the book, I explore various spiritual principles and misconceptions that often hinder individuals from accessing the ever-present love and wisdom that is here for all of us. By debunking common myths, I equip readers with the tools and knowledge needed to break free from limiting beliefs and foster spiritual growth. Here’s a sampling of what you will learn: The difference between getting and sharing love. The difference between self-responsibility and self-sacrifice. The difference tween our true soul self and our ego wounded self. A road map for healing loneliness by promoting self-awareness, inner healing and personal responsibility. Healing other related conditions like anxiety, depression, shame, addictions and relationship problems. The opposite of loneliness is not a never-ending blissful, happy, problem-free state. It is feeling alive and connected once again. The ability to feel deeply, to express the gamut of one’s emotions in a healthy way, and to connect to yourself, others and life overall to address challenges and triumphs in a way that says “yes” to life, is the goal of this book.

God created humans with the desire to both know others and be known. People weren’t meant to go it alone on their spiritual journeys, and God has provided many fellow travelers to accompany us. Some of these fellow pilgrims—spiritual directors—are called to walk the spiritual path with others. The spiritual director, however, does not seek to tell their counterpart how to live out the faith. Instead, the spiritual director accompanies others on their spiritual journey and helps them discover how God may be working in their lives. The spiritual director listens, notices, encourages, asks questions, and prays for the person receiving spiritual direction. In Sacred Conversation, readers will learn what spiritual direction is and what it isn’t. They will explore spiritual practices that have helped people for hundreds of years develop a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Marsha Crockett introduces readers to seven gifts of spiritual direction: awakening, hospitality, story, pilgrimage, silence, meditation, and belonging. Each chapter contains reflection questions for individuals to use in conversation with their spiritual director, as prompts for journaling, or for sharing with small groups.