Greening Spaces for Worship and Ministry: Congregations, Their Buildings, and Creation Care
Mark A. Torgerson
AL423 | $18.00
In Greening Spaces for Worship and Ministry, Mark Torgerson asserts that greening the built environment of a congregation is a powerful way to achieve and model a commitment to creation care. Green building involves designing and constructing in ways that are environmentally, economically, and socially responsible. The approach considers dimensions of a project from its inception to its re-use or demise, through both initial design choices and gradual, systematic upgrades to existing facilities.
Torgerson explores both Jewish and Christian traditions and theology regarding creation and its care, the interdependence of human and non-human creation, and humanity’s responsibility to steward God’s creation. He also outlines issues involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings.
Discerning God’s Will Together: A Spiritual Practice for the Church (revised and updated edition)
Danny E. Morris and Charles M. Olsen
AL425 | $17.00
Bible study, research, and fieldwork merge in this book of practical principles for decision making by spiritual discernment. The step-by-step approach can be used to help any size group learn a new way to make decisions—a way that is interactive, spiritual, and rooted in faith practices and community. Small groups, committees, church boards, church leaders at all levels, and seminary professors will find this book valuable.
This is a revised and updated version of the book printed in 1997. This new edition features updated material as well as a 2012 introduction written by Charles M. Olsen.
Practicing Balance: How Congregations Can Support Harmony in Work and Life
David Edman Gray
AL430 | $17.00
Work-life imbalance is a problem that has personal, national, and religious implications. Millions of Americans sense that they are rushing through life and that their work and non-work lives compete with one another. Many of us are harming our health through overwork.
David Gray’s Practicing Balance demonstrates why congregational leaders should take work-life imbalance seriously. The issue gets in the way of spiritual development, church attendance, and member involvement. As leaders look to help their congregations grow, particularly by attracting families with children, they would do well to understand and account for the problem.
Practicing Balance will help all of us make balance a higher priority and draw on the resources of our faith as we seek to balance the many activities of our life.
Congregations magazine, 2012-09-11
2012 Issue 3, Number 3