Faithful Practices

Faithful Practices

Author: Erik Walker Wikstrom

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1558968113

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An eclectic mix of contributors share their reflections about spiritual practices in their everyday lives. Each of them describes their practice and the ways it opens them up to their hearts and souls. From chopping vegetables to creatively arranging action figures, from taking long walks to playing roller derby, these practices demonstrate the wide range of ways that we can be spiritual, and provide models for those seeking a practice of their own.


Book Synopsis Faithful Practices by : Erik Walker Wikstrom

Download or read book Faithful Practices written by Erik Walker Wikstrom and published by Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. This book was released on 2018 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An eclectic mix of contributors share their reflections about spiritual practices in their everyday lives. Each of them describes their practice and the ways it opens them up to their hearts and souls. From chopping vegetables to creatively arranging action figures, from taking long walks to playing roller derby, these practices demonstrate the wide range of ways that we can be spiritual, and provide models for those seeking a practice of their own.


Faithful Families

Faithful Families

Author: Traci Smith

Publisher: Chalice Press

Published: 2017-03-07

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0827211236

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A new and expanded version of Seamless Faith, now with more than a dozen new spiritual practices and additional resources for parents, kids, grandparents, and communities that care about families! Add family faith moments to your daily routine with little or no prep, and share meaningful spiritual experiences with your children! Traci Smith, a pastor and mother of three, offers ways to discover and develop new spiritual practices as a family, whether you're a new seeker or a lifelong follower. Faithful Families is brimming with easy, do-it-yourself ideas for transforming your family's everyday moments into sacred moments! Faithful Families helps you: connect faith to your family's everyday life; add family faith moments into your daily routine; learn new spiritual practices alongside your children; teach your children to appreciate religious diversity with time-tested non-Christian and Christian spiritual practices; respond to life's everyday challenges and opportunities with meaningful practices Faithful Families is the perfect gift for Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles; Baptisms; Baby Showers; New Families; Christian educators and those they serve; Preschool Classes; and Godparents Faithful Families is part of The Young Clergy Women Project


Book Synopsis Faithful Families by : Traci Smith

Download or read book Faithful Families written by Traci Smith and published by Chalice Press. This book was released on 2017-03-07 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A new and expanded version of Seamless Faith, now with more than a dozen new spiritual practices and additional resources for parents, kids, grandparents, and communities that care about families! Add family faith moments to your daily routine with little or no prep, and share meaningful spiritual experiences with your children! Traci Smith, a pastor and mother of three, offers ways to discover and develop new spiritual practices as a family, whether you're a new seeker or a lifelong follower. Faithful Families is brimming with easy, do-it-yourself ideas for transforming your family's everyday moments into sacred moments! Faithful Families helps you: connect faith to your family's everyday life; add family faith moments into your daily routine; learn new spiritual practices alongside your children; teach your children to appreciate religious diversity with time-tested non-Christian and Christian spiritual practices; respond to life's everyday challenges and opportunities with meaningful practices Faithful Families is the perfect gift for Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles; Baptisms; Baby Showers; New Families; Christian educators and those they serve; Preschool Classes; and Godparents Faithful Families is part of The Young Clergy Women Project


Reclaiming the Body

Reclaiming the Body

Author: Joel James Shuman

Publisher: Brazos Press

Published: 2006-02

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 1587431270

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A doctor and a theologian explore the relationship between Christian faith and medicine, encouraging a more biblical view of health and health care by individuals and churches


Book Synopsis Reclaiming the Body by : Joel James Shuman

Download or read book Reclaiming the Body written by Joel James Shuman and published by Brazos Press. This book was released on 2006-02 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A doctor and a theologian explore the relationship between Christian faith and medicine, encouraging a more biblical view of health and health care by individuals and churches


Faithful Efforts

Faithful Efforts

Author: Bram De Muynck

Publisher: Summum Academic

Published: 2021-12-31

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 9492701405

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This book brings together selected lectures presented at the Education, Formation and the Church conference held in Kampen, August 2018. The key issue tackled by all contributors is how we can properly understand formation in the formative contexts of school and Church. The urgency of the topic is experienced by many people committed to the faith development of children and young people. Changes in society bring uncertainty and anxiety to churches, schools and families. Some Christian communities are inclined to protect their members from the perceived negative influences of the post-Christian age, while others equip them with tools to become virtuous disciples of Christ in modern society. These all are faithful efforts that seek the best for the future generation. Different responses to the challenges in society affect the various contexts in which formation is at stake, including schools, youth work, catechism and the training of pastors. The reflections in this book are intended to support people involved in these contexts in their future efforts. Scholars working in the domains of education and practical theology share their perspectives. Contributors are Bram de Muynck, Roel Kuiper, David I. Smith, Trevor Cooling, Bernd Wannenwetsch, Hans Schaeffer, Maarten Kater and Ferdi Kruger.


Book Synopsis Faithful Efforts by : Bram De Muynck

Download or read book Faithful Efforts written by Bram De Muynck and published by Summum Academic. This book was released on 2021-12-31 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together selected lectures presented at the Education, Formation and the Church conference held in Kampen, August 2018. The key issue tackled by all contributors is how we can properly understand formation in the formative contexts of school and Church. The urgency of the topic is experienced by many people committed to the faith development of children and young people. Changes in society bring uncertainty and anxiety to churches, schools and families. Some Christian communities are inclined to protect their members from the perceived negative influences of the post-Christian age, while others equip them with tools to become virtuous disciples of Christ in modern society. These all are faithful efforts that seek the best for the future generation. Different responses to the challenges in society affect the various contexts in which formation is at stake, including schools, youth work, catechism and the training of pastors. The reflections in this book are intended to support people involved in these contexts in their future efforts. Scholars working in the domains of education and practical theology share their perspectives. Contributors are Bram de Muynck, Roel Kuiper, David I. Smith, Trevor Cooling, Bernd Wannenwetsch, Hans Schaeffer, Maarten Kater and Ferdi Kruger.


Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful

Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful

Author: Gary A. Parrett

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2013-03-05

Total Pages: 463

ISBN-13: 0830884351

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Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.


Book Synopsis Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful by : Gary A. Parrett

Download or read book Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful written by Gary A. Parrett and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2013-03-05 with total page 463 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.


Faithful Presence

Faithful Presence

Author: David E. Fitch

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2016-12-01

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 0830899413

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Missio Alliance Essential Reading List of 2016 In our quest to renew the church, Christians have walked through seeker-friendly, emergent, missional, and other movements to develop new expressions of the body of Christ. Now in the post-Christian world in North America we're asking the question again: is there a way to be the church that engages the world, not by judgment nor accommodation but by becoming the good news in our culture? In Faithful Presence, noted pastor and scholar David Fitch offers a new vision for the witness of the church in the world. He argues that we have lost the intent and practice of the sacramental ways of the historic church, and he recovers seven disciplines that have been with us since the birth of the church. Through numerous examples and stories, he demonstrates how these revolutionary disciplines can help the church take shape in and among our neighborhoods, transform our way of life in the world, and advance the kingdom. This book will help you re-envision church, what you do in the name of church, and the way you lead a church. It recovers a future for the church that takes us beyond Christendom. Embrace the call to reimagine the church as the living embodiment of Christ, dwelling in and reflecting God's faithful presence to a world that desperately needs more of it.


Book Synopsis Faithful Presence by : David E. Fitch

Download or read book Faithful Presence written by David E. Fitch and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2016-12-01 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Missio Alliance Essential Reading List of 2016 In our quest to renew the church, Christians have walked through seeker-friendly, emergent, missional, and other movements to develop new expressions of the body of Christ. Now in the post-Christian world in North America we're asking the question again: is there a way to be the church that engages the world, not by judgment nor accommodation but by becoming the good news in our culture? In Faithful Presence, noted pastor and scholar David Fitch offers a new vision for the witness of the church in the world. He argues that we have lost the intent and practice of the sacramental ways of the historic church, and he recovers seven disciplines that have been with us since the birth of the church. Through numerous examples and stories, he demonstrates how these revolutionary disciplines can help the church take shape in and among our neighborhoods, transform our way of life in the world, and advance the kingdom. This book will help you re-envision church, what you do in the name of church, and the way you lead a church. It recovers a future for the church that takes us beyond Christendom. Embrace the call to reimagine the church as the living embodiment of Christ, dwelling in and reflecting God's faithful presence to a world that desperately needs more of it.


A Faithful Public-Prophetic Witness

A Faithful Public-Prophetic Witness

Author: Barry K. Morris

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2020-03-20

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 1532684347

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This book hails from decades of challenging trial-and-error work, abundant reading, and an enduring obligation to ministers, activists, and unsung lay heroes whose legacies matter. As there is little that actually addresses the elusive meanings, if not the dangers inherent in pursuing alleged spoils of “success,” it is kairos time. Seemingly scarce resources and competition to make and maintain ministries in the city challenge those of us in the field, or on the sidelines, to speak, write, and communicate clearly, and convincingly—not only for ourselves and our “people,” past and present, but for those who come along soon to receive the baton or wear the mantle. Concretely narrated, with unique case studies, a cast of dozens contribute their earthy, earnest testimonies and are, at long last, energetically affirmed. Specifically, this work proffers constructive attention to the critical cautions concerning subtle temptations to “succeed,” including: commodification, cooptation, communalism, clientelism, and cowardice—and, not bailing on fierce charity-justice tensions (with benevolence protectively dominant). Narrative analysis and biography-as-theology, social ethics, biblical theology, and recent church history give apt attention to how a compelling case is possible for success, if justice is practiced, given a hopeful realism and perspective of prophetic eschatology.


Book Synopsis A Faithful Public-Prophetic Witness by : Barry K. Morris

Download or read book A Faithful Public-Prophetic Witness written by Barry K. Morris and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2020-03-20 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book hails from decades of challenging trial-and-error work, abundant reading, and an enduring obligation to ministers, activists, and unsung lay heroes whose legacies matter. As there is little that actually addresses the elusive meanings, if not the dangers inherent in pursuing alleged spoils of “success,” it is kairos time. Seemingly scarce resources and competition to make and maintain ministries in the city challenge those of us in the field, or on the sidelines, to speak, write, and communicate clearly, and convincingly—not only for ourselves and our “people,” past and present, but for those who come along soon to receive the baton or wear the mantle. Concretely narrated, with unique case studies, a cast of dozens contribute their earthy, earnest testimonies and are, at long last, energetically affirmed. Specifically, this work proffers constructive attention to the critical cautions concerning subtle temptations to “succeed,” including: commodification, cooptation, communalism, clientelism, and cowardice—and, not bailing on fierce charity-justice tensions (with benevolence protectively dominant). Narrative analysis and biography-as-theology, social ethics, biblical theology, and recent church history give apt attention to how a compelling case is possible for success, if justice is practiced, given a hopeful realism and perspective of prophetic eschatology.


Leading Faithful Innovation

Leading Faithful Innovation

Author: Dwight Zscheile

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 2023-04-18

Total Pages: 175

ISBN-13: 1506488773

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What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading? Leading Faithful Innovation offers a practical, hands-on approach to addressing this challenge, a process that culminates in the hope that comes from following the Spirit. Dwight Zscheile, Michael Binder, and Tessa Pinkstaff build on Scripture, theology, and the latest leadership and change theories to guide church leaders on a journey toward grassroots, participatory spiritual growth. This faithful innovation begins with a three-step process: listening to God and to each other, acting so we can learn, and sharing our stories in community. Real-life stories and supportive spiritual practices make each step toward effective change accessible and actionable. The book then examines how these steps change the culture of a church, establishing a new, biblically grounded way of being church. The authors present leadership practices that invite readers to redefine their leadership identity, accept the loss of their role as the primary driver of their congregation, and discover new hope and possibility. These topics are again fleshed out with real-life stories and undergirded by suggested practices. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate that faithful innovation is not another program or an add-on to what readers are already doing. It is a path to a new normal. It is an ongoing way of following God that allows the Spirit of God to drive the energy among the people of the church.


Book Synopsis Leading Faithful Innovation by : Dwight Zscheile

Download or read book Leading Faithful Innovation written by Dwight Zscheile and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 2023-04-18 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading? Leading Faithful Innovation offers a practical, hands-on approach to addressing this challenge, a process that culminates in the hope that comes from following the Spirit. Dwight Zscheile, Michael Binder, and Tessa Pinkstaff build on Scripture, theology, and the latest leadership and change theories to guide church leaders on a journey toward grassroots, participatory spiritual growth. This faithful innovation begins with a three-step process: listening to God and to each other, acting so we can learn, and sharing our stories in community. Real-life stories and supportive spiritual practices make each step toward effective change accessible and actionable. The book then examines how these steps change the culture of a church, establishing a new, biblically grounded way of being church. The authors present leadership practices that invite readers to redefine their leadership identity, accept the loss of their role as the primary driver of their congregation, and discover new hope and possibility. These topics are again fleshed out with real-life stories and undergirded by suggested practices. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate that faithful innovation is not another program or an add-on to what readers are already doing. It is a path to a new normal. It is an ongoing way of following God that allows the Spirit of God to drive the energy among the people of the church.


Everyday Spiritual Practice

Everyday Spiritual Practice

Author: Scott W. Alexander

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9781558963757

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Have you wondered, "How do I integrate my heartfelt beliefs into my daily life?" Nearly 40 contributors address this creative dilemma and share their discoveries. Creating a home altar, practicing martial arts, fasting, quilting -- these are just some of the ways they've found to make every day more meaningful and satisfying.


Book Synopsis Everyday Spiritual Practice by : Scott W. Alexander

Download or read book Everyday Spiritual Practice written by Scott W. Alexander and published by Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. This book was released on 1999 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have you wondered, "How do I integrate my heartfelt beliefs into my daily life?" Nearly 40 contributors address this creative dilemma and share their discoveries. Creating a home altar, practicing martial arts, fasting, quilting -- these are just some of the ways they've found to make every day more meaningful and satisfying.


Simply Pray

Simply Pray

Author: Erik Walker Wikstrom

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781558964693

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Offers fresh answers to the age-old question, "Why pray?" Building from the shared prayer forms of many faiths, Wikstrom offers a modern prayer bead practice that you can make your own. In addition, the author includes practical suggestions for composing prayers to use with the beads. Simply Pray is an excellent guide for anyone seeking a unique spiritual practice that is deeply rooted in the world's great religions. Wikstrom identifies and defines the four major types of prayer that are practiced by all the world's major religions: * Naming the many ways in which the holy is present in daily life and the wider world * Knowing the self introspectively --both in its strengths and weaknesses * Listening to the "voice of quiet stillness" that resides in each individual * Loving by reaching out to the world Simply Pray uses these four core prayer types to develop a modern worship practice, using prayer beads as a frame of reference. The book offers illustrated prayer-bead techniques that can be used directly or customized for personal use. There are also helpful tips on how to make prayer a part of your daily routine, as well as how to to make prayer beads and the benefits of using them: * Prayer beads serve as a focus for meditation. Much more than a mnemonic aid to prayer, prayer beads engage the senses to create a state of mindfulness. * Prayer beads are mobile altars. Simply touching the beads as they rest in a pocket, briefcase, or purse brings a prayerful presence to mundane moments. * Prayer beads serve as reminders of prayer and help keep track of prayers. Simply Pray is for anyone who is seeking a modern prayer practice that is deeply rooted in world tradition.


Book Synopsis Simply Pray by : Erik Walker Wikstrom

Download or read book Simply Pray written by Erik Walker Wikstrom and published by Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers fresh answers to the age-old question, "Why pray?" Building from the shared prayer forms of many faiths, Wikstrom offers a modern prayer bead practice that you can make your own. In addition, the author includes practical suggestions for composing prayers to use with the beads. Simply Pray is an excellent guide for anyone seeking a unique spiritual practice that is deeply rooted in the world's great religions. Wikstrom identifies and defines the four major types of prayer that are practiced by all the world's major religions: * Naming the many ways in which the holy is present in daily life and the wider world * Knowing the self introspectively --both in its strengths and weaknesses * Listening to the "voice of quiet stillness" that resides in each individual * Loving by reaching out to the world Simply Pray uses these four core prayer types to develop a modern worship practice, using prayer beads as a frame of reference. The book offers illustrated prayer-bead techniques that can be used directly or customized for personal use. There are also helpful tips on how to make prayer a part of your daily routine, as well as how to to make prayer beads and the benefits of using them: * Prayer beads serve as a focus for meditation. Much more than a mnemonic aid to prayer, prayer beads engage the senses to create a state of mindfulness. * Prayer beads are mobile altars. Simply touching the beads as they rest in a pocket, briefcase, or purse brings a prayerful presence to mundane moments. * Prayer beads serve as reminders of prayer and help keep track of prayers. Simply Pray is for anyone who is seeking a modern prayer practice that is deeply rooted in world tradition.