Vital . . . pertaining to life; essential; of critical importance. Church . . . a body or organization of religious believers. Issues . . . a point or matter, the decision of which is of special or public importance. A dictionary can define the terms, but tackling the tough texts and difficult issues of church leadership requires skillful study and balanced reflection upon the whole of Scripture. Vital Church Issues: Examining Principles and Practices in Church Leadership draws upon the insights and study of numerous evangelical scholars and writers to address crucial issues in church leadership. Some of the chapters included are: Personal Challenges for 21st-Century Pastors by Leith Anderson The 'Laying on of Hands' of Elders by David A. Mappes Can Fallen Leaders Be Restored to Leadership? by Jay E. Smith Assimilating New Converts into the Local Church by R. Larry Moyer Confidentiality in Counseling Individuals with HIV/AIDS by Jay A. Quine Pastors, laypeople, and seminary students will appreciate the helpful scholarship of Vital Church Issues.

Volume One: The Gospels and Acts With typical thoroughness, Dr. Hiebert has produced this volume of his New Testament introductions. Though not a commentary on the gospels and Acts, the book presents their message along with a discussion of such questions as authorship, composition, and the Synoptic problem. Practical suggestions on how to study these five books are included. The bibliographies and annotated book lists are are extremely helpful for pastors, teachers, and laymen. Volume Two: The Pauline Epistles This is a detailed introduction to all of Paul's writings - epistles that without question are among the most precious treasures of the Christian church. Dr. Hiebert discusses the historical circumstances of their writing, deals with ethical problems, and provides helpful general information on the content and nature of the books themselves. Discussed in general and separately, these epistles are treated in chronological order, with emphasis on their eschatology, soteriology, Christology, or ecclesiology.

One in an ongoing series of esteemed and popular Bible commentary volumes based on the New International Version text.