Products
{"id":7919499247807,"title":"Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers","handle":"garden-song-exploring-the-psalms-through-paintings-reflections-and-prayers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fresh, vibrant interpretation for today\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Garden Song\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend Clare Hayns. Leading the reader through 30 selected psalms, the mother-son duo capture the essence of this ancient text – the worship, the grieving and the joy – and open up new ways to engage with its riches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a playlist of suggested music to accompany the reflections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8zknrhaI-k?si=EvozVaPR-zTOUbuJ\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"134\" width=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Clare_Hayns_1.jpg?v=1636541386\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClare Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vicar in the diocese of Oxford and was previously college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. Pre-ordination she worked as a social worker specialising in substance misuse, and for a while was an entertainment agent. She is married to John, a performer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book. This is the second book collaboration between Clare and Micah, the first being \u003cem\u003eUnveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made\u003c\/em\u003e, also published by BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicah Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a contemporary artist based in Oxford. Trained in Florence, he combines classical techniques with a contemporary style, inspired by the impressionists, street art and the Old Masters. Through his work, he hopes to share where he finds beauty, life and truth. He currently paints from his studio gallery in Oxford called the Jungle, which also operates as a community space run by a local charity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost, January 2025\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a beautifully presented book containing illustrations by contemporary artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Oxford vicar, Clare Hayns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith 30 reflections, this mother and son duo have provided a very helpful and insightful way of approaching many different aspects of all that the Psalms give to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThrough selected Psalms of worship, grieving and joy, Micah’s paintings and artwork tap in to elements of \u003ci\u003evisio divina\u003c\/i\u003e. Sometimes soft focussed and easy on the eye, yet also at times detailed and striking, they are a valuable companion to Clare’s reflections. Those accompanying words are part short commentary and part reflection, often drawing our thoughts to key points within the psalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book also has a companion playlist of suggested music to accompany each of the 30 reflections. The link shown in the book is no longer functioning but they can be found here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/38IGBl3e8tOJ4epDkqOOCy?si=C8SRttb3TBCY709gvey5Yg\u0026amp;nd=1\u0026amp;dlsi=492a7fd73b444862\"\u003eon Spotify\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book would make an excellent gift as well as a helpful daily practice over the course of a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29.11.24 Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a youth, newly shoehorned into the choir by a very perceptive music teacher, I can remember being fascinated by singing the psalms. What on earth was a potsherd? What does 'peradventure' mean? I hadn’t a clue; so I needed to come back for more to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChristians have used the book of Psalms right from the beginning: it was, after all, the Lord’s prayer book; so it should be the Church’s, too. Anglicans were particularly lucky to have the baffling and wonderful translation of Miles Coverdale in the Book of Common Prayer — almost a literary genre independent of its Hebrew original — and generations of clergy were soaked in its language and spirituality by the daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in more prosaic times, sadly; so it is good to have this work by the mother-and-son team Clare and Micah Hayns. Micah, an artist based in Oxford, came across the book of Psalms almost by chance, and has been deeply affected by its variety and honesty before the reality of God. The backbone of Garden Song is a series of paintings (very well reproduced) that are a kind of visual response to a selection of 30 psalms. These are grouped according to their theme (worship, grieving, joy). Each painting is accompanied by a reflection by Clare (a parish priest), a short scripture reading, a suggested piece of music to listen to, and a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThere is so much here that reading at a single sitting is unthinkable. This is a work to savour slowly and prayerfully, that we might come to these ancient prayers and hymns with eyes and ears renewed the next time we hear them sung in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-23T11:16:27+01:00","created_at":"2024-07-23T11:16:27+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Biblical engagement","Caring for creation","Devotional","For churches","For individuals","For Women","Gift","Glassboxx","KCLC"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664192405695,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392373","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36544691765439,"product_id":7919499247807,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-07-23T11:17:27+01:00","updated_at":"2024-07-23T11:17:29+01:00","alt":null,"width":1949,"height":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","variant_ids":[43664192405695]},"available":true,"name":"Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1499,"weight":450,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392373","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29293722239167,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29293722239167,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fresh, vibrant interpretation for today\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Garden Song\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend Clare Hayns. Leading the reader through 30 selected psalms, the mother-son duo capture the essence of this ancient text – the worship, the grieving and the joy – and open up new ways to engage with its riches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a playlist of suggested music to accompany the reflections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8zknrhaI-k?si=EvozVaPR-zTOUbuJ\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"134\" width=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Clare_Hayns_1.jpg?v=1636541386\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClare Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vicar in the diocese of Oxford and was previously college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. Pre-ordination she worked as a social worker specialising in substance misuse, and for a while was an entertainment agent. She is married to John, a performer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book. This is the second book collaboration between Clare and Micah, the first being \u003cem\u003eUnveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made\u003c\/em\u003e, also published by BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicah Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a contemporary artist based in Oxford. Trained in Florence, he combines classical techniques with a contemporary style, inspired by the impressionists, street art and the Old Masters. Through his work, he hopes to share where he finds beauty, life and truth. He currently paints from his studio gallery in Oxford called the Jungle, which also operates as a community space run by a local charity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost, January 2025\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a beautifully presented book containing illustrations by contemporary artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Oxford vicar, Clare Hayns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith 30 reflections, this mother and son duo have provided a very helpful and insightful way of approaching many different aspects of all that the Psalms give to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThrough selected Psalms of worship, grieving and joy, Micah’s paintings and artwork tap in to elements of \u003ci\u003evisio divina\u003c\/i\u003e. Sometimes soft focussed and easy on the eye, yet also at times detailed and striking, they are a valuable companion to Clare’s reflections. Those accompanying words are part short commentary and part reflection, often drawing our thoughts to key points within the psalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book also has a companion playlist of suggested music to accompany each of the 30 reflections. The link shown in the book is no longer functioning but they can be found here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/38IGBl3e8tOJ4epDkqOOCy?si=C8SRttb3TBCY709gvey5Yg\u0026amp;nd=1\u0026amp;dlsi=492a7fd73b444862\"\u003eon Spotify\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book would make an excellent gift as well as a helpful daily practice over the course of a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29.11.24 Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a youth, newly shoehorned into the choir by a very perceptive music teacher, I can remember being fascinated by singing the psalms. What on earth was a potsherd? What does 'peradventure' mean? I hadn’t a clue; so I needed to come back for more to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChristians have used the book of Psalms right from the beginning: it was, after all, the Lord’s prayer book; so it should be the Church’s, too. Anglicans were particularly lucky to have the baffling and wonderful translation of Miles Coverdale in the Book of Common Prayer — almost a literary genre independent of its Hebrew original — and generations of clergy were soaked in its language and spirituality by the daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in more prosaic times, sadly; so it is good to have this work by the mother-and-son team Clare and Micah Hayns. Micah, an artist based in Oxford, came across the book of Psalms almost by chance, and has been deeply affected by its variety and honesty before the reality of God. The backbone of Garden Song is a series of paintings (very well reproduced) that are a kind of visual response to a selection of 30 psalms. These are grouped according to their theme (worship, grieving, joy). Each painting is accompanied by a reflection by Clare (a parish priest), a short scripture reading, a suggested piece of music to listen to, and a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThere is so much here that reading at a single sitting is unthinkable. This is a work to savour slowly and prayerfully, that we might come to these ancient prayers and hymns with eyes and ears renewed the next time we hear them sung in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e"}
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Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers
£14.99
A fresh, vibrant interpretation for today. Garden Song brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend...
{"id":2729128427620,"title":"Get Messy! September - December 2013: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community","handle":"get-messy-september-december-2013-session-material-news-stories-and-inspiration-for-the-messy-church-community","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGet Messy!\u003c\/em\u003e is a new four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four session outlines (one per month), including planning sheets and take-home handouts, together with information on the latest resources and events. It also seeks to encourage and refresh Messy Church leaders by providing monthly Bible studies, a column on taking time to recharge, and a problem page. Other features include a youth column, a day in the life of a Regional Coordinator and stories from Messy Churches around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn this issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Nativity: taking towns by storm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeing Christ-centred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour complete session plans and templates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Readings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Men!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e... and much more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the session writers in this issue\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Williams is Vicar of Burwell with Reach, two villages 10 miles from Cambridge. In 2008 she started a Messy Church in Milton, near Cambridge, and was a Messy Church Regional Coordinator for two years. Eleanor lives with her husband (also a vicar), two teenage sons and two dogs, so life is wonderfully messy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Rowlandson was born and lives in Liverpool, is a Reader in the Church of England and works part-time in a primary school. He and his wife Sylvia help with their local Messy Church: L19. He enjoys writing poetry, painting and encouraging maximum lunacy and fun among children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharon Lakin lives in Worthing, West Sussex with her husband and two young children. She is the Children and Families Worker at the River of Life Church, which has been running Messy Church since 2008. She is both nervous and excited to be starting a teaching degree in September 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKim Gabbatiss is a Children and Families Worker for the Methodist Church in York, working alongside local communities in a number of villages and two small towns. She is passionate about Messy Church and enjoys the privilege of leading a Messy Church in her home church and supporting others as a Regional Coordinator around Yorkshire.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-19T18:46:51+01:00","created_at":"2019-02-08T15:30:15+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["get messy archive","Get Messy!","KCLC","Messy Church","PDF"],"price":400,"price_min":400,"price_max":400,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24137224126564,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWNLOAD2596","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8730891780196,"product_id":2729128427620,"position":2,"created_at":"2019-02-13T12:35:12+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-13T12:35:12+00:00","alt":null,"width":477,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2596-l.jpg?v=1550061312","variant_ids":[24137224126564]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! September - December 2013: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":400,"weight":114,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD2596","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3258517389451,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":676,"width":477,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2596-l.jpg?v=1550061312"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462596-l.jpg?v=1549639815","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2596-l.jpg?v=1550061312"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462596-l.jpg?v=1549639815","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":"Get Messy! September - December 2013","id":3257920618635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":676,"width":477,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462596-l.jpg?v=1549639815"},"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462596-l.jpg?v=1549639815","width":477},{"alt":null,"id":3258517389451,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":676,"width":477,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2596-l.jpg?v=1550061312"},"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2596-l.jpg?v=1550061312","width":477}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGet Messy!\u003c\/em\u003e is a new four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four session outlines (one per month), including planning sheets and take-home handouts, together with information on the latest resources and events. It also seeks to encourage and refresh Messy Church leaders by providing monthly Bible studies, a column on taking time to recharge, and a problem page. Other features include a youth column, a day in the life of a Regional Coordinator and stories from Messy Churches around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn this issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Nativity: taking towns by storm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeing Christ-centred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour complete session plans and templates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Readings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Men!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e... and much more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the session writers in this issue\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Williams is Vicar of Burwell with Reach, two villages 10 miles from Cambridge. In 2008 she started a Messy Church in Milton, near Cambridge, and was a Messy Church Regional Coordinator for two years. Eleanor lives with her husband (also a vicar), two teenage sons and two dogs, so life is wonderfully messy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Rowlandson was born and lives in Liverpool, is a Reader in the Church of England and works part-time in a primary school. He and his wife Sylvia help with their local Messy Church: L19. He enjoys writing poetry, painting and encouraging maximum lunacy and fun among children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharon Lakin lives in Worthing, West Sussex with her husband and two young children. She is the Children and Families Worker at the River of Life Church, which has been running Messy Church since 2008. She is both nervous and excited to be starting a teaching degree in September 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKim Gabbatiss is a Children and Families Worker for the Methodist Church in York, working alongside local communities in a number of villages and two small towns. She is passionate about Messy Church and enjoys the privilege of leading a Messy Church in her home church and supporting others as a Regional Coordinator around Yorkshire.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Get Messy! September - December 2013: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community
£4.00
Get Messy! is a new four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four session outlines (one per...
{"id":7429133107391,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship","handle":"get-messy-volume-1-intergenerational-discipleship","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Messy Church Ministry Team Lead, Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W_Lh5-_NGjA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVisit the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e website\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-01-25T13:11:24+00:00","created_at":"2023-01-18T14:49:26+00:00","vendor":"Messy Church","type":"Paperback","tags":["Get Messy!","Glassboxx","KCLC","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42202512392383,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391802","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34157087555775,"product_id":7429133107391,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-03-06T11:20:35+00:00","updated_at":"2023-03-06T11:20:37+00:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GetMessyVolume1_b43e247a-21a8-40b5-ae37-a389869dc3d6.jpg?v=1678101637","variant_ids":[42202512392383,42365881155775]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1499,"weight":227,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391802","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26769071669439,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GetMessyVolume1_b43e247a-21a8-40b5-ae37-a389869dc3d6.jpg?v=1678101637"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42365881155775,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391956","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34157087555775,"product_id":7429133107391,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-03-06T11:20:35+00:00","updated_at":"2023-03-06T11:20:37+00:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GetMessyVolume1_b43e247a-21a8-40b5-ae37-a389869dc3d6.jpg?v=1678101637","variant_ids":[42202512392383,42365881155775]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! 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Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Messy Church Ministry Team Lead, Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W_Lh5-_NGjA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVisit the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e website\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship
£14.99
Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...
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With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W_Lh5-_NGjA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewebsite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\nMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.","published_at":"2023-01-25T13:12:36+00:00","created_at":"2023-01-25T11:27:25+00:00","vendor":"Messy Church","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Get Messy!","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":199,"price_min":199,"price_max":199,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42195262537919,"title":"September - Care for the World","option1":"September - Care for the World","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392410","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34496440467647,"product_id":7433197125823,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:08+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","variant_ids":[42195262537919,42195262570687,42195262603455,42195262636223,42195262668991,42195262701759,42195262734527,42195262767295,42195262800063,42195262832831,42195262865599,42195262898367]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! 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It's a Secret","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392502","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34496440467647,"product_id":7433197125823,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:08+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","variant_ids":[42195262537919,42195262570687,42195262603455,42195262636223,42195262668991,42195262701759,42195262734527,42195262767295,42195262800063,42195262832831,42195262865599,42195262898367]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship Individual Sessions - June - Shh! It's a Secret","public_title":"June - Shh! It's a Secret","options":["June - Shh! It's a Secret"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392502","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27114549477567,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42195262865599,"title":"July - The Olympics - Running the Race!","option1":"July - The Olympics - Running the Race!","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392519","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34496440467647,"product_id":7433197125823,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:08+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","variant_ids":[42195262537919,42195262570687,42195262603455,42195262636223,42195262668991,42195262701759,42195262734527,42195262767295,42195262800063,42195262832831,42195262865599,42195262898367]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship Individual Sessions - July - The Olympics - Running the Race!","public_title":"July - The Olympics - Running the Race!","options":["July - The Olympics - Running the Race!"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392519","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27114549477567,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42195262898367,"title":"August - Rediscovering God in Creation","option1":"August - Rediscovering God in Creation","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392526","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34496440467647,"product_id":7433197125823,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:08+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-26T12:52:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","variant_ids":[42195262537919,42195262570687,42195262603455,42195262636223,42195262668991,42195262701759,42195262734527,42195262767295,42195262800063,42195262832831,42195262865599,42195262898367]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship Individual Sessions - August - Rediscovering God in Creation","public_title":"August - Rediscovering God in Creation","options":["August - Rediscovering God in Creation"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392526","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27114549477567,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","options":["Month"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27114549477567,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929"},"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS1956.jpg?v=1685101929","width":460}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W_Lh5-_NGjA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewebsite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\nMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration."}
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Get Messy! Volume 1 - Intergenerational discipleship Individual Sessions
£1.99
Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...
{"id":7704534581439,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy","handle":"get-messy-volume-2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","vendor":"Aike Kennett-Brown","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Children and family ministry","Collective worship","Discipleship","For churches","Get Messy!","KCLC","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":1699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43420906520767,"title":"Print","option1":"Print","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392878","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961304613055,"product_id":7704534581439,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","variant_ids":[43420906520767,43420906553535]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy - Print","public_title":"Print","options":["Print"],"price":1699,"weight":240,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392878","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43420906553535,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392885","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961304613055,"product_id":7704534581439,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","variant_ids":[43420906520767,43420906553535]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":1699,"weight":240,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392885","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy
£16.99
Get Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of...
{"id":7704564105407,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions","handle":"get-messy-volume-2-individual-sessions","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" title=\"Messy Church\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewebsite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-07T10:49:48+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T12:36:27+01:00","vendor":"Messy Church","type":"PDF Download","tags":["2024","Get Messy!","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":299,"price_min":299,"price_max":299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43014985547967,"title":"September - Who is God? What is God like?","option1":"September - Who is God? What is God like?","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392946","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - September - Who is God? What is God like?","public_title":"September - Who is God? What is God like?","options":["September - Who is God? What is God like?"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392946","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985580735,"title":"October - Who is Jesus? It's all about love","option1":"October - Who is Jesus? It's all about love","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392953","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - October - Who is Jesus? It's all about love","public_title":"October - Who is Jesus? It's all about love","options":["October - Who is Jesus? It's all about love"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392953","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985613503,"title":"November - Who is Jesus? It's all about grace","option1":"November - Who is Jesus? It's all about grace","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392960","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - November - Who is Jesus? It's all about grace","public_title":"November - Who is Jesus? It's all about grace","options":["November - Who is Jesus? It's all about grace"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392960","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985646271,"title":"December - God enters the world (Jesus' birth)","option1":"December - God enters the world (Jesus' birth)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392977","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - December - God enters the world (Jesus' birth)","public_title":"December - God enters the world (Jesus' birth)","options":["December - God enters the world (Jesus' birth)"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392977","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985679039,"title":"January - It's not fair! It's all about mercy","option1":"January - It's not fair! It's all about mercy","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392984","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - January - It's not fair! It's all about mercy","public_title":"January - It's not fair! It's all about mercy","options":["January - It's not fair! It's all about mercy"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392984","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985711807,"title":"February - What did Jesus' say? 'I forgive you'","option1":"February - What did Jesus' say? 'I forgive you'","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392991","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - February - What did Jesus' say? 'I forgive you'","public_title":"February - What did Jesus' say? 'I forgive you'","options":["February - What did Jesus' say? 'I forgive you'"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392991","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985744575,"title":"March - All can be saved","option1":"March - All can be saved","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393004","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - March - All can be saved","public_title":"March - All can be saved","options":["March - All can be saved"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393004","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985777343,"title":"April - Jesus cares for us: Jesus' last meal with his friends","option1":"April - Jesus cares for us: Jesus' last meal with his friends","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392892","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - April - Jesus cares for us: Jesus' last meal with his friends","public_title":"April - Jesus cares for us: Jesus' last meal with his friends","options":["April - Jesus cares for us: Jesus' last meal with his friends"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392892","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985810111,"title":"May - Is God real? Remember me!","option1":"May - Is God real? Remember me!","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392908","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - May - Is God real? Remember me!","public_title":"May - Is God real? Remember me!","options":["May - Is God real? Remember me!"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392908","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985842879,"title":"June - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost)","option1":"June - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392915","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - June - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost)","public_title":"June - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost)","options":["June - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost)"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392915","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985875647,"title":"July - 'Come follow me'","option1":"July - 'Come follow me'","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392922","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - July - 'Come follow me'","public_title":"July - 'Come follow me'","options":["July - 'Come follow me'"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392922","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43014985908415,"title":"August - Can I trust God? A new direction","option1":"August - Can I trust God? A new direction","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392939","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961310019775,"product_id":7704564105407,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:26:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","variant_ids":[43014985547967,43014985580735,43014985613503,43014985646271,43014985679039,43014985711807,43014985744575,43014985777343,43014985810111,43014985842879,43014985875647,43014985908415]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions - August - Can I trust God? A new direction","public_title":"August - Can I trust God? A new direction","options":["August - Can I trust God? A new direction"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392939","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","options":["Month"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28729842041023,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS2885.jpg?v=1714407971","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" title=\"Messy Church\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewebsite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 2 - Individual Sessions
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Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...
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Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values
£16.99
Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...
{"id":15198763286908,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values","handle":"get-messy-volume-3-growing-christian-values","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gwbVY1BAaaU?si=AGiruCQB1f2DZsMm\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-06-26T16:48:39+01:00","created_at":"2025-04-19T18:15:45+01:00","vendor":"Aike Kennett-Brown","type":"eBook","tags":["BRN eBook","Get Messy!","Glassboxx","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":1699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55490256568700,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393349","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":73936769515900,"product_id":15198763286908,"position":1,"created_at":"2025-04-23T09:48:54+01:00","updated_at":"2025-04-23T09:48:59+01:00","alt":null,"width":1410,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139","variant_ids":[55490256568700]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1699,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393349","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":64496870228348,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"width":1410,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64496870228348,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"width":1410,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Get_Messy_Volume_3_cover_ebook_1.png?v=1745398139","width":1410}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gwbVY1BAaaU?si=AGiruCQB1f2DZsMm\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values
£16.99
Digital eBook Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything...
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With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopics and contributors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeptember: Hope – Trish Hahn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOctober: Compassion – Anna Lloyd and Ximena Wilson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember: Peace – Mary Judkins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecember: Joy – Johannah Myers and Jillian Mayer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJanuary: Perseverance – Greg Ross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFebruary: Love – Helen Laird\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch: Integrity – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApril: Courage – Becky May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMay: Community – Martyn Payne \u0026amp; MCIC25 planning team\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJune: Purpose – Helen Laird\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuly: Justice – Dawn Savidge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAugust: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gwbVY1BAaaU?si=AGiruCQB1f2DZsMm\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotocopying for churches\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease report to CLA Church Licence any photocopy you make from this publication. Your church administrator or secretary will know who manages your CLA Church Licence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe information you need to provide to your CLA Church Licence administrator is as follows:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle, Author, Publisher and ISBN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your church doesn’t hold a CLA Church Licence, information about obtaining one can be found at uk.ccli.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotocopying of any part of this magazine is otherwise not permitted. 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Volume 3: Growing Christian Values - Individual Sessions - July: Justice – Dawn Savidge","public_title":"July: Justice – Dawn Savidge","options":["July: Justice – Dawn Savidge"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393400","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":65024440959356,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":55423286870396,"title":"August: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard","option1":"August: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393363","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":74817013383548,"product_id":15368193180028,"position":1,"created_at":"2025-06-10T18:10:39+01:00","updated_at":"2025-06-10T18:10:41+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441","variant_ids":[55423286509948,55423286542716,55423286575484,55423286608252,55423286641020,55423286673788,55423286706556,55423286739324,55423286772092,55423286804860,55423286837628,55423286870396]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian Values - Individual Sessions - August: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard","public_title":"August: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard","options":["August: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard"],"price":299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393363","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":65024440959356,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441","options":["Individual Session "],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":65024440959356,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SESS3349.jpg?v=1749575441","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need to run your Messy Church, including activity photos, mealtime cards, social action ideas and templates, all downloadable from the Messy Church website. With an introduction by Aike Kennett-Brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopics and contributors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeptember: Hope – Trish Hahn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOctober: Compassion – Anna Lloyd and Ximena Wilson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember: Peace – Mary Judkins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecember: Joy – Johannah Myers and Jillian Mayer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJanuary: Perseverance – Greg Ross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFebruary: Love – Helen Laird\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch: Integrity – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApril: Courage – Becky May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMay: Community – Martyn Payne \u0026amp; MCIC25 planning team\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJune: Purpose – Helen Laird\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuly: Justice – Dawn Savidge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAugust: Patience – Anne Offler and Sharon Pritchard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gwbVY1BAaaU?si=AGiruCQB1f2DZsMm\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotocopying for churches\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease report to CLA Church Licence any photocopy you make from this publication. Your church administrator or secretary will know who manages your CLA Church Licence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe information you need to provide to your CLA Church Licence administrator is as follows:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle, Author, Publisher and ISBN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your church doesn’t hold a CLA Church Licence, information about obtaining one can be found at uk.ccli.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotocopying of any part of this magazine is otherwise not permitted. Additional print or digital copies can be purchased at brfonline.org.uk\/getmessyvol3.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian Values - Individual Sessions
£2.99
Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...
{"id":7704609292479,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values - Subscribe","handle":"get-messy-volume-3-growing-christian-values-subscribe","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUBSCRIBE to get Get Messy! Volume 3 via annual subscription. \u003c\/strong\u003eGet Messy! is an annual resource, packed full of everything you need to run your Messy Church. Each yearly volume will contain twelve sessions running from September to August. From activity photos and mealtimes cards to social action ideas and templates, we've got you and your Messy Church team covered! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFREE P+P for UK only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of Subscribing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a subscriber you will receive communication from us during the renewal period, and renewal is automatic for direct debit customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the \u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e website\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-17T13:08:08+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T13:14:10+01:00","vendor":"Aike Kennett-Brown","type":"Paperback","tags":["Get Messy!","KCLC","Messy Church","Messy Church books","Subscriptions"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":2950,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43015434993855,"title":"UK","option1":"UK","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"GMVOL3SUB","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36782758527167,"product_id":7704609292479,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-09-03T12:59:10+01:00","updated_at":"2024-09-03T12:59:11+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SUBSCRIBEGET_MESSY.png?v=1725364751","variant_ids":[43015434993855,43015435026623,43015435059391]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! 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Volume 3 via annual subscription. \u003c\/strong\u003eGet Messy! is an annual resource, packed full of everything you need to run your Messy Church. Each yearly volume will contain twelve sessions running from September to August. From activity photos and mealtimes cards to social action ideas and templates, we've got you and your Messy Church team covered! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFREE P+P for UK only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of Subscribing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a subscriber you will receive communication from us during the renewal period, and renewal is automatic for direct debit customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the \u003ca title=\"Messy Church\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e website\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Messy Church \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values - Subscribe
£16.99
SUBSCRIBE to get Get Messy! Volume 3 via annual subscription. Get Messy! is an annual resource, packed full of everything...
{"id":15609491030396,"title":"Giving it Up: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","handle":"giving-it-up","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that the ancient discipline of the Lenten fast had several purposes? It was designed as a reminder of our daily dependence on God for all our needs, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect with the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ's journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem. How many of us simply abstain from some treat or other for a few weeks and fail to engage with this deeper meaning of Lent? This book shows how Lent can be a time for exploring a different kind of 'giving up', one that can transform our lives. If we are to draw closer to God, we have to be willing to give up some of our entrenched ideas about him, in order to see him more clearly. In a series of daily studies, Maggi Dawn shows how, throughout Scripture, people were radically changed by encountering the true God. If we follow their examples, we can allow the Holy Spirit to shed his light on our ideas of God that are too harsh, too small, too fragile, or too stern. Then God will graciously reveal himself to us and bring us to an Easter joy that is richer and more profound than ever before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaggi Dawn is a priest in the Episcopal Church in the USA. She is diocesan theologian in the Diocese of Rhode Island and professor of theology at Durham University. She was previously associate dean of Yale Divinity School.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-09-29T18:32:33+01:00","created_at":"2025-09-29T18:32:31+01:00","vendor":"Maggi Dawn","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Lent","New Titles","Prayer","seasonal","Upcoming titles","Women"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55811116368252,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800395534","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Giving it Up: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800395534","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GivingItUp_2e.jpg?v=1759167242"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GivingItUp_2e.jpg?v=1759167242","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66036469498236,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GivingItUp_2e.jpg?v=1759167242"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GivingItUp_2e.jpg?v=1759167242","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that the ancient discipline of the Lenten fast had several purposes? It was designed as a reminder of our daily dependence on God for all our needs, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect with the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ's journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem. How many of us simply abstain from some treat or other for a few weeks and fail to engage with this deeper meaning of Lent? This book shows how Lent can be a time for exploring a different kind of 'giving up', one that can transform our lives. If we are to draw closer to God, we have to be willing to give up some of our entrenched ideas about him, in order to see him more clearly. In a series of daily studies, Maggi Dawn shows how, throughout Scripture, people were radically changed by encountering the true God. If we follow their examples, we can allow the Holy Spirit to shed his light on our ideas of God that are too harsh, too small, too fragile, or too stern. Then God will graciously reveal himself to us and bring us to an Easter joy that is richer and more profound than ever before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaggi Dawn is a priest in the Episcopal Church in the USA. She is diocesan theologian in the Diocese of Rhode Island and professor of theology at Durham University. She was previously associate dean of Yale Divinity School.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Giving it Up: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day
£9.99
The idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that...
{"id":2439795015780,"title":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times","handle":"god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:31+00:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","KCLC","Kindle","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Torch Trust","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769678848100,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465757","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436832178276,"product_id":2439795015780,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:31+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:39+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139","variant_ids":[21769678848100]},"available":true,"name":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":162,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465757","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879527051,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/50_6c8264b5-c1ab-40fc-87c3-ef992720c7bd.png?v=1734095701"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879527051,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465757-l.jpg?v=1549043139","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560967586172,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/50_6c8264b5-c1ab-40fc-87c3-ef992720c7bd.png?v=1734095701"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/50_6c8264b5-c1ab-40fc-87c3-ef992720c7bd.png?v=1734095701","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times
£8.99
Where do we turn when our world is falling apart?It takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and...
{"id":14683972567420,"title":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times","handle":"god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-21T14:28:40+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-21T14:27:30+01:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"eBook","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-18","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53598010868092,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465764","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":162,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465764","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62917489295740,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62917489262972,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times
£8.99
Digital eBook Only - Where do we turn when our world is falling apart?It takes courage to hope; to stand...
{"id":2920842592356,"title":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament","handle":"god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-wrestling-honestly-with-the-old-testament","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoes it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-27T11:27:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-27T11:31:44+00:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","KCLC","Kindle"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24703390875748,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466396","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466396","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3260489498763,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466396-l.jpg?v=1551267108","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63561871294844,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindle_books_with_logo_1.png?v=1734105719","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoes it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament
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Do you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem?Does it get in the way of reading the Bible...
{"id":14675938345340,"title":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament","handle":"god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-wrestling-honestly-with-the-old-testament-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem? Does it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself? While acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-17T15:21:05+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-17T15:16:11+01:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"eBook","tags":["Biblical engagement","Glassboxx","May-19"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53595924136316,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466402","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Wrestling honestly with the Old Testament - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466402","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/27_70d628ac-7964-4035-ab42-159914e93b3f.png?v=1729770432","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/e_book_covers.png?v=1729770770"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/27_70d628ac-7964-4035-ab42-159914e93b3f.png?v=1729770432","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62716421046652,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/27_70d628ac-7964-4035-ab42-159914e93b3f.png?v=1729770432"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/27_70d628ac-7964-4035-ab42-159914e93b3f.png?v=1729770432","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62716428648828,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/e_book_covers.png?v=1729770770"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/e_book_covers.png?v=1729770770","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDo you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem? Does it get in the way of reading the Bible – and of faith itself? While acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today\u003c\/em\u003e?, Helen Paynter faces the tough questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HelenPaynterseriousface_480x480.jpg?v=1676497452\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a first career in medicine, Helen Paynter is now a Baptist minister, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, and Editor of BRF’s Guidelines Bible reading notes. Helen is passionate about helping people to get to grips with the Bible because she has seen its power to transform lives. She loves to study it, preach it, teach it, and encourage others to study and understand it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of 'Is God a Moral Monster?', and the co-author of 'Did God Really Command Genocide?'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev'd Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, Chair, Seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of \u003cem\u003ehonest wrestling\u003c\/em\u003e within the text’s own vision of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Meredith Editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins, gender justice specialist: see \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nataliecollins.info\/\"\u003ewww.nataliecollins.info\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eTweets as GodLovesWomen and wrote \u003cem\u003eOut of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively small book faces some massive theological questions about the nature of violence in the Old Testament. Exploring different types of violence in the Bible, including that against animals, and perhaps the most troubling, when it appears that God commands genocide, Helen Paynter expertly guides us through complex theological terrain and explains this complexity in down to earth and easily accessible ways. This book is ideal for someone with no\u003cbr\u003etheological training to begin exploring challenging elements of the Bible, with those with formal theological training also able to learn from her. Those in church leadership should read this book so they are able to recommend it to their congregations. While challenging, the book seems to be pitched to a conservative 'Bible believing' audience, which may jar with those who have a more liberal approach to Scripture, but overall it’s a great, engaging, manageably short book. As Helen says, she can’t wholly resolve the tensions of the most problematic texts, but she does give much food for thought and some\u003cbr\u003etools for Christians who want to more ably identify where God is in the text and what God is saying to us through it.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Natalie Collins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheology 2019, Vol 122(6). Review by Robin Gill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and director of the new Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol. This accessible and refreshingly honest paperback, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship is very welcome indeed. It examines carefully some of the most troublesome texts in the Old Testament and it does so in stages, as she explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'First, we will consider instances where violence is \u003cem\u003ede\u003c\/em\u003escribed, not \u003cem\u003epre\u003c\/em\u003escribed\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eNext we will look at places – mainly the psalms – where violence is implored: where the psalmist prays for vengeance. Third, we will consider the issue of violence against animals, particularly the flood story and the system of animal sacrifice. Fourth, we will look at the use of violence as divine judgement. And fifth, we will look at the knottiest problem of all: the texts where God appears to command people to be violent to one another. At the end of most of the chapters in this section I offer some more practical suggestions. How should we handle these texts in our churches – in our pulpits, our home groups, our Sunday schools? And then, in the final chapter, we will ‘zoom back out’ and take a look at the big picture of the bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing particularly novel about any of this, but that is not the point. Her message needs to be heard in a context of widespread fear of religiously inspired violence. This small book and her new Centre make an excellent contribution to greater understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Robin Gill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnabaptism Today Autumn 2019. Review by Alexandra Ellish\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people from both within and outside of church communities are confused and uncomfortable with accounts of violence in the Scriptures, and the all too frequent appeal to biblical sources to justify modern-day warfare, military action and the ownership of weapons. In this helpful and accessible book, Helen Paynter seeks to address some of the questions and issues raised by texts containing violence in the Old Testament and considers how we might interpret and understand them today. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two sections. Part One sets out some essential foundations – reading the Bible as God’s word; defining and understanding violence within the ancient world; and some possible tools for interpretation. The second part of the book considers five types of violence, ranging with increasing complexity from: texts with descriptive versus prescriptive accounts of violence; texts imploring the use of violence; the sacrificial system and a consideration of the flood; violence as used in accounts of divine judgement; and finally texts in which God seems to be commanding violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading violence contained in the psalms, the author notes the importance of paying attention to the psalmist’s use of language – particularly allegory and metaphor – to argue for a deeper reading of the texts. While there are psalms calling for God to punish enemies, this desire is usually held in tension with an acknowledgement of ultimate trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Paynter suggests that psalms which implore God to use violence to exact vengeance on enemies or oppressors have cathartic value in the context of communal worship – that these psalms remind us that we can bring all of our experiences and humanity to God in worship. Paynter advocates using the imprecatory psalms in worship today by depersonalising the ‘enemies’ of God and people to include issues around ecological catastrophe, serious and debilitating illness, domestic violence and all things which result in death. As the church frequently draws on the psalms of joy and thanksgiving for times of celebration and praise, this encouragement takes seriously the possibility of expressing painful, difficult and angry feelings that we have, in the context of a community of faith which trusts that God is in charge and loves his people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fourth chapter considers violence in divine judgement as a reminder of the nature of God as a just judge who is our friend and ‘brother’ but is also ‘unbearable’ in his holiness. Paynter discusses the positive aspects of the law of \u003cem\u003etalion\u003c\/em\u003e which, she argues, Jesus extends rather than repudiates. The penultimate chapter is devoted to texts where violence is explicitly commanded by God. This chapter covers the most difficult passages, where Paynter untangles the complexity of defining the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e. This word is often translated as ‘utterly destroy’ or ‘devote to complete destruction’ but its meaning is somewhat veiled. Paynter suggests that \u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e ‘does not always involve killing or destroying’ but that ‘\u003cem\u003eḥerem\u003c\/em\u003e sometimes involves killing’ (p. 128). She states that she cannot offer a definitive answer to the questions surrounding conquest and apparent mass killing, but that the word \u003cem\u003eḥerem \u003c\/em\u003eis used for rhetorical and hyperbolic purposes to portray events in a particular way in the ancient world. Paynter’s honesty and humility in the recognition that her offering might be only partially satisfactory and her desire to continue to ‘nibble’ (p. 153) at the issue alongside others is immensely refreshing and rare! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final chapter, Paynter considers the arc of the biblical narrative and argues that the vision of God demonstrated throughout the Scriptures is for \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for all of creation. While I was pleased to see the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e included in the book, I thought that more could have been made of this subject and how we might understand \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e in relation to violence in the Old Testament. Similarly, in an early chapter the centrality of the life and person of Jesus as a lens for interpretation is briefly mentioned but not elaborated. Since I come to the topic of violence with Anabaptist convictions, perhaps it is no surprise that I would have enjoyed a fuller consideration of these subjects earlier in the book, instead of waiting until the final chapter for a somewhat limited exploration of the concept of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter assumes that the value of the image of the eating of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden and the subsequent ‘fall’ is to explain the entry of death, competition and violence into the world. This understanding all too easily reduces Jesus to nothing more than a rescuer come to reverse the fall. I am not sure how helpful this is. \u003cem\u003eShalom\u003c\/em\u003e is the narrative arc of our Scriptures; Jesus who is the Christ is\/was, in my view, always going to be the incarnation of God on earth as a pattern for humanity. This impacts how we understand the crucifixion of Jesus, and I would have been interested to read more from Paynter on this issue. Particularly for our western Protestant tradition, which has largely abandoned other atonement theories to focus on the (arguably violent) theory of penal substitution, are there more appropriate ways of exploring and articulating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which fulfil rather than undermine a \u003cem\u003eshalom \u003c\/em\u003enarrative?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter is categorical in her rejection of the appropriation of violence from the Old Testament texts for today, and also touches very briefly on the inappropriate conflation of the historic nation of Israel and the modern state. More on this issue would have been instructive, particularly as many pro-Israel churches support the government and its policies of occupation in Palestine based on their understanding of texts from the Old Testament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Paynter’s writing style clear and engaging. She uses interesting and relevant examples to illustrate the issues she is dealing with, often drawing on contemporary stories. It is clear that Paynter is passionate about the importance of the Old Testament for personal and corporate faith today, and she argues persuasively for and offers numerous practical suggestions for wrestling with the Scriptures communally and individually. Paynter also suggests a wide range of other books for the reader to delve more deeply into the issues she has raised. I look forward to further publications from Paynter as she continues to wrestle with the Bible, in search of fresh insight and understanding to inform our discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alexandra Ellish, London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Ministers Journal. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is timely, courageous and good. I therefore strongly recommend it to you and your church members. Revd Dr Helen Paynter of Bristol Baptist College has tackled one of the hot issues of the moment, the violence in the Old Testament (OT). It’s unlikely that you have not been asked about this by someone within or outside your congregation; if not, you’ll get the question soon: ‘How can a loving God condone and even order so much violence?’ Paynter helps you to give a Bible-based answer. She does not follow the common escape routes of either denying that this is what the OT really says or ascribing the violence to human authors who had not quite understood God. Instead she listens attentively to what the OT really says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is in two parts, the first of which is a general introduction to the Bible and how to read it well. Paynter explains that her approach will be biblical and Christocentric, and she defends the position of the OT within the Christian scriptures. As a potted hermeneutic this part of the book has a more general value. For example, readers learn about the various genres in the Bible and about the distinction between description and endorsement. Here we also find a useful chapter on what violence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the second part Paynter tackles the OT in concentric circles, beginning with the relatively simple texts in which violence is merely described. This is followed by texts in which violence is deplored, psalms which call upon God to use violence, texts about violence against animals and texts in which the use of violence is part of a divine judgement. Throughout her discussions are careful and helpful. Paynter’s response to the usual argument that the Canaanites deserved to be punished for their wickedness was a surprise to me; if you want to know what it is, buy and read the book! The final chapter, intended as a positive counterpart to the preceding misery, deals with God’s plan of \u003cem\u003eshalom\u003c\/em\u003e for his good creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout Paynter’s tone is humble. She is honest about her own struggles and about points where she is uncertain. She refers to the book of Joshua as something that ‘feels alien and disturbing’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most part, the book is easy to read; at times it is almost basic, which means that it is largely right for many church members. At the end of the chapters there are summaries and the notes are tucked away as end-notes. Some may find it uncomfortable that Paynter describes the flood as a myth (94-95), but that should not distract anybody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it is a perfect book? No, because it contains some typos and there is no index of texts. Some elements of the discussion might still be complicated for ‘lay people’. I would also have liked to read a bit more about the character of God. But these minor quibbles are just that: minor quibbles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, issue 20, Autumn 2019. Review by Tom Wharin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third book I’ve read on the subject of violence in the Bible in the last couple of years and it is also the most helpful. \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence yesterday, God of Love Today? \u003c\/em\u003eHas a clear and helpful structure even if the title is a bit of a mouthful. Helen Paynter starts by laying out her unapologetically Christocentric hermeneutic (to which I also subscribe). She then works through the biblical texts containing violence, from the ones she regards as least troubling (violence implored by the writer) to the ones she considers most troubling (violence commanded by God).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does contain plenty of literary and historical-critical arguments which won’t appeal to a wide popular audience but Helen Paynter is very readable. Theological concepts are well explained with reference to everyday events, familiar news and historical stories. In addition to her marshalling her own thoughts well, Helen Paynter draws on and explains some of the best arguments in John H. Walton \u0026amp; J. Harvey Walton’s and Greg Boyd’s books (among others) in a way that makes them more accessible to readers like me than the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an apologia for violence in the Bible to twenty-first century western culture, the book as a whole feels like a pretty solid bridge two-thirds of the way across a cultural canyon. The reader is left with more construction to do on either cliff or both, and the author honestly acknowledges this as our work and hers in the introduction and conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will definitely be recommending this book to anyone from sixth form up who is serious about engaging with God’s word on this subject. The structure will make it easy to dip back into for sermon references and it will serve very well as an introduction to this area of apologetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Tom Wharin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 16 August, 2019. Summer paperback roundup by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e the author Helen Paynter has tried to tackle one of the most difficult questions of biblical theology. Why is it that the God of the Old Testament seems to sanction war and what we might today call ethnic cleansing, while the God of the New Testament seems to be all about love? This simple stereotyping of the argument is well dealt with, giving us many ideas to reflect on. She does not come to easy answers, but you will feel considerably better informed. This is a book to read a couple of times and perhaps to share with a reading group to think through the many issues that it raises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Ball, GOLD Project, July 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short book deals with one of the thorniest subjects for Christians who believe that God is love and at the same time believe that the Christian Scriptures in their totality are God’s word to us. Helen Paynter does not shy away from any of the challenges that passages of violence in the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, bring to a theology of God’s love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart one introduces us to some key skills for interpreting the Old Testament. God’s goodness and the ultimate revelation of this in Jesus Christ sets the theological foundation by which we are to interpret the Scriptures. From this starting point, we are ably guided through what we do and what we don’t mean when we speak of the Bible as God’s Word to us. Here the indispensable place of the Old Testament for our Christian faith is emphasised. If we need a clear theological foundation to interpret the Bible responsibly, we also need a clear understanding of the issue we are dealing with. For this we are led through a careful discussion of the complexity of violence and how it manifests itself in society. This prepares us to look at the nature of the Old Testament and especially the challenge to understand the worldview of its writers and audience which is so often far removed from our own. Reading each passage of the Old Testament in the context of the big story of Scripture, understanding the type of literature that we are reading and wrestling with the meaning of the text are all key skills to hearing the message better. Another important reminder is to let different and apparently contradictory narratives or themes contribute to the big picture of how Scripture conveys a multi-layered voice on key issues such as human kingship. All of these skills prepare us to address the particular issue of violence and the Bible in more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart two does precisely this. Here we engage with the texts of violence under five (increasingly problematic) headings: Violence described, Violence implored, Violence against animals, Violence as divine judgement, Violence commanded. In each of these chapters, a clear attempt is made to compare and contrast the biblical context with our own and to draw out the significance of texts for our own day. We are carefully guided through the different types of violence each of which demand a different response. For example, describing violence in both the Old Testament and our own day does not necessarily endorse it. On the contrary, it often gives a voice to victims who would otherwise be denied justice and a hearing. Imploring violence is better than actual violence and is not necessarily endorsed by the text either. As we are led into the more problematic aspects of violence in the Old Testament, we are necessarily introduced to more technical aspects of biblical interpretation. Nevertheless, these are explained clearly. While not everyone will agree with some of the readings of the Old Testament, what becomes clear is that it is possible to grapple with even the most difficult Old Testament texts and not lose our integrity as those who believe in a just and loving God revealed in the totality of our Scriptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapter seeks to bring a resolution and explain that the trajectory of the biblical narrative is towards the biblical idea of shalom. Normally translated ‘peace’ the ‘core meaning relates to completeness or intactness and the range of meanings includes prosperity, welfare, good relationships, deliverance and health’ (p.157) It is a vision of this shalom that drives the narrative of the Bible forward from its beginning in Genesis to its conclusion in the New Testament book of Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skill of interpreting the Bible responsibly in today’s world is one that anyone can learn. It is not easy and involves a struggle, but, above all, this is the significance of this book. For, while it addresses the particularly thorny issue of violence, it does far more than this. It gives us a practical model of how to wrestle with difficult issues in the Bible and society, seeking to listen to each text within the big framework of Scripture and to understand how this relates to our own context. Through this process, we can learn the skills of hearing God’s voice for today even in the difficult parts of the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Ball, GOLD Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July\/August 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly apposite book for our current political situation. John Lennon wrote the song ‘Imagine’, longing for a peaceful world, assuming that religion is one of the main causes of conflict. It would be lovely to be able to say that Christian scriptures do not advocate violence, or that only the Old Testament shows God as angry and violent. The temptation is to avoid difficult and violent Bible passages. Yet, the Old Testament is an essential part of the Christian scriptures. Helen Paynter shows that it is too simplistic to separate the Old Testament from the New.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter acknowledges that violence is apparently directed and endorsed by God in Old Testament texts. In an intellectually rigorous and accessible way, Paynter wrestles with each text to show that in many cases, the violence may become more understandable, and in some cases may be fully explained. She shows that each story needs to be carefully read in the context of ancient Hebrew language and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, Paynter compares the battle of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 – in which David beheads Goliath – with Adam and Eve’s temptation by the serpent (Genesis 3). In both stories, there is a battle that will determine who has dominion and an evil force mocks God’s favoured. In the latter story, God curses the serpent and says that he will bruise the serpent’s head. God will have victory in the end. Though David – God’s chosen king, descended of Eve – is mocked by the giant who defies God, he is victorious. The pattern points to a greater king to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter warns of the need to be careful how these passages are taught to children, and how they are used in preaching. This is an exceedingly helpful book for anyone who wants to honestly teach and preach the scriptures for contemporary society, affirming God’s plan for peace in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball, Minister of the Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton URC, Cambridgeshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Issue 30,September 2019. Review by Ray Vincent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College and the new Editor of BRF’s \u003cem\u003eGuidelines \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. She is well placed to write this very accessible book. She deals with the problem in a very straightforward, systematic way, beginning with the less difficult and moving on to the most difficult ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst she considers the places in the Bible where violence is simply described as part of the story. Then she moves on to where suffering people pray for vengeance on their oppressors – a natural human reaction. Next, violence against animals, pointing out the huge cultural difference between the Bible’s world and ours. Then she tackles violence as divine judgement, and finally the most difficult problem, the places where God seems actually to command acts of violence against innocent people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter approaches the problem humbly, freely acknowledging that she does not have the answers but is still wrestling with the questions. However, it seems to me that her perception of the violence as a ‘problem’ comes from her relatively conservative view of the Bible as the Word of God. While acknowledging the humanity of the Bible and reading it in the light of critical scholarship, she seems nevertheless to be trying to justify everything it says, and hesitates to say that parts of it may be simply mistaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that the way in which most of us perceive the Bible means that we do not see the violence in it as a ‘problem’ in this kind of way. At the same time, this book is clear, honest and admirably arranged. It is well worth using as a basis for discussion in churches. Some Progressive Christian Network groups too might find it useful. It is informative, reminding us of parts of the Bible we sometimes neglect, and it is thought-provoking and sometimes challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ray Vincent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Mitchell, Pastor, Woodlands Church, Bristol. May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen has written a book on one of the most difficult questions Christians face. In it she has managed to be both accessible, compassionate and scholarly as she navigates the tension between a high view of scripture and yet its depiction of God’s apparent actions and decrees in ways which offend our most basic instincts of what is good and loving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe begins with a really helpful guide to reading the bible well whatever (and wherever) the biblical text is addressing, which I would commend to any serious reader of the bible, especially those coming to it fresh. She goes on to deal specifically with the issues of violence, not just to people; animals are included. She gives really helpful cultural context to hard passages without ducking some of the difficulties and ambiguities that remain even for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe invites us foundationally to see Jesus as God’s last word on the issue of violence and to read the Old Testament not just as a foundation for the revelation of Jesus but as sacred texts which He provides the ultimate guide to understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff, May 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament scholar based at Bristol Baptist College. This is her second book. Her first, a version of her PhD, was Reduced Laughter, looking at how to read the books of 1 \u0026amp; 2 Kings. This second book, written for a broad audience, engages with the thorn of subjects violence in the Old Testament. It arrives at the same time as the work of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk\/study-centres\/csbv\/\"\u003eCentre for the Study of the Bible and Violence\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(CSBV) begins, of which Paynter is the Director. The book comes in two parts. The first establishes some 'foundations' — reading the Bible as God's word, how to read the Bible well and what is meant or encompassed by the word 'violence.' The chapter in reading the Bible well is especially helpful in offering some important lessons. The second half of the book seeks through 5 chapters to engage with the most serious of questions around the Old Testament and violence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 5 chapters make a series of important points. When violence is described, it is not always (often?) being endorsed. An example is given in the story of Samson. Paynter provides a different way of reading the book of Judges that pays attention to how the book is narrated. When violence is implored, as is the case of a good number of Psalms, there is a cry for justice and handing over of that desire for vengeance to God. Violence against animals is not as wanton as might be supposed. Paynter offers some helpful readings of the story of the flood in Genesis 6-9 and the place of sacrifices within Israel's worship. The fourth and fifth chapters explore violence as divine judgement and violence as commanded (e.g. the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epassages in Joshua). These questions are more difficult to address, and Paynter acknowledges, that this is not her last word on them, but almost a first foray into these questions, in conversation with wider scholarship. She takes us carefully through the importance of justice, the meaning of the law of talion (eye for an eye), a reading of the death of Uzzah (2 Sam 6) and in the latter chapter the meaning of the word\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eherem\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA final chapter suggests that God's great plan in the Old Testament is shalom (peace) and we read it with trajectory in mind. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book, which wears its scholarship lightly. Paynter has a great way of explaining and the book is an easy read, although exploring difficult questions. The book seeks as its subtitle suggests to 'wrestle honestly' with the violence found in the Old Testament. It doesn't have, and doesn't promise, a magic solution, but does show that a surface level reading will miss or overlook at more subtle ways the Bible describes and responds to violence. I look forward to future explorations that I'm sure will be forthcoming from Paynter and the CSBV that will continue to reach a broad audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Andy Goodliff. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andygoodliff.typepad.com\/my_weblog\/2019\/05\/helen-paynter-god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-brf-2019.html\" title=\"Andy Goodliff on God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\"\u003eClick \u003c\/a\u003ehere for blog.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Peter King, Diocese of Chichester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don’t often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with June’s inaugural events of Bristol College’s Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, Helen Paynter’s new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on 'Reading the Bible well'. It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed 'Violence described' through 'Violence implored' and 'Violence against animals' (sacrifice) to 'Violence as divine judgement and what is the standout case for most people Violence commanded. I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of 'Violence described'. By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter entitled 'Shalom: God’s great plan', which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on 'Violence commanded' that 'there might be more to say' on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them 'with ethical integrity' both in our churches and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues. If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter King trained at Bristol Baptist College and now works for the Anglican Diocese of Chichester in adult theological education.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord \u0026amp; Worship, journal of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association, Winter 2019 (June). Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter addresses the question of biblical violence honestly and without proposing any final answer. She is clear that what is in the scriptures should be neither hidden nor denied and that the Old Testament God of judgement should not be contrasted with the New Testament God of grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter recognises that while violence may be deliberately aggressive it may also find expression through oppressive social structures. Colonisation and cultural devaluation are examples of this. Violence may also be associated with polarising rhetoric. We need think only of the ‘war on terror’ against nations defined as evil. We should not think that violence may be consigned to savage antiquity from which we have moved on. It is still possible to think that with bombs, rather than swords, we are doing God’s will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we consider episodes of violence in the Bible, Paynter invites readers to reflect on the narrators’ purposes. For example, in Judges 19 we find the gang rape and murder of a concubine. This is deeply shocking, but also draws attention to the appalling consequences for a defenceless woman in a society without law or leadership. Although part of the biblical text, such stories are not usually read in public worship, yet the airing of such stories may allow women who have experienced sexual violence to feel heard and present opportunities for pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblical writers recognise the reality of emotions such as anger and desire for revenge arising within the human heart. But rather than being encouraged to give reign to free expression of such emotions we are invited to leave vengeance to God who is just and merciful. The concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ should, Paynter believes, be understood as defining the limitation of personal vengeance, a limitation which Jesus extends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern sensitivities may cause us to shudder at the conquest of Canaan recorded in the book of Joshua where slaughter seems to be commanded by God. Rather than a literal record of history Paynter suggests the story may be understood as a type of biblical literature dealing with God bringing order out of chaos and affirming the identity of Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not mean, however, that it can be used to support modern Israel’s actions towards Palestine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Hebrew mind God was awesome in holiness with power to create and to destroy. The stories of creation are placed at the beginning of the Old Testament as affirmation of God’s perfect design and intention for universal shalom\/ wholeness. History is played out in a broken and often violent world, but the law and the prophets point to God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness and this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not for us to edit from the Bible what offends us. We must learn to read with understanding. Helen Paynter writes clearly and makes a major contribution to informed reading so that we may hear and interpret God’s word for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Meredith was ordained in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and has completed post-graduate study at Spurgeon’s College, London. John has served in pastoral roles in New Zealand and Western Australia. He is currently editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association and reviews books on theological and biblical themes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439772897380,"title":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help","handle":"gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:59+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:01+00:00","vendor":"David Walker","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Mission","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769369256036,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464675","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436693766244,"product_id":2439772897380,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:01+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:57+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","variant_ids":[21769369256036]},"available":true,"name":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464675","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877495435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877495435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560964866428,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help
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This book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of...
{"id":14777121636732,"title":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help","handle":"gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T09:26:13+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T09:25:05+00:00","vendor":"David Walker","type":"eBook","tags":["Church life","Feb-17","Glassboxx","Leadership","Mission"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53603551445372,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464682","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464682","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/208.png?v=1730980343","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/209.png?v=1730980260"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/208.png?v=1730980343","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001491079548,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/208.png?v=1730980343"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/208.png?v=1730980343","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001472074108,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/209.png?v=1730980260"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/209.png?v=1730980260","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help
£7.99
Digital eBook Only - This book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with...
{"id":2439766966372,"title":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough","handle":"gods-daughters-loved-held-accepted-enough","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:36+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:38+00:00","vendor":"Hannah Fytche","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-16","Children and family ministry","KCLC","Kindle","Pastoral care","Women"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769268953188,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464095","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436657786980,"product_id":2439766966372,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:38+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:02+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","variant_ids":[21769268953188]},"available":false,"name":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464095","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877069451,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877069451,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560963719548,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough
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Do you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might...
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{"id":14779517010300,"title":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough","handle":"gods-daughters-loved-held-accepted-enough-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T09:29:33+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T09:28:40+00:00","vendor":"Hannah Fytche","type":"eBook","tags":["Apr-16","Children and family ministry","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Women"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53604755538300,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464101","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":699,"weight":150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464101","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/273.png?v=1730980319","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/274.png?v=1730980324"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/273.png?v=1730980319","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001485607292,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/273.png?v=1730980319"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/273.png?v=1730980319","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001486590332,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/274.png?v=1730980324"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/274.png?v=1730980324","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough
£6.99
Digital eBook Only - Do you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you...
{"id":7494178275519,"title":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler","handle":"gods-heart-for-refugees-guidelines-sampler","description":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included and will automatically download at checkout upon ordering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:07+01:00","created_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:07+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Donation","Guidelines","KCLC"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42361548570815,"title":"Print","option1":"Print","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"REFUGEE","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34476091998399,"product_id":7494178275519,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:07+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":2835,"height":3945,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849","variant_ids":[42361548570815,42361548603583]},"available":true,"name":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler - Print","public_title":"Print","options":["Print"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"REFUGEE","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27093818540223,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42361548603583,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"REFUGEEPDF","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34476091998399,"product_id":7494178275519,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:07+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-22T12:44:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":2835,"height":3945,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849","variant_ids":[42361548570815,42361548603583]},"available":true,"name":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"REFUGEEPDF","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27093818540223,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27093818540223,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover.png?v=1684755849","width":2835}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included and will automatically download at checkout upon ordering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler
£0.00
Rosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we,...
{"id":7799654744255,"title":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 10","handle":"gods-heart-for-refugees-guidelines-sampler-pack-10","description":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003cstrong\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included via automatic download at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-30T09:57:36+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-30T09:54:10+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Donation","Guidelines","KCLC"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43251959267519,"title":"Print x10","option1":"Print x10","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"REFUGEE10","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35964799058111,"product_id":7799654744255,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-30T09:54:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-30T09:54:14+01:00","alt":null,"width":2835,"height":3945,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254","variant_ids":[43251959267519]},"available":true,"name":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 10 - Print x10","public_title":"Print x10","options":["Print x10"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"REFUGEE10","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28733714399423,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28733714399423,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_a8194885-3575-4b3a-b994-e26514826e99.png?v=1714467254","width":2835}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003cstrong\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included via automatic download at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 10
£0.00
Rosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we,...
{"id":7799656251583,"title":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 25","handle":"gods-heart-for-refugees-guidelines-sampler-pack-25","description":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003cstrong\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included via automatic download at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-30T09:59:28+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-30T09:58:12+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Donation","Guidelines","KCLC"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43251965296831,"title":"Print x25","option1":"Print x25","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"REFUGEE25","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35964815048895,"product_id":7799656251583,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-30T09:58:17+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-30T09:58:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":2835,"height":3945,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497","variant_ids":[43251965296831]},"available":true,"name":"God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 25 - Print x25","public_title":"Print x25","options":["Print x25"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"REFUGEE25","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28733730652351,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28733730652351,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"width":2835,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":3945,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/RefugeeSamplerCover_1ef52873-6fa7-4037-a649-aa620d1984f9.png?v=1714467497","width":2835}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we, as the body of Christ, can enable the stranger to belong in our communities. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough taken from Guidelines May–August 2023, we encourage you to engage with this material throughout the year. Care and concern for others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and Jesus reminds us that however we treat those around us, including the stranger, is also how we treat him (Matthew 25:34–46). Guidelines is our Bible reading notes for church leaders, students and those who seek to interpret and apply the biblical text with confidence in today’s world. \u003cstrong\u003eYou can also order larger quantities of this sampler for your church community.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003eWe would be so grateful if you could consider making a donation to BRF and our ongoing work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note that this sampler has FREE P+P to UK.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Study support materials also included via automatic download at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF's funding comes from a combination of the income we are able to generate through our charitable activities and the generous support of individuals, churches and charitable trusts. You can use this product to add a donation to support our work. If you would like to give in other amounts, by Direct Debit or to a particular area of work,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brf.org.uk\/donate\"\u003evisit the main BRF website.\u003c\/a\u003e This link will take you to the main BRF website.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe website you are currently on is the BRF online store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/FR_Fundraising_Badge_Mono_HR_240x240.jpg?v=1574071655\" alt=\"Fundraising Regulator\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Heart for Refugees Guidelines Sampler PACK 25
£0.00
Rosie Button has written a week-long series of biblical reflections based on refugees, God’s heart for them and how we,...
{"id":3178537517156,"title":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","handle":"gods-word-for-messy-people-31-bible-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-03-26T14:47:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-03-26T14:53:39+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Jun-19","KCLC","Messy Church books"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26075519975524,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467492","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467492","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264195428491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"width":467,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467492-l.jpg?v=1553612022","width":467}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWanting to go deeper in your journey as a Messy Church leader or helper, or are you just curious about what makes Messy Church a way of being church together? This accessible booklet contains 31 short Bible passages, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, exploring the core values of Messy Church and reinforcing the creativity, hospitality, joy, inclusivity and character of Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" width=\"201\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Word for Messy People: 31 Bible readings and reflections
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{"id":7481157288127,"title":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God","handle":"good-call","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","created_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","vendor":"Iain Dunbar \u0026 Peter Wilkinson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","Glassboxx","KCLC","Leadership"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664178479295,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392182","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34356733313215,"product_id":7481157288127,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","updated_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:19+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","variant_ids":[43664178479295]},"available":true,"name":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":268,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392182","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26972291596479,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26972291596479,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God
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Have you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled...
{"id":14777415696764,"title":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God","handle":"good-call-learning-to-make-decisions-with-god","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-29T11:54:40+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-29T11:53:26+00:00","vendor":"Iain Dunbar \u0026 Peter Wilkinson","type":"eBook","tags":["Discipleship","Glassboxx","Leadership"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53603966779772,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392199","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1299,"weight":268,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392199","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/241.png?v=1730980323","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/242.png?v=1730980279"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/241.png?v=1730980323","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001486229884,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/241.png?v=1730980323"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/241.png?v=1730980323","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001476989308,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/242.png?v=1730980279"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/242.png?v=1730980279","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God
£12.99
Digital eBook Only - Have you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to...
{"id":7630971044031,"title":"Grandparenting for Faith Bulk Buy","handle":"grandparenting-for-faith-bulk-buy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-01-18T16:46:14+00:00","created_at":"2024-01-18T16:46:14+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Pack","tags":["KCLC","Pack","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Parenting for Faith packs","Parenting for Faith Resources"],"price":4500,"price_min":4500,"price_max":9000,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42740709392575,"title":"Pack of 5","option1":"Pack of 5","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"GPFF5","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35356842492095,"product_id":7630971044031,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-01-18T16:59:14+00:00","updated_at":"2024-01-18T16:59:15+00:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155","variant_ids":[42740709392575,42740709425343]},"available":true,"name":"Grandparenting for Faith Bulk Buy - Pack of 5","public_title":"Pack of 5","options":["Pack of 5"],"price":4500,"weight":1150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"GPFF5","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28086697820351,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42740709425343,"title":"Pack of 10","option1":"Pack of 10","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"GPFF10","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35356842492095,"product_id":7630971044031,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-01-18T16:59:14+00:00","updated_at":"2024-01-18T16:59:15+00:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155","variant_ids":[42740709392575,42740709425343]},"available":true,"name":"Grandparenting for Faith Bulk Buy - Pack of 10","public_title":"Pack of 10","options":["Pack of 10"],"price":9000,"weight":2300,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"GPFF10","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28086697820351,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155","options":["Pack Size"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28086697820351,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/grandparentingforfaithmockup_InstagramPost_1.png?v=1705597155","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Grandparenting for Faith Bulk Buy
£45.00
In this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God....
{"id":15743670485372,"title":"Grandparenting for Faith Course","handle":"grandparenting-for-faith-online-course-jan-feb-2026","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrandparenting for Faith\u003c\/strong\u003e is a six-session course designed for grandparents and grandparent-figures who want to help the children and young people in their lives meet and know God. It’s full of practical ideas, encouragement and biblical wisdom to help you share faith naturally as part of everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJoin us for this course, facilitated on Zoom by Parenting for Faith’s own Becky and Kate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis course takes place on Tuesday evenings, from 27\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e January 2026 at 7-9pm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe course costs £30 for an individual screen (up to 2 people), or £60 for a group joining together.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-12-03T14:40:40+00:00","created_at":"2025-11-27T16:07:39+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Event","tags":["Events","Online event","parenting for faith courses","Parenting for Faith events"],"price":3000,"price_min":3000,"price_max":3000,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":56027165753724,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":false,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Grandparenting for Faith Course","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":3000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith-Zoomcourse.png?v=1764770312"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith-Zoomcourse.png?v=1764770312","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66608163193212,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith-Zoomcourse.png?v=1764770312"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith-Zoomcourse.png?v=1764770312","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrandparenting for Faith\u003c\/strong\u003e is a six-session course designed for grandparents and grandparent-figures who want to help the children and young people in their lives meet and know God. It’s full of practical ideas, encouragement and biblical wisdom to help you share faith naturally as part of everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJoin us for this course, facilitated on Zoom by Parenting for Faith’s own Becky and Kate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis course takes place on Tuesday evenings, from 27\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e January 2026 at 7-9pm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe course costs £30 for an individual screen (up to 2 people), or £60 for a group joining together.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Grandparenting for Faith Course
£30.00
Grandparenting for Faith is a six-session course designed for grandparents and grandparent-figures who want to help the children and young...
{"id":7537856938175,"title":"Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most","handle":"grandparenting-for-faith-sharing-god-with-the-children-you-love-the-most","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulk buy packs or 5 and 10 also available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/grandparenting-for-faith-bulk-buy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A great guide to the wonderful if bewildering responsibilities of being a Christian grandparent. Realistic, supportive and, above all, both helpful and hopeful.’ \u003cem\u003eRevd Canon J. John, evangelist and author\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influences in children’s and teenagers’ lives. Becky Sedgwick’s brilliant book not only brings encouragement to grand- parents, but solid equipping. This book is hopeful, realistic and deeply relevant to every grandparent, whether their grandchildren are babies, or adults with babies of their own. Best spiritual grandparenting book I have ever read!’ \u003cem\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a liberating, convicting and exciting work. It will empower grandparents in all types of family settings and dynamics to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and share their faith without damaging relationships with their adult children. Read and share this book, and learn how easy it is to answer God’s call to grandparent for faith.’ \u003cem\u003eMartha Flavell, children and family lead at Bible Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is packed full of practical ideas, and it breaks things down in a clear way that will leave grandparents encouraged by what they are already doing, equipped to be more intentional, and inspired that what they are doing will make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOlly Goldenberg, founder of Children Can\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Every grandparent should read this book! It has lots of easy, practical suggestions for showing and living your Christian faith – without being at all heavy or ‘preachy’. I’m now eager to work on some of the ideas with my own six grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, priest, writer and grandmother\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a much-needed and encouraging resource for all who desire to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation. I’m convinced there has never been a greater need for grandparents to take seriously the influence they can have in the lives of their grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eLinda Green, grandmother and co-author of He Gives More Grace\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a valuable book, whether your grandchildren live in Christian homes or are far from God. Becky writes with warmth and insight. She is always down to earth and full of practical wisdom. A book I shall return to frequently as I seek to play my part in discipling my eleven grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eBill Lattimer, principal of The Douglas Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ‘What an inspiring and encouraging book for grandparents! Becky explains the significance of grandparenting for faith and gives lots of practical ideas in an accessible and non- judgemental way. She makes it relevant whether you have lots of contact with your grandchildren or none at all and everything in between. Such a helpful handbook to equip you in praying for your grandchildren throughout their lives.’ \u003cem\u003eCaroline Montgomery, pioneer of Refresh at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In these times of significant pressures among families, limited family time, low confidence among grandparents, confusion about roles within families and limited avail- ability of support for families, this book is a very welcome tool. Beautifully written and very easy to read, it conveys a great awareness of the challenges of real life, while also prompting and encouraging grandparents to think beyond what they currently do and consider how they could develop their spiritual support of their grandchildren. I love this book. It is so much needed and I highly recommend it to all Christian grandparents who want to see their faith passed on to their children and grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eSarah Holmes, researcher and lecturer, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald May 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur churches are full of grandparents. They may bring their grandchildren to church because their children do not. They may sit with children and grandchildren in a multi-generational pew. They may lament the fact that their grandchildren are missing from church and show no interest in faith. They may speak with joy of grandchildren’s involvement in other places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, has said, ‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influence in children’s and teenager’s lives.’ That is what this book helps to unpack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBecky Sedgwick writes about the truths of grandparents, reminding all of us of the biblical and crucial role that grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren, wherever those grandchildren are on the faith spectrum. Understanding that grandparents are not surplus to requirements in a family but actually have a vital role to play in the sharing of faith, of telling stories and of praying for the grandchildren in their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book is not just about inspirational words to show grandparents that their role is important. It also contains a ‘grandparents’ toolkit’, a range of ideas that have been tried by other grandparents that might help with where to start or what to try next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI love a book that both inspires and gives practical suggestions and this definitely has both. I think it is a needed book on a topic which is not considered enough. It would be a useful book for any grandparent to think about their legacy of faith for the next generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28.04.24. Review by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may once have been thought that grandparents had something of a “cushy” role. Not for them the daily grind of disciplining noisy children, who, more often than not, metamorphosed into grumpy adolescents. Have fun with the grandchildren, spoil them a bit, break a few parental rules, and then hand them back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot any more. The prevalence of divorce and the cost of childcare have made the part played by grandparents crucial to survival for many families. The opposite is also true. Some grandparents may find themselves sidelined, as their children move to increasingly distant places, in search of career opportunities or a different way of life. In such families, the grandchildren don’t even live on the same continent as their grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis newly published volume, while unmistakably Evangelical in outlook, is also insightful and accessible in a way that would not alienate the general reader. Don’t forget, the author tells us, that children today will be picking up their ideas of God and Christianity from a variety of sources. School RE lessons and exams will come into play, as will films and television. Given the extensive “small group notes” section, there is every reason to recommend the volume to church or house-group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tough questions are not avoided. What is the appropriate reaction if your new son- or daughter-in-law specifically asks the grandparents to avoid talking about God or religious belief altogether? or when the children are being brought by parents of different faiths? The chapter heading reads: 'No one said it would be easy.' You can say that again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dennis Richards, a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLouise Morse: Pilgrims' Friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I’m recommending ‘Grandparenting for Faith’ in my E-Send going out next week, in my blog and on my social media pages. Becky Sedgwick has written an inspiring and immensely practical book. I like it very much. '\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee Louise's full article here: https:\/\/www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk\/news-views\/grandparenting-for-faith \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-12T11:57:07+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-12T11:57:07+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Glassboxx","KCLC","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Parenting for Faith Resources"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664162717887,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392045","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34821526814911,"product_id":7537856938175,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-09-12T12:01:18+01:00","updated_at":"2023-09-12T12:01:20+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480","variant_ids":[43664162717887]},"available":true,"name":"Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392045","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27503308341439,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27503308341439,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GrandparentingforFaith.jpg?v=1694516480","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulk buy packs or 5 and 10 also available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/grandparenting-for-faith-bulk-buy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A great guide to the wonderful if bewildering responsibilities of being a Christian grandparent. Realistic, supportive and, above all, both helpful and hopeful.’ \u003cem\u003eRevd Canon J. John, evangelist and author\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influences in children’s and teenagers’ lives. Becky Sedgwick’s brilliant book not only brings encouragement to grand- parents, but solid equipping. This book is hopeful, realistic and deeply relevant to every grandparent, whether their grandchildren are babies, or adults with babies of their own. Best spiritual grandparenting book I have ever read!’ \u003cem\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a liberating, convicting and exciting work. It will empower grandparents in all types of family settings and dynamics to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and share their faith without damaging relationships with their adult children. Read and share this book, and learn how easy it is to answer God’s call to grandparent for faith.’ \u003cem\u003eMartha Flavell, children and family lead at Bible Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is packed full of practical ideas, and it breaks things down in a clear way that will leave grandparents encouraged by what they are already doing, equipped to be more intentional, and inspired that what they are doing will make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOlly Goldenberg, founder of Children Can\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Every grandparent should read this book! It has lots of easy, practical suggestions for showing and living your Christian faith – without being at all heavy or ‘preachy’. I’m now eager to work on some of the ideas with my own six grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, priest, writer and grandmother\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a much-needed and encouraging resource for all who desire to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation. I’m convinced there has never been a greater need for grandparents to take seriously the influence they can have in the lives of their grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eLinda Green, grandmother and co-author of He Gives More Grace\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a valuable book, whether your grandchildren live in Christian homes or are far from God. Becky writes with warmth and insight. She is always down to earth and full of practical wisdom. A book I shall return to frequently as I seek to play my part in discipling my eleven grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eBill Lattimer, principal of The Douglas Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ‘What an inspiring and encouraging book for grandparents! Becky explains the significance of grandparenting for faith and gives lots of practical ideas in an accessible and non- judgemental way. She makes it relevant whether you have lots of contact with your grandchildren or none at all and everything in between. Such a helpful handbook to equip you in praying for your grandchildren throughout their lives.’ \u003cem\u003eCaroline Montgomery, pioneer of Refresh at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In these times of significant pressures among families, limited family time, low confidence among grandparents, confusion about roles within families and limited avail- ability of support for families, this book is a very welcome tool. Beautifully written and very easy to read, it conveys a great awareness of the challenges of real life, while also prompting and encouraging grandparents to think beyond what they currently do and consider how they could develop their spiritual support of their grandchildren. I love this book. It is so much needed and I highly recommend it to all Christian grandparents who want to see their faith passed on to their children and grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eSarah Holmes, researcher and lecturer, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald May 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur churches are full of grandparents. They may bring their grandchildren to church because their children do not. They may sit with children and grandchildren in a multi-generational pew. They may lament the fact that their grandchildren are missing from church and show no interest in faith. They may speak with joy of grandchildren’s involvement in other places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, has said, ‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influence in children’s and teenager’s lives.’ That is what this book helps to unpack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBecky Sedgwick writes about the truths of grandparents, reminding all of us of the biblical and crucial role that grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren, wherever those grandchildren are on the faith spectrum. Understanding that grandparents are not surplus to requirements in a family but actually have a vital role to play in the sharing of faith, of telling stories and of praying for the grandchildren in their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book is not just about inspirational words to show grandparents that their role is important. It also contains a ‘grandparents’ toolkit’, a range of ideas that have been tried by other grandparents that might help with where to start or what to try next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI love a book that both inspires and gives practical suggestions and this definitely has both. I think it is a needed book on a topic which is not considered enough. It would be a useful book for any grandparent to think about their legacy of faith for the next generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28.04.24. Review by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may once have been thought that grandparents had something of a “cushy” role. Not for them the daily grind of disciplining noisy children, who, more often than not, metamorphosed into grumpy adolescents. Have fun with the grandchildren, spoil them a bit, break a few parental rules, and then hand them back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot any more. The prevalence of divorce and the cost of childcare have made the part played by grandparents crucial to survival for many families. The opposite is also true. Some grandparents may find themselves sidelined, as their children move to increasingly distant places, in search of career opportunities or a different way of life. In such families, the grandchildren don’t even live on the same continent as their grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis newly published volume, while unmistakably Evangelical in outlook, is also insightful and accessible in a way that would not alienate the general reader. Don’t forget, the author tells us, that children today will be picking up their ideas of God and Christianity from a variety of sources. School RE lessons and exams will come into play, as will films and television. Given the extensive “small group notes” section, there is every reason to recommend the volume to church or house-group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tough questions are not avoided. What is the appropriate reaction if your new son- or daughter-in-law specifically asks the grandparents to avoid talking about God or religious belief altogether? or when the children are being brought by parents of different faiths? The chapter heading reads: 'No one said it would be easy.' You can say that again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dennis Richards, a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLouise Morse: Pilgrims' Friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I’m recommending ‘Grandparenting for Faith’ in my E-Send going out next week, in my blog and on my social media pages. Becky Sedgwick has written an inspiring and immensely practical book. I like it very much. '\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee Louise's full article here: https:\/\/www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk\/news-views\/grandparenting-for-faith \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most
£9.99
In this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God....
{"id":14698669965692,"title":"Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most","handle":"grandparenting-for-faith-sharing-god-with-the-children-you-love-the-most-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulk buy packs or 5 and 10 also available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/grandparenting-for-faith-bulk-buy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A great guide to the wonderful if bewildering responsibilities of being a Christian grandparent. Realistic, supportive and, above all, both helpful and hopeful.’ \u003cem\u003eRevd Canon J. John, evangelist and author\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influences in children’s and teenagers’ lives. Becky Sedgwick’s brilliant book not only brings encouragement to grand- parents, but solid equipping. This book is hopeful, realistic and deeply relevant to every grandparent, whether their grandchildren are babies, or adults with babies of their own. Best spiritual grandparenting book I have ever read!’ \u003cem\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a liberating, convicting and exciting work. It will empower grandparents in all types of family settings and dynamics to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and share their faith without damaging relationships with their adult children. Read and share this book, and learn how easy it is to answer God’s call to grandparent for faith.’ \u003cem\u003eMartha Flavell, children and family lead at Bible Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is packed full of practical ideas, and it breaks things down in a clear way that will leave grandparents encouraged by what they are already doing, equipped to be more intentional, and inspired that what they are doing will make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOlly Goldenberg, founder of Children Can\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Every grandparent should read this book! It has lots of easy, practical suggestions for showing and living your Christian faith – without being at all heavy or ‘preachy’. I’m now eager to work on some of the ideas with my own six grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, priest, writer and grandmother\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a much-needed and encouraging resource for all who desire to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation. I’m convinced there has never been a greater need for grandparents to take seriously the influence they can have in the lives of their grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eLinda Green, grandmother and co-author of He Gives More Grace\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a valuable book, whether your grandchildren live in Christian homes or are far from God. Becky writes with warmth and insight. She is always down to earth and full of practical wisdom. A book I shall return to frequently as I seek to play my part in discipling my eleven grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eBill Lattimer, principal of The Douglas Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ‘What an inspiring and encouraging book for grandparents! Becky explains the significance of grandparenting for faith and gives lots of practical ideas in an accessible and non- judgemental way. She makes it relevant whether you have lots of contact with your grandchildren or none at all and everything in between. Such a helpful handbook to equip you in praying for your grandchildren throughout their lives.’ \u003cem\u003eCaroline Montgomery, pioneer of Refresh at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In these times of significant pressures among families, limited family time, low confidence among grandparents, confusion about roles within families and limited avail- ability of support for families, this book is a very welcome tool. Beautifully written and very easy to read, it conveys a great awareness of the challenges of real life, while also prompting and encouraging grandparents to think beyond what they currently do and consider how they could develop their spiritual support of their grandchildren. I love this book. It is so much needed and I highly recommend it to all Christian grandparents who want to see their faith passed on to their children and grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eSarah Holmes, researcher and lecturer, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald May 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur churches are full of grandparents. They may bring their grandchildren to church because their children do not. They may sit with children and grandchildren in a multi-generational pew. They may lament the fact that their grandchildren are missing from church and show no interest in faith. They may speak with joy of grandchildren’s involvement in other places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, has said, ‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influence in children’s and teenager’s lives.’ That is what this book helps to unpack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBecky Sedgwick writes about the truths of grandparents, reminding all of us of the biblical and crucial role that grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren, wherever those grandchildren are on the faith spectrum. Understanding that grandparents are not surplus to requirements in a family but actually have a vital role to play in the sharing of faith, of telling stories and of praying for the grandchildren in their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book is not just about inspirational words to show grandparents that their role is important. It also contains a ‘grandparents’ toolkit’, a range of ideas that have been tried by other grandparents that might help with where to start or what to try next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI love a book that both inspires and gives practical suggestions and this definitely has both. I think it is a needed book on a topic which is not considered enough. It would be a useful book for any grandparent to think about their legacy of faith for the next generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28.04.24. Review by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may once have been thought that grandparents had something of a “cushy” role. Not for them the daily grind of disciplining noisy children, who, more often than not, metamorphosed into grumpy adolescents. Have fun with the grandchildren, spoil them a bit, break a few parental rules, and then hand them back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot any more. The prevalence of divorce and the cost of childcare have made the part played by grandparents crucial to survival for many families. The opposite is also true. Some grandparents may find themselves sidelined, as their children move to increasingly distant places, in search of career opportunities or a different way of life. In such families, the grandchildren don’t even live on the same continent as their grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis newly published volume, while unmistakably Evangelical in outlook, is also insightful and accessible in a way that would not alienate the general reader. Don’t forget, the author tells us, that children today will be picking up their ideas of God and Christianity from a variety of sources. School RE lessons and exams will come into play, as will films and television. Given the extensive “small group notes” section, there is every reason to recommend the volume to church or house-group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tough questions are not avoided. What is the appropriate reaction if your new son- or daughter-in-law specifically asks the grandparents to avoid talking about God or religious belief altogether? or when the children are being brought by parents of different faiths? The chapter heading reads: 'No one said it would be easy.' You can say that again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dennis Richards, a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLouise Morse: Pilgrims' Friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I’m recommending ‘Grandparenting for Faith’ in my E-Send going out next week, in my blog and on my social media pages. Becky Sedgwick has written an inspiring and immensely practical book. I like it very much. '\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee Louise's full article here: https:\/\/www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk\/news-views\/grandparenting-for-faith \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T13:13:56+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T13:12:35+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"eBook","tags":["Children and family ministry","Glassboxx","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Parenting for Faith Resources"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53602825732476,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392052","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392052","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/176.png?v=1730134967","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/177.png?v=1730134898"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/176.png?v=1730134967","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923503337852,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/176.png?v=1730134967"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/176.png?v=1730134967","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923496325500,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/177.png?v=1730134898"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/177.png?v=1730134898","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to meet and know God. Grandparenting brings new life and joy, and also the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulk buy packs or 5 and 10 also available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/grandparenting-for-faith-bulk-buy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecky Sedgwick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"154\" width=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BeckySedgwick_480x480.jpg?v=1694516993\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecky Sedgwick is the resources coordinator for Parenting for Faith. She has been resourcing and equipping parents for the past fifteen years, first as a local family worker in her church, and more recently as local church coordinator for Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A great guide to the wonderful if bewildering responsibilities of being a Christian grandparent. Realistic, supportive and, above all, both helpful and hopeful.’ \u003cem\u003eRevd Canon J. John, evangelist and author\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influences in children’s and teenagers’ lives. Becky Sedgwick’s brilliant book not only brings encouragement to grand- parents, but solid equipping. This book is hopeful, realistic and deeply relevant to every grandparent, whether their grandchildren are babies, or adults with babies of their own. Best spiritual grandparenting book I have ever read!’ \u003cem\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a liberating, convicting and exciting work. It will empower grandparents in all types of family settings and dynamics to be part of their grandchildren’s lives and share their faith without damaging relationships with their adult children. Read and share this book, and learn how easy it is to answer God’s call to grandparent for faith.’ \u003cem\u003eMartha Flavell, children and family lead at Bible Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is packed full of practical ideas, and it breaks things down in a clear way that will leave grandparents encouraged by what they are already doing, equipped to be more intentional, and inspired that what they are doing will make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOlly Goldenberg, founder of Children Can\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Every grandparent should read this book! It has lots of easy, practical suggestions for showing and living your Christian faith – without being at all heavy or ‘preachy’. I’m now eager to work on some of the ideas with my own six grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, priest, writer and grandmother\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Grandparenting for Faith is a much-needed and encouraging resource for all who desire to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation. I’m convinced there has never been a greater need for grandparents to take seriously the influence they can have in the lives of their grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eLinda Green, grandmother and co-author of He Gives More Grace\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a valuable book, whether your grandchildren live in Christian homes or are far from God. Becky writes with warmth and insight. She is always down to earth and full of practical wisdom. A book I shall return to frequently as I seek to play my part in discipling my eleven grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eBill Lattimer, principal of The Douglas Trust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e ‘What an inspiring and encouraging book for grandparents! Becky explains the significance of grandparenting for faith and gives lots of practical ideas in an accessible and non- judgemental way. She makes it relevant whether you have lots of contact with your grandchildren or none at all and everything in between. Such a helpful handbook to equip you in praying for your grandchildren throughout their lives.’ \u003cem\u003eCaroline Montgomery, pioneer of Refresh at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In these times of significant pressures among families, limited family time, low confidence among grandparents, confusion about roles within families and limited avail- ability of support for families, this book is a very welcome tool. Beautifully written and very easy to read, it conveys a great awareness of the challenges of real life, while also prompting and encouraging grandparents to think beyond what they currently do and consider how they could develop their spiritual support of their grandchildren. I love this book. It is so much needed and I highly recommend it to all Christian grandparents who want to see their faith passed on to their children and grandchildren.’ \u003cem\u003eSarah Holmes, researcher and lecturer, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald May 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur churches are full of grandparents. They may bring their grandchildren to church because their children do not. They may sit with children and grandchildren in a multi-generational pew. They may lament the fact that their grandchildren are missing from church and show no interest in faith. They may speak with joy of grandchildren’s involvement in other places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith, has said, ‘Grandparents are among the most significant spiritual influence in children’s and teenager’s lives.’ That is what this book helps to unpack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBecky Sedgwick writes about the truths of grandparents, reminding all of us of the biblical and crucial role that grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren, wherever those grandchildren are on the faith spectrum. Understanding that grandparents are not surplus to requirements in a family but actually have a vital role to play in the sharing of faith, of telling stories and of praying for the grandchildren in their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book is not just about inspirational words to show grandparents that their role is important. It also contains a ‘grandparents’ toolkit’, a range of ideas that have been tried by other grandparents that might help with where to start or what to try next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI love a book that both inspires and gives practical suggestions and this definitely has both. I think it is a needed book on a topic which is not considered enough. It would be a useful book for any grandparent to think about their legacy of faith for the next generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28.04.24. Review by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may once have been thought that grandparents had something of a “cushy” role. Not for them the daily grind of disciplining noisy children, who, more often than not, metamorphosed into grumpy adolescents. Have fun with the grandchildren, spoil them a bit, break a few parental rules, and then hand them back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot any more. The prevalence of divorce and the cost of childcare have made the part played by grandparents crucial to survival for many families. The opposite is also true. Some grandparents may find themselves sidelined, as their children move to increasingly distant places, in search of career opportunities or a different way of life. In such families, the grandchildren don’t even live on the same continent as their grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis newly published volume, while unmistakably Evangelical in outlook, is also insightful and accessible in a way that would not alienate the general reader. Don’t forget, the author tells us, that children today will be picking up their ideas of God and Christianity from a variety of sources. School RE lessons and exams will come into play, as will films and television. Given the extensive “small group notes” section, there is every reason to recommend the volume to church or house-group leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tough questions are not avoided. What is the appropriate reaction if your new son- or daughter-in-law specifically asks the grandparents to avoid talking about God or religious belief altogether? or when the children are being brought by parents of different faiths? The chapter heading reads: 'No one said it would be easy.' You can say that again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dennis Richards, a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLouise Morse: Pilgrims' Friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I’m recommending ‘Grandparenting for Faith’ in my E-Send going out next week, in my blog and on my social media pages. Becky Sedgwick has written an inspiring and immensely practical book. I like it very much. '\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee Louise's full article here: https:\/\/www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk\/news-views\/grandparenting-for-faith \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Grandparenting for Faith: Sharing God with the children you love the most
£9.99
Digital eBook Only - In this book, Becky Sedgwick explores how grandparents can proactively encourage and equip their grandchildren to...