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Many pastors conceive of the church budget as primarily a financial tool, but in fact it is primarily a pastoral tool. A church's philosophy of ministry is locked into its budget, and so the budget will either stifle or accelerate any attempts to move a congregation toward a biblical model of church health. As such, the church budget is a far more potent pastoral tool than many church leaders realize. Budgeting for a Healthy Church examines each section of the budget in light of Biblical principles to show how a church budget can lock in healthy approaches to ministry. Whereas most books on church budgeting are "how" books, explaining how the budgeting process should work, this is a "what" book, helping church leaders determine the pastoral implications of what they choose to fund in their budgets.

The Bible is one story told through dozens of people over thousands of years. As Christians, we know we're supposed to believe this - and so we do. But when we pick up our Bibles, if we're honest, we sometimes lose the thread, especially with some of the strange and obscure happenings in Genesis.We can't help but wonder, What's this all about?!Who - or what - are the Nephilim? What about this mysterious Melchizedek who seems to appear out of nowhere? Why are there so many genealogies? Why do Abraham and a Hittite haggle for so long about the price of a rinky-dink cave? Hang on, are we supposed to be comfortable with Abraham sacrificing his son? Or with Lot's, um, unseemly family dynamics? Or with Jacob's multiple wives? Why do the book's heroes so often act like villains?And, of course, what does all this have to with Jesus and the gospel?Careful readers of the Bible have many questions about Genesis. In From Eden to Egypt, Alex Duke will give everyday Christians a guided tour of these wonderful stories so that they'll see - perhaps for the first time - that it's all there for a reason."Alex has gifted the church with an accessible and faithful guide through the book of Genesis." —KIRK COUSINS, NFL Quarterback"With engaging storytelling and culturally relevant illustrations, Duke helps us see where God’s people have been and where they’re headed." —HUNTER BELESS, host of Journeywomen and author of Read it, See it, Say it, Sing it: Knowing and Loving the Bible

Avoid “Get-Rich-Quick” Missions Strategies and Invest in Effective, Long-Term MinistryTrendy new missions strategies are a dime a dozen, promising missionaries monumental results in record time. These strategies report explosive movements of people turning to Christ, but their claims are often dubious and they do little to ensure the health of believers or churches that remain. How can churches and missionaries address the urgent need to reach unreached people without falling for quick fixes?In No Shortcut to Success, author and missionary Matt Rhodes implores Christians to stop chasing silver-bullet strategies and short-term missions, and instead embrace theologically robust and historically demonstrated methods of evangelism and discipleship—the same ones used by historic figures such as William Carey and Adoniram Judson. These great missionaries didn’t rush evangelism; they spent time studying Scripture, mastering foreign languages, and building long-term relationships. Rhodes explains that modern missionaries’ emphasis on minimal training and quick conversions can result in slipshod evangelism that harms the communities they intend to help. He also warns against underestimating the value of individual skill and effort—under the guise of “getting out of the Lord’s way”—and empowers Christians with practical, biblical steps to proactively engage unreached groups. Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout historyEncourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skillsA Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groupsInsightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements

Recentering the Goal of Pastoral Ministry to Cultivate Christ-Treasuring Church PlantsAs churches rapidly expand, Christians risk viewing the church with an entrepreneurial mindset. Church planters can be tempted to fixate on gaining numbers and achieving financial stability as their only metrics for success. They fail to focus on lifting up Christ’s people within the church. In Planting by Pastoring, author Nathan Knight challenges our view of church planting and centers the goal of pastoral ministry on a basic biblical foundation: a church plant is in fact a church, and a planter is in fact a pastor. A healthy church plant is not measured by size, speed, or level of self-sufficiency but by good pastoring that produces faith, fruit, and a flourishing community. Once pastors and church leaders redefine their plant as a church, their ministry will begin to align with Jesus’s mission to shepherd the flock and bring glory to God alone.  Provides Wisdom: This book reminds church planters of the heart of the church and the core purpose of pastorsOffers a Unique Perspective: Addresses foundational elements of church planting other books fail to addressAppeals to Pastors, Elders, and Church Planters: Great for those in the process of planting a church

Understand Why God Allows Suffering and How That’s Good News for Christians Facing HardshipsFor more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he’s risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He’s also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God’s good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field. Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring readers with God’s promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy. A Biblical Theology of Suffering: Explains why it’s necessary for believers to suffer and how God redeems pain for his gloryWritten for Missionaries, Pastors, and New Christians: Supports readers as they fulfill the Great Commission, provide pastoral care, and pursue personal spiritual growthPractical: Offers realistic, gospel-centered answers to the issues missionaries face

Assessing Missionary Readiness Through Character, Conviction, and Competency Should I become a missionary? Many who ask this question have a genuine love for Christ and a desire to live out the Great Commission. Yet even good intentions can sometimes cloud the judgment of our abilities, and personal ambition can make it difficult to keep our eyes fixed on what is necessary for the glory of Christ and the building of his kingdom. The decision to pursue missions should not be shaped by impulse or idealism but by discernment, prayer, godly counsel, and immersion in the local church. In The Path to Being a Missionary, Ryan Robertson and Matt Bennett lay out practical advice and questions for readers as they consider if missionary work is the right fit for them. Through each concise chapter, readers will consider preparation for a life of service while honestly evaluating their character, convictions, and competencies. Rather than asking, Am I called? Robertson and Bennett urge men and women to ask the more important question: Am I qualified? Valuable Church Resource: Serves as a helpful guide for churches in the sending process, offering insights from experienced missions leadersOffers an Honest Perspective: Urges men and women to set aside personal intentions to determine if they are truly qualified for a life in missions Practical and Action Oriented: Features concise chapters that spur reflection, prayer, and tangible next steps