Leadership and Preaching

More information on The Real GodsendThe Real Godsend
Nigel Wright
Preaching the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke

This verse-by-verse exploration of the birth narratives reveals them as carefully crafted works of theology, written in the light of the resurrection and drawing on the Hebrew scriptures to reveal the nature of the God who sent his Son into the world for our salvation.

They do not simply relate ancient history but invite us to believe in the risen Christ who is alive now, the real Godsend who comes to us as God's greatest gift.

More information on Confidence in the Living GodConfidence in the Living God
Andrew Watson
David and Goliath revisited

As Christians, we are called to proclaim our faith in God, but how can we build and maintain this confidence in an increasingly secularised culture where such faith is often seen as marginal, embarrassing or even downright dangerous?

This book explores how God can develop a proper self-confidence within individuals and his Church, revealing the gospel through transforming words and transformed lives.

The book includes a discussion guide at the back of the book.

More information on The Challenge of ChangeThe Challenge of Change
Phil Potter
A guide to shaping change and changing the shape of church

Change can be a frightening thing, particularly if we're not fully prepared for what it will mean to us. Change in our churches is no different, and if we are going to be able to move forward, careful thought and guidance is needed.

Phil Potter explains ways of shaping change of any kind in the life of a church and presents a guide to understanding the changing shape of church, in particular the 'fresh expressions' of church now emerging. He uses his experiences of leading his own church through five major transition periods, with his own mistakes and personal stories as examples to illustrate his points.

More information on How would Jesus Lead Worship?How would Jesus lead worship?
Sam and Sara Hargreaves

Biblical insights for today's church

The word 'worship' can mean different things to different people. Some see it as just singing; others see it as prayer. As this book reveals, worship is less about a preferred music style and more an attitude of the heart towards God.

It explores what we can learn about worship from the life of Jesus, and offers down-to-earth teaching and practical examples to help creative worship flourish in the local church. The authors remind us that Jesus-inspired worship can lead to Christ-like attitudes towards God, one another, and the wider world.

'Sam and Sara have spent serious time thinking and engaging with some of the key issues surrounding contemporary workship and their book is an insightful and thought-provoking read' - Al Gordon, Holy Trinity Brompton

More information on Growing Young LeadersGrowing Young Leaders
A practical guide to mentoring teens
Ruth Hassall

Growing Young Leaders offers practical guidance for those who feel called to mentoring 13-18 year olds in a faith context, with a view to nurturing them towards leadership roles. Linked to CPAS's course Growing Leaders - Youth Edition, it also works as a stand-alone resource.

It defines mentoring, analyses the necessary skills and attributes of a mentor today, encourages good practice, considers the safeguards needed to meet child protection guidelines and above all considers how to help young people identify their gifts and grow as Christian disciples.

This is the sister book to Ready to Lead.

More information on Ready to LeadReady to Lead
Growing Leaders - Youth Edition
Ruth Hassall

A book on leadership for church-going teenagers, Read to Lead explores the key elements of leadership in a friendly and accessible manner.

Based around Paul's letters to Timothy, it is ideal for a mentoring programme for teens. Like the popular book Growing Leaders, it works as a stand-alone book as well as an accompaniment to the course.

More information on Growing Women LeadersGrowing Women Leaders
Nurturing women's leadership in the Church
Rosie Ward

This is a book about women's leadership in the Church, examining the current situation and looking to the future. It surveys the latest scholarship on key passages in scripture relating to women leaders, as well as looking at the history of women leading in the Church, and offers practical advice on growing women leaders today. This is essential reading for women already in leadership, those exploring a call to ministry, and male leaders seeking how to best nurture women within the church.

Growing Leaders Growing Leaders
Reflections on leadership, life and Jesus
James Lawrence

Seven out of ten Christian leaders feel heavily overworked, four in ten suffer financial pressures, only two in ten have had training in management or team building and 1,500 give up their job over a ten-year period. At the same time, as financial restrictions affect the availability of full-time ministers, more people are needed for leadership roles in local congregations, not just in preaching, teaching and pastoring adults but in every area of church work. This book faces head-on the challenge of raising up new leaders and helping existing leaders to develop. It comprehensively surveys leadership skills and styles, reflecting on the vital importance of discipleship, discerning our personal calling, avoiding the 'red zone' of stress, developing character, and living as part of the community of the people of God.

More information on Bethlehem Carols UnpackedBethlehem Carols Unpacked
Creative Ideas for Christmas carol services
Lucy Moore and Martyn Payne with BibleLands

Bethlehem Carols Unpacked, published in partnership with BibleLands, offers all those planning a Christmas carol service with the opportunity to create a vibrant service through a wealth of pick-and-mix ideas, including creative storytelling, poetry, prayer, drama and worship. Taking eleven popular carols as its starting point, the material explores the different aspects of the Christmas message and gives you the chance to create a truly memorable carol service.

Bethlehem Carols Unpacked is also available to purchase as a PDF Download.

More information on Mass CultureMass Culture
The interface of Eucharist and mission

Edited by Pete Ward

An updated and expanded edition of BRF's popular book of articles examining the impact that the Eucharist can have on the life of the believer. With a total of ten contributors from a range of theological and church backgrounds, including Bishop Graham Cray and worship leader Martyn Layzell, this edition carries the discussion forward, considering the relationship between Holy Communion, mission and contemporary culture.


More information on Divorce - a Challenge to the ChurchDivorce - a challenge for the Church
Bob Mayo

Well known for his groundbreaking books on youth work and church ministry, Bob Mayo interweaves personal and theological reflection as he considers what the experience of divorce means for a Christian. Taking the state of exile as a parallel, the book has theological reflection and pointers for pastoral care for those involve in church ministry.

Using his own experience, he also puts forward prayers and liturgy for those experiencing loss and transition due to divorce, with an emphasis on forgiveness as 'remembering well'.

More information on The Fourfold Leadership of JesusThe Fourfold Leadership of Jesus
Andrew Watson

'Don't follow me. Follow Jesus!' runs a popular slogan. Yet the apostle Paul wrote, 'Follow my example, as I follow Christ.' Can we hope to echo Paul's words, or should we always be pointing away from ourselves to Christ?

This book considers four of Jesus' commands to his disciples as the basis for four models of leadership in the church which may be appropriate in different seasons of ministry:
come (a pastoral approach),
follow (inspiring by example),
wait (faithful in obedience),
go (evangelistic and mission-focused).

Emergent Theology An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches
Ray S. Anderson

At a time when there is much talk of 'emerging/ mission-shaped church', Ray Anderson's book is a challenge to 'think theologically' and ensure that all such initiatives are rooted in a dynamic, transformative and biblically informed faith.



Seeking Sabbath Seeking Sabbath
A personal journey
David Shepherd

This six-month diary follows a very personal journey to rediscover sabbath and establish a more sustainable rhythm of life. His reflections are breath of fresh air, inspiring and contemplative without losing sight of the pressures and realities of everyday life.

One man's journey to rediscover a day. One week at a time.


Collaborative Ministry Collaborative Ministry
What it is, how it works and why
David Robertson

'Collaborative Ministry' is fast becoming a buzz-phrase alongside 'every member ministry' and 'the priesthood of all believers'. But what exactly does it mean? Does it fit with existing leadership structures? This book sets out on a comprehensive exploration of collaborative ministry both theologically and practically.



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More information on Bible reading - a beginner's guideMore information on Prayer - a beginner's guide

Priced at £4.99 each, or £4.00 if you buy 10 or more copies, these beginner's guides are ideal for new Christians, Alpha or Christianity Explored Courses, or anyone needing to be refreshed in their Bible Reading and Prayer.

Click on the covers above for more information.