[PDF] And Lead Us Not Into Dysfunction eBook

Author : Michael P. Friday
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 213 pages
File Size : 49,89 MB
Release : 2017-12-20
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1532636733

GET BOOK

Dysfunction. Anyone who has sojourned through congregations or denominations would agree that these are not immune to dysfunction. These holy organizations often eschew the standards upheld by secular organizations. It matters not that those “profane” or “worldly” processes accomplish those organizations’ missions and serve humanity well—all within sound ethical boundaries. Consequently, many church organizations deny themselves the best practices of better organized entities. Their leaders think they have nothing to learn from secular leadership theory and practice. They fail to realize that not every leadership or organizational practice portrayed in the Bible is healthy or appropriate for our times. And Lead Us Not Into Dysfunction pursues the conviction that church organizations and their leaders can perform far better than they do. The book explores the causes of anything from mediocrity to dysfunction in church organizations, and outlines several helpful measures that congregations and denominations may embrace to secure organizational and leadership health. This book is a must-have for every pastor, church leader, denominational leader, seminarian, and leadership and organizational dynamics student.

Author : Michael P. Friday
Publisher : Wipf and Stock
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 15,94 MB
Release : 2017-12-20
Category : Christian leadership
ISBN : 9781532636752

GET BOOK

Dysfunction. Anyone who has sojourned through congregations or denominations would agree that these are not immune to dysfunction. These holy organizations often eschew the standards upheld by secular organizations. It matters not that those ""profane"" or ""worldly"" processes accomplish those organizations' missions and serve humanity well--all within sound ethical boundaries. Consequently, many church organizations deny themselves the best practices of better organized entities. Their leaders think they have nothing to learn from secular leadership theory and practice. They fail to realize that not every leadership or organizational practice portrayed in the Bible is healthy or appropriate for our times. And Lead Us Not Into Dysfunction pursues the conviction that church organizations and their leaders can perform far better than they do. The book explores the causes of anything from mediocrity to dysfunction in church organizations, and outlines several helpful measures that congregations and denominations may embrace to secure organizational and leadership health. This book is a must-have for every pastor, church leader, denominational leader, seminarian, and leadership and organizational dynamics student. Back Cover: ""Michael Friday approaches the health of congregations from a unique blend of both an insider's theological perspective, as well as an outsider's organizational development perspective; and from three different international locations! These perspectives are woven into a manuscript that helps congregational leaders name both healthy practices and organizational dysfunction."" --Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary for American Baptist Churches ""This book is a God-send to every frustrated congregational or denominational leader who is praying and trusting the Lord but is seeing very little growth and a lot of dysfunction in her or his church or denomination. Michael Friday does an excellent analysis of leadership and management problems in the church and offers practical guidance on how to adapt and utilize tried and tested management and leadership principles and processes to address these problems."" --Anslem Warrick, Vice President of Baptist World Alliance ""Michael Friday has written a book that is enlightening and liberating. Using an engaging writing style, the book is successful in intertwining ecclesiology and missiology with leadership theories and does so by drawing on real episodes in the life of particular congregations both in the Caribbean and in the United States. Seminary students and ministry practitioners will find this book particularly useful as the church faces the challenge of a postmodern world and everything attendant to that."" --Karl Henlin, Chairman of Caribbean Christian Publications Front Cover: ""And Lead Us Not Into Dysfunction provides a diagnosis of congregational life in the American context. This is an important exercise, whether one shares Michael Friday's assumptions or conclusions, or not. He draws on decades of experience as a congregational pastor as well as perspectives from experts in and outside the church. The field of organizational behavior is especially helpful in providing insights into modeling church and congregational life."" --Eron Henry, Baptist World Alliance ""Michael Friday writes in a conversational style, making the book easy on the eyes. In addition, it is academic with 302 endnotes, analyses, and strategic plans. Everyone leaves pondering whether his or her congregation is a kingdom, bureaucracy, museum, or social club. This is a must-read book for leaders within and without the church."" --Devon Dick, pastor, author and newspaper columnist And Lead Us Not into Dysfunction provides a rich framework for challenging church leaders to avoid common pitfalls and to strive for excellence. --Sue E. S. Crawford, Creignton University Michael P. Friday is an organizational leadership specialist, serving Transition Ministries, American Baptist Chu

Author : Jason Berry
Publisher : University of Illinois Press
Page : 446 pages
File Size : 40,17 MB
Release : 2000
Category : Child sexual abuse
ISBN : 9780252068126

GET BOOK

While seminaries, by many accounts, admit an increasing number of homosexuals, women are strictly barred from ministerial roles. The church's time-honored tradition of "avoiding scandal" also backfires. For by the shielding of fallen clerics, Berry shows, the suffering of the abused is often compounded.

Author : Dr. Marcia A. Davis-Dawkins
Publisher : Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
Page : 229 pages
File Size : 45,70 MB
Release : 2022-01-24
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1638441111

GET BOOK

Sometimes we experience seemingly negative situations which, with time, prove to be the diametric opposite. Indeed, such situations may not only be painful at first but may also threaten to deny us our well-deserved joy in life. When faced with such challenges, we should not be discouraged but endeavor to learn the necessary lessons taught. These may manifest in that instant or with time, depending on the circumstances. Indeed, when others attempt to negatively stereotype us, even as we maintain our composure, we should refuse to capitulate, knowing that beyond the base instincts of the seemingly mean-spirited, life can be beautiful. Ada Adams said it perfectly in her refrain, "There is a light at the end of every tunnel. Some tunnels just happen to be longer than others."

Author : A. W. Tozer
Publisher : Good Press
Page : 114 pages
File Size : 37,66 MB
Release : 2023-12-13
Category : Religion
ISBN :

GET BOOK

In his acclaimed work, The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer delves deeply into the nature and character of God. Written in a profound and meditative style, Tozer explores the attributes of God such as His holiness, sovereignty, and love. The book is a theological masterpiece that challenges readers to elevate their understanding of God beyond mere acquaintance to a true knowledge that transforms their lives. Tozer's poetic and insightful writing style draws readers into a deeper contemplation of God's limitless qualities and His significance in their daily existence. Set within the context of the mid-20th century, Tozer's work is timeless in its relevance and remains a must-read for those seeking a closer relationship with the divine. A. W. Tozer, a prominent Christian pastor and author, was known for his passionate devotion to God and his desire to lead others into a deeper understanding of Him. His personal experiences and spiritual journey likely inspired him to write The Knowledge of the Holy, as he sought to share his insights and revelations with a wider audience. Readers eager to explore the profound depths of God's character and grow in their knowledge of Him will find The Knowledge of the Holy to be a transformative and enlightening read, rich in wisdom and spiritual insight.

Author : Mark Corner
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 234 pages
File Size : 38,17 MB
Release : 2024-02-13
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1666750530

GET BOOK

Divine Disorder and the Rescue of God is based on the idea that a kenotic approach is essential to a viable theology. It is deeply influenced by the way such an approach influenced the writings of Donald MacKinnon. Part I argues that God forces us to live in a state of uncertainty, even about God's existence. However compelling the sense of God's presence may be, religious experience cannot take that uncertainty away. We have to understand what sort of God would want to impose upon us the disorder of uncertainty. Part II explores this further in terms of God's willingness to give a degree of independence to the created order, while Part III compares the instability of the created order with that of the moral order. By giving human beings freedom, God opens up the possibility of failure, including that of God. The doctrine of the fall expresses the impossibility of giving human beings autonomy without risking disaster. In Parts IV and V the book looks more closely at the nature of this God who embraces risk, suffering, and even failure. Who is the deity behind this divine disorder? The focus from a Christian perspective is upon the risk, suffering, and failure displayed in the life of Christ. Jesus is drawn into something that it is beyond him to fathom--hence the troubled, uncertain character of his own life. But from a kenotic perspective, even a life marked by failure can be the focal point of God's self-revelation.

Author : June Hunt
Publisher : Rose Publishing Inc
Page : 48 pages
File Size : 27,53 MB
Release : 2014-07-07
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1596369361

GET BOOK

In many ways, dysfunctional families are becoming the "new norm" in our society, affecting families in and outside the church. In this ebook, June Hunt explains the signs, characteristics, and impact dysfunctional families have on children's attitudes and behavior—revealing the ugly truth that dysfunction often produces more dysfunction. She presents practical ways to break the generational cycle of dysfunction—giving those who come from this background hope and equipping those who minister to them (pastor, church leader, or friend) with practical insight on how to help. Coming from a dysfunctional family can often make a person feel helpless—doomed to repeat the same mistakes and behaviors as their parents. June emphasizes that change is possible. Using the familiar Bible story of Joseph and his brothers, June reveals how God can use one family member yielded to Him to change the dynamics of an entire family. She also tells the remarkable true story of Catherine Brown Deeken, a woman who grew up in a shattered home with 2 alcoholics, but who now (through the grace of God) runs Rainbow Days, a ministry which supports over 65,000 children who are living in high-risk situations. Compassionate in its approach, rich with scripture, and easy-to-understand, this ebook explains how to reverse the impact of unhealthy family relationships • Includes a quick overview and key definitions. Answers— What is a dysfunctional family? What is a "functional" family? What are the dysfunctional family roles? How does being raised in a dysfunctional family affect future relationships? • Reveals signs, symptoms, and common characteristics of a dysfunctional family. Explains the 8 dominant traits characterized by dysfunctional families, including chaos, control, denial, inconsistency, emotional indifference, instability, shame, and unpredictability. • Explains how unresolved conflicts in the past often cause children to repeat the dysfunctional behavior of their parents. Includes a checklist to see if you—or someone you know—is showing signs of unresolved conflict. • Provides dozens of step-by-steps suggestions and practical ways to replace "old mindsets and behaviors" from unhealthy family relationships with God's truth. What Is a Dysfunctional Family? • A dysfunctional family is one where improper and immature behavior of at least one parent damages the growth of individuality and healthy relational skills among family members. • A dysfunctional family is one where family members are negatively affected emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. • A dysfunctional family is one where everyone is negatively affected even when only one family member experiences a problem. Dysfunctional Families Produce Dysfunctional Families Dysfunction looks different in each family. Here are some of the ways dysfunction can creep into the family unit: • Overly possessive or faultfinding parents • Poor organization or overly rigid structure • Inconsistent and indecisive parents • Emotionally abandoned children (including emotional abuse) • Overly rigid structure or lacking parental authority How Do Kids Cope? 4 Dysfunctional Family Roles Children Adopt When parents are unable to manage their lives, children learn to cope by playing specific roles in the family or "acting out" in damaging ways. Typically, the child will adopt one of four roles: • The Responsible Child The "hero" tries to fix the family problems and help create a positive family image through noteworthy achievement. This child receives positive attention but often develops perfectionistic, compulsive behaviors. • The Rebellious Child The "scapegoat" draws focus away from the family's problems and onto himself or herself with rebellious, uncontrollable behavior. This child consumes time and energy from the family members and often develops self-destructive life patterns. • The Reclusive Child The "lost child" hopes that by ignoring family problems, the difficulties will go away. This child avoids attention and is often lonely and withdrawn. • The Reveling Child The "clown" uses humor and antics to direct the focus away from family problems. This child is often highly active or hyperactive and usually seeks to be the center of attention. A child may even display a combination of these traits or progress through different stages as they attempt to manage their emotional pain...just seeking to survive. To find out more about the coping devices children us, check out June Hunt's Dysfunctional Family. How can I accept and let go of my dysfunctional past? Life is a series of choices! Here's just a few choices you (and those you are helping) can make to begin breaking free from the influence of your past. I will... • Give Christ first place in my heart. Ask Jesus to be Lord of my life. Accept His forgiveness and love. Be aware of His constant presence within me. Allow Him to lead in all I say and do. • Give thought to my present dysfunctional characteristics. Pray for God to reveal my weaknesses. Pray for wisdom to understand how to change. Pray that I will draw on Christ, who is my strength, to make changes. Pray for wise and discerning friends to enlighten and encourage me. • Give myself boundaries. Define who I am: "I am a child of God," and who I am not: "I am not a piece of property." Refuse to be manipulated or mistreated and learn to say, "No." Stop playing the victim: "As an adult, I am not powerless." • Give up resentment Consider the consequences of unforgiveness. Confess my own areas of unforgiveness. Contemplate the sins for which I have received forgiveness. Choose to forgive and keep on choosing to forgive. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." (1 Corinthians 13:11) The dynamics of dysfunction are detrimental to the family. Discover how to cultivate your family now for the generations that follow as you establish and apply the principles of biblical truth in your own family. Look for all 36 titles in the Hope For The Heart Biblical Counseling Library. These mini-books are for people who seek freedom from codependency, anger, conflict, verbal and emotional abuse, depression, or other problems.

Author : Courtney Joseph Fallick
Publisher : Thomas Nelson
Page : 242 pages
File Size : 39,99 MB
Release : 2013-10-08
Category : Religion
ISBN : 140020495X

GET BOOK

Women desire to live well. However, living well in this modern world is a challenge. The pace of life, along with the new front porch of social media, has changed the landscape of our lives. Women have been told for far too long that being on the go and accumulating more things will make their lives full. As a result, we grasp for the wrong things in life and come up empty. God created us to walk with him; to know him and to be loved by him. He is our living well and when we drink from the water he continually provides, it will change us. Our marriages, our parenting, and our homemaking will be transformed. Mommy-blogger Courtney Joseph is a cheerful realist. She tackles the challenge of holding onto vintage values in a modern world, starting with the keys to protecting our walk with God. No subject is off-limits as she moves on to marriage, parenting, and household management. Rooted in the Bible, her practical approach includes tons of tips that are perfect for busy moms, including: Simple Solutions for Studying God’s Word How to Handle Marriage, Parenting, and Homemaking in a Digital Age 10 Steps to Completing Your Husband Dealing With Disappointed Expectations in Motherhood Creating Routines that Bring Rest Pursuing the Discipline and Diligence of the Proverbs 31 Woman There is nothing more important than fostering your faith, building your marriage, training your children, and creating a haven for your family. Women Living Well is a clear and personal guide to making the most of these precious responsibilities.

Author : Megan Johnson
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 66 pages
File Size : 28,25 MB
Release : 2022-06-29
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 1666794686

GET BOOK

You do not need any convincing that there is a problem. You desperately want to recover. Maybe you have hit rock bottom, or perhaps you are on the verge of hitting rock bottom. Maybe you have mustered up the courage to say enough is enough. But you are addicted and trapped. You are entirely engulfed in an eating disorder, feeling weak and helpless. You are looking for a lifeline. Now what? Megan Johnson is here to tell you how she found a way out! Megan is a Christ-follower who struggled with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating, and exercise addiction. Her recovery journey involved an intensive outpatient program, meeting with her pastor's wife, and lots of counseling. In this book, Megan takes you on a series of coffee dates. She provides you with biblical truths and practical wisdom to aid in your recovery journey.

Author : H. Thomas Milhorn
Publisher : Springer
Page : 362 pages
File Size : 24,4 MB
Release : 2017-10-17
Category : Medical
ISBN : 3319630407

GET BOOK

This practical and timely book provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art guidance on how primary care clinicians can best care for patients with substance use disorders. The book covers the major drugs of abuse, as well as the more recent ones, detailing the biology of various addictions and all dimensions of clinical diagnosis and management. It is organized in four parts: (1) The Basics, (2) Psychoactive Substance Dependencies, (3) Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Relapse, and the Family, and (4) Special Groups. Part I, The Basics, consists of an overview, the various definitions of substance dependence, and the pharmacology of addictive substances. Chapter 1, Overview, is an introductory chapter that covers material common to the entire field of substance dependence. Chapter 2 covers the various definitions of substance dependence, and Chapter 3 reviews the pharmacology of addictive substances. Part II, Psychoactive Substance Dependencies, explains the various drug dependencies—alcohol dependence, sedative-hypnotic dependence, opioid dependence, stimulant dependence, nicotine dependence, cannabis dependence, dissociative dependence, inhalant dependence, hallucinogen dependence, and anabolic steroid dependence. Part III addresses diagnosis, treatment, recovery, relapse, and the family. Part IV, Special Groups, discusses substance dependence in women, adolescents, the elderly, ethnic minority groups, co-occurring disorders, LGBT patients, HIV positive patients, and the impaired physician. In addition to primary care physicians, Substance Use Disorders: A Guide for the Primary Care Provider will serve as an invaluable resource to primary care nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well as medical students, primary care residents, emergency medicine physicians, ASAM and APA certified addictionists and those studying for certification in those specialties, psychiatrists, psychologists, and alcohol/drug counselors.