Clergy & Laity

Micro Practices for Justice Ministry

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:26:44 GMT

Available May 2025; Preorder Now!

Big change starts with small acts.

What if the most profound changes in justice ministry come not from grand gestures, but from the small, faithful acts we practice every day? Micro Practices for Justice Ministry is a powerful resource that challenges the idea that only big, sweeping actions lead to real change. In this inspiring book, you'll discover how small, everyday acts—done well and consistently—can transform justice ministry in profound ways. Drawing on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts, this book highlights how micro practices—simple, intentional actions—have the power to reshape communities and advance justice.

Rooted in scripture and theology, Micro Practices for Justice Ministry presents hundreds of actionable practices that can be easily integrated into everyday ministry. From one-on-one conversations to small group efforts, these seemingly small actions, when practiced consistently, build momentum that drives meaningful change. Each practice is shared through engaging narrative stories, bringing the experiences of real pastors to life and demonstrating the lasting impact of doing the "small stuff" with intention.

Perfect for clergy, laity, and community organizers alike, this book offers both practical tools and spiritual encouragement for those committed to justice. Whether you're leading a congregation, working in your community, or studying ministry, this book will help you see that real transformation often starts with the smallest of steps.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2025

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:04:14 GMT

Longing for daily spiritual renewal with God? Disciplines, the beloved and bestselling year-long devotional from The Upper Room, offers a unique opportunity to ground and center your day in God's word. With daily meditations and prayers crafted by renowned and diverse Christian thought leaders, you'll be guided through a transformative exploration of scripture to deepen and inspire your daily life with God.

Following the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of scripture readings, Disciplines sparks new insights and revelations as you engage with the timeless truths of the Bible. Each week, a different thought leader will lead you on a journey of spiritual discovery, providing fresh perspectives and meaningful reflections to deepen your understanding of scripture and God's longings for you and your community.

The Upper Room Disciplines also includes a Guide to Daily Prayer and a Small Group Leader's Guide, making it perfect for individual study or group discussion. Whether you are seeking personal growth or nurturing a community of believers, this devotional guide is the perfect companion on your spiritual journey.

The Upper Room Disciplines is essential reading for all who yearn to live everyday grounded in God's word and hope. Order your copy today and start your journey towards a deeper relationship with Christ.

Among the writers for the 2025 edition of Disciplines are Jorge Acevedo, Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu, Osheta Moore, J. Dana Trent, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, and Nadiyka Gerbish.

The Upper Room Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer
A small group leader’s guide

The Upper Room Disciplines 2025

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:24:42 GMT

Among the writers for the 2025 edition of Disciplines are Jorge Acevedo, Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu, Osheta Moore, J. Dana Trent, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, and Nadiyka Gerbish.

The Upper Room Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer
A small group leader’s guide

The Upper Room Disciplines 2025 Enlarged Print

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:50:21 GMT

Among the writers for the 2025 edition of Disciplines are Jorge Acevedo, Bishop Sidwell Mokgothu, Osheta Moore, J. Dana Trent, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, and Nadiyka Gerbish.

The Upper Room Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer
A small group leader’s guide

The Upper Room Disciplines 2024

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:02:52 GMT

"I pray you find the same poetic beauty, awe-inspiring wisdom, and challenge to deeper discipleship that I have discovered in the lectionary and the pages of Disciplines." —Kara Lassen Oliver

Challenge yourself to a deeper relationship with Christ each day with The Upper Room Disciplines. Readings in this year-long devotional will awaken and strengthen your awareness of God’s presence in your daily life. Each week a different Christian thought leader offers daily meditations and prayers that will help you engage in God's Word.

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of scripture readings, Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer

Among the writers for the 2024 edition of Disciplines are Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes, Johnathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Will Willimon, Tracy Malone, David Dark, Whitney Simpson, and Ray Buckley.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2024

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:03:01 GMT

"I pray you find the same poetic beauty, awe-inspiring wisdom, and challenge to deeper discipleship that I have discovered in the lectionary and the pages of Disciplines." —Kara Lassen Oliver

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of scripture readings, Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer

Among the writers for the 2024 edition of Disciplines are Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes, Johnathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Will Willimon, Tracy Malone, David Dark, Whitney Simpson, and Ray Buckley.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2024, Enlarged-Print Edition

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:02:58 GMT

"I pray you find the same poetic beauty, awe-inspiring wisdom, and challenge to deeper discipleship that I have discovered in the lectionary and the pages of Disciplines." —Kara Lassen Oliver

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of scripture readings, Disciplines features:

A focal scripture passage for each day of the year
Brief, insightful meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions
A prayer or reflection to carry with you each day
Weekly scripture overviews
An index of scripture readings
A guide to daily prayer

Among the writers for the 2024 edition of Disciplines are Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes, Johnathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Will Willimon, Tracy Malone, David Dark, Whitney Simpson, and Ray Buckley.

Safer Sanctuaries

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:31:21 GMT

Safe Sanctuaries has long been a trusted source of policy and procedural guidance for abuse prevention in the church. First published in 1998, Safe Sanctuaries has guided churches and other affiliated institutions as they implement abuse prevention plans for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. A changing world, however, calls for new and updated approaches to the work of abuse prevention. This new resource, Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities, builds on the strong foundation of past efforts while preparing churches for the work of the future.

The Godbearing Life, Revised Edition

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:38:20 GMT

A generation ago, The Godbearing Life charted a new course for youth ministry to fuel the faith both of young people and the adults who minister with them. It is founded on the truth that we are all Godbearers to one another, and therefore youth ministry is more about people than programs. Youth ministry is ministry that invites young people into deep soul work and spiritual friendships.

Like the original, The Godbearing Life, Revised Edition is conversationally written, grounded in scripture, and grows out of all three authors' own pastoral experience. The update addresses the profound shifts in society and ministry over the past twenty-five years—from the interconnection of technology to the professionalization of youth ministry. This book reimagines the means of Godbearing youth ministry in a post-pandemic digital age in the twenty-first century while holding on to the fact that young people are continuously transformed by the message.

The Godbearing Life, Revised Edition offers a new generation of church leaders the same depth of spiritual wisdom that shifted the ground for youth workers two decades ago. The basic message is this: young people need adults who practice faith alongside them.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2023

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:37:36 GMT

Strength for Your Spiritual Journey

Center your heart and mind on God each day with The Upper Room Disciplines. Readings in this year-long devotional will awaken and strengthen your awareness of God’s presence in your daily life. Each week a different Christian thought leader offers daily meditations, scripture readings, and prayers that will help you engage God’s Word.

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of Sunday scripture readings, Disciplines features: a focal scripture passage for each day, short daily meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions, a reflection or prayer to carry with you each day, weekly scripture overviews, an index of scripture readings, and a guide to daily prayer.

Among the writers for the 2023 edition of Disciplines are Hannah Adair Bonner, Tex Sample, Barbara Brown Taylor, Elizabeth Corrie, Bishop Karen Oliveto, Richard Morgan, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, and Peter Wallace.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2023, Enlarged-Print Edition

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:37:44 GMT

Strength for Your Spiritual Journey

La evangelización transformadora

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:47:50 GMT

Debido a las tácticas más agresivas y de confrontación que escuchamos, el evangelismo ha desarrollado una mala connotación. Las puertas se cierran apresuradamente, las llamadas telefónicas terminan abruptamente y los correos electrónicos quedan sin respuesta.

Después de todo, ¿no es una tarea que debería realizar el pastor?

Tal vez sea el momento de reexaminar el modelo de evangelización de Juan Wesley como un ciclo completo y natural, en el que se trata de un punto de partida común en lugar de un final solitario.

El motivo central del evangelismo auténtico es: Habiendo recibido un mensaje que ha marcado la diferencia en nuestras vidas, deseamos compartir ese mensaje con otras personas con la esperanza de que también transforme sus vidas. Wesley modela un evangelismo que se extiende y da la bienvenida, invita y nutre, y habla tanto a la razón como al corazón.

«El evangelismo es relacional», escriben los autores. «Cómo nos relacionamos con Dios, que es capaz de transformarnos en seres nuevos. Cómo estamos en relación con nuestro prójimo, al que debemos amar como a nosotros mismos».

Como dice un crítico «Knight y Powe nos han dado un libro para relacionarse. Describen la profunda conexión entre los pensamientos de Juan Wesley, los himnos de Carlos Wesley, el pensamiento erudito sobre la evangelización y la comprensión bíblica del evangelio, todo ello en relación con las necesidades, preocupaciones y esperanzas de «la gente de a pie».

Aprenda por su cuenta o como grupo congregacional de este estudio práctico sobre cómo vivir una vida evangelística que demuestre el poder transformador de amar a Dios y al prójimo.

La evangelización transformadora. La manera wesleyana de compartir la fe: Guía para el liderato facilitador del curso, por Henry Knight III y F. Douglas Powe, también está disponible aquí.

La evangelización transformadora

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:27:42 GMT

El evangelismo tiene que ver con nuestra relación con Dios y con las personas con las que entramos en contacto a diario. Este curso enlaza el testimonio con la formación espiritual, llevando a las personas participantes a una mayor comprensión de la importancia del evangelismo para todas las personas involucradas. También incorpora ideas wesleyanas para un público del siglo XXI.

La evangelización transformadora. La manera wesleyana de compartir la fe: Guía para el liderato se utiliza junto con el recurso La evangelización transformadora de Henry H. Knight III y F. Douglas Powe Jr.

Disponible sólo como descarga en PDF.

Notas:

Se concede permiso al comprador para fotocopiar con fines educativos.
Lo sentimos, este artículo no es elegible para descuentos especiales de promoción y por volumen.
Este es un producto no retornable y no reembolsable.

La evangelización transformadora

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:30:09 GMT

Después de todo, ¿no es una tarea que debería realizar el pastor?

Tal vez sea el momento de reexaminar el modelo de evangelización de Juan Wesley como un ciclo completo y natural, en el que se trata de un punto de partida común en lugar de un final solitario.

Aprenda por su cuenta o como grupo congregacional de este estudio práctico sobre cómo vivir una vida evangelística que demuestre el poder transformador de amar a Dios y al prójimo.

La evangelización transformadora. La manera wesleyana de compartir la fe: Guía para el liderato facilitador del curso, por Henry Knight III y F. Douglas Powe, también está disponible aquí.

Sacred Conversation

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 21:32:57 GMT

Sacred Conversation

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 21:32:57 GMT

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.

Sacred Conversation

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:38:09 GMT

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.

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.

A Disciple's Journal Year C

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:05:29 GMT

Carefully designed and deeply Wesleyan, A Disciple's Journal provides a pattern of daily prayer and scripture reading for people who want to grow—as John Wesley encouraged—in "holiness of heart and life." This daily companion invites readers "to witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit." This edition begins with Advent 2021 and goes through Reign of Christ/Christ the King Sunday 2022. It can be used for all cycle C years, beginning Advent 2024, 2027, and 2030.

The journal includes the following:

daily lectionary readings that correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary
inspirational quotes from John Wesley
excerpts from John Wesley's sermons
hymns from Charles Wesley
orders for prayer in the morning and evening
prayers for each day of the week
a journal for discipleship
a pattern for intercessory prayer
a guide for using the journal in family devotions

Launching a New Worship Community

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:15:21 GMT

For many churches, the call to make disciples comes with a realization that the church's current worship opportunities do not reach certain groups in their surrounding community. New worship services offer the most promising strategy for renewing established churches and planting new worship communities. In a post-pandemic world, churches will be challenged to reach new people with the gospel and to help them meet in a way that is meaningful to them.

Accessible to ministry professionals and lay leaders, Launching a New Worship Community is a comprehensive guide to starting a new worship community—whether that means an established church beginning a new worship service or a church startup designing its first worship offering. The authors, writing with a team of church planting experts, provide practical advice rooted in solid academics, theology, and real-world experience. With this guide, readers will have the tools they need to begin and sustain a new worship community.

Launching a New Worship Community

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:29:54 GMT