Baptism and Beyond is a sacramental preparation resource for Catholic parishes. The Leader Guide contains everything a catechist needs to lead two parent sessions. The first session prepares parents for the celebration of baptism by breaking open the symbols and scriptures of the rite. The second session looks back on baptism and forward to first eucharist, with helps for parents to be the child's primary religious educators during the years in between. This book includes creative ways to link the church with the home to keep parents and their child connected to the parish between sacraments, not just for sacraments. You can use the Parent Guide to reinforce the material in the two parish sessions.

The issue of baptism has troubled Protestants for centuries. Should infants be baptized before their faith is conscious, or does God command the baptism of babies whose parents have been baptized? Popular New Testament scholar Scot McKnight makes a biblical case for infant baptism, exploring its history, meaning, and practice and showing that infant baptism is the most historic Christian way of forming children into the faith. He explains that the church's practice of infant baptism developed straight from the Bible and argues that it must begin with the family and then extend to the church. Baptism is not just an individual profession of faith: it takes a family and a church community to nurture a child into faith over time. McKnight explains infant baptism for readers coming from a tradition that baptizes adults only, and he counters criticisms that fail to consider the role of families in the formation of faith. The book includes a foreword by Todd Hunter and an afterword by Gerald McDermott.

You've been baptized. But do you understand what it means? Baptism is the doorway into membership in the church. It's a public declaration of the washing away of our sin and the beginning of our new life in Christ. But the sacrament that is meant to unite us is often a spring of division instead. All Christians use water to baptize. All invoke the triune name. Beyond that, there's little consensus. Talk about baptism and you're immediately plunged into arguments. Whom should we baptize? What does baptism do? Why even do it at all? Peter Leithart reunifies a church divided by baptism. He recovers the baptismal imagination of the Bible, explaining how baptism works according to Scripture. Then, in conversation with Christian tradition, he shows why baptism is something worth recovering and worth agreeing on.

First Eucharist and Beyond is a resource for Catholic parishes. This Leader Guide contains everything a catechist needs to lead one parent's session and four children's sessions to prepare for celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist. The emphasis is not just on "first communion" but on the ongoing experience of growing in communion with Christ in everyday life. The sessions focus on the presence of Christ in the assembly, the proclaimed word, the bread and wine, and in our world,. This book includes age appropriate activities and discussions for both younger children (ages 7-8) and older children (ages 9-11). Use with the Family Activity Book and Child's Book to complement and reinforce the material in the four parish sessions. The leader guide includes plans for both parents and children's sessions—including catechist background, goals, overviews and materials list; prayers, rituals and scripture stories; age-appropriate activities; explanation of what we do and say at Mass; and, ways to encourage parents to use the home.

This is the perfect resource for congregations, and parents, to use as they prepare for a child's Baptism. Pastors will want to give a copy of this book to every family having a child Baptized, and parents will want this book in order to more fully understand the gift of Holy Baptism. Inside is useful information such as the Scripture's teaching about Baptism, a look at the Baptism service, and everyday activities that can be done with a child to help him/her after the Baptism.

Christ's Own Forever is a unique resource developed with the varying needs of Episcopal communities of all sizes in mind. Flexible session plans are ideal for both one-on-one conversations with parents or meetings that include several families together. This interactive journal is designed to first guide you as you prepare for this special baptism, but then takes things a step further with tips and practical exercises that invite you to nurture the spiritual development of your child or godchild beyond baptism. You'll gain more understanding about your own spiritual journey, too as you consider ways to help your child or godchild live out the baptismal vows you mill make on his or her behalf. Includes background on baptism and Christian initiation, as well as guidance on preparation for baptism in The Episcopal Church today. Guidance is provided for preparation and follow-up with parents who are parish members and those who are unchurched.

A kaleidoscope of spiritual values in Catholicism that don't divide but bring people together and will instill peace and love in those who take the time to better understand them. Here are beautiful, simple, profound ideas that few people think about these days when they talk about the Catholic Church. Yet they are truths that make a positive difference in peoples' lives. They include: Catholicism is a community that remembers Jesus Catholics draw on a rich tradition of spirituality They always have something to celebrate The church is a family It has splendid heroes and heroines It takes staunch stands on peace and justice It has universality At a time when many Catholics have grown frustrated with their church, The Best of Catholicism reminds them of the positive values and practices that they will never read about in the daily news.

Change the Way You Think about Leadership At the age of thirty-three, Dr. Albert Mohler became the youngest president in the 164-year history of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was the driving force behind the school's transformation into a thriving institution with an international reputation characterized by a passionate conviction for truth. In the process he became one of the most important and prominent Christian voices in contemporary culture. What will it take to transform your leadership? Effective leaders need more than administrative skills and vision. They need to be able to change the hearts and minds of those they lead. Leadership like this requires passionate beliefs that can stand up to pressure from without and within. In this updated edition Dr. Mohler has added a new introduction and conclusion based on an additional 10 years of leadership. He has also completely rewritten the chapter "The Digital Leader." The Conviction to Lead will crystallize your convictions while revolutionizing your thinking, your decision-making, your communication, and ultimately, those you lead. "Dr. Al Mohler has written a book that shakes us up and challenges our thinking. The Conviction to Lead is poised to become one of the all-time classic works on Christian leadership."--JIM DALY, President - Focus on the Family "Having rarely thought about leadership, I was hooked from the first chapter--to my complete surprise. This is a powerful book and gracefully written."--FRED BARNES, Executive Editor--The Weekly Standard

This treatise was written about 400 A.D. Concerning it Aug. in Retract. Book II. c. xviii., says: I have written seven books on Baptism against the Donatists, who strive to defend themselves by the authority of the most blessed bishop and martyr Cyprian; in which I show that nothing is so effectual for the refutation of the Donatists, and for shutting their mouths directly from upholding their schism against the Catholic Church, as the letters and act of Cyprian. Aeterna Press

First Reconciliation and Beyond is a resource for Catholic parishes. The Leader Guide contains everything a catechist needs to lead one parents' session and four children's sessions to prepare for celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation. The emphasis is not just on "first reconciliation" but the ongoing experience of growing in relationship with Christ and the Christian community. The sessions focus on the theology, scripture, symbols, and experience of the sacramental ritual. The book includes age appropriate activities and discussions for both younger (ages 7-8) and older (ages 9-11) children.