2nd Expanded Edition All too frequently studies of the gifts of the Spirit consist largely of answering two questions: "What are the gifts?" and "Which ones do I have?" In many cases studies go on to a third question: "How can I get more?" In response, institutional churches and theologically and intellectually respectable Christians often tend to avoid the work of the Holy Spirit in the church entirely. It's much easier to simply close the doors and windows than it is to deal with the wind (John 3:8). After all, they've seen the wind blow out the candles, disarrange the altar vestments, and send a chill through the congregants. Author, pastor, and church historian Bob Cornwall has experienced all of this for himself. He has seen traditional churches and worship. He has seen Pentecostal worship. He has led congregations in difficult times. For more than 30 years, he has studied, practiced, prayed, and lived the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. The result is Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening. Here he avoids both the errors of replacing the freedom of the Spirit with human whim and of trying to tame or confine the Spirit that will not be fettered. He asks: "Do you truly believe that God is present in the world? And, do you believe that God is working through us to break down the walls that divide us from God, from each other, and from the world? And if you do, do you believe that you have been gifted and empowered to participate in this ministry that takes down the walls of egoism, suspicion, greed, self-interest, and hatred?" If you can say "yes" to these questions, jump right in. This is the book for you. If you are hesitant, or if the idea of the Holy Spirit working unfettered in your congregation and community frightens you, read the first four chapters carefully as Bob lays the theological foundation. You may find your "maybe" or even your "no" turned into a "yes." Building on this foundation, Bob continues with five chapters on the gifts of the Spirit as described in Scripture. These are practical discussions that will let you keep your bearings in discussions of the Spirit and, more importantly, in a community where the Spirit is active. Finally, he concludes with a discussion of how to lead and pastor a church where the gifts of the Spirit are active. Whether you are a Pentecostal, an evangelical, a mainliner, a progressive, or any other label you might find for yourself or your church, you will profit from reading this book.

Its an abomination! They want to pick and choose what parts of the Bible to obey! God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve! Most same-gender-loving Christians from fundamentalist backgrounds have heard these phrases, over and over again, from their Accusers homophobic Christians who refuse to acknowledge LGBT Christians as part of the Body of Christ. In Ready to Answer, Rev. Marilyn Bowens responds to their favorite slogans; and shares additional insights from her journey from fundamentalism to peaceful, authentic, and intimate relationship with God. Ready to Answer is food for the souls of LGBT Christians who are struggling to heal from the abusive theology, policies, and practices of Accuser churches. * * * It is critically important that all LGBT Christians have an answer for those who would dare suggest that we are not embraced by the extravagant grace of our loving God. In the much needed and long awaited book, Ready to Answer , Rev. Bowens will enable us, our families and allies to conquer the fears within and the foes without. Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder Founder and Presiding Bishop, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries This is a book that can save lives, sanity; can help people really entrapped. It is very disarming. Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson Moderator, Metropolitan Community Church