This handbook is designed to help the co-builders of the local church to build as close to the Architects desired end as possible, to assure that the local manifestation of the church is as identical to the universal as possible, and to encourage co- builders to follow the builders guide as provided by the Architect. The author of this handbook obviously has great concern for the local church and the biblical leadership standard for same. The reader may be amazed with the amount of scriptural data presented and challenged to new and or renewed convictions for their church. The high calling for Godly leadership is humbly outlined for personal consideration. Reading with much prayer is recommended. May you be blessed and benefit as this reader/student has benefited having served under the authors leadership. A brother in Christ. Vern Ladd [former Chairman Board of Elders, Racine Bible Church, Racine, WI]

Practical instructions for use of the gifts of the Spirit in the congregation. An ideal text for class teaching and discussion.

How God Ministers to His People and the World through the Local Church The church is more than coffee with friends—it's a meaningful gathering of Christians that involves fellowship and growing in biblical truth. Given the rise of the internet and the availability of streaming church services, many ministry leaders and church members are asking questions about the purpose and mission of the local church: What is the church? Why does the church exist? How does the church function? What is the connection between the Christian and the church? Pastor and trusted scholar Edward Klink III addresses these questions and more with a thoughtful assessment of what the Bible has to say about God's intention for the local church body. Klink stresses its importance as God's way of revealing his presence, displaying his power, fulfilling his purposes, and manifesting his activity in the world. In today's hyperindividualized culture, this book not only demonstrates why it's vital for individuals to connect to a local church, but also reveals why it's vital to God's work in the world.

A comprehensive guide to practical evangelism: its biblical basis, theological backbone, and current practice Michael Green draws from a lifetime’s experience in this seminal work on the theory and practice of evangelism. Green shows how the good news of Christ is communicated most effectively through the local church. This comprehensive resource includes a primer on Christian apologetics and concrete suggestions for congregations and individuals sharing the gospel. Green challenges the hang-ups which so often accompany the very mention of evangelism. His classic work will continue to inspire new generations of evangelists.

Church leaders are frustrated Larger churches are bogged down by the weight of their own organizations, and smaller churches struggle with an inability to get things moving. Veteran leadership expert Gary L. McIntosh provides help to leaders of churches, regardless of size, who struggle to create workable plans to move their congregations forward. This book identifies the best practices on how to assess the unique identity of a church and design a plan for its future. Loaded with case studies, resources, and chapter-by-chapter action plans, this practical resource contains everything a pastor needs to understand the planning process; identify the churches mission, values, and goals; and put it all together in a plan that works in the local setting.

Christians know church is important, but sometimes it doesn't seem worth it. An eclectic assortment of people with differing personalities, political views, and parenting styles can make for awkward interactions and difficult connections. What’s the point of putting in the tough work to build relationships? But the Bible says God’s people ought to be bound together. It uses words like beloved, brothers and sisters, saints, and fellow laborers to describe their mutual relationship in the church. In this book, Megan Hill answers a common question of churchgoers: What’s so great about the church? With rich theology, practical direction, and study questions for group use, Hill encourages and equips both first-time visitors and regular members to delight in being a part of the local church—no matter how messy and ordinary it seems today. It is only when God’s people begin to see one another as the Lord sees them that they will truly find a place to belong.

In his last interview, the late Italian Cardinal and former Archbishop of Milan, Carlo Maria Martini, said the need for deep reform in the Catholic Church was urgent and long overdue because 'the Church is 200 years behind the times'. The reference to 200 years clearly points to the watershed in European life that the French Revolution and the Enlightenment became. Vatican II was one attempt to meet the challenge of relevance to our times. But its best efforts have been on ice since the late 1970s. Now a new opportunity arrives in the pontificate of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. And the movement he has initiated is evangelical in source and comprehensive in reach. But, as many observers have pointed out, it will not be lasting if it does not lead to sustainable structural change?to reform that accompanies renewal. In Tomorrow's Church Today, five highly qualified commentators focus on what lies ahead for the Church to be reformed if it is to meet the challenges of the 21st Century: o A theologian and historian (Massimo Faggioli) who targets how ministry and leadership can be reshaped authentically for our times; o A journalist and radio host for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation?the ABC?(Geraldine Dougue), writes a candid piece on how she would advise Pope Francis on the state of the Church; o A reporter and analyst with 30 years experience of moves and machinations in the Etenrnal City (Robert Mickens); o A bishop with a lifetime of experience of ministering to the divorced and remarried and the benefit of legal and biblical scholarship to support his approach (Geoffrey Robinson); o A biblical scholar who examines much of what's taken for granted in the governance of the Church and exposes where it is left wanting (Antony Campbell); and o A bishop whose forced 'resignation' exposes the deficiencies of a system of governance devoid of basics?due process and respect for natural rights. But the Catholic Church is not its clerics, scholars and commentators. It is the baptised. Geraldine Doogue is a celebrated Australian broadcaster and commentator whose Introduction speaks for and from the experience of the mass of Catholics.