Synopses & Reviews
No one can deny that our culture is opposed to Christian values, and the influences bombarding our children’s moral development can be deadly. But few parents and church leaders realize how critical it is to start developing a child’s biblical worldview from the very earliest years of life. The problem is complex: parents who themselves did not receive early spiritual training leave their children’s training to the church. Yet the church often focuses on older children—not realizing that a child’s moral development is set by the age of nine. The answer is for churches to recognize the need to come alongside parents to provide them biblical worldview training, parenting information, counseling, etc., that will equip them to help their children become the spiritually matuare Church of tomorrow. Profiles presented of churches who are effectively ministering to children and winning the war our enemy is waging against them\. Research orientated books on childhood spiritual development.
Raising Heaven Bound Kids in a Hell Bent World by Eastman Curtis /
What Your Kids Need to Know About God and When by John Trent /
Introducing the Spiritual Side of Parenting by Ron Clarkson /
Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson.
Synopsis
'\'In the simplest terms, cultivating a biblical worldview means learning to think and act like Jesus. But how can the Church— and parents—teach children something their own parents didn’t know to teach them? Many parents have never had early spiritual training, so they look to the church to provide it for their children. The problem is, churches usually focus on teens and adults—failing to realize that a child’s moral development is set by the age of nine. The answer? George Barna says that churches must begin now to come alongside parents and equip them to provide their children—at the earliest age possible— with biblical precepts that will protect them from a barrage of worldly ideas and teaching that is hostile to the biblical worldview. Churches must also think in terms of providing parents with information and counseling that will help them rear their children to be followers of God. It’s time to wage a spiritual war—time to equip parents to help their children become the spiritually mature Church of tomorrow, literally transforming them into spiritual champions!
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Synopsis
One of the most difficult tasks facing any church leader is the issue of raising funds. It's not that we don't realize that tithing and giving are biblical issues: God's Word is full of strong statements about the stewardship of money. But how does a pastor convey God's heart for stewardship? Literally, what's the best way to raise the money your church needs to survive? Obviously, God is the one who builds the church-He is the ultimate provider. But what's the best process of shepherding the funds He has for your church? This step-by-step guide will give you tools you need to raise funds in your church-scripturally and successfully-without compromising biblical integrity. After all, it's God's church and His money-but our responsibility to manage it.
Synopsis
According to the author, America has more unchurched people than the entire populations of all but 11 of the world's 194 nations! Based on research among several thousand unchurched people, the book discusses their values, attitudes, beliefs, religious practices, demographics, life goals, and spiritual expectations. Using additional research conducted among churches that have had great success in attracting and retaining unchurched people, the author also outlines perspectives and effective strategies for churches that wish to reach those who avoid churches. Understanding what makes the unchurched tick will give you a better chance of relating to them in meaningful ways.
Synopsis
George Barna reveals nine critical habits proven to make a church an effective local body. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches dispels popular myths and wrong beliefs as to what constitutes a thriving church in today's society and is an excellent resource for ministry leaders who are seeking or willing to re-evaluate and restructure a church.
About the Author
'\'GEORGE BARNA is the directing leader of The Barna Group, a company in Ventura, California, that provides research and resources to Christian ministries. He is the best-selling author of more than 35 books, several of which have received national awards. Books he has authored include Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, Think Like Jesus, The Power of Vision and The Frog in the Kettle. Barna also publishes The Barna Update, a free biweekly research report available online at www.barna.org. He and his family live in Southern California.\''