NEW Cycle A Resources!

NEW Preaching the Parables of Jesus

Bill Tuck likes stories; short stories and long, all kinds of stories. That’s what makes this book so special! Basically, it’s about the stories of Jesus, which are so important in themselves. But Bill talks about them in the context of other stories, so that the stories and parts of stories all come alive for us. Preachers will love this book, because they’ll want to tell the stories that Bill told. So will other readers. We all love stories, because they tell us about life and how to live it. And that’s what makes this book a “must read.” — John Killinger, former pastor and professor and author of many books including Fundamentals of Preaching.

There are so many books of sermons on the parables. I have almost twenty just on my shelf! Could preachers and laypeople need another one? The answer is “Yes” when it is William P. Tuck’s Stories that Continue to Speak to Us Today: Looking Again at the Parables of Jesus. The author looks at seventeen parables through detailed biblical study, careful theological reflection, insightful hermeneutical consideration, and creative and engaging homiletical formulation…With imaginative language, crisp turns of phrase, illustrations that are just right, the preacher brings these stories alive in such a way that they speak to us today. This book would be ideal background for sermons — including sermon series — and it would be an excellent resource for Bible study class or group as well as for individual reading. — Ronald J. Allen, Professor of Preaching and Gospels and Letters Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis....More info...

NEW Stories / Sermons for Funerals & Eulogies

Recognizing the power of stories, Richard Zajac wrote this book as a resource to pastors with grievers in mind. The relatable, Christ-centered stories will help the preacher (or eulogizer) make a connection with the family and friends of the deceased.

At the beginning of each chapter is a brief instruction of how the story or illustration that immediately follows might be used in your homily. Then Zajac gives an example of how he used that illustration. The closing illustrations are meant to stand alone, but may well be used to underline an aspect of the deceased’s life that should be underlined or which hadn’t been mentioned earlier in the eulogy.

A helpful Scripture Index is included that also contains suggestions for use....More info...

NEW Sketches For Recognizing Christ

...a pathway to see with new eyes...
Franciscan monk, mystic, and recording artist John Michael Talbot once sang, “Behold now the kingdom: see with new eyes” — a call to find Christ’s presence and goodness in the world around us. Hope Harle-Mould has given us a pathway to see with new eyes. From the mundane to the magnificent, Hope takes what our eyes miss and reveals beneath it the promise of Christ’s abiding presence and enduring wisdom. A.K.A. Jesus: 22 Sketches for Recognizing the Present-Tense Christ will awaken your spirit to find the sacred in the profane, laughter amongst the tragedy, hope through the pain, and something in what once felt like nothing. Let those who have eyes to see, see. Christ walks among us. Read this book and see with new eyes.
— Rev. John Dorhauer is General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ...More info...

Indispensable for Pastors

Brian Ross has written the book I wish I had found when I began my ministry career! At once eminently practical and highly readable, It is also a "one stop shop" for perspective on dozens of subjects encountered in day-to-day ministry. Filled with everything from a template for weddings and funerals to wisdom for working with difficult people, this is the first book you should purchase when beginning your ministry with a church.
— Rev. Dr. Christine Roush, Discipleship Coordinator, American Baptist Home Mission Societies...

Brian’s manual offers practical advice that will be helpful as a constant reference to any pastor. His reminders to ask why we do what we do in the church and to do whatever we do with excellence are important for any minister.
— Rev. Jonna Bohigian, Pastor, St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA...More info...

The Practical Message of James

Wayne Brouwer focuses on the practical nature of James' message and how it should make a difference to us.

The book of James is especially relevant to our times as it references social tensions such as between rich and poor, race, etc. As income inequality continues to increase we can look at James' writings and relate to a time in the early church when economic and social issues were a major concern.

Brouwer uses his devotions on the book of James to accentuate ways that we can emulate God, serving others as we would want to be treated. Our relationship with God is not based solely upon our faith. Brouwer details throughout Practical Christianity how our relationship with God is built upon an unending, undeserved grace, which we therefore must share with those around us. More info...