VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/18/13)—“JP Talks—About the Living Church” sessions held during the ABCUSA Mission Summit/Biennial in Overland Park, Kansas in June 2013 will be posted on the Judson Press and ABHMS websites in the coming weeks. The sessions feature authors of Judson Press’ Living Church book series.
Each author presented a 10-15 minute talk on a topic to empower, challenge, and motivate twenty-first–century Christians.
The Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal, Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Norristown, PA, presents “Crossing Boundaries, Becoming Neighbors: Diversity That Works.” Avilesbernal invites participants to journey “through Samaria,” at a time when Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix as a metaphor for engaging with ethnic and social diversity. Avilesbernal’s book on this topic is in development.
Susan E. Gillies, former Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, focuses on “Empowering Laity, Engaging Leaders: Tapping the Root for Ministry.” Gillies addresses cultivating lay leadership and sustaining church leaders in ministry while also caring for yourself as a leader. Gillies’ book by the same title, coauthored with Ingrid M. Dvirnak, is available now from Judson Press.
The Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, NY, highlights “Caring Pastors, Caring People: Equipping Your Church for Pastoral Care.” McMickle addresses and then expands on traditional understandings of compassionate ministry through both clergy and laity roles. His book of that title is currently available from Judson Press.
The Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray, Assistant Professor in Christian Witness and in Worship at Central Baptist Theological Seminary–Wisconsin, presents “Spirituality That Works: Engaging Your Church through Significant Living.” McCray connects the personal spirituality and social transformation that make our lives matter. Look for her book on the topic in late 2014.
The Rev. Dr. Lee Spitzer, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of New Jersey, highlights “Making Friends, Making Disciples: Growing Your Church through Authentic Relationships.” Spitzer explores the growth of individuals as well as church communities through circles of friendship. His book by that title was the inaugural offering in the “Living Church” series.
The Rev. Glynnis LaBarre, transformation strategist for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, presentd “Learning Mission, Living Mission: Churches That Work.” LaBarre outlined key components of the Missional Church Learning Experience—relationships, community, and active learning—in creating a supportive environment for churches to explore their response to the rapid changes in our culture.
JP Talks was hosted by Judson Press and American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
The Living Church book series addresses the primary felt needs of today’s churches and offers creative strategies for meeting these needs. For more information on the Living Church books, visit http://www.judsonpress.com/catalog.cfm?category_id=957.
To order Judson Press resources, visit www.judsonpress.com or call 800-458-3766.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is the publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, and cultures.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA)—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community, and justice.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with more than 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.