Thomas Long begins this fascinating volume by describing how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically, and liturgically, and then discusses recent cultural trends in funeral practices, including the rise in both cremations and memorial services. He describes the basic pattern for a funeral service, details options in funeral planning, identifies characteristics of a good funeral, and provides thoughtful guidance for preaching at a funeral.

Long also notes a disturbing trend toward funeral services that seem theologically right and pastorally caring, but actually depart from the primary aims of the Christian funeral. He argues that a new, less-theological and less-satisfying service that focuses on the mourner has begun to erode the Christian view. He contrasts the ancient grand community drama with today's trend toward body-less memorial services that focus primarily on the living and grief management. This is a loss for the church, he argues, and he calls for the church to reclaim the classic metaphor.

This is a compelling tract for our times (manifesto) addressed to evangelicals around the English-speaking world from the general director of the Evangelical Alliance. This umbrella group represents evangelical Christians in the United Kingdom and is part of the larger World Evangelical Alliance of 128 national and seven regional alliances including the National Association of Evangelicals in the USA. Written in an accessible style this short and readable manifesto issues a prophetic call to help set the agenda for evangelicals to: *Present Christ credibly the 21st century *Rehabilitate term 'evangelical' as good news *Engage in spiritual and social transformation The book includes discussion questions to enable classes, groups, and teams to read and discuss the contents of the book. As the church faces challenges and opportunities, this book can serve as a catalyst to move the evangelical church forward to make a difference in the world by fostering spiritual and social transformation.

This book gathers a diverse group of leading pastors and preachers and asks them, what is your best advice to colleagues in ministry about preaching and being a pastor? The responses are full of wisdom and practical advice, illuminating and helpful for all who are pastors and preachers. This book is a unique window into perspectives on ministry in the twenty-first century. It is an ideal book to give to one's pastor or a graduating seminarian. It is one pastors will turn to often for inspiration, insight, and wisdom.

We live in a society that worships at the shrine of size. In the world's eyes if something is not big, it does not deserve attention. With such a cultural bias it is not easy to be upbeat about a church with just a few in the congregation.

John Benton has written this sensitive and practical work out of a heartfelt concern for the many small groups of God's people who meet regularly and faithfully as a church, but who may sometimes feel weak or isolated. Highlighting the fact that it is the health of a church, not its size, that is important, he encourages small congregations (and large ones, too!) and shows how the few and seemingly powerless have been used by God throughout the history of the church. These little churches might just be the seeds from which God may yet give a mighty harvest, for his glory.

In this insightful book, John Oak, who was Senior Pastor of one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the world, suggests that the Holy Spirit initiates a certain amount of unrest and turmoil within the church in order for it to function as salt and light in the world.

Putting it positively, lay people are the best and the greatest potential the church has. Negatively, lay people are a serious challenge for the church if not mobilized. The answer to which perspective will prevail lies in the hands of church leaders. Rediscovering the biblical role of the laity demands a radical remodelling of the old framework of ministry.

Reformation is not an easy process to initiate or complete. It can place a heavy burden on a church leader if the laity are not fully involved in the process.