Accomplished author Richard Stoll Armstrong speaks openly and honestly about how a pastor functions with evangelical sensitivity in the roles of visitor, counselor, teacher, discipler, administrator, and public figure. He describes the specific opportunities for evangelism in each of these functions. Ways are suggested in which pastors can lead conversations and group or class meetings that open up opportunities for discussion of faith questions.

Richard Armstrong and Kirk Morledge present this practical guide for pastoral ministry, offering counsel about a wide range of topics related to a pastor's professional ministry and personal life. Topics include beginning a new ministry, balancing one's personal life and ministry, wrestling with conflict, worrying about church finances, and preaching. This introduction to ministry can function as a textbook as well as an invaluable handbook or desk reference for pastors in the midst of congregational ministry.

The role of the pastor as worship leader and preacher takes on additional significance when viewed in the context of evangelism. Building on the foundation laid in his earlier book The Pastor as Evangelist, Richard Stoll Armstrong provides practical, down-to-earth guidance for the minister who wants to participate more fully in the church's mission of evangelism.

Essential guidance for a lifestyle of sharing God's good news with a lost world. What exactly does it mean to "evangelize" in a Christian sense? And how is such evangelizing supposed to be done? Longtime pastor, evangelist, and professor of evangelism Timothy K. Beougher answers these questions and more from theological, historical, and practical perspectives. Beougher demonstrates God's goodness in evangelism through relatable anecdotes, Bible teaching, and encouraging instruction. Invitation to Evangelism welcomes believers into the experience of stepping out in faith of behalf of people God loves. Most Christians know that they should be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with nonbelievers, and most also know they aren't witnessing very well, or even at all. They need help internalizing the content of gospel proclamation and identifying the best way to go about making evangelism a natural part of their lives. Invitation to Evangelism guides readers through the essential issues of the gospel message, evangelism methods, and witnessing models so they are ready and excited to move out in faith as everyday evangelists. Beougher's biblical, theological, historical, and practical teaching revolves around following essential aspects of being an evangelist: Having compassion as the motivation for evangelism Understanding the good news of Jesus Christ Seeing lost people as persons God loves Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit Paving the way for new believers to share their faith eagerly with others

Pastoral counseling is unique, and John Patton, widely known practitioner and teacher, explains that uniqueness in the context of other forms of therapy available. He then determines what pastoral counseling is and how it is done. His theory focuses on the centrality of the pastoral relationship, reclaiming pastoral counseling as a legitimate ministry of the church. He shows that the pastoral relationship is common to both the generalist and the specialist in counseling and explains how his concept of Òrelational humannessÓ is the norm for Christian pastoral counseling. The accountability of the pastoral counselor in regard to the story of Jesus, in terms of his/her role and function as minister, and in relation to the community (the church which ordains and the peers in ministry) is discussed. How to structure a pastoral counseling interview, how to determine the unit of care, and how healing occurs in pastoral counseling are all important facets of this excellent book. Case studies, an index, and notes are included.

The Number one priority for many parishes at the present time needs to emphasize moving he new member and/or new Christian from loyalty to the local organization to faithfulness in discipleship... This work is an attempt to look at the evangelism side of that fellowship call. (from the Foreword) Jerry L. Schmalenberger offers insight to all congregations seeking to grow. "Called To Witness" offers a blend of three themes. These are: parish program emphasis, church growth methodology and disciplining. In addition, the author provides a helpful critique of the church growth movement. Chapters focus on: - Reclaiming the witness - Congregational witness - Multicultural witness - Pastoral witness Jerry L. Schmalenberger, Berkley, California, is president and professor of parish ministry at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and formerly a parish pastor for 29 years. He served as pastor/director of evangelical outreach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church and as an evangelist for many years. He is in demand as a preacher and lecturer on evangelism and stewardship across the United States.

Children are the focus of marriage in African cultures. Marriage is considered full and functional only if the couple has children--in many cultures preferably a boy. Becoming a parent also contributes to one's full adulthood in the sense that childlessness blocks ascent towards full personal dignity as an adult person in the community. As a result, childlessness is often a major disaster for both of the spouses. It has social, economical, and personal consequences, quite often including divorce. This book explores in depth how childlessness is perceived, dealt with, and coped with in two Christian communities in Machame on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Childlessness is approached through narratives of the spouses concerned and the members of their communities. Their stories reveal pain and courage, brokenness and strength, faithfulness and betrayal. Christianity presents itself in an ambiguous light, on one hand, pressuring spouses to keep up facades supporting oppressive structures. On the other hand, Christian faith provides childless couples with personal hope in the afterlife that the African traditional culture offers only to those with children. This study proves that childlessness is not only a personal but also a communal problem. Childlessness and the fear of having no children contribute to family structures and sexual behavior. In this way, they have a considerable impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. However, this study reveals that the attitudes and practices towards marriage and children need not be petrified, but rather that traditions can, and do, change.