In our age of brokenness and hurt, the Christian church is called to come alongside people with the life-giving Gospel of Christ. Unfortunately, many churches assume that well-intentioned Christians not only know how to do this, but are actually doing it. Such is not the case. Pastors, lay leaders, and church members will find in this simple resource, ideas that empower and train people to minister to one another. This book equips and encourages believers to continue Christ's call to care for others. Cusick offers practical guidance for every believer on ministering to the needs of others. Readers will be equipped to comfort the hurting, assist the needy, offer recovery for the addicted, encourage the aged, and provide spiritual care training for everyone.

"The Stephen Olford Essential Sermon Outlines is a new concept in preaching anthologies. Superior messages are distilled into "essential sermons." A brief introduction, short exposition of the text, and conclusion are accompanied by illustrations and amplifications. Each element is marked so messages can be adapted to any occasion and style of preaching or teaching. Pastors, evangelists, and Bible study leaders will find this volume a fresh resource for sermon preparation. The series is divided into sections of topical, textual, and seasonal collections.

As Allan Cole knows firsthand, both personally and pastorally, Christians are not immune from anxiety, and many believers go to their church leaders for support and solace. This helpful book draws on narrative approaches to theology and counseling to suggest how pastoral caregivers may effectively minister to anxious persons."Be Not Anxious"provides pastors and other caregivers with a basic understanding of anxiety, including how to identify those suffering from it and how to get at what is making them anxious. Cole focuses both on cognitive-based methods and on common faith practices -- church membership, frequent worship, prayer, Bible reading, service, and confession -- showing how these may provide relief from anxiety. By addressing the roles of both psychiatry and ministry as co-liberators from anxiety, he leads the pastor and the faith community in helping disquieted souls to find rest."

What if our differences became opportunities?

The world needs bold, united followers of Jesus. It needs you and me to understand and appreciate the contributions of our brothers and sisters in faith. However, too often, our blind spots lead to divisions and disagreements, preventing God's people from testifying to his grace with one voice.

In this provocative book, Collin Hansen helps us view our differences as opportunities to more effectively engage a needy world with the love of Christ. Highlighting the diversity of thought, experience, and personality that God has given to his people, Blind Spots lays the foundation for a new generation of Christians eager to cultivate a courageous, compassionate, and commissioned church.

Has God called you or someone you know to the ministry? Find out for sure. This practical book aims to help teens and young adults understand what ordained ministry is and decide whether or not they are called to it. Each chapter offers answers to several questions that young people typically have about the ministry or their own call to ministry.