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 Power of Vision, George Barna invites church leaders to discover the power of God’s vision for ministry. Readers will learn: how God has shared His vision throughout history, how vision is different than mission, common practices and beliefs that inhibit true vision, practical steps toward practicing God’s unique vision for them and ways to share and promote congregational ownership of the vision. Barna’s word to all Christian leaders: Uncovering God’s vision for your ministry is not an option. As Barna clearly states, “To minister authentically and authoritatively, you must first clarify your vision, then embrace it and make it the focus of your life’s work and the heartbeat of your church.” Vision is the insight God provides to instruct and direct our paths, a reflection of what God wants to accomplish through us in building His kingdom. With this clear picture, from Him, of where you are headed, your chances of a successful journey are increased a thousandfold.
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Synopsis
In this new edition of a modern classic, George Barna defines vision as the “clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants based upon an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances.” The writer of Proverbs adds that without this clear image of the future, people suffer—wandering in circles and in desperate need of a Godappointed leader to point the way forward. But how exactly do leaders catch the clear vision of God’s future? In The Power of Vision, Barna offers practical, proven tools for capturing, casting and implementing God’s vision for your ministry. Pointing to the examples of visionaries both ancient and modern, he uncovers patterns and principles that will help you understand, communicate and accomplish the unique vision God has in store for your life and church. In the process, you will gain insight into your own giftedness and motivations, get perspective on your ministry’s history and condition, and draw closer to the God who has chosen you to catch His vision.
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
How does a Christian lead? By following today’s secular business models, or by simply studying the life of Christ and pursuing a servant-based style? In this insightful, practical book, George Barna has pulled together some of today’s top Christian leaders to talk about the subject of Christian leadership. Articles include: The Tasks of a Leader by Ken Gangel, The Character of a Leader by Jack Hayford, Prayer in Leading People by Peter Wagner, and much more. See what today’s leaders have to say about leadership, and learn what it takes to serve the Church as a Christ-centered change agent.
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.\\\'\''