Like many mainline denominations, The United Methodist Church is ailing. Declining membership, worship and Sunday school attendance, outreach, and giving—all troubling signs. In an age of megachurches, "Ten Steps to…" congregational self-help programs point to models that may not be in the church's best interest. Following the suggestions of this new conventional wisdom may reverse the trends and attract thousands to highly entertaining services (bolstered by a strong budget and marketing pla...

In Jesus' time, lepers were the most stigmatized of patients. Yet he demonstrated great compassion toward them. Today, persons living with HIV/AIDS suffer many of the same discriminations and rejections that first-century lepers did. What would Jesus do? And how willing are you to follow Jesus' example? Like its predecessors in the Pocket Prayer Series, Prayers for Encouragement is a 32-page booklet of comforting meditations developed for a specific need—in this case, serious diseases affecti...

You won't hear many sermons preached on Ecclesiastes. The plainspoken skepticism and raw weariness expressed in Ecclesiastes make many people of faith uncomfortable. But, as Waddle points out, this book is in the Bible for a reason. The message of this against-the-grain biblical voice offers an emotionally honest view of the meaning of life. "Despite his reputation, Ecclesiastes marks the surprising arrival of consolation and hope," writes Waddle. "This book is about the neglected themes of E...

Why is it that the people closest to us often cause the deepest, most wrenching pain? Family can either provide restful refuge or prompt you to find it elsewhere. A quick channel-surf through daytime television illustrates that! From the petty irritation to the grievous wrong, forgiving is one of the hardest tasks families face. The gospel calls us to love and forgive others. Ironically, the closer we are to people, the harder it is to forgive them. After all, we count on these people to love...

"A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). A relationship where God and spouses are entwined is as strong and resistant to stresses as a braided cord. "A stable, meaningful marriage is further strengthened by a shared spiritual journey," write the authors. "There's a reciprocal relationship between marital and spiritual growth. In our counseling, we often hear how joint faith is one of the most important factors in the vitality and stability of marriage." In Love Never Ends...

This book brings James K. Wagner's successful workbook on healing and wholeness to Korean Christians and churches. The original workbook was field-tested and designed for church groups; this new translation has been reviewed and approved by representatives throughout the Korean church in the United States.The workbook adapts Wagner's popular workshop into a seven-session format that explores a holistic approach to health and the relationship between prayer and healing. It offers individual an...

This sensitive look at inner wounds reminds us that healing was central to Jesus' ministry. Prayers and spiritual exercises will help you find your own means for receiving God's love that will heal physical pain, painful memories, the pain of uncertainty, and the pain of stress.

Stretch Out Your Hand offers practical ways for us to consider the varieties of God's healing love for individuals, institutions, and communities. The book provides an honest examination of the many difficult questions about prayer and the role of faith in healing. Through exercises and stories, the authors reintroduce readers to Jesus' healing ministry and to his vision of the church as a healing community.

Package of 20 This booklet brings together scripture and prayers that offer words of hope, comfort, and peace during times of fear, change, and uncertainty. Created as a special edition of The Upper Room daily devotional guide, Prayers for Courage helps us rest in God's loving presence when fear invades our lives.

Korean translation of Prayers for Encouragement (Pack of 20)