Mary J. Moerbe and Gene Edward Veith have done it again—they have written an excellent resource on vocation, this time for children! If you’re not familiar with the doctrine of vocation, it’s not just jobs, careers, or how we make a living, but it’s the areas of life God has called us to so that we can love and serve our neighbors. This does include the workplace and also the family, society, church, etc. Even children have vocations, and this book is a great way to introduce them to how they can love and serve their neighbors by being a helper!
Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business
If you would like to read one book that summarizes the attempt of seminaries to impart pastoral wisdom to its students, The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business is such a book. This little (190-page) book, using theologians from the past and present, attempts to encapsulate fundamental pastoral training.
Pastoral Care Under the Cross: God in the Midst of Suffering
Pastoral Care Under the Cross had been on this writer’s “need-to-buy-from-Parish-Ed-wishlist” for a number of years. And once it was purchased and read, the book did not disappoint. In the messiness of the world’s problems, pastors find themselves dealing with issues that leave them feeling overwhelmed and underequipped. What is your view of suffering? Is it a result of something I did wrong? Is God trying to teach me a lesson through it? Where is God in the midst of suffering? And what is my pastor’s role when I go through suffering? These questions, and many more, are handled with care in Richard C. Eyer’s book.
Perspectives on Family Ministry
How does the local congregation minister to families? As churches seek to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with families, the approach taken has varied across a broad spectrum. This book assembles practitioners from three major approaches to present how they pursue healthy family ministry. It then offers space for the others to respond to each one’s approach. The result is an effective resource for biblical evaluation to apply discernment for serving families in your congregational context.
Share Life! Outreach Lessons from Jesus
Share Life! Outreach Lessons from Jesus is a short book that goes over multiple lessons Jesus taught during His time on earth. As you read through each page, there are sections of Scripture that accompany the lesson. The format of reading the text from the Bible and the text from the book works very well and brings the focus to Christ and the Scriptures. The lessons are based on Jesus’ example during His time on earth. Each lesson teaches the reader about an attribute of Jesus’ or a way Jesus handled a situation. It then has the reader apply these lessons to their own lives.
Why Am I Joy:fully Lutheran? Instruction, Meditation, and Prayers on Luther’s Small Catechism
Most of us would agree that the Small Catechism is an invaluable resource. Our churches subscribe to it as a faithful expression of Scripture. Yet, that being said, it doesn’t seem to be used for much outside of confirmation instruction. As much as we value it, I think that most of us have a difficult time teaching it in our home.
Something Wonderful! The Easter Story
Reading books to young children, with their eyes full of wonder and discovery, must be one of the most delightful tasks an adult can experience. Whether from the lyrical rhythm of words or the telling illustrations, the responsive zeal of children is contagious.
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
It’s easy for me to look forward to Easter so much that I feel impatient with Lent. Nancy Guthrie, author, grief counselor, and Bible teacher, understands. She was concerned that many of us miss out on the full significance of Easter when we fail to contemplate the cross.
The Augsburg Confession: Its Meaning for Our Day
Christianity Today released an article in October 2018, highlighting an alarming report from Ligonier Ministries. It noted, “More than two-thirds (69%) of Americans disagree that the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation. . . .” Putting the most charitable construction on the findings of the report, the state of theology in America today is confused. Well-intentioned people are revisiting ancient teachings the Church has deemed heretical. That being said, how does the average church member protect himself from being led into one of these teachings?