Faculty Books and Book Chapters

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Moving on, moving forward : a guide for pastors in transition

Michael J. Anthony and Mick Boersma

For most pastors and church staff members, gone are the days of serving at the same church for twenty or thirty years. What's more, the landscape of pastoral hiring has changed, with the advent of more sophisticated search committees, the Internet, and professional search firms. But the fine art of changing churches or moving to a new career isn't something most of us learned in seminary. Whether you are searching for your first position or are a seasoned veteran wrestling with if, when, and how to move on, Moving On, Moving Forward will help you navigate the ins and outs of the ministry employment maze. Based on research with nearly 200 pastors who themselves have gone through transitions in ministry, this book uniquely addresses the needs of people in ministry. It deals with the crucial and sometimes painful emotional and familial issues involved in ministry transition. And it is immensely practical and informed by many real-life examples. Topics covered include dealing with search committees, writing a letter of resignation, preparing a resume, negotiating compensation, and more. Includes charts and worksheets.
Ephesians

Clint E. Arnold

In this volume, Clinton Arnold offer pastors, students, and teachers a focused resource for reading Ephesians. Through the use of graphic representations of translations, succinct summaries of main ideas, exegetical outlines and other features, Arnold present Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians with precision and accuracy. Because of this series’ focus on the textual structure of the scriptures, readers will better understand the literary elements of Ephesians, comprehend the author’s revolutionary goals, and ultimately discovering their vital claims upon the church today.
How we got the Bible : a visual journey

Clint E. Arnold

How did the Bible come to be? How has it been passed down to us through the ages? Is it still trustworthy and relevant after all these years? The Bible is the bestselling book of all time and the basis of faith for billions of people around the world. Encompassing the fields of archaeology, biblical studies, and history, the story of how the Bible has come to us today is a fascinating one. It is told here, accompanied by beautiful full-color photographs and illustrations. You’ll marvel at the care and reverence with which this ancient book has been preserved. Just a few of the remarkable insights you’ll gain include scriptural origins on animal skins and clay tablets and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians

Clint E. Arnold

"Power and Magic is one of those few books which literally cannot be ignored by any serious bible student. In fact, it makes the classical commentaries on Ephesians that I am familiar with virtually obsolete. Clinton Arnold has done us all a great favor by throwing vital new light on our understanding of what really motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of his most important epistles." Peter Wagner, Fuller Theological Seminary "This scholarly book is a valuable contribution to understanding the spiritual world we live in. Clinton Arnold helps us to understand Paul's message to the early church and consequently to the church at the end of twentieth century." Neil Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries "Power and Magic is one of the most helpful biblical teachings available on the subject. I know it will be helpful to any reader." John Wimber, Association of Vineyard Churches "I consider Power and Magic to be one of the most valuable books in my library. Arnold's research into the world view held by the inhabitants of the Greco-Roman world focusing on spiritual power is outstanding. I continually recommend this book to pastors, missionaries, seminary professors, students, and thoughtful Christians in all my seminars worldwide on spiritual warfare." Ed Murphy "I have found this book extremely enlightening and consistently biblical. Reading it is a definite must for those who wish to understand the biblical world view." Ed Silvoso, President, Harvest Evangelism
Powers of Darkness: Principalities Powers in Paul's Letters

Clint E. Arnold

Satan worship. Witches. New Age channelers. The last two decades have witnessed a vast upsurge in occult activity. Scores of popular books have warned Christians of the dangers and urged them to do battle against these spiritual forces. Few books, however, have developed a careful biblical theology on demons, principalities and powers. Clinton Arnold seeks to fill this gap, providing an in-depth look at Paul's letters and what they teach on the subject. For perspective, he examines first-century Greek, Roman and Jewish beliefs as well as Jesus' teaching about magic, sorcery and divination. Arguing against many recent interpretations that have seen principalities and powers as impersonal social, economic and political structures, Arnold contends that the New Testament view is that such forces are organized, personal beings which Jesus defeated at the cross and will bring into full subjection at his return. In his concluding section Arnold suggests practical ways in which Christians today can contend with the forces of evil. A thoughtful, biblical look at an urgent challenge facing the church.
Short answers to big questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity

Clint E. Arnold

This accessible reference offers short and to-the-point answers to fifty pressing questions people have about God, the Bible, and Christianity, including - Are there errors or contradictions in the Bible? - Do science and faith conflict? - Is hell a real place? - What will heaven be like? - Is it possible to prove God exists? - Why did Jesus have to die? - Does God hate sex? - Do Christians have to go to church? - and many more This book is for those who want a clear introduction to the essential teachings of Christianity to help them grow in faith and in preparation to share the basics of Christian belief.
The Price of Panic: How the Tyranny of Experts Turned a Pandemic into a Catastrophe

Douglas Axe

The human cost of the emergency response to COVID-19 has far outweighed the benefits. That’s the sobering verdict of a trio of scholars—a biologist, a statistician, and a philosopher— in this comprehensive assessment of the worst panic-induced disaster in history. As the media fanned the flames of panic, government officials and a new elite of scientific experts ignored the established protocols for mitigating a dangerous disease. Instead, they shut down the world economy, closed every school, confined citizens to their homes, and threatened to enforce a regime of extreme social distancing indefinitely. And the American public—amazingly enough—complied without protest. Modestly but relentlessly focused on what we know and don’t know about the coronavirus, Douglas Axe, William M. Briggs, and Jay W. Richards demonstrate in this eye-opening study what real experts can contribute when a pandemic strikes. In the early spring of 2020, the panic of government officials, the hysteria of the media, and the hubris of suddenly powerful scientists produced a worldwide calamity. The Price of Panic is the essential book for understanding what happened and how to avoid repeating our deadly mistakes.
Value of spiritual classics in soul care

Betsy A. Barber

Ever since Richard Foster wrote Celebration of Discipline in 1978, evangelicals have hungered for a deeper and more historic spirituality. Many have come to discover the wealth of spiritual insight available in the Desert Fathers, the medieval mystics, German Pietism and other traditions. While these classics have been a source of life-changing renewal for many, still others are wary of these texts and the foreign theological traditions from which they come. The essays in this volume provide a guide for evangelicals to read the Christian spiritual classics. The contributions fall into four sections. The first three answer the big questions: why should we read the spiritual classics, what are these classics and how should we read them? The last section brings these questions together into a brief reading guide for each of the major traditions. Each essay not only explores the historical and theological context, but also expounds the appropriate hermeneutical framework and the significance for the church today.

Ch. 3
Paul, the Stoics, and the Body of Christ

Michelle Lee Barnewall

At first glance, Paul's words to the Corinthians about being the body of Christ seem simple and straightforward. He compares them with a human body so that they may be encouraged to work together, each member contributing to the good of the whole according to his or her special gift. However, the passage raises several critical questions which point to its deeper implications. Does Paul mean that the community is 'like' a body or is he saying that they are in some sense a real body? What is the significance of being specifically the body of Christ? Is the primary purpose of the passage to instruct on the correct use of spiritual gifts or is Paul making a statement about the identity of the Christian community? Michelle Lee examines Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 12-14 against the backdrop of Hellenistic moral philosophy, and especially Stoicism.
Surprised by the Parables: Growing in Grace through the Stories of Jesus

Michelle Lee Barnewall

Jesus' parables can't simply be interpreted, they must be experienced. In the gospels, Jesus used parables to teach transformative lessons and convey deep spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. But he often used them to confront and challenge his audience as well, forcing them to open or close their hearts to the kingdom. Jesus understood the power of stories, but there are some things lost in translation when we try to interpret those same stories thousands of years removed from their original context. The unexpected twists and surprises in the parables might be missed by a modern audience because they're unfamiliar with the underlying points of reference. In Surprised by the Parables, Michelle Lee Barnewall explores the ancient context these parables drew from. These stories of grace reveal many of the mysteries central to God's character, and understanding the ancient world behind them will help us see the parables from a new perspective.
Apostolic fathers : a narrative introduction

Kenneth Berding

Who were the Apostolic Fathers? What did they care about? Why did they write what they wrote? The Apostolic Fathers: A Narrative Introduction is the most engaging introduction to Apostolic Fathers you will ever read. Imagine what it would be like to ask Polycarp about the documents that were composed during his lifetime. You don't have to imagine any longer. Situated during the final week of Polycarp's life, these fictional dialogues will introduce you to the earliest Christian documents after the time of the apostles. You will come to know Clement, Ignatius, Hermas, Papias, and others. Freshly translated excerpts from the writings themselves are included after each chapter. ""Berding's experience of living in Smyrna, the home of Polycarp, serves him well as he brings to life its famous bishop. The stories of the church leaders who once sat at the feet of apostles are little known unfortunately.
Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book

Kenneth Berding
How to Live an ‘In Christ’ Life : 100 Devotional Readings on Union with Christ

Kenneth Berding

Everywhere we look in the letters of Paul we encounter ‘in Christ.’ But how many of us know why the Apostle Paul uses this expression―or ones like it―over and over again in his letters? What is so important about being in Christ? Is it possible that when Paul talks about inChristness, he is handing us a set of keys that will open up his letters and reveal what is most essential to living the Christian life? In these 100 devotional readings, we discover why inChristness is so important and how to live an in–Christ life.
Polycarp and Paul : an analysis of their literary & theological relationship in light of Polycarp's use of biblical & extra-biblical literature

Kenneth Berding

This volume addresses the question of the Apostle Paul's literary and theological influences on Polycarp of Smyrna. To this end, the most detailed analysis in print of Polycarp's dependence on earlier literature--both biblical and extra-biblical--is undertaken in the first part of the book. This general analysis forms the basis for the study of three questions: 1) Is Polyarp an imitator of Paul? 2) Whom does Polycarp think is the author of the Pastoral Epistles? 3) To what degree is Polycarp influenced by the theology of Paul? This volume will be of particular interest to anyone studying the Apostolic Fathers, the reception of Paul in the second century, the concept of imitation, and the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles.
Sing and Learn New Testament Greek [Audio CD]

Kenneth Berding

Sing and Learn New Testament Greek provides a way for learning (and remembering!) New Testament Greek grammar forms through simple songs. It is not designed to compete with existing Greek grammar books, but to serve as a required supplemental resource for elementary Greek classes. Indeed, it has been designed to be used alongside of any introductory grammar. A professor can simply assign to his or her students any (or some) of the songs for the paradigms a particular elementary grammar employs. In this way, students will actually remember what they have learned. (As we are all aware, people do not easily forget something learned via song.) The entire project includes songs for indicative verb endings, participles, infinitives, imperatives, contract forms, and prepositions, among others. All but the last song can be sung in 15 seconds or less. Parsing is enormously easier through this method. And it is a lot more fun than traditional methods.
Walking in the Spirit

Kenneth Berding

If you want to live the life of abundance promised by Jesus, you must learn what it means to walk with the Holy Spirit. Here is a wise, biblical, and practical guide to living life in the Spirit as outlined in Romans 8. Filled with real-life examples and engaging personal stories, Berding offers an invaluable message to many of us who either ignore, forget, or want to know more of the Spirit’s role in the Christian life
What are spiritual gifts? : rethinking the conventional view

Kenneth Berding

Pt. 1. Understanding the issue. Understanding the conventional view : spiritual gifts as special abilities ; A biblical alternative : spiritual ministries ; So what? : exploring some implications of the spiritual-ministries view -- Pt. 2. Arguing the case. On the meaning of words ; Greek words don't solve the problem (part 1) : what does charisma mean outside of 1 Corinthians 12? ; Greek words don't solve the problem (part 2) : what do charisma and pneumatika mean in 1 Corinthians 12? ; Paul's central concern : building up the body of Christ through the ministries of its members ; How Paul uses lists ; The lists in context (part 1) : Ephesians 4:11-12 ; The lists in context (part 2) : Romans 12:6-8 ; The lists in context (part 3) : 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 ; The lists in context (part 4) : 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 ; "Grace" that has been "given" : an important connection ; "But what about ... ?" addressing potential objections -- Pt. 3. Broader connections. Ministry and service in the letters of Paul ; Learning by example : Paul's central ministry assignment(s) ; The Holy Spirit in the letters of Paul ; Empowering and weakness in the letters of Paul -- Pt. 4. Implications and applications. Early church ministries in the letters of Paul ; Early church ministries outside the letters of Paul ; What difference does it make? : significant implications of the spiritual-ministries approach ; Knowing where to serve.
What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings

Kenneth Berding

This textbook is more accessible than many New Testament survey texts, with full color and photographs and to-the-point coverage of each New Testament book. Introductory issues (Who? When? Where? Why?) are condensed to a one-page snapshot of all the most pertinent information. In addition, more than one hundred applications are highlighted in sidebars to clarify how the New Testament authors might apply their writings to Christians living in the twenty-first century.
Three views on the New Testament use of the Old Testament

Kenneth Berding and Jonathan M. Lunde

This book in the Counterpoints: Exploring Theology series introduces three approaches presently employed in the study of the uses of the Old Testament in the New Testament, especially in those instances where the New Testament authors discern the fulfillment of a prophetic element in the Old Testament text.

Introduction / Lunde p.7+

An analysis of three views / Berding p. 233+
Did Christianity Help Give Rise to Science?

John A. Bloom

Chapter 6

Science and Faith Can—and Do—Support Each Other Science and Christianity are often presented as opposites, when in fact the order of the universe and the complexity of life powerfully testify to intelligent design. With this comprehensive resource that includes the latest research, you’ll witness how the findings of scientists provide compelling reasons to acknowledge the mind and presence of a creator. Featuring more than 45 entries by top-caliber experts, you’ll better understand…
- how scientific concepts like intelligent design are supported by evidence
- the scientific findings that support the history and accounts found in the Bible
- the biases that lead to scientific information being presented as a challenge—rather than a complement—to Christianity
Whether you’re looking for answers to your own questions or seeking to explain the case for intelligent design to others, The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith is an invaluable apologetic tool that will help you explore and analyze the relevant facts, research, and theories in light of biblical truth.
Natural sciences : a student's guide

John A. Bloom

In this accessible guide for students, a well-regarded science professor introduces readers to the natural sciences from a distinctly Christian perspective.

Starting with the classical view of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, this book lays the biblical foundation for the study of the natural world and explores the history of scientific reflection since Aristotle. Bloom argues that the Christian worldview provides the best grounds for scientific investigation, offering readers the framework they need to think and speak clearly about the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Associate staff ministry : thriving personally, professionally, and relationally

Mick Boersma and Kevin E. Lawson

This vital revised and expanded update to How to Thrive in Associate Staff Ministry (Alban, 2000) provides guidance to the growing population of staff members employed by churches. Churches are expanding their staffs, but the turnover rate remains high, often due to stress, isolation, and conflict on the job. Lawson and Boersma address what it takes to thrive personally, professionally, and relationally within associate staff ministry. Based on updated research and interviews with over 600 veteran associate staff members from many different denominations, Lawson and Boersma describe the priorities, attitudes, and practices that can help associate staff members thrive in their ministry roles. They present, explain, and illustrate a four-part “Model for Thriving in Associate Staff Ministry,” a concrete framework that readers can use to help achieve satisfaction and balance in their own lives. In addition to addressing those in associate staff roles, the book also includes chapters to help supervising pastors and church boards support their associate staff members. Each chapter includes questions for personal reflection or discussion with others to help readers engage with the material and determine what steps they might take to improve their own experience in associate staff ministry.
Ministry in the digital age : strategies and best practices for a post-website world

David T. Bourgeois

"Christianity is fundamentally a communication event. It is God revealing God's self to the world. And God uses a large variety of media to accomplish that revelation." ―Shane Hipps, author of Flickering Pixels Viral videos and retweeted posts fill the air around us. In the midst of constant news feeds and mobile alerts, ministries have unprecedented opportunities to connect with people yearning for community with others and God. But how? In this post-website world, it’s no longer enough to have a static website and hope that people find it. If you want to get your online content in front of your audience, you need to have a digital presence in the streams where they’re already active. David Bourgeois offers a practical step-by-step guide for discerning and implementing a digital strategy for your ministry. He provides an overview of how Christians can use technology and communication media wisely, with concrete ideas for churches and nonprofit organizations. Discover how you can make the most of every opportunity to extend your ministry’s electronic reach and impact.
The culture portfolio : Assessing growth toward intercultural competence

Julianne Bryant

Chapter 8

Culture learning in the language classroom has long been a recognized benefit to studying language (American Council of Trustees and Alumni [ACTA], 2017). The National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project (NSLEP) states that “only the study of world language empowers learners to engage successfully in meaningful interaction, both orally and in writing, with members of other cultures” (NSLEP, 2015, p. 79). This idea was challenged, however, when Wright (2000) completed a study showing that not only do language students not progress in intercultural competence (IC) when culture is presented as cultural facts but that students even regressed in their ability to be open-minded and flexible to culturally different others. However, when culture learning was approached as a reflective process of discovery, students, even at the beginning levels of language learning, made significant gains in IC. Since this study was conducted, much has changed in the field of foreign language instruction...
Campus survival guide: representing Christ on campus

Paul Buchanan

The Campus Survival Guide, from the editors of the popular Student to Student and Campus Voices books, features sixty student essays on topics ranging from communion sacraments to super heroes. Like its popular predecessors in the series, each devotional includes a list of Scripture readings for the week, along with a companion article offering helpful, humorous, or inspirational information. Articles coincide with events commonly occurring during the academic year, with seasonal entries focusing on holidays, semester exams, spring breaks, and summer vacations