This collection of twenty-three essays by Duncan Stroik shows the development and consistency of his architectural vision. Packed with informative essays and over 170 photographs, this collection clearly articulates the Church’s architectural tradition.

Navigating the church construction process can be a daunting task for a seasoned professional and even more so for a first time project manager. In his book, Terry Harpool discusses many of the aspects of this process beginning with prayer. Prayer is an absolutely essential requirement in seeking God's will from the very start of the project to its completion. Paramount to the success of the construction process is the selection of a qualified project manager to oversee the construction. This is vital, along with selecting a group of church experts, to help provide the needed inputs for requirements and budget. The book also provides tips on how to select the most qualified architect and general contractor based on the specific needs of the church. This ensures the building is specifically designed to meet church requirements and that it can be built on time and on budget. Also in the book, there is a discussion of the bid letter contents. These include special instructions to the general contractor, which help outline the parameters of the project and also prevents confusion during the construction phase. The book discusses many of the pitfalls that can occur during the construction phase with valuable insight on how to avoid these pitfalls. Additionally, there is a discussion of the dreaded "change order" and how it can impact the project. The critical relationship of "time, quality, and money" is addressed in the book, providing insight of how these three elements are interrelated in church construction. And finally, the book emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God for the successful completion and celebration of the new church building. With project completion, the ultimate realization for the project manager is knowing that he has laid up treasure for his faithfulness in a job "well done."

Allan Doig explores the Christian Church through the lens of twelve particular churches, looking at their history, archaeology, and how the buildings changed over time in response to developing usage and beliefs.

The distillation of over 30 years experience of building local church Building Church contains the principles and lessons learned from repurposing church with passion and direction. But Stephen Matthew doesn't attempt to prescribe a work-anywhere, transferable model. Instead, he points to the timeless principles of Scripture that provide the building blocks of "the church that God wants you to build." CLIVE URQUHART, Senior Pastor, Kingdom Faith Church: "A thorough, step-by-step journey of how to take the seed of a vision to the realisation of a vibrant, dynamic and growing church. Without prescribing a model, Stephen gives the tools to equip you to translate them into the context you are in." DR SCOTT WILSON, President, Eurolead.net: "An honest, up-front, experience-based, practical tool ... Stephen clearly articulates the many facets of how to do church really well ... a must read." STUART BELL, Senior Pastor, New Life Lincoln and Leader, Ground Level Network: "A highly valuable resource for everyone who loves church." MAL FLETCHER, Chairman, 2020Plus: "Stephen's desire to equip leaders for greater effectiveness shines through the pages of this warm, well-constructed and enlightening book." REVD ROB WHITE, Fresh Streams Network Minister and Chairman, Hope for Justice: "An unmissable book ... advice like this is worth its weight in gold ... If you're a church leader, do yourself and your church a favour - read it " About the author STEPHEN MATTHEW is a gifted Bible teacher and committed church builder. He is Senior Associate Pastor of Abundant Life Ministries and Principal of the Abundant Life Leadership Academy.

Through personal stories, proven experience, and a thorough analysis of the biblical text, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church illustrates both the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and the seven core commitments required to bring it about. Mark DeYmaz, pastor of one of the most proven multi-ethnic churches in the country, writes from both his experience and his extensive study of how to plant, grow, and encourage more ethnically diverse churches. He argues that the "homogenous unit principle" will soon become irrelevant and that the most effective way to spread the gospel in an increasingly diverse world is through strong and vital multi-ethnic churches. Apart from ethnically and economically diverse relationships, we cannot understand others different from ourselves, develop trust for others who are different than us, and/or love others different than ourselves. Apart from understanding, trust, and love, we are less likely to get involved in the plight of others different than ourselves. Without involvement, nothing changes, and the disparaging consequences of systemic racism remain entrenched in our culture. Surely, it breaks the heart of God to see so many churches segregated ethnically or economically from one another, and that little has changed in the many years since it was first observed that eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in the land.

No one likes to eat alone; to approach a table filled with people, only to be told that despite the open chairs there isn't room for you. The rejection stings. It leaves a mark. Yet this is exactly what the church has been saying to far too many people for far too long: “You're not welcome here. Find someplace else to sit.†How can we extend unconditional welcome and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion? Pastor John Pavlovitz invites readers to join him on the journey to findâ€"or buildâ€"a church that is big enough for everyone. He speaks clearly into the heart of the issues the Christian community has been earnestly wrestling with: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, and global concerns. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, Hopeful Spiritual Community asks if organized Christianity can find a new way of faithfully continuing the work Jesus began two thousand years ago, where everyone gets a seat. Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories and his careful observations as a pastor to set the table for a new, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. He invites us to build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.