Pastor and author Donna Schaper takes the long view of religious institution in an age of rapid change. The question of who the church is today—and how it uses its buildings—is connected to the church’s past identities and its future hopes. Schaper is both concrete and provocative in her examination of how the church might be renewed for the modern age.

Pastor and author Donna Schaper takes the long view of religious institution in an age of rapid change. The question of who the church is today--and how it uses its buildings--is connected to the church's past identities and its future hopes. Schaper is both concrete and provocative in her examination of how the church might be renewed for the modern age.

What if the church became more than a home for the hypocrites? What if the church became a hospital to heal the hurting? When the carnage of war broke out on D-Day, the wounded were brought to an empty, nearby church and laid on the pews so medics could treat them. When the war was over, and the blood-stained pews discovered, the townspeople decided to preserve the stains to remind all who would come afterward: This is the place where the wounded are welcome. Blood Stained Pews is a chance to examine Jesus’ original intent for the church, a hospital for the broken. Pastor and author Carl Kuhl is clear: Christians have been getting this wrong, but in this book, he gives clear steps to change our hearts, our practices, and ultimately our churches through the power of open brokenness. Through personal stories and powerful insights, Carl implores us to more deeply consider God’s grace and turn our churches into the places people run to when they’re wounded.

In 2012, Steve Austin, then a pastor, nearly died by suicide. His experience launched him on a journey that opened his eyes to the widespread problem of mental illness and how those who live with it are often treated in congregations. He began to wonder: if church folks had talked openly about mental health, therapy, suicide prevention, recovery from abuse, and other difficult issues, would that have changed his story? In Hiding in the Pews, people with mental illness--some of whom might be pastors themselves--will find comfort as they learn they are not alone. Those who know someone with mental illness will gain wisdom about how to be a safe presence. Those who hold the most power in church communities--pastors, board members, and lay leaders--will be challenged and equipped to transform their congregations into places of healing, where it is safe for people to be vulnerable about their suffering. Austin draws on his own experience, as well as on interviews with eighty current and former church leaders and members. Each chapter covers a topic or theme about mental illness and the church and includes practical applications to guide leaders on a journey toward transforming church culture. When a church champions vulnerability and establishes safety within its walls, especially for those who are suffering, the loving power of God heals. Austin offers hope that faith communities will be the first places people think of when they need a sense of safety and belonging.

In this upbeat book Robbie Castleman shows parents how to guide their toddlers and teenagers to participate more fully in the worship of the church. This significantly revised and updated edition includes a new preface and new appendices with ideas for children's sermons and intergenerational community.

St. Augustine Catholic Church has stood in the Trem? section of New Orleans for over 170 years. Its international fame and role as a musical and cultural center as well as a spiritual focus has made it a national treasure. In the spring of 2006 the archdiocese of New Orleans declared St. Augustine Church closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The beloved pastor since 1990, Fr. Jerome LeDoux, was reassigned to a congregation in Texas. But the parishioners, inspired by their pastor-in-exile, faced off with the archbishop, forcing an unprecedented mediation to keep the church?s doors open and its future secure. This fascinating story in all its details is told with candor and humor by Fr. LeDoux. He also goes back into the church?s history from its founding in 1841 through the Civil War, segregation, Civil Rights and ultimately Hurricane Katrina to show how its predominantly African-American population weathered each of four Battles in the War of the Pews. “LeDoux?s gripping description of events offers a unique window into the rich cultural complexity of the city with rare historical depth” -- Dr. Ina Johan Fandrich, author and historical researcher." -- from publisher's website.

Does God speak to the common man? Is His voice heard among the populace of the pews, and can a common man speak from the pews? Realizing that not everyone holds a doctorate or serves as a professional church leader, A Voice from the Pews attempts to share insights and devotionals from the life and experiences of just such a common man. Using word pictures, Scripture references, and life experiences, Mr. Sheldon hopes his book will encourage you through a variety of circumstances.