{"title":"Congregational Leadership","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"planning-sabbaticals","title":"Planning Sabbaticals: A Guide for Congregations and their Pastors","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"TableParagraph\"\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/saler-robert-c\"\u003eRobert C. Saler\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/PlanningSabbaticalsBookPreview.pdf?355\"\u003eRead a Preview\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"TableParagraph\"\u003eWhile there are many books on helping pastors prepare for a sabbatical, there are no texts that approach the experience with the congregation in mind, from start to finish. This guide for congregations and their pastors draws on nearly two decades of wisdom from the Lily Endowment Clergy Renewal Program and helps draw the conversation away from a pastor-centric model and towards a holistic congregational framework for thinking about how the entire community can benefit from a pastor’s sabbatical. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"TableParagraph\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8z65EEOjzkw\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"If your congregation is considering a pastoral sabbatical, this book is your companion to create an extraordinary experience for both clergy and congregation. With clarity and winsome examples, Robert Saler provides practical wisdom on how to shape a sabbatical in which clergy and congregants have parallel experiences of soul-deep renewal.\" ―Tim Shapiro, Indianapolis Center for Congregations\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Rob Saler has given us an ode to joy, for the renewal of congregations and clergy. This is a practical guide to a courageous life giving experience. Clergy renewal leaves can be the whole church’s version of Bach’s “Gloria.” ―Rev. Michael Mather, author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eHaving Nothing, Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Here’s a trusted voice for congregations and ministers who are planning a pastoral sabbatical. Saler’s style and insight honors the sacred, Spirit-led relationship between pastors and congregations. His helpfully defined terms, diverse examples and practical wisdom address with care and hope the common questions and concerns associated with a renewal leave.\" -William B. Kincaid, Herald B. Monroe Associate Professor for Leadership and Ministry Studies, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Rob Saler amazingly moves the discussion of sabbatical beyond its initial roots that focus on the pastor to the next stage of maturity where, by the grace and mercy of God, both pastor and people are renewed and shape a new season of shared ministry together. A must read for pastors and leaders of congregations!\" -Frank A. Thomas, Director PhD Program, African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis Indiana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"footer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"zone\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264654688353,"sku":"9780827231795","price":11.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/products\/Planning_Sabbaticals_cover_final_RE.jpg?v=1575181451"},{"product_id":"tactful-advice-for-calling-your-next-pastor","title":"Tactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/straub-gary\"\u003eGary Straub\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA change of pastoral leadership creates a special kind of stress and strain on a congregation. Your church may prefer the more practical starting points, such as appointing a \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003esearch\u003c\/span\u003e team, getting assistance from a denomination, shoring up finances, addressing maintenance issues, and developing a quick timeline. Then there are the deeper matters: grief work, sober evaluation of effectiveness, prayer around core reasons for being, attending matters of the heart around communal healing and reconciliation, and authentic conversation about who we are called to be for the sake of the Gospel and the world around us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gary Straub articulates the dynamics of the pastoral search process from both sides of the equation. With more than 50 years of ministry experience—including calls to large congregations, interim positions, and coaching of pastoral candidates—Straub integrates practical advice with prayerful counsel. Healthy dialogue helps keep you passionately open to the Holy Spirit. \u003ci\u003eTactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor\u003c\/i\u003e starts the dialogue and keeps it focused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"What is the right way to conduct a search and call process for a new pastor? There is no right way. What is the wrong way to conduct a search and call process for a new pastor? Failing to develop a plan, and then work the plan unless the Spirit of God intervenes. If you are going to develop and work a plan, a great way to start is to have the search and call committee, and other church leaders, read \u003ci\u003eTactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor\u003c\/i\u003e by Gary Straub. ―George Bullard, president, The Columbia Partnership, and author, \u003ci\u003eEvery Church Needs a Little Conflict\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Gary Straub is one of our church’s most experienced interim ministers. His helpful guide to the work of the congregational search committee is a thoughtful and clear resource for leaders who are engaging in this sacred work. I encourage persons who have been called to this special task to avail themselves of Gary’s wisdom for both clarity about their function and affirmation of the important work they have been asked to do.”—Rick Spleth, Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"In \u003ci\u003eTactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor, \u003c\/i\u003eGary Straub takes search committees, judicatories and pastoral candidates on a journey of courtship, bonding and selection. As a minister with over fifty years of pastoral, counseling and coaching experience, Gary provides this gem of wisdom, reflection and encouragement. In this treasure chest, he supplies a trove of advice, tips and experience that will help any search team in any denomination to make the right call. ― Rev. Dr. John T. Myers, Eastern Virginia Association Minister, Southern Conference United Church of Christ\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Sherpa Gary Straub is at his best when masterfully breaking seemingly complex decision trees into easily digestible pieces. By thus dissecting the potential minefield of minister search, \u003ci\u003eTactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor\u003c\/i\u003e becomes an easily understood plan for a successful search. From the “good goodbye” to the “healthy hello” the process is explained in easily understood prose, a gift to any Search Committee called to this transformative task.\" ― David G. Ruffer, Ph.D., Resource Chair, and twice chair of the Senior Minister Search Committee, Zionsville Christian Church, Indiana\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264668188769,"sku":"9780827237124","price":7.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/products\/Tactful_Advice_for_Calling_Your_Next_Pastor.jpg?v=1575958834"},{"product_id":"the-bush-was-blazing-but-not-consumed","title":"The Bush Was Blazing But Not Consumed","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/law-eric-h-f\"\u003eEric H.F. Law\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest-selling author Eric Law shows how to work with the dynamics of diverse cultures to create a truly inclusive community.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264670023777,"sku":"9780827202221","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/products\/The_Bush_was_Blazing_new_cover.jpg?v=1582315621"},{"product_id":"unbinding-the-gospel-second-edition","title":"Unbinding the Gospel, Second Edition","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/reese-martha-grace\"\u003eMartha Grace Reese\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Best Seller Used in Thousands of Congregations\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism\u003c\/em\u003e is a book for pastors and congregations who want to embrace evangelism for the 21st century. Based on a major, four-year study of superb evangelism, funded by the Lilly Endowment, \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel \u003c\/em\u003esparkles with life, practicality and spiritual depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note the website for this project is now \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/unbindingthegospel.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnbindingTheGospel.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/131101_Best_Practices_Starting_Unbinding_Series.pdf?1007\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload the Best Practices for Establishing The Unbinding Series in Your Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee what others are saying about this series:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sMKM7cjVkD4\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-Click here to view a FREE video of First Presbyterian Gainesville, FL's university students talking about \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-_8MrQkqrZ0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-Click here to view a FREE video from First United Methodist Church, San Diego\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism\u003c\/em\u003e is a book for pastors and congregations who want to embrace evangelism for the 21st century. Based on a major, four-year study of superb evangelism, funded by the Lilly Endowment, \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel \u003c\/em\u003esparkles with life, practicality and spiritual depth. Selected by \u003cem\u003eThe Christian Century\u003c\/em\u003e as a featured \"Take and Read\" book, \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e is a book for Christians who want a hopeful, powerful, joy-filled way to learn to share their faith. (It's also a book for people who cringe when they hear the \"E\" word!) This book for congregational use has been enthusiastically endorsed by 8 heads of denominations, Brian McLaren, Richard Peace, as well as by countless pastors and church leaders. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e, 2nd ed. is the foundation of the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e, which can, lead to a six-week, all-congregation saturation study with individual prayer, small group study and all-church worship and prayer dimensions. See \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e (the 6 week version of \u003cem\u003eGOSPEL\u003c\/em\u003e, with a different 40 day prayer journal) and \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Church\u003c\/em\u003e (the Pastor's Guide).  Follow-up your all-church saturation study (the \"E-vent\") with a small group-based Experiment in Christian Prayer \u0026amp; Community, using \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e (available 9\/09).  Small groups will double when members invite their unchurched friends into the Experiment. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding the GOSPEL\u003c\/em\u003e is in more than 12,000 congregations, in 49 denominations, all 50 states and 8 countries.  The new second edition contains a personal 40 day prayer journal.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrder one copy for each small group participant.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264674381921,"sku":"9780827238084","price":14.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/9780827238084Unbinding.png?v=1694698862"},{"product_id":"unbinding-your-church","title":"Unbinding Your Church: Pastor's Guide","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/reese-martha-grace\"\u003eMartha Grace Reese\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/weaks-dawn\"\u003eDawn Darwin Weaks\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/caffey-catherine-riddle\"\u003eCatherine Riddle Caffey \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/Unbinding_Your_Church.pdf?576\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBOOK PREVIEW\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePastors are busy. This collection of fully integrated resources will help your church work and pray through the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e. Included are step-by-step planning tools as well as worship resources to allow you-the pastor-to spend time on prayer, teaching, and working directly with others in your church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note the website for this project is now \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/unbindingthegospel.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnbindingTheGospel.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/131101_Best_Practices_Starting_Unbinding_Series.pdf?1007\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload the Best Practices for Establishing The Unbinding Series in Your Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee what others are saying about this series:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-_8MrQkqrZ0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to View the FREE Video\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u0026lt;br \u0026gt; \u003cstrong\u003eWhat is an E-vent? View the free video below to find out.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PL43G4gJeoc\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to View the FREE Video\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePastors are busy. This collection of fully integrated resources will help your church work and pray through the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e. Included are step-by-step planning tools as well as worship resources to allow you-the pastor-to spend time on prayer, teaching, and working directly with others in your church. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe planning tools include calendars, checklists for church staff, weekly scripture tie-ins, sample church newsletter campaigns, diagrams, simple to elaborate E-vent planning suggestions, Web site ideas, specific lesson plans, and much much more. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorship resources include sermons, prayers, and forms that have been placed on the Web for FREE and easy access and downloads. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eChange Habits, Not Just Minds\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...the 'don't ask, don't tell' evangelism program will not reverse the trend. Humor, whimsy, and joy in the faith will serve us better. Reese's book is written to provoke, to tease, and to charm us back into telling our story.\"\u003cbr\u003e—The Christian Century\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...with clarity and sound theological grounding, we are invited into a grand adventure...a watershed book for mainline Protestantism.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Alban Institute, Congregations magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Don't miss this one!\"\u003cbr\u003e—Evangelism Connections\u003cbr\u003e\"This new interesting book on the \"E word\" (Evangelism), based on studies of 150 churches and interviews with over 1000 people, will be a breath of fresh air in thousands of congregations who have not (at least within memory) had their \"apostolic act\" together. As I read it, other \"E\" words came to mind--like engaging, encouraging, energetic, and even entrepreneurial and exhilarating. The book makes the relevant statistics interesting, while telling us the stories of people who were reached, the churches that learned relevant ways to reach them, and the principles they learned. The book even tells churches how to get started!\"\u003cbr\u003e—George G. Hunter, Distinguished Professor of Evangelization, Asbury Theological Seminary\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Real Life Evangelism Series is a great resource for congregations! It is inspirational, motivational, and a great model and companion for congregations as they seek to be faithful stewards of the Gospel.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Belva Brown Jordan, Assistant Dean, Philips Theological Seminary, formerly Harvard Divinity School\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This book combines research and hard data with warm stories of real people growing their churches in healthy ways. The anecdotal material inspires each of us as followers of Jesus to grow more comfortable in sharing our faith. But as important is the research that informs our church leaders about congregational dynamics that impact the growth or stagnation of our churches. Reese has put together an approach to sharing the gospel that works in main line denominational churches. We are using this book as the primary resource for our elders in an upcoming leadership retreat.”\u003cbr\u003e—Bruce Humphrey, Senior Pastor, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Martha Grace Reese had written an interactive exciting work on Evangelism....It is practical, biblical, hospitable, it answers rudimentary questions. It is convicting and filled with grace. The exercises were simple yet engaging. I found myself laughing, and having moments of profound insight as I answered questions, and engaged the exercises. This book will be a great resource for small groups, churches, pastors who are ready to be instruments of unleashing God's awesome Spirit in the world.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Yolanda Villa, Executive Pastor of Congregational Care, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"There is nothing quite like solid research to dispel the sort of misconceptions and self-serving biases and attitudes we of mainline churches have harbored for so long. Solid research is what Martha Grace Reese gives us, along with clear, thoughtful analysis and concrete prescriptions for how we can move forward in faithful and effective evangelism. She manages to do all this in a book that is completely accessible to both clergy and lay people and fun to read! It is an amazing and timely accomplishment!\"\u003cbr\u003e—Richard L. Hamm, former Disciples General Minister and President, currently President of The Columbia Partnership\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264674447457,"sku":"9780827238060","price":14.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/9780827238060UnbindingChurch.png?v=1694699404"},{"product_id":"unbinding-your-heart","title":"Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer \u0026 Faith Sharing","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/reese-martha-grace\"\u003eMartha Grace Reese\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHear what others have to say about their experience with \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart!\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-_8MrQkqrZ0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to view video.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVideo was provided by the First United Methodist Church of San Diego. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer \u0026amp; Faith Sharing\u003c\/em\u003e is a brilliant book -- witty, engaging, and grounded in a \u003cstrong\u003efour-year Lilly Endowment study\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note the website for this project is now \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/unbindingthegospel.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUnbindingTheGospel.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/131101_Best_Practices_Starting_Unbinding_Series.pdf?1007\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload the Best Practices for Establishing The Unbinding Series in Your Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee what others are saying about this series:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-_8MrQkqrZ0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to View the FREE Video\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is an E-vent? View the free video below to find out.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PL43G4gJeoc\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to View the FREE Video\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer \u0026amp; Faith Sharing\u003c\/em\u003e is a brilliant book -- witty, engaging, and grounded in a \u003cstrong\u003efour-year Lilly Endowment study\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e is a six-week individual and small-group study for your entire congregation. [It is the culmination of the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e Series, by author, researcher, pastor and attorney Martha Grace Reese.] Church leaders should first study \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e (the church leaders' study) that was selected by \u003cem\u003eThe Christian Century\u003c\/em\u003e as a featured \"Take and Read\" book in its 2007 Book Issue. Then use \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e as a study and devotional for the whole congregation. The third book in the series, \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Church\u003c\/em\u003e (the pastor's guide), will help you plan, teach, pray and organize your all-church study. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Unbinding Series has been enthusiastically endorsed by eight heads of denominations, Brian McLaren, George Hunter, Becky Garrison, Richard Peace, and countless pastors and church leaders. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Order a copy of \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e for each person participating in the study. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264674512993,"sku":"9780827238053","price":14.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/products\/Unbinding_Heart_P3_100C.jpg?v=1575181943"},{"product_id":"unbinding-your-soul","title":"Unbinding Your Soul: Your Experiment in Prayer \u0026 Community","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chalicepress.com\/pages\/reese-martha-grace\"\u003eMartha Grace Reese\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/Unbinding_Your_Soul.pdf?570\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBOOK PREVIEW\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWith 40 day personal prayer journal.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor small groups ready to invite...\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e is the “unbinding” model for actual, invitational evangelism. Typical mainline churches get ready for the \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e small group study with \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel\/Unbinding Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e “pre-evangelism.” \u003cem\u003eSOUL\u003c\/em\u003e helps them invite unchurched friends or recent visitors to try an “experiment” (some churches call it a “test drive”) of Christian faith and community. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany people who aren't connected with a church would love to try a no-obligation \"experiment\" of substantial spiritual discussion, prayer, and community. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e prepares church members to invite their friends into a four-week small group experience with short study chapters, an individual prayer journal, prayer partner activities, and group exercises. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Unbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e works for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e Growing, healthy churches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e Churches that have done an all-church saturation study with the Unbinding the Gospel Series\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e New church starts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e New members' classes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*\u003c\/strong\u003e \"On fire\" groups in typical churches \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: Two copies will be needed per small group participant.  Participants pray for the person to receive the extra book. Groups double.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eUnbinding the Gospel Series\u003c\/em\u003e is in over 12,000 congregations, across the theological spectrum. The \u003cem\u003eChristian Century\u003c\/em\u003e, Alban Institute \u003cem\u003eCongregations\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEvangelism Connections\u003c\/em\u003e, 8 heads of denominations, Brian McLaren, George Hunter \u0026amp; Richard Peace have endorsed it enthusiastically. The \u003cem\u003eSeries\u003c\/em\u003e arises out of the only major national study of evangelism in mainline churches, funded by the Lilly Endowment. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note the website for this project is now \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/unbindingthegospel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eUnbindingTheGospel.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/131101_Best_Practices_Starting_Unbinding_Series.pdf?1007\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload the Best Practices for Establishing The Unbinding Series in Your Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Presbyterian Gainesville, FL's university students talk about \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sMKM7cjVkD4\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to View the FREE Video \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Podcast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your SOUL: Inviting Friends to Experience Faith\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInterview of David Kling by Cathy Townley.\u003cbr\u003eHear from someone who has led \u003cem\u003eUnbinding Your SOUL \u003c\/em\u003e5-6 times \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gracenet.info\/audio\/2_19_2011_TownleyKling.mp3\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick Here to Listen to the FREE Podcast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...the `don't ask, don't tell' evangelism program will not reverse the trend. Humor, whimsy and joy in the faith will serve us better. Reese's book is written to provoke, to tease and to charm us back into telling our story.\" —Christian Century\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...with clarity and sound theological grounding, we are invited into a grand adventure....could be a watershed book for mainline Protestantism.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Alban Institute, Congregations Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This should be required reading in all of our mainline churches. Our continuing existence may depend on it.”\u003cbr\u003e—Richard Peace, Professor of Evangelism \u0026amp; Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Don't miss this one!\"\u003cbr\u003e—Evangelism Connection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This new interesting book on the 'E' word (Evangelism), based on studies of 150 churches and interviews with over 1000 people, will be a breath of fresh air in thousands of congregations who have not (at least within memory) had their \"apostolic act\" together. As I read it, other 'E' words came to mind--like engaging, encouraging, energetic, and even entrepreneurial and exhilarating. The book makes the relevant statistics interesting, while telling us the stories of people who were reached, the churches that learned relevant ways to reach them, and the principles they learned. The book even tells churches how to get started!\"\u003cbr\u003e—George G. Hunter, Distinguished Professor of Evangelization, Asbury Theological Seminary\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Real Life Evangelism Series is a great resource for congregations! It is inspirational, motivational, and a great model and companion for congregations as they seek to be faithful stewards of the Gospel.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Belva Brown Jordan, Assistant Dean, Philips Theological Seminary, formerly Harvard Divinity School\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This book combines research and hard data with warm stories of real people growing their churches in healthy ways. The anecdotal material inspires each of us as followers of Jesus to grow more comfortable in sharing our faith. But as important is the research that informs our church leaders about congregational dynamics that impact the growth or stagnation of our churches. Reese has put together an approach to sharing the gospel that works in main line denominational churches. We are using this book as the primary resource for our elders in an upcoming leadership retreat.”\u003cbr\u003e—Bruce Humphrey, Senior Pastor, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Martha Grace Reese had written an interactive exciting work on Evangelism....It is practical, biblical, hospitable, it answers rudimentary questions. It is convicting and filled with grace. The exercises were simple yet engaging. I found myself laughing, and having moments of profound insight as I answered questions, and engaged the exercises. This book will be a great resource for small groups, churches, pastors who are ready to be instruments of unleashing God's awesome Spirit in the world.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Yolanda Villa, Executive Pastor of Congregational Care, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"There is nothing quite like solid research to dispel the sort of misconceptions and self-serving biases and attitudes we of mainline churches have harbored for so long. Solid research is what Martha Grace Reese gives us, along with clear, thoughtful analysis and concrete prescriptions for how we can move forward in faithful and effective evangelism. She manages to do all this in a book that is completely accessible to both clergy and lay people and fun to read! It is an amazing and timely accomplishment!\"\u003cbr\u003e—Richard L. Hamm, former Disciples General Minister and President, currently President of The Columbia Partnership\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31264674709601,"sku":"9780827238091","price":14.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/products\/Unbinding_Soul.jpg?v=1581635119"},{"product_id":"preorder-church-together-an-essential-guide-to-all-age-ministry","title":"Church Together: An Essential Guide to All-Age Ministry","description":"\u003ch4\u003eby \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/chalicepress.com\/pages\/smith-traci\"\u003eTraci Smith\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/chalicepress.com\/pages\/csinos-david-m\"\u003eDavid M. Csinos\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/Church_Together_excerpt.pdf\"\u003eDownload an excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany ministry leaders today watch as their congregations separate into age based groups and miss the profound beauty of worshipping as one body. You want a community where the youngest children and the oldest adults grow together in faith, but the path from age segregation to intentional connection often feels overwhelming. \u003cem\u003eChurch Together\u003c\/em\u003e provides the essential roadmap you need to transform your faith community into a vibrant home for every generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors Traci Smith and David M. Csinos recognize that a single note does not make a melody. They move beyond the idea of handing down faith as a static heirloom and instead invite you to facilitate conditions where all age ministry can truly flourish. This guide is not just a book of theories but a practical idea factory filled with dozens of road tested pathways for worship and community life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sixteen comprehensive categories, you will discover how to reimagine core practices like singing, praying, and serving so that everyone participates as an equal partner. You can create hospitable spaces where diverse needs are met with humility and grace. Whether your church is just beginning its journey or has been experimenting for years, these principles of relationship and play will help you build a culture of mutuality. Experience the joy of a church that is truly together and watch as your congregation rediscovers the power of an intergenerational future.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalice Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51481012207937,"sku":"9780827207592","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/9466\/8129\/files\/9780827207592.jpg?v=1773335284"}],"url":"https:\/\/chalicepress.com\/collections\/congregational-leadership.oembed?constraint=current_frontlist","provider":"Chalice Press","version":"1.0","type":"link"}