Book: Church planting in the secular west

An expert study of church planting in the most secular part of contemporary Europe

In this book Stefan Paas offers thoughtful analysis of reasons and motives for missionary church planting in Europe, and he explores successful and unsuccessful strategies in that post-Christian secularized context.

Drawing in part on his own involvement with planting two churches in the Netherlands, Paas explores confessional motives, growth motives, and innovation motives for church planting in Europe, tracing them back to different traditions and reflecting on them from theological and empirical perspectives. He presents examples from the European context and offers sound advice for improving existing missional practices. Paas also draws out lessons for North America in a chapter coauthored with Darrell Guder and John Franke. Finally, Paas weaves together the various threads in the book with a theological defense of church planting.

Presenting new research as it does, this critical missiological perspective will add significantly to a fuller understanding of church planting in our contemporary context.

Table of Contents

• The roots of Church planting
• The classic paradigm: a three stage process
• Modern evangelical paradigm:  Church planting as an instrument of evanglism
• Late modern evangelical paradigm: Church planting as innovation
• Three motives behind Church planting in Europe
• Mission and Confession
• Terminology
• Christendom divided
• Historical examples of confessional church planting in Europe
• Missional Reflections
• Defining Growth
• The missiological framework
• The logic of Church growth theory
• Evaluating religious marketing theory on three levels
• Empirical evidence
• Planting new churches
• Crisis and renewal
• Complexity of task
• Structures of expectation
• Three biotopes of renewal
• Church planting as an instrument of renewal
• Justification of church planting
• Biblical arguments for church planting in Europe
• Church planting a Theo-logical consequence 

Book: Let there be science: Why God loves science and science needs God

Why is it that science has consistently thrived wherever the Christian faith can be found? Why is it that so many great scientists – past and present – attribute their motivation and their discoveries, at least partially, to their Christian beliefs? Why are the age-old writings of the Bible so full of questions about natural phenomena? And, perhaps most importantly of all, why is all this virtually unknown to the general public? Too often, it would seem, science has been presented to the outside world as a robotic, detached, unemotional enterprise. Too often, Christianity is dismissed as being an ancient superstition. In reality, neither is the case. Science is a deeply human activity, and Christianity is deeply reasonable. Perhaps this is why, from ancient times right up to today, many individuals have been profoundly committed to both – and have helped us to understand more and more about the extraordinary world that we live in. As authors Tom McLeish and David Hutchings examine the story of science, and look at the part that Christianity has played, they uncover a powerful underlying reason for doing science in the first place. In example after example, ranging from 4000 BC to the present day, they show that thinking with a Christian worldview has been intimately involved with, and sometimes even directly responsible for, some of the biggest leaps forward ever made. Ultimately, they portray a biblical God who loves Science – and a Science that truly needs God.

Conference: Bonhoeffer and Public Theology

Bonhoeffer and Public Theology Conference

The 14th Australian Bonhoeffer Conference has been scheduled for 7-8 June 2018 in Sydney, Australia.


Keynote speakers: 

• Professor Robert Vosloo, Stellenbosch University, South Africa                    Bonhoeffer, our contemporary?  Bonhoeffer on time, the times, and public life
• Professor Juliana Claassens, Stellenbosch University, South Africa                Towards a Feminist Public Theology: On Wounds, Scars and Healing in Jeremiah and Beyond
• Professor Barry Harvey, Baylor University, USA                                           A Hard Habit to Break: Re-envisioning Public Theology in a World After Christendom

Date: Thursday 7 to Friday 8 June 2018

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm on Day 1; 9:00am-3:30pm on Day 2

Venue: Mary MacKillop Place

Address: 80 William Street, North Sydney 

Fee:

$310 ( + GST)  Early Bird (save $50 off the full price, if paid by Monday 30 April);

$345 p/p (+ GST) (includes the two-day symposium, lunch, morning and afternoon tea each day. It also includes a three course networking dinner on Day 1 of the conference)

Catering: Fee includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea and a networking dinner on Day 1 of the conference.

For more information visit https://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/short-courses/2018-Bonhoeffer-Conference 

Book: The Kingdom matrix

This book questions how the church properly fits into the larger picture of God's activity.
It is based upon three solidly biblical yet highly controversial assumptions:
1) At any given moment, I am either building the Kingdom of God or the dominion of Darkness. Period.
2) It is possible to participate in church expansion and unintentionally be an agent for shrinking the Kingdom of God.
3) It is possible to unknowingly value the Kingdom of God before acknowledging the value of its Source: the King.

The Kingdom Matrix contais four worldview quadrants that describe the values and preferences of four unique segments of our world

Self Seekers
Brand Expanders
Kingdom Seekers
Kingdom Expanders

While an intellectual leap for many, this book is illustrated with humorous stories and commonplace examples, making it both an enjoyable and challenging read.

Reviews
Jeff Christopherson has a unique way of seeing things. I always enjoy talking with Jeff because he invariably offers a fresh, insightful perspective on issues that matter. This book is his magnum opus. In it he will challenge and inspire you and compel you to live your life differently after you read it. --Richard Blackaby, President of Blackaby Ministries

The Church needs to be awakened to the reality of the Kingdom of God--His global movement that will end around His throne with men and women from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. There is no voice in contemporary culture that understands this more than Jeff Christopherson. I am so thankful for this book that speaks straight to the heart of this issue. May the awakening begin! --Vance Pitman, Senior Pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas

Jeff Christopherson is one of the brightest missions minds in North America. In The Kingdom Matrix, he helps Christian leaders reconcile the altruistic impulses that so many unchurched people possess, with the hope of Christ that the church is uniquely positioned and commissioned to deliver. This isn't just a book of theories, but tested applications borne out of the context of his ministry. --Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board

The Church needs to be awakened to the reality of the Kingdom of God--His global movement that will end around His throne with men and women from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. There is no voice in contemporary culture that understands this more than Jeff Christopherson. I am so thankful for this book that speaks straight to the heart of this issue. May the awakening begin! --Vance Pitman, Senior Pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas


Jeff Christopherson is one of the brightest missions minds in North America. In The Kingdom Matrix, he helps Christian leaders reconcile the altruistic impulses that so many unchurched people possess, with the hope of Christ that the church is uniquely positioned and commissioned to deliver. This isn't just a book of theories, but tested applications borne out of the context of his ministry. --Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board

web page: Sacramental Discipleship

Sacramental Discipleship is a new initiative from Sola Publishing that will address the topic of Christian Discipleship from a uniquely Lutheran perspective, emphasizing a traditional Theology of the Cross and an understanding of the believer as “both saint and sinner” in their daily life of faith. We are currently developing a simple Bible Study series to serve as an introduction to our Sacramental Discipleship theme in the next year.
The first study, “Disciples of the Cross,” will be a resource for small groups, women’s and men’s groups, and other Bible Study classes.

Central to Sacramental Discipleship is the cross pattern life

The site includes:

• Regular Blogs
• Topical Links
• Academic papers including  Discipleship in Lutheran Perspective and Defining and Pursuing Discipleship

Visit the site http://www.sacramentaldiscipleship.com 

Book: From Atheism to Christianity

This is the story of how one of the world's most famous atheists became one of its most famous Christians.

From Atheism to Christianity: The Story of C. S. Lewis is the spiritual homecoming story of Clive Staples Lewis, a careful and thoughtful scholar who spent fifteen years journeying the long road from atheism to theism and, eventually, to Christianity. Drawing from Lewis's own writings, as well as those he sought out during his quest for spiritual understanding, From Atheism to Christianity highlights the longing, reluctance, searching, and surrender that defined these years of Lewis's life and provides answers to the questions that surround this profound character:

• What attracted Lewis to atheism and eventually Christianity? 
• How did he leave atheism behind?
• Why did his journey take fifteen years? 
• Who influenced his thought during those years? 
• What authors did he read, and whom did he interact with and confide in?

Explore the most tumultuous and defining years of C. S. Lewis's life, gathering clues that reveal the meaning of life for contemporary atheists and theists all from the perspective of one who knew both atheism and Christianity from the inside.

Remember, I had always wanted, above all things, not to be interfered with. I had wanted (mad wish) to call my soul my own. C. S. Lewis 

Book: Introverts in the church

Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert. Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship and even evangelize effectively. Introverts in the Church is essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts. Discover God's call and empowering to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom.

Table of Contents
Introduction: Can Introverts Thrive In The Church?
1 The Extroverted Church
2 The Introverted Difference
3 Finding Healing
4 Introverted Spirituality
5 Introverted Community And Relationships
6 The Ability To Lead
7 Leading As Ourselves
8 Introverted Evangelism
9 Introverts In Church
Epilogue: Finding Our Place
Questions For Reflection And Discussion
Further Reading

Notes

Book and video study: Evangelism in a Skeptical World

Most Christians already know that they should be telling their friends about Jesus. But they have been poorly equipped with methods that are no longer effective in today's post-Christian world. As a result, many people become frustrated, blame themselves, and simply give up. Evangelism in a Skeptical World is a textbook on evangelism that is ideal for the church or the classroom to equip Christians with the principles and skills they need to tell the unbelievable news about Jesus to friends in a skeptical world.

Many of the older principles and methods of evangelism in the twentieth century no longer work effectively today. In a post-Christian, post-churched, post-reached world we need new methods to communicate the timeless message of the gospel in culturally relevant ways. Dr. Chan combines the theological and biblical insights of classic evangelistic training with the latest insights from missiology on contextualization, cultural hermeneutics, and storytelling. Every chapter is illustrated with real-world examples drawn from over fifteen years of evangelistic ministry. These are methods that really work - with university students, urban workers, and professionals - getting past the defensive posture that people have toward Christianity so they can seriously consider the claims of Jesus Christ.

Field-tested and filled with unique, fresh, and creative insights, this book will equip you to share the gospel in today's world and help as many people as possible hear the good news about Jesus.

Table of Contents

A Theology of Evangelism
Everyday Evangelism 
How to Craft a Gospel Presentation
Evangelism to Postmoderns 
Contextualization for Evangelism
Gospel-Cultural Hermeneutics 
Story-Telling the Gospel
How to Give Evangelistic Topical Talks 
How to Give Evangelistic Expository Talks
Religious Epistemology, Apologetics, and Defeater Beliefs
Moving People from Hostile to Loyal 

Also available as video study from https://wanderingbookseller.com.au/p/evangelism-dvd-evangelism-in-a-skeptical-world?barcode=9780310566311&selected_category=45844

Book: Whirl Story Bible 100 lively bible stories to inspire faith

The Whirl Story Bible is filled with 100 lively retellings of favorite Bible stories. Designed for family use, the Bible uses charming artwork and dynamic storytelling to support biblical learning. 

Book: Holy lives, holy people

In short, concise chapters, Richard Eyer, guides readers through the process of making ethical decisions from a Law/Gospel perspective. Eyer's easy-to-read style helps readers focus on the issues and dilemmas that confront people in this modern, high-tech age, including reproductive technology and end-of-life issues. 
In the course of the discussion, Eyer presents biblical and Gospel insights into living as God's holy people, redeemed in Christ.

Table of Contents:

• Making Ethical Decisions
• How we got to where we are
• A foundational story for ethical ethics
• Holy Lives Holy People - how we got to where we are
• Law and Gospel for ethical decisions
• The meaning of suffering
• End of life decisions
• Marriage and Conception
• Procreation
• Genetic Engineering

Hymn of the month for Easter: O Sons and daughters of the king

Tune:  Gelobt sei Gott


Tune:  O filii er filiae


O Sons and Daughters of the King
By: Attr. Jean Tisserand
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,
Who sit and speaks unto the three,
"Your Lord will go to Galilee."
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

That night the apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said, "MY peace be with you here."
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

"My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon my hands, my feet;
Not faithless but believing be."
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

How blest are they who have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voice raise.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Author: French, 15th cent.
Tune: O Filii Et Filiae
1st Published in: 1674

Song of the month for Easter: O Praise the name of the Lord