VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/31/14)—In Vital Spirit, Vital Service: Spirituality That Works, author Trinette McCray urges the people of God to seek a vital spirituality—not merely a contemplation that withdraws from the world, but an engaged spirituality that inspires us to answer Jesus’ call to service and social justice. “Living a spirituality that works brings significance to our lives, which not only fulfills God’s call to us, but in turn helps us to fulfill God’s purpose in the world,” writes McCray.
Vital Spirit, Vital Service proposes a new paradigm for Christian identity that will strengthen one’s framework for living. You’ll discover:
- Discipleship Is More than Salvation
- Spirituality Is More than Sanctification
- Transformation Begins with Activism
McCray also offers direction to the church to better prepare to serve God in transformative work and service. Drawing from the ministry models of legacy leaders, parish engagement, servant leadership, spiritual formation, and collective activism, seven formative principles are identified:
- Leadership Principle
- Word Principle
- Formation Principle
- Communal Principle
- Service Principle
- Partnership Principle
- Stewardship Principle
This guidebook is a must-have for church leaders and members to deepen spirituality, enliven discipleship, and transform communities through significant service.
Vital Spirit, Vital Service is the fifth title in the Judson Press “Living Church” series which addresses key issues facing today’s churches and responds from a congregational perspective with creative and constructive strategies. To learn more about “Living Church,” visit www.judsonpress.com/livingchurch.
To order, contact Judson Press Customer Service at 800-458-3766 or visit www.judsonpress.com.
About the Author
Trinette V. McCray, DMin, is a recognized leader in spiritual formation, vocation, and calling. Previously distinguished as the first clergywoman to be elected national president of the American Baptist Churches, USA, Trinette is now Assistant Professor at Central Baptist Theological Seminary–Wisconsin and a research and planning consultant for ministry and nonprofit organizations with specific expertise in urban ministry.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a 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.