Small Church

Small Church Essentials is for leaders of smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church. Based on the popular six-hour lecture that Karl Vaters delivers to church leaders across the country, Small Church Essentials will affirm small church leaders and show them how to identify what they do well and how to do it even better.

Church Revitalization guides current and future leaders through the often-complex process of bringing a church to a place of vibrancy. This book demonstrates how the overarching goal of seeing people come to faith in Christ and develop into Christlikeness can—and must—inform the most foundational to the most fleeting aspects of revitalizing a struggling church.

First-century Christians knew what it meant to live in vital community with one another, relating with a depth and commitment that made "the body of Christ" a perfect metaphor for the church. What would it take to reclaim that kind of love, joy, support, and dynamic spiritual growth? Listen to this book and find out.

“I’m not scared,” he said, and for the first time in a long time, he felt total peace with his choice. Welcome to the captivating world of The Loving River Ranch series, where love, commitment, and a higher calling converge to create a haven of healing and transformation. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 (NIV), this heartwarming series takes you on a remarkable journey set against the backdrop of the Living River Ranch. For years, Margaret, Matthew, and their families have poured their hearts and souls into the Living River Ranch, a place that has touched the ...

Her heart began to race, its rhythm quickening within her chest. Overwhelmed with joy, she found herself unable to articulate her emotions. For years, Margaret, Matthew, and their families have poured their hearts and souls into the Living River Ranch, a place that has touched the lives of countless visitors. Now, it's time to embark on a new chapter, expanding their mission to support the next generation of youth facing life's unique challenges. This is the six book continuation of The Loving River Ranch Series. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 (NIV), this ...

Jesus is real. He is with you. He is for you. He is your pastor. And he wants to be the pastor of your church. These statements might seem obvious, but what if we all took them seriously? Aaron Gerrard did just that in his journey to plant a church in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. In a new book, Quit Pastoring Your Church, he tells the story of a small church making Jesus their pastor. Gerrard candidly shares his journey to start a new kind of church by allowing Jesus to be the guide, and it radically impacted the story of this new congregation.

House church advocates want pastors to know exactly why they left the institutional church. They have legitimate disagreements with the way the local church is functioning today, and their issues have been largely ignored by pastors and those who are in leadership. Their evacuation out of the institutional church and into house churches may be the wrong move for some of the right reasons. There are serious issues to deal with, and pastors, it’s time to wake up and lead the church into the new wine skin.

"This book thrilled my soul and reinvigorated my hope." — Amazon reviewer “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” John Wesley doesn’t agree. In this classic sermon, the father of Methodism and grandfather of the Salvation Army and the Pentecostal movement shows that using a proper Biblical definition, Christians not only can become perfect in this life — God commands us to! Seeking perfection was an integral part of the explosive growth of Methodism for 100 years, even as it led to the persecution of those who practiced it. As many of the denominations descended from Wesley ...

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

Begin your binge of The Living River Ranch series with fourteen romance stories that are sure to leave your mind full and your heart satisfied. The A Time For Everything series takes place on a picturesque ranch tucked away in the hills along the Lake Michigan shoreline. What was once a functioning ranch has transformed into a therapeutic haven, aiding individuals in confronting their obstacles, reconnecting with their true selves, and forging meaningful connections with others. Within these books, readers will encounter captivating tales of either a man or woman stumbling upon a friendship...

When a church lady falls in love, she falls hard. Sometimes she lands on her knees. Miss Budge does as she moves quietly and powerfully through her daily life in Old Cloverdale, where F. Scott Fitzgerald once courted Zelda, and two miles away Nat King Cole was born. Fitzgerald wrote about love. Nat Cole sang about love, and Mildred Budge knows those words. She can sing along with Nat and has. But Miss Budge lives love too—is always in love. The world wants a certain kind of love. Miss Budge offers a different kind—one that is so rare, so foreign as to be misunderstood…. But make no ...

At last, Mitford's rector and lifelong bachelor Father Tim has married his talented and vivacious neighbor Cynthia. Now, of course, they must face love's challenges: new sleeping arrangements for Father Tim's sofa-sized dog, Cynthia's urge to decorate the rectory Italian-villa-style, and the growing pains of the thrown-away boy who's become like a son to the rector.

Afton Teachout has been an outcast in her small town for twenty years—ever since she was accused of murdering her mother’s lover in a blackout fit of rage. That is, if one believes the malicious lies. Living with her grandmother, working a hotel night shift, and relying on pills to get a day’s sleep, Afton is due a little luck. It comes in the form of an unexpected financial windfall. With her newfound wealth, Afton sets a secret plan in motion to help her only friend, Sydney, flee a toxic husband. But the best intentions soon spin out of control.

Who would murder a church pastor? Furthermore, WHY would anyone murder one of the most respected pastors in the small town? The list of suspects grows as the Chief of Police, Frederick Earl investigates the shocking murder of First Church Pastor, Todd Pierce. The brutal mode of the homicide has the chief wondering what clues are hidden in the execution. The investigation leads the chief and his officers through a series of interviews including other pastors, church members, those hostile toward the church, trespassers, protestors, loyal church members and others. Will the murderer strike ...

Taking in her lovely face and sweet smile, he knew that he would risk everything for a chance to be with her. The Foster family has breathed life into their ancestral farm by coaxing the beautiful land and cliff side views of Lake Michigan into a majestic golf course known as Bingham Shores. Along with a world-class golf course, the property boasts a century-old restaurant, known for romantic themes and now a mystery. An old Bible found in the restaurant’s attic reveals a treasure map connected to the former farm. As word of the map spreads and speculation of the treasure mounts, new ...

“It’s overwhelming how much I feel for you after just a short time in your presence. I hope we can weather this time of change, find moments to relish together, and keep trying new things.” Welcome to "The Village at Crossroad Corners," a heartwarming Christian romance series that transports you to a tight-knit, traditional community where the echoes of a simpler time resonate. In the face of a seismic shift, the village council's decision to greenlight a groundbreaking dual-aged, residential community—bringing together both the elderly and college-aged students—sets the stage for...

Binge read The Tanner Creek Ranch Romance Series with eight Christian romance stories that are sure to leave your mind full and your heart satisfied. Nestled in the heart of Northern Michigan, Tanner Creek Ranch is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tanner family. Once a bustling farm yielding abundant crops and tending to herds of cattle, it has evolved into a therapeutic haven, rehabilitating a diverse range of domestic and specialized animals. The Tanner Creek Romance Series invites you on an uplifting journey with its captivating and consistent characters. Each book introduces ...

When Zara Hunter’s left with a goofy dog, the husky brings more mischief than Zara’s organized life can handle. Zara Hunter runs her life like a well-oiled machine. With work, helping the worship team every week, and spending time with friends, she has no room for pets, men, or shenanigans. When her grandfather passes away, he leaves his dog, Blizzard, to Zara. Not only is the dog quirky, but Blizzard brings more chaos than Zara’s tranquil life allows. Gerard Hancock’s world came tumbling down years ago when he hit rock bottom due to drinking and drugs. His older brother takes him ...

Based on a large-scale research study of small group pastors, leaders, and members, Leading Small Groups That Thrive gives church leaders both what they want - practical, straightforward, actual small group member voices and experiences, and compelling guidance on how to build transformational groups complemented with real-life examples and data of successful small groups - and what they need - substantial, challenging insights and a data-driven model grounded in the latest research on church small groups.

His attractive neighbor is tugging at his heart-strings. A wealthy widow is pursuing him with hot casseroles. And his red-haired Cousin Meg has moved into the rectory, uninvited.