We all know the feeling. We take a leap, only to land flat on our face. Just when our plan appears to be perfect, it falls apart. Life’s failures and disappointments can make it difficult to move forward; how do we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off?

Matt Miofsky examines the life of Jeremiah, whose failed pursuits are described in more detail and depth than any other prophet. Even though God set him apart to speak to the nation of Israel, Jeremiah’s attempts to fulfill his calling were met with ridicule, punishment, and suffering. But through it all, God never left his side.

The story of “the weeping prophet” has much to teach us about trusting God during life’s most trying times.

Additional components for a five-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Matt Miofsky.

We all know the feeling. We take a leap, only to land flat on our face. Just when our plan appears to be perfect, it falls apart. Life’s failures and disappointments can make it difficult to move forward; how do we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off?

Matt Miofsky examines the life of Jeremiah, whose failed pursuits are described in more detail and depth than any other prophet. Even though God set him apart to speak to the nation of Israel, Jeremiah’s attempts to fulfill his calling were met with ridicule, punishment, and suffering. But through it all, God never left his side.

The story of “the weeping prophet” has much to teach us about trusting God during life’s most trying times.

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.

Leaders who are interested in planting or revitalizing congregations often feel discouraged and defeated after leadership conferences, or after reading about the ‘heroes’ of church planting and church growth. “They are amazing,” they say. “I can’t be that amazing.”But Jesus’ load is easy and his burden is light. When we examine the practices and characteristics of those ‘heroes’, we see striking trends and commonalities. Aspiring church leaders can learn the practices and develop the characteristics that will lead to successful churches. Instead of feeling defeated, new leaders should have a hope-filled sense of what new thing they can do. Authors Matt Miofsky and Jason Byasse carefully researched, interviewed, and profiled successful church-growers across the U.S., and identified 8 characteristics these leaders and their congregations have in common. These pastors are still learning, still figuring out how to do this work and how to faithfully live into God’s call. But for now, how are they doing what they do? What mistakes have they made & learned from? Where have they paid the stupid tax that others should avoid? Each of these ‘heroes’ is painfully ordinary and up front about their flaws. And each can see slightly farther than the rest of us. What do they see that we can learn from?Discover the 8 characteristics, and learn how to adapt them for your own congregation and calling: Believe in miracles and act accordingly Integrate new people quickly Love the local Exist to reach the next person Elevate the practice of giving Work in teams Preach effectively to skeptics Make friends with the denomination

Letting go of the familiar and leaning into change can be fearful for all of us. Let Go: Leaning into the Future Without Fear by Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor of The Gathering United Methodist Church, is a guide for managing change and transition with faith as a compass. Using the exodus story as a roadmap for how change looks when you are following God’s lead, readers learn how to manage the uncertainty and fear often caused by change. Miofsky shows readers that by using faith to successfully transition during times of change, they are able to be the person they were created to become and live the life they were created to live.“I have followed Matt and his ministry since the inception of The Gathering, one of the most inclusive, growing churches in the US. Matt knows this journey. He and his team walk into the unknown, daily, to achieve the vision they saw for The Gathering, creating new places for people to meet God.” —Mike Slaughter, author, speaker, pastor emeritus at Ginghamsburg Church“I have spent time with Matt Miofsky and seen up close how he forges life transforming relationships with people far from God and brings them close to Jesus. Matt helps people find their purpose and seek God’s presence in their lives.” —Tom Berlin, pastor of Floris UMC, Herndon, VA, author of Reckless Love“Matt Miofsky is one of our most creative and courageous leaders. He is passionate about the gospel and street-smart with a playful edge. In a season marked by uncertainty and change, Matt helps us identify and lay aside our fears and step forward into the bold and adventurous life God intends.” —Janice Huie, Bishop of The United Methodist Church, retired“Matt Miofsky is one of the brightest and most cutting-edge pastors in the country. His ministry and teachings are insightful and practical for everyday living.” —Emanuel Cleaver III, Senior Pastor, St. James UMC, Kansas City

We all know the feeling. We take a leap, only to land flat on our face. Just when our plan appears to be perfect, it falls apart. Life’s failures and disappointments can make it difficult to move forward; how do we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off?

Matt Miofsky examines the life of Jeremiah, whose failed pursuits are described in more detail and depth than any other prophet. Even though God set him apart to speak to the nation of Israel, Jeremiah’s attempts to fulfill his calling were met with ridicule, punishment, and suffering. But through it all, God never left his side.

The story of “the weeping prophet” has much to teach us about trusting God during life’s most trying times.

Additional components for a five-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and a DVD featuring author and pastor Matt Miofsky.

We all know the feeling. We take a leap, only to land flat on our face. Just when our plan appears to be perfect, it falls apart. Life’s failures and disappointments can make it difficult to move forward; how do we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off?

Matt Miofsky examines the life of Jeremiah, whose failed pursuits are described in more detail and depth than any other prophet. Even though God set him apart to speak to the nation of Israel, Jeremiah’s attempts to fulfill his calling were met with ridicule, punishment, and suffering. But through it all, God never left his side.

The story of “the weeping prophet” has much to teach us about trusting God during life’s most trying times.

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.

Leaders who are interested in planting or revitalizing congregations often feel discouraged and defeated after leadership conferences, or after reading about the ‘heroes’ of church planting and church growth. “They are amazing,” they say. “I can’t be that amazing.”But Jesus’ load is easy and his burden is light. When we examine the practices and characteristics of those ‘heroes’, we see striking trends and commonalities. Aspiring church leaders can learn the practices and develop the characteristics that will lead to successful churches. Instead of feeling defeated, new leaders should have a hope-filled sense of what new thing they can do. Authors Matt Miofsky and Jason Byasse carefully researched, interviewed, and profiled successful church-growers across the U.S., and identified 8 characteristics these leaders and their congregations have in common. These pastors are still learning, still figuring out how to do this work and how to faithfully live into God’s call. But for now, how are they doing what they do? What mistakes have they made & learned from? Where have they paid the stupid tax that others should avoid? Each of these ‘heroes’ is painfully ordinary and up front about their flaws. And each can see slightly farther than the rest of us. What do they see that we can learn from?Discover the 8 characteristics, and learn how to adapt them for your own congregation and calling: Believe in miracles and act accordingly Integrate new people quickly Love the local Exist to reach the next person Elevate the practice of giving Work in teams Preach effectively to skeptics Make friends with the denomination

Letting go of the familiar and leaning into change can be fearful for all of us. Let Go: Leaning into the Future Without Fear by Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor of The Gathering United Methodist Church, is a guide for managing change and transition with faith as a compass. Using the exodus story as a roadmap for how change looks when you are following God’s lead, readers learn how to manage the uncertainty and fear often caused by change. Miofsky shows readers that by using faith to successfully transition during times of change, they are able to be the person they were created to become and live the life they were created to live.“I have followed Matt and his ministry since the inception of The Gathering, one of the most inclusive, growing churches in the US. Matt knows this journey. He and his team walk into the unknown, daily, to achieve the vision they saw for The Gathering, creating new places for people to meet God.” —Mike Slaughter, author, speaker, pastor emeritus at Ginghamsburg Church“I have spent time with Matt Miofsky and seen up close how he forges life transforming relationships with people far from God and brings them close to Jesus. Matt helps people find their purpose and seek God’s presence in their lives.” —Tom Berlin, pastor of Floris UMC, Herndon, VA, author of Reckless Love“Matt Miofsky is one of our most creative and courageous leaders. He is passionate about the gospel and street-smart with a playful edge. In a season marked by uncertainty and change, Matt helps us identify and lay aside our fears and step forward into the bold and adventurous life God intends.” —Janice Huie, Bishop of The United Methodist Church, retired“Matt Miofsky is one of the brightest and most cutting-edge pastors in the country. His ministry and teachings are insightful and practical for everyday living.” —Emanuel Cleaver III, Senior Pastor, St. James UMC, Kansas City