Leadership Institute Speaker Books

Engaging worship and intentional follow-up processes are important, but what compels guests to return to our churches is the warmth of our welcome and hospitality that goes beyond their expectations.

The Art of Hospitality, a new comprehensive program developed by hospitality experts from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, promises to guide a local church in exactly what the program's title implies: the artform of creating radical hospitality that infiltrates the heart and culture of the entire church. Complete with techniques and strategic planning throughout, The Art of Hospitality will effectively change how you do church, leaving guests surprised, delighted, and eager to return.

The Implementation Guide and supplemental DVD are vital follow-up resources targeting teams and leaders tasked to put The Art of Hospitality principles into practice. Step by step, this guide leads the way to converting principles, inspiration, and excitement into action.

Additional components purchased separately include:

The Art of Hospitality: A Practical Guide for a Ministry of Radical Welcome: Loaded with key principles and methods honed by hospitality experts Debi Nixon and Yvonne Gentile in their work at The Church of the Resurrection, this guide is designed to engage staff across all ministry areas in creating a common language around the ministry of welcome.

The Art of Hospitality: Implementation Guide Includes step-by-step implementation strategies for leadership teams tasked with developing and leading hospitality ministry.

The Art of Hospitality: Companion Book Three-chapter book for the congregation as a whole or small groups to coincide with a sermon series in order to prepare the hearts and minds of the people in the pews.

Difference can enrich us or tear us apart. Difference can make our lives stronger, fuller, and richer or it can destroy them. Therefore, how we engage difference matters. Conflicts between different peoples around the world, the movement of refugees from nation to nation, tensions over immigration, and growing diversity within our society bring difference to our doorstep daily. We can engage people who are different constructively and compassionately, or we can allow the fear of difference to distance us from others and to demonize them. At a time when racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious differences have created heightened tensions, we need more than ever to find our bearings. We need to re-examine what we think about difference.

Author Theodore "Ted" Hiebert re-examines the Bible's stories explaining difference and its beginnings in the book of Genesis, exposing the inclination to interpret these stories as a negative view of difference. These stories recognize difference as God's intention for the world, providing us with constructive resources of living with difference today. Hiebert starts with the story of "The Tower of Babel" and moves beyond it to examine how Genesis's writers saw their unique identity and role in the world not as separate from all others but as members of the human family of which they were a part. He presents how biblical characters lived with difference and how the first Christians embraced difference. Finally, he invites the reader into new conversations about our biblical traditions that reveal a respect for difference, a generosity toward others, a desire to include rather than exclude, and a continuing interest in negotiating difference in ways that build relationships rather than destroy them.

Praise for The Beginning of Difference

"At a time of increasing diversity in American society, polarized social and political discourse, and heightened suspicions about 'the other, ' Theodore Hiebert provides this much-needed and accessible study of biblical notions of difference. His readings of texts from Genesis and Acts challenge long-standing interpretations that assume and perpetuate fear of difference and urge instead the recognition, negotiation, and celebration of human identities and differences as divine gifts. The result is an ancient and compelling call for openness, realism, empathy, and generosity with one another for the survival and flourishing of all."--Christine Roy Yoder, J. McDowell Richards Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA

"Ted Hiebert teaches a better way about diversity from the very inception of scripture. He sets forth his interpretation of Genesis and Acts extensively and compellingly. Hiebert repeatedly demonstrates that old, sectarian interpretations of Genesis are not coterminous with the book called 'The Beginning'--a book that showcases the God-ordained and God-blessed difference that relates all of us to one another."--Brent A. Strawn, professor of Old Testament, Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC

Do you sometimes feel that you're spinning your wheels trying to attract visitors and welcome them into your church? Help is on the way. 

Catch is a comprehensive program for invitational evangelism developed by the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, one of the fastest-growing churches in the U.S. This newly revised and updated resource shows you how to attract visitors to your church, connect them with your faith community, and help them learn to know, love, and serve God. The Catch program has three phases: 

Planning Phase

Using the Program Guide with DVD-ROM, the pastor and church leaders learn about the program, then set a vision and plan for using it in their congregation. 

Teaching Phase

Four-week period to get church members on board through small groups and worship. Small-Group Participant Book and Small-Group DVD with Leader Guide will help get the congregation informed and excited about the new evangelism effort. 

Implementation Phase 

Using the Implementation Guide, church teams carry out the plan. This guide includes step-by-step directions for changing church culture and beginning to invite and welcome people outside the church. 

This kit contains everything you need to get started with this program: 

Program Guide with DVD-ROM 
Small-Group Participant Book 
Small-Group DVD with Leader Guide 
Implementation Guide

This Program Guide with DVD-ROM lays out the basic plans for the initiative, complete with worksheets, team roles, task lists, and a plan for a four-week study and worship emphasis. Topics include:
- Becoming relentlessly outward focused
- Understanding what makes your church unique
- Transforming to a welcoming environment
- Helping individuals on their journey

The accompanying DVD-ROM offers training clips, inspirational clips about Bible study, worship, and small groups; and examples of useful tools and documents-- emails, letters, ministry team tips, and more--for your use in attracting visitors and connecting them to the life of your church.

This Small-Group Participant Book takes small groups through four weeks of Bible study and intense evaluation designed to help your church attract visitors and then welcome them into the life of your community. Participants emerse themselves in the concepts and practices of invitational evangelism through daily readings that include Scripture, devotion, and reflection questions.

This four-week study features a Small-Group DVD with Leader Guide (available separately) that will lead your group through prayer, Bible study, and discussion. The study includes ideas for transforming your congregation, as well as action steps and personal reflection. The four weekly topics include:

1. Becoming relentlessly outward focused
2. Deciding what makes your church unique
3. Welcoming and inviting people in
4. Ways you can help

Stories include:

1. The Man in the Synagogue Matt 12:9-14
2. The Four Friends Mark 2:1-12
3. Jesus Calms the Storm
4. Jairus's Daughter Mar 5:21-43
5. Bartimaeus Shouts to Jesus Mark 10:46-52
6. Jesus Heals Luke 4:38-44
7. Ten Lepers Luke 17:11-19
8. The Man by the Pool John 5:1-17
9. A Boy's Lunch John 6:1-15

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you've tackled the 1,400-page 19thcentury novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.

In the six-week study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story--grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope--each represented by a character in Hugo's story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.

In keeping with his previous works, Matt Rawle brings us to the intersection of Church and Pop Culture by drawing parallels between the iconic story and musical and our Christian calling, inspiring us to both understand our faith and live it out in the world.

A DVD, Leader Guide, youth resources, and Worship Resource Flash Drive are also available for a six-week study.

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you've tackled the 1,400-page 19thcentury novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.

In the six-week Lenten study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story--grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope--each represented by a character in Hugo's story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.

In keeping with his previous works, Matt Rawle brings us to the intersection of Church and Pop Culture by drawing parallels between the iconic story and musical and our Christian calling, inspiring us to both understand our faith and live it out in the world.

This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Matt Rawle's book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.

Be Transformed this Advent Season!

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.

In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, best-selling author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth.

This Advent season church families will come together to remember what's important. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ Child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. Now more than ever, we invite you to reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!

Incarnation is a standalone book, but works beautifully as a four-week Bible study experience perfect for all age groups during the Advent season.

Additional components include a comprehensive Leader Guide, a DVD with short teaching videos featuring Adam Hamilton, as well as resources for children and youth.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.

In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!

Chapter topics include:

1. The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah
2. The Deliverer's Title: Savior
3. The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel
4. The Light of the World
5. Epilogue: The Word Made Flesh

The four-session DVD features Adam Hamilton guiding participants through the study. The video sessions are approximately 10-12 minutes in length and, when combined with the six book chapters, make an ideal six-week group study. All videos sessions are closed captioned.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.

In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!

Chapter topics include:

1. The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah
2. The Deliverer's Title: Savior
3. The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel
4. The Light of the World
5. Epilogue: The Word Made Flesh

The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

Good pastoral leadership is not a "by the numbers" proposition. It is a matter of heart and soul, of devoting the whole self to the vision God gives for the congregation in which one serves. Yet neither is it purely intuitive; it requires hard, careful thinking about the directions and details of the path down which God calls. When Adam Hamilton became pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, its membership consisted of himself and his family. Ten years later the church averages between five and six thousand worshipers per weekend. Throughout this remarkable period, Hamilton learned many serious lessons about both the broad visions and the specific details of pastoral leadership.

Bringing a depth of analytical skills often lacking in visionary leaders, in this book he goes beyond simply telling the story of Church of the Resurrection. He shares the questions that he learned to ask about the largely unchurched population to which Church of the Resurrection has reached out. Further, he demonstrates what he learned by listening to the answers to these questions, and how doing so has made possible a number of strategically crucial decisions the church has made. One of those crucial decisions was to make more traditional forms of worship and praise the center of the congregation's life. The result is that the example of Church of the Resurrection offers pastors and church leaders (especially those in mainline denominations) the realization that they need not completely change their liturgical and theological identity in order to reach out to the unchurched.

Drawing on his own experience, as well as the detailed research on the characteristics of highly successful congregations he undertook during a sabbatical leave, Hamilton offers pastors and other church leaders solid, substantive thinking on steps that congregations can take to become centers of vibrant outreach and mission.

Also available in:
Adobe Ebook 9780687026753
Microsoft Ebook 9780687027491

Our capacity to experience fear is a gift from God. It protects us from harm by sensing possible danger and motivating us to act. But fear can also dominate our lives. We worry about the future, about our health, about disappointing our friends and family. When these worries play over and over in our minds without resolution, it can rob us of joy and keep us from pursuing the life we're meant to live.

In Living Unafraid, Pastor Hamilton walks readers through 31 of the Bible's most-loved stories, showing how the people of Scripture found hope in God in the face of adversity and some of life's most frightening situations. Each day, he unpacks a new lesson--from Creation to the Gospels to the final words of Revelation--showing how God's love and deliverance can empower us for the battles we face today.

Thoughtful, practical, and grounded in Scripture, Living Unafraid is an essential read for anyone seeking hope along life's journey.

Headlines in The United Methodist church today include words like "division," "death tsunami," and "Affinity Group X vs. Affinity Group Y." So, where does one find hope in The United Methodist Church today? The Marks of Hope, written by three UMC parish pastors, demonstrates that the church can be a hopeful model in a world affected by changes in understanding and expectations related to gender, technology, justice, mission, social entrepreneurship, etc. Each chapter concludes with a "communion" section jointly written by the authors to present ideas for working together as leaders, lay people and congregations to be a model of hope. The authors outline practical steps to hold each other close with mutual love and accountability. From the Introduction written by Matt Rawle: "So what does it mean to find hope in The United Methodist Church today? To be honest, I don't have much of an answer to what the future global structure of The UMC needs to be. What I do know is that every day I'm charged with loving, serving, challenging, and leading the folks who have found a home in my local church and those who don't yet know God's amazing grace in Jesus Christ... We can say with great conviction that conflict takes advantage of the space between us. The further apart we are, the easier conflict can find room to cause havoc. Our culture has grown accustomed to smearing our neighbor with our computer keys, but it is much more difficult to slander the person sharing a cup of coffee with us. The Marks of Hope is our offering of six ways we might hold one another close with mutual love and accountability. Hope is our destination, faith is trusting in that destination, and love is how we get there."

The Marks of Hope is part of the Faultlines collection, resources intended to inform conversations around human sexuality and the church.

Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford doubled the content of their best-selling resource for local churches to better assist congregations seeking to use the simplified accountable leadership structure, often called the one-board model.In Mission Possible, Kay and Blake focus on ministry while making meetings fewer in number but larger in meaning.In this book aimed at congregational leaders, particularly United Methodists, the authors provide practical, field-tested steps to simplify your church structure and unleash more people into ministry. Too often churches try to simplify their structures by just having fewer people at the meeting table.But real simplification and accountable leadership means that meetings – and leaders – are transformed. Kay and Blake walk you through both the technical and adaptive changes to simplify your structure for missional effectiveness.

How is the follower of Jesus to understand the words of the Old Testament? How are those words relevant to the New Covenant he is establishing? What might the words of the Lord's Prayer have conveyed to his initial followers, and why is that historical information essential to the prayer two millennia later?

In Sermon on the Mount, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine takes a detailed and colorful overview of Matthew 5-7, collectively known as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Through Dr. Levine's engaging method of biblical interpretation, readers will come away with a solid understanding of the Sermon on the Mount in its historical and theological context.

Chapters include:

1. The Beatitudes
2. The Extensions
3. Practicing Piety
4. Our Father
5. Finding Your Treasure
6. Living into the Kingdom

Explore the major topics in the most popular sermon ever delivered and unpack how Jesus makes his points using a solid knowledge of Hebrew Scriptures and moral teachings. Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Dr. Levine and a comprehensive Leader Guide and a 40-day book of reflections.

In this updated edition of Serving from the Heart, church members will take a 6-week journey of self-discovery as they learn more about how the Body of Christ is intended to function, and what that means to each person.

This study (also workable in 7 Sunday School sessions) leads adults through assessing their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities, resources, individual style, dreams and experiences...all adding up to an enhanced capacity to serve God and neighbor.

Also available are a Leader Guide and DVD.

Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning. Life in first-century Palestine was very different from our world today, and many traditional interpretations of Jesus' stories ignore this disparity and have often allowed anti-Semitism and misogyny to color their perspectives.

In this Bible study based on her book Short Stories by Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine analyzes these "problems with parables" taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. With this revitalized understanding, she interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus, but are also about us--and when read rightly, still challenge and provoke us two thousand years later.

The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.

The renowned biblical scholar, author of The Misunderstood Jew, and general editor for The Jewish Annotated New Testament interweaves history and spiritual analysis to explore Jesus' most popular teaching parables, exposing their misinterpretations and making them lively and relevant for modern readers.

Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning. Life in first-century Palestine was very different from our world today, and many traditional interpretations of Jesus' stories ignore this disparity and have often allowed anti-Semitism and misogyny to color their perspectives.

In this wise, entertaining, and educational book, Amy-Jill Levine offers a fresh, timely reinterpretation of Jesus' narratives. In Short Stories by Jesus, she analyzes these "problems with parables," taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. Levine reveals the parables' connections to first-century economic and agricultural life, social customs and morality, Jewish scriptures and Roman culture. With this revitalized understanding, she interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus, but are also about us--and when read rightly, still challenge and provoke us two thousand years later.

How is the follower of Jesus to understand the words of the Old Testament? How are those words relevant to the New Covenant He is establishing? What might the words of the Lord's Prayer have conveyed to his initial followers, and why is that historical information essential to the prayer two millennia later?

In Sermon on the Mount, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine takes a detailed and colorful overview of Matthew 5-7, collectively known as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Through Dr. Levine's engaging method of biblical interpretation, readers will come away with a solid understanding of the Sermon on the Mount in its historical and theological context.

This collection of 40 daily readings is drawn from Amy-Jill Levine's teachings on the Sermon on the Mount. Containing additional stories, insights, and lessons from the author, the reader further illuminates the wisdom of Jesus' most famous sermon.

SHIPS OCT. 6

Americans are anxious people. A recent study found that one in five of us has an anxiety disorder and we spend over $2 billion a year on anti-anxiety medications. Often our life events play a significant role in our worries and fears.

In this study based on his book Unafraid, Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. He considers practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflects upon fear in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don't need to live in fear. We can live with courage and hope.

The Children's Leader Guide contains session plans for younger and older children, including games, activities, craft ideas, and reproducible handouts.

Americans are anxious people. A recent study found that one in five of us has an anxiety disorder and we spend over $2 billion a year on anti-anxiety medications. Often our life events play a significant role in our worries and fears.

In this study based on his book Unafraid, Adam Hamilton explores the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today. He considers practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflects upon fear in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don't need to live in fear. We can live with courage and hope.

The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the five-week study, including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.