Book: Think like Jesus

The main reason people don't act like Jesus is because they don't think like Jesus. Discover the seven core questions that Christians must be able to answer biblically in order to live a transformed life.

The latest data from researcher George Barna’s polls across America shows that we are confused by the issues that confront us today. We find ourselves wrestling with what is right and wrong. Some of us cut ethical corners and don’t even know it. We often base our actions on what feels right or keeps people happy rather than on what is best or true.

All because, Barna concludes, we lack an active, clear belief system based on solid, scriptural principles.

Now more than ever, we need a way of life that brings us clarity in chaos, peace in the problems, and boldness in the bad times. We need a new way of seeing—a biblical perspective that guides our every thought and action.

What is a biblical perspective on life? To put it simply, Barna says, it is a "way of dealing with the world so that we act like Jesus, twenty-four hours a day, because we think like Jesus. It’s like wearing a pair of eyeglasses that enable us to see things differently, to see things from God’s point of view, and to respond to these perceptions in the way He prescribes.”

Think Like Jesus:

• Uncovers the seven core beliefs of Christianity necessary for developing a strong Christian worldview
• Provides a firm explanation of why Christians believe what we believe
• Includes detailed statistics and polls on where Americans agree with the Bible on key topics
• Exposes causes of concern in modern Christianity through the misalignment of key beliefs

Would you like to simplify your life, shore up your moral foundations, and strengthen your Christian witness? Think Like Jesus can help you chart a path that will allow you to make a difference for eternity in your home, your job, your church, and your community. 

You can order Think Like Jesus here

Year B Worship Planning Tool for 2026-27

The Worship Planning Tool for Year B 2026-27 is a spreadsheet that you can adapt for your worship planning

The Planning tool includes Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary Readings, alternative readings for many Festivals and some events, plus categories such as rostered leaders, song selection options and other liturgical options.   

It is designed so you can adapt it for your own context

Access the Worship Planning Tool for Year B 2026-27 here

2026-27 Year B Church Calendar - for Outlook and Google Calendar

 You can download free 2026-27 Church Calendar Year B 

Augsburg Fortress version available here

CPH Version available here

Lutheran Fellowship Gatherings - October 2026

 

Click on the weekly links below  to access the weekly resources

October week 1:  Matthew 21:33–46 Proper 22 

October week 2:  Matthew 22:1–14  Proper 23

October week 3:  Matthew 22:15–22 Proper 24

October week 4:  John 8:31-36  Reformation Sunday

DONATE HERE

 

The Lutheran Fellowship Gathering weekly resource is for small groups or small worshipping communities to help them connect with God and each other focussing on the Gospel reading of the Revised Common Lectionary  

I have made this resource available is to support people who wish to gather around God’s Word, focus on Jesus and to grow as part of God’s church.  

You may want to use it to help you start a small group in your church community, or to gather people in a community where a Lutheran church currently is not present.  

This resource is offered free of charge to non-commercial situations, on the understanding that you will not charge for copies or its use.   

This resource has been developed by Pastor Richard Schwedes, richardschwedes@gmail.com 

If you have feedback, suggestions or improvements feel free to email me

Book: The Teaming church - Ministry in the age of collaboration

A committee is not the same thing as a team.

To become a great team, a group must have a goal that is deeply challenging, a leader who is creatively empowering, and a willingness to work within a collaborative community that honors the Bible.

The Bible is full of examples of great things accomplished through teaming leaders. Scripture also provides a compelling model from which church communities and teams can learn to live and serve in light of the "Divine Team" - the Trinity. Author Robert C. Crosby provides several innovative ways in which biblical teams reflect the workings and nature of the Trinity and thus the image of God.

Revealing what he calls "The Four C's of Great Teams" - The Character, The Carrot, The Coach, and The Context - Crosby shows how successful teams reach their goals more effectively. Conversely, he also addresses the "Four Fatal Teaming Errors" and how to avoid unnecessary, time-consuming missteps.

This book provides biblical motivations, vivid examples, and practical approaches for creating a teaming culture in any faith community. Crosby, a leader who has built teams as a senior pastor, youth leader, and university administrator, is now training and mentoring a new generation of pastors and leaders.