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A History of Christianity in America by
The story of Christianity in America is a fascinating one, marked by constant change, development, and innovation. The faith has shaped the country, even as the country has shaped it. Award-winning historian Mark Granquist has written an up-to-date telling of this story from the arrival of Europeans to the present day. While the twists and turns are complex, varied, and at times confusing, Granquist has identified several consistent threads that weave their way through the various branches and periods of American Christianity: voluntary religion, pluralism, and an innovative religious marketplace.The account is comprehensive without being overwhelming. And it is presented in a clear and compelling narrative sure to capture and hold readers' interest. This book is therefore ideal for use in semester-long classes in undergraduate or graduate programs and appealing for general readers. The main text is accompanied by illustrative elements including sidebars, images, maps, and timelines.
Spiritual Care First Aid : an all-hands approach for church and community. by
Cody J. Sanders argues that spiritual care is inherently cultivated in every vibrant community--congregations and otherwise--and that every community member contributes to providing care for others. However, many congregation and community members lack confidence in their caring skills. In Spiritual Care First Aid, Sanders provides an accessible introduction to spiritual care characterized by mutuality, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing that not everyone is a clinician, Sanders provides instruction in basic skills of spiritual care in a way nearly anyone can use. The book offers an approach of hearing, helping, and healing so whoever is near can serve as a spiritual-care first responder when and where needed. Readers will gain skills and confidence in their abilities to provide peer-to-peer care that contributes to their communities in life-sustaining ways. Spiritual Care First Aidis an ideal training resource for seminary classrooms, particularly skill-building or pastoral care and counseling courses for non-clinicians. The book will also serve as a go-to field manual for lay ministry schools, congregations, and adjacent communities such as campus ministries and nonprofit organizations that train laypeople in spiritual care, as well as for pastors who desire to develop robust, practical care skills.
Evangelism in an Age of Despair : hope beyond the failed promise of happiness by
With churches experiencing decline in numbers and resources and the idea of evangelism contested, Andrew Root contextualizes evangelism in our late-modern times and reimagines what the call to outreach means in today's world.