Book: Paul and his Friends in leadership

The more we understand biblical characters like the apostle Paul in their concrete situations and in their own time, the more we will be able to apply biblical principles to today's church, its leaders and its mission-transforming and enriching the way we do church today. 
Paul and his Friends in Leadership examines the apostle Paul's critical relationships with key people, illustrating his humanity, faith, confidence in God and his leadership qualities. This novel approach, by an expert in the New Testament, will encourage us to reflect on leadership in the church today and will help us to see how significant authentic relationships are to our contemporary mission.  

Contents
1. Paul's greatness
2. Paul's life: a sketch
3. Paul's calling, his mission and his churches
4. Paul's mission to Cyprus and Galatia (AD47 - 48)

• Barnabas, missionary leader
• Paul's mission to the Aegean provinces (AD49 - 57)
• Silvanus, missionary and translator
• Timothy, Paul's leading fellow worker
• Luke, beloved physician and author
• Priscilla and Aquila, merchants
• Stephanas, servant of the saints
• Gaius, host of the church in Corinth
• Apollos, passionate preacher
• Erastus, high-ranking city official
• Titus (part 1), Paul's ambassador
• Epaphras, evangelist
• Philemon, house-church leader
• Onesimus, runaway slave
• John Mark, author
• The Asiarchs of Ephesus, leading citizens
• Phoebe, patroness in Cenchreae
• Aristarchus, travel companion

5. Paul's mission in Rome (AD57)

• Andronicus and Junia, Paul's kin
• Rufus, 'chosen in the Lord'

6. Paul's last years (AD60 - 65)

• Epaphroditus, carer
• Euodia and Syntyche, fellow workers
• Titus (part 2), evangelist in Crete
• Onesiphorus, earnest friend

7.  The origin of love in the writings of Paul
8.  The significance of Paul's mission friends

Book: Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted: A Guide to Law and Gospel Preaching

A classic theology and a contemporary school of preaching come together in this new work. Glenn Monson, an active Lutheran preacher, has taken the substantial concerns of Law and Gospel theologians and combined them with the insights of the New Homiletic School to come up with a guide to sermon development that helps any preacher deliver Law and Gospel sermons in a contemporary way. The author leads the reader through a step-by-step process in thinking about Law and Gospel preaching from exegesis through sermon design to manuscript writing. Multiple examples from assigned lectionary texts are included, and several sermons are analyzed in detail. This book will be an invaluable friend of any lectionary preacher for whom Sunday is always coming and who longs to preach classic Law and Gospel sermons in a new and fresh way.
Contents
Law and Gospel thinking
Law and Gospel exegesis
Law and Gospel design
Law and Gospel manuscript design
Law and Gospel a methodology
Final thoughts

also available from BookDepository 

Book: What's in your bag? - Outcome based youth ministry

When David brought down Goliath, he did so with the full confidence of his faith in God and a skill he had developed over time. In his bag, he had what he knew how to use....a stone and a sling. With nothing more, God positioned and placed David at the right place and time, because David had both the faith and the skill necessary to take on the giant. 
What's in Your Bag? lays a foundation for the development of 30+ Faith Skills in young people; faith skills that will enable youth to live out their personal calling in life. 
Outcome-Based Youth Ministry fulfills the biblical mandate of church leaders found in Ephesians 4:12: To equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (NLT) It aids congregations and faith-based schools in the development of a long-term, results-oriented strategy for equipping young people with life-long ministry skills. Partnering with both parents and our church family, we impart Faith Skills that help youth to grow in their personal faith while also filling their bags with the necessary Faith Skills to serve and lead whenever a ministry moment arises. 

Various versions of A mighty fortress is our God

The hymn a mighty fortress is the theme hymn of the Reformation and the Lutheran Church for many years.   Recently a number of musicians have taken on the challenge to produce different versions of this hymn.   Following are 20 versions of A mighty Fortress is our God.

Contemporary Versions



















Heavy metal version


More traditional versions

Kid's versions

Kids Play: Luther, the Reformation and some jokes

Luther, the Reformation and some jokes is a 12 minute play written by Hans Fiene intended for children to perfom. 
The script is available at https://lutheransatire.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Luther-The-Reformation-and-Some-Jokes-2.pdf

A book for teenagers relating to mental health and suicide

Mental illness and suicide are difficult topics to talk about, and with teenagers it is even more difficult, yet each year mental illness and suicide is affecting more and more people.  

What the dog saw, by Mark Worthing is written with adolscents and teens in mind.  It is the story of his own son as seen through the eyes of his dog of the long, slow tragedy of mental illness, and of suicide.  It is the story he wrote a year after his son's death to help his younger brother and sister to find away to remember their brother and talk about grief.

The book is a short book of 74 pages, with 44 easy to read chapters of 1 or 2 pages, each concluding with sentence to encourage reflection.   There are also suggestions on how the book could be used with children and teenagers.

Mark Worthing is a Lutheran pastor, lecturer and author living in Australia

Available in Australia from Australian Church Resources
Also available from Book Depository

Theology of the cross - 10 books

The theology of the cross is the significant theology of the Christian and Lutheran church.  Following are 10 books relating to the Theology of the Cross

On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Theology)  by Gerhard O. Forde
The book first clarifies the difference between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross and explains how each perspective shapes the very nature of being a theologian. The main body of the book provides commentary on the Heidelberg Disputation — the only complete analysis of this document currently available. Underlying Forde's exposition is the contention that one ought not speak of the theology of the cross as merely another item among a host of theological options; instead, one must pursue what it means to be a theologian of the cross and to look at all things through suffering and the cross.

Luther's Theology of the Cross: Martin Luther's Theological Breakthrough 

by Alister E. McGrath
Luther's Theology of the Cross represents a fully revised and updated edition of the classic 1985 text that expands on the author's ongoing research and reflects 25 years of Luther scholarship.
Draws on advances in our understanding of the late medieval intellectual, cultural, and religious background of Luther's early development, and the nature of Luther's doctrine of justification (including the so-called 'Finnish' school), many of which have not yet been incorporated into Luther scholarship
Luther's 'theological breakthrough' continues to be of central importance to Reformation Studies and the development of Protestantism

Written by one of the world's leading Protestant theologians, who is an authority on the development of the doctrine of justification. His classic work Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification is now in its third edition (2005)

Luther's Augustinian Theology of the Cross: The Augustinianism of Martin Luther's Heidelberg Disputation and the Origins of Modern Philosophy of Religion by Marco Barone (Author), David J. Engelsma (Foreword)
"These theological paradoxes ... have been deduced well or poorly from St. Paul, the especially chosen vessel and instrument of Christ, and also from St. Augustine, his most trustworthy interpreter." These are some of Martin Luther's words that introduce his Heidelberg Disputation (1518), a collection of doctrinal theses that serves as a manifesto of Luther's theology. The German Reformer claimed that his theses were a faithful exposition not only of Pauline theology, but also of Augustine's doctrine of salvation. Luther's Augustinian Theology of the Cross is an unprecedented commentary of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. Through a wide range of Augustinian texts, the author shows the accuracy of Luther's claim. Moreover, the work offers some original considerations that are of interest to both theology and philosophy. In the year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this volume is a lively and stimulating addition to the debate about the relationship between Augustine's soteriology and the theology of the Reformation.

The Theology of the Cross in Historical Perspective by Anna M. Madsen
The theology of the cross is indisputably a trendy concept today. Numerous seminars, books, and dissertations tackle the topic. But The Theology of the Cross in Historical Perspective demonstrates that theology of the cross is no passing fancy. Theologies of the cross appear at the beginnings of the church, in the sixteenth-century reformations of the church, and in the more contemporary modernization of the church. Without theologies of the cross, what the church is called to be and to preach becomes unclear. So then, what is the theology of the cross?
Anna Madsen surveys the theology of the cross in the thinking of Paul and Luther. She also outlines several important twentieth-century contributions to the subject. On the basis of her analysis, Madsen suggests that the theology of the cross reveals God to be found even in death. In death, after all, boundaries disappear. The theology of the cross assures Christians that God is present in the death of sin and in the realities of suffering and uncertainty. Given that it announces God's presence, the theology of the cross is ultimately a theology of grace, freedom, and trust. 

The Theology of the Cross: Reflections on His Cross and Ours by Daniel M. Deutschlander  (Author), Curtis A. Jahn (Editor), Design Pics (Illustrator)
The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the true center of our salvation. Through a deep and compelling examination of Scripture, the author demonstrates that without Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we would be lost. However, because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we now have the promise of eternal life in heaven with him. This book also reminds us that since Christ first loved us in this way, it is now our joy to take up our own crosses daily and follow him.

Cross in Tensions: Luther's Theology of the Cross as Theologico-social Critique by Philip Ruge-Jones  (Author)
Luther's theology of the cross is a direct critique of oppressive power relationships in his day. Luther's early thought challenges specific economic, political, social, ideological, and religious power dynamics; the cross confronts those who enjoy power, prestige, pomp, and profits at the expense of the poor. Ruge-Jones maps the power relationships that Luther's theology addressed and then turns to specific works that challenge established structures of his world. Luther's Latin texts undermine the ideological assumptions and presumptions that bolstered an opulent church and empire. Luther uses the cross of Christ to challenge what he called volatilem cogitatum, "knowledge that is prone to violence." His German writings (directed to a broader, more popular audience) focus this critique of human pretensions into an attack on systems of wealth, status, and power that refuse to look with compassion upon poor Mary, or upon the many domestic servants of Germany. God has respected the ones whom the world disrespects and has thus entered the world to turn it upside down. Also in the German writings, the Lord's Supper calls the powerful to enter into solidarity with the poor--suffering people to whom Christ has given himself. Finally, in his popular pamphlets, visual images show with graphic specificity that throughout his life Christ sought out solidarity with the least. These images contrast brutally with images of a church that has sold its soul to wealth, political influence, military power, and status.

What Has Wittenberg to Do with Azusa?: Luther's Theology of the Cross and Pentecostal Triumphalism by David J. Courey (Author)
Global Pentecostalism is a twenty-first century phenomenon. Yet in North America, where the movement was born, it has stalled. Courey uncovers the cause of this plateau in the triumphalism that is characteristic of both North American Protestantism and Pentecostalism. Through the identification of parallels between Martin Luther and contemporary Pentecostals, Courey detects in Luther's Theology of the Cross a potent remedy for this tension. Utilising this insight, Courey reflects on other faith traditions, and provides a counterpoint to the triumphalism that inhibits the development of Pentecostalism in North America and around the world. 

This work comprises of three parts. The first is historical, charting the antecedents and development of Pentecostal triumphalism. The second is an experiment in historical theology, seeking basic resonances between Luther and early Pentecostals, and examining the Theology of the Cross as a means of probing Pentecostalism. The final section is an effort in constructive theology, applying the theologia crucis to some of the central aspects of Pentecostalism.

Theology of the Cross for the 21st Century by Authors Various (Author), Alberto L. Garcia  (Editor), A. R. Victor Raj (Editor)
This book is a collection of essays that explore the significance of Martin Luther's theology of the cross within the context of the various world religions and philosophies. Each contributor describes and interprets this distinctive Lutheran understanding of grace with the worldview of a major tradition or system. The writing is scholarly, yet accessible for the discerning lay reader. Readers develop a renewed appreciation for the richness of the cross and the ways Luther's insights speak to different contexts.

Pastoral Care Under the Cross: God in the midst of suffering by Richard C. Eyer (Author)
Pastoral Care Under the Cross points to the cross as the paradigm for pastoral care when counseling suffering people. This book offers insight that is useful not only for pastors but also Christian counselors, chaplains, nurses, doctors, and social workers who interact with the elderly, dying, mourning, mentally ill, or depressed.

Theology of the Cross:  The death of Jesus in the Pauline letters by Charles B Cousar  (Author)
In Paul's epistles the crucifixion story reveals a God who is free and in no way bound by human categories or expectations. Yet God in Christ chooses to be engaged in the very depths of the human predicament. The message of the crucifixion is that God's power is manifested in weakness, not in strength. The author believes that this "weakness as strength" should be the focal point of the church's identity. However, a celebration of weakness is in complete opposition to traditional American beliefs in personal strength and a powerful church.

Guidance and hope in times of congregational transition

Change is a normal part of life for individuals, families and congregations. This resource is offered
by Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ to provide assistance during this time. Change can
create anxiety but also tremendous opportunities for growth. Make certain to spend time in prayer for the ministry and mission of your church as you walk through the days of transition.

Gudiance and hope in times of congregational transition is available here

Table of contents
LCMC TRANSITIONS IN MINISTRY
UNDERSTANDING TRANSITIONS
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
VALUES
TRANSITIONS COME IN AT LEAST FOUR KINDS!! ! 
FINDING HELP IN TIMES OF TRANSITION!! 
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION RESOURCES
THREE KINDS OF RESOURCES
ASSESSMENT
CONFLICT
THIRD PARTY HELP
HOW DO WE START!! 
FOR THE CHURCH COUNCIL/LEADERSHIP TEAM
FOR THE TRANSITION TEAM
A FINAL WORD
 APPENDICES! ! 
APPENDIX ONE: PULPIT SUPPLY FOR LCMC
APPENDIX TWO: FINISHING WELL COACHING—DR. KENT HUNTER
APPENDIX THREE: MATERIALS FROM DR. DARRELL PULS/PEACEBRIDGE MINISTRIES
APPENDIX FOUR: MANAGING CHURCH TRANSITIONS—A SELECTED READING LIST
APPENDIX FIVE: OTHER TRAINING RESOURCES
APPENDIX SIX: AN ARTICLE BY PR. ROBERT GORDAN, INTERIM MINISTER

Australian Christian Diary

2018 Australian Christian Diary has all the original and faithful features of past years and is produced with the Australian Christian pastor, layperson and church worker in mind.

Features 

• Clean quality white paper for easy writing 
• DL Pocket size
• Durable blue vinyl cover (insert for holding notes & cards etc)
• Bible reading suggestion for each day 
• 3 year lectionary bible readings 
• Church Year Festivals 
• Australian holidays & school terms 
• Week to an opening 
• 3 year calendar

Cost $12.00 Australian

Order from Australian Church Resources

Studylight - resources for ministry

Studylight web page offers free online access to the following resources to help you in ministry:

• Commentaries  (107 total)
• Concordances  (6 total)
• Dictionaries  (27 total)
• Encyclopedias  (8 total)
• Original language tools (4 total)
• Historical writings (BC, AD and Denominational)
• The Illustration Archive
• The Quotation Archive
• Sunday story Bulletin Inserts
• Doré Illustrations
• Bible reading plans
• Devotions
• Bible Maps

To discover these resources visit www.studylight.org

Sunday School lessons

Sunday school lessons are free lessons prepared by Lutherans.  

Sunday School Lessons aim to joyfully shares the wonders of learning about God through a weekly
Family Bible Study that includes art projects, music, lessons (and parables) and stories about the people of the Bible, prayers, and lots of answers to frequently asked questions.

The lessons are presented in a circular system, flowing around and through the Church Year Calendar.
They follow the Seasons of the Church Year, based on the Revised Common Lectionary.

There is a Text Index and a Subject Index and a Reference and Resources section as well as an Art Index.

There is also a special section for Confirmation Instruction.

For times of trouble, they offer a Prayer of New Beginnings, and a Healing Service for Children.

There is also a  Lessons and Carols for Christmas Eve and the reading of the Psalms for Holy Week

To discover more visit http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/

Lecture: Application in the preaching of grace

Application in the preaching of grace is the 2016 AA Pedderson lectureship at Luther Brethren Seminary
There are 2 sessions and a chapel service

The lecture is by Dr. Bryan Chapell who is the Senior Pastor of the historic Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL and President Emeritus of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. 
Dr. Chapell is a preacher, teacher, and speaker, and the author of many books, including Each for the Other, Holiness by Grace, Praying Backwards, The Gospel According to Daniel, The Hardest Sermons You’ll Ever Have to Preach, and Christ-Centered Preaching.  

You can view the lectures at http://www.lbs.edu/pedersen-lectureship/pedersen2016/

Book of Ministerial Acts from Church of the Lutheran Brethren

The Church of the Lutheran Brethren's Bookd of Ministerial Acts is available as a pdf at http://www.clba.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CLB-Ministerial-Acts-Interactive.pdf

Table of contents

The Creeds of the Christian Church

Baptism
Baptism of Infants—First Setting 
Baptism of Infants—Second Setting 
Baptism of Older Children 
Baptism of Adults
Emergency Baptism
Private Baptism 

Communion
Service of Holy Communion 
Private Communion

Confirmation 

Marriage
Service of Marriage
Preface to the Marriage Ceremony When There  Has Been a Divorce—First Setting
Preface to the Marriage Ceremony When There  Has Been a Divorce—Second Setting
Preface to the Marriage Ceremony When There  Has Been a Divorce—Third Setting

Burial of the Dead 
Funeral Service
Scripture Readings
Committal Service—First Setting
Committal Service—Second Setting

Anointing the Sick
Reception of New Members

Ordination, Installation, Commissioning
Ordination of a Pastor
Installation of a Pastor
Ordination and Installation of Elders
Commissioning
Installation of Deacons/Deaconesses
Installation of Church Officers
Installation of Sunday School Teachers 

Groundbreaking

Cornerstone Laying

Service of Dedication for a Church

Mortgage Burning

Service of Dedication for a Home

Service of Dedication for a Ship or Boat

Church Discipline

Reinstatement of Membership
Restoration Service for a Pastor

Pericope Texts 
Series A 
Series B 
Series C

5 minutes of church history - October=Luther month

In October 2017 gain 31 segments of Church History focussed on Luther from 5 minutes in Church History hosted by Dr Stephen Nichols.

5 Minutes in Church History, hosted by Dr. Stephen Nichols, is a weekly podcast that provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each podcast offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations, and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history. 5 Minutes in Church History is an outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Available at https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/5-minutes-in-church-history-weekly-christian-podcast/id684370851?mt=2