John D. Witvliet
30 Old Testament Passages with Deeper Meaning
Biblical Studies & Commentaries
“An illuminating exploration of thirty remarkable Old Testament texts by a master teacher. Each chapter provides an entry point into not only a single verse’s meaning but to larger dimensions of the worldview and culture reflected in the Hebrew scriptures. The book is accessible to all and will also inspire teachers who seek to translate insights from advanced theological study for wide audiences.”
A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship
History & Biography
“What a remarkably rich and thought-provoking account of the people and the convictions that have directly or indirectly shaped the worship practices of millions of Christians in several quite different traditions. Those who remember the people or events described here may well be astonished to see the contours of the larger story in which they played a part. This is a book that will help us slow down and listen attentively, a crucial task for anyone who is called to discern the nature of vital, faithful worship practices in the years to come, including Christians from traditions that seem at first not to be influenced by the worlds described here.”
Church Leadership & Ministry
“This volume is the best available guidebook to the emerging field of Christian arts ministry. Michael Bauer lays a solid foundation for arts ministry, grounding it in the historic Christian tradition and urging churches to expand their engagement with the creative arts -- 'to live and worship in full color.' Eighteen illustrative case studies help round out Bauer's rich discussion.”
Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity
Theology
“This volume illumines the multiple biblical metaphors that evoke the meaning of baptism, offers a lucid and richly attested account of early church baptismal practices, and awakens the imagination of readers to engage in contemporary celebrations of baptism with renewed vitality. The book demonstrates that metaphor, architecture, visualization, and liturgy are not mere applications of theology but rather help constitute theology, and it does so in a way that is both accessible to students and instructive for veteran pastors and theological educators.”
Preaching & Worship
“While a sermon is a live, face-to-face encounter, incomplete without the body language of both the preacher and the congregation, a written manuscript or transcript of a sermon is, in itself, a potent genre for Christian devotional reflection. It is a gift to see how a preacher at a given point in time weaves together an illuminating vision from a biblical text with deep pastoral concern for a given group of people in their own unique context. May readers be deeply blessed as they learn to see 'the-Bible-in-motion' in ways that fix our eyes on Jesus and equip us for the journey of faith.”
Christian Living
“This book is a warm, visionary invitation to rediscover the joy of following Jesus. It resists simplistic dichotomies, unfolding a biblical vision that embraces both prayer and action, both the mundane and the extraordinary, both suffering and rejoicing, both global and local concerns, both individual and communal engagement. The book will serve as a compelling, generative resource for both individuals and congregations.”
Church Leadership & Ministry
“An absorbing account of the quibbles, foibles, hassles, and hangups of a life in ministry—which weave in and through all the joys, surprises, marvels, and vistas of a Spirit-led life. The Christian life is full of surprises, and this memoir invites us to see in each one an opportunity to ‘walk in step with the Spirit.’”
Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Preaching & Worship
“This insightful analysis from a pastor who practices what he preaches promises to deepen our view not only of baptism and the Lord's Supper but also of our Lord. Just as the eyes of Elisha's servant were opened to see the chariots of fire that encircled Elisha (2 Kings 6), so too the themes of this book can help us perceive the vibrant, nourishing ways that God works through worship. In an age tempted to treat worship merely as a means to other ends, this vision is one that will comfort, challenge and transform us.”
Theology
“Offering a robust and illuminating evocation of practical wisdom or know-how from a Christian theological perspective, this volume not only describes practical wisdom but also demonstrates it through the synergistic collaboration of five gifted theological educators. . . . An ideal book for anyone who wants to both study and grow in the practice of Christian wisdom.”
Preaching & Worship
“Jean-Jacques von Allmen is one of the leading theologians of liturgy in the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition in the twentieth century, whose books draw together insights from his many pastoral, historical, theological, and ecumenical encounters in often striking and generative ways. How wonderful it is to have a contemporary tour guide to this rich source. Thank to Ron Rienstra for his research on von Allmen's work, and his vision for strengthening the theological vision that guides our worship practices.”
Theology
“This book participates in a growing movement interested in the intersection of art, faith, and spirituality. But this book also stands out as a leading voice in this field because of its breadth of vision for the sources and functions of the arts in human life and because of the specificity and clarity of its theological convictions about the work of the Holy Spirit and the expansive nature of salvation offered in and through Jesus Christ. The book’s particular interest in Athanasius is especially welcome, inviting all of us to sharpen and deepen our theological vision and to wrestle with the astonishing implications of the incarnation for human flourishing.”
Cultivating an Evangelistic Character
Church Leadership & Ministry
“Robust Trinitarian worship and contagious Christian witness belong together, shaping congregations that abide deeply in Christ and that welcome many who are being engrafted into Christ, the vine. What a gift to see this symphonic vision shared so compellingly through Chris Schoon’s careful analysis.”
Theology
“This is a wise, provocative, and inspiring book. It prophetically blurs the boundaries between theory and practice, between theology and other disciplines, between descriptive analysis and constructive imagination. Anyone involved in Christian education should read this book to glimpse a holistic vision of learning and formation. Anyone involved in the worship life of Christian communities should read this book to discover again all that is at stake in the choices we make about our practices.”
Preaching & Worship
“Frank C. Senn has been a leading contributor to the field of liturgical studies, with significant contributions to both liturgical theology and history. Here, he challenges any approach to embodied worship that is itself abstract, drawing on his wide knowledge of the full sweep of liturgical history and his synthetic vision of ecumenical liturgical theology. This book is an invitation not only to think about worship more precisely, but also to engage in worship more deeply. Readers from several Christian traditions will be encouraged, challenged, and provoked by the wide range of examples and insights conveyed here.”
Biblical Studies & Commentaries
“Vital and faithful worship practices are shaped by a wide variety of Christian leaders. How heartening it is that over the past several years biblical scholars have given new priority to helping us faithfully study and savor what the Bible says about worship. Block's evangelical, gospel-focused contribution to this conversation is both vigorous and accessible and will be useful in both academic and congregational settings.”
Preaching & Worship
“This book is a fine example of how historical and theological reflection can strengthen Christian congregational life today, especially as Ellis calls us to resist both formalism and subjectivism, to celebrate the vitality of revival while challenging anti-ritualism, and to embrace a doxological vision of worship which celebrates the beauty and glory of God.”
NOTE: Only includes books currently in our catalog; not necessarily a complete list.
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