After The Altar Call

After the Altar Call: The Sisters' Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God is a fresh, real and relevant how-to manual for African-American Christian women who desire to move past the "church speak" and into an intimate relationship with their Creator. What makes this book unique from other "relationship with God" books is that this book is written from an African-American perspective and spans a variety of issues typically not included in one book--from being thrice-married to leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses. The book includes interviews with 24 remarkable women with compelling stories such as the "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd; Valorie Burton, life coach, author and co-host on the Emmy award-winning show "Aspiring Women" and the former co-host of the national daily television program, "The Potter's Touch" with Bishop T.D. Jakes; and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the first woman elected to Episcopal office in over 200 years of A.M.E. history.

The greatest enemy of any new believer in Christ is themselves. We often over think salvation and what it means to be a Christian. When we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we seek to save the whole world in a day. We easily forget that there is a force of evil that is waiting for us the very second we exit the church doors and head to our vehicles. At the altar we don't account for the hundreds of emotions or the way our families will receive us, at that time we are only seeking a change that will free us from the bondage that is eating away at our very souls. In this writing the author seeks to put the audience in the drivers seat of a new believer and walk them through the process, while giving them biblical principals and Christian experiences to open there eyes to the realities of conversion in the 21st century church. The ride home and the conversation a new believer has with their families can make for a great experience or a scary, traumatic one. The ride home lends to hundreds of emotions; happy, sad, grateful, lonely, scared, joy, freedom etc. the author tries to encourage the young believer before approaching family and friends that they may be ready for the let down of being rejected and shunned. We love to feel accepted because of our choices, but more times than not, a believer has to learn how to accept rejection and even humiliation for the sake of a relationship with Christ. A believer, no matter how young or old has to become satisfied and find comfort in a singular relationship with Christ. The author concludes letting the audience know, that the greatest sign of the forgiving power of Christ is people knowing how you use to live before you accepted Christ. The thing we fear, is indeed the one thing that will allow God to get Glory because of the visible change that takes place in our lives. Jesus didn't come for those who were well, He came for those who where sick. Before we meet Christ we are sick in sin, but we come to realize we need a Savior, and His name is Jesus. There is hope, After the Altar Call.

In this thrilling romance from Essence-bestselling author Tiffany L. Warren, two women are determined to win the heart of Atlanta’s most eligible widower . . . Five years after his beloved wife’s death, wealthy Quentin Chambers still hasn’t returned to the church or his music ministry. Even his home is now devoid of music, and without his attention, Quentin’s five children are out of control—until his mother steps in and hires a live-in nanny. Montana is pretty, compassionate, churchgoing, and even has a beautiful singing voice. The children take to her right away, and soon Quentin finds his heart opening to faith—and love—once more. But not everyone loves Montana . . . A “friend” of Quentin’s first wife, Chloe has been scheming since the funeral to become the next Mrs. Chambers. Now she’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of Montana—including blackmail, theft, and digging up a troublemaking man from Montana’s past. But Chloe has secrets of her own, and the tables may turn with a twist she never saw coming . . . “I just love her work.” —Victoria Christopher Murray “Warren brings the Sound of Music story to modern wealthy Atlanta in this moving inspirational novel.” —Booklist

The Altar Call is a thorough examination of the public invitation practice within Christian evangelism. In addition to giving a comprehensive historical background that spans three continents, The Altar Call also poses the following question: If John Wesley, George Whitefield , and Jonathan Edwards are regarded as the great figures of modern evangelicalism, why did none of these important leaders practice the invitation system that became so important in so many later evangelical groups? This important study will be of interest to both religious scholars and lay people, who are curious about the antecedents, development, and current use of the altar call.

Though a variety of studies have treated individual sacramental practices in Pentecostalism, in this volume Daniel Tomberlin offers a full-length treatment of the theology and practice of Pentecostal sacraments. The study draws on the strength of decades of pastoral practice and significant experience as a theological educator in the formation of local pastors. Grounded in the conviction that 'encounter with God at the altar' is primary for Pentecostal worship, Tomberlin explores the Spirit as 'the Spirit of Grace' and the role of Christ and the Spirit in sacramental practices, before turning his attention to the individual sacraments of anointing with oil, water baptism, the Lord's Supper, and footwashing. Drawing on early Pentecostal literature, the writings of early Christian authors, and pastoral practice, Tomberlin goes on to contextualize each practice in Scripture. The volume concludes with an empirical study of the thoughts and practices of several Pentecostal pastors in order to assess the impact of this study on the life of the church.

By the time he was nineteen, Frank Schaeffer's parents, Francis and Edith Schaeffer, had achieved global fame as bestselling evangelical authors and speakers, and Frank had joined his father on the evangelical circuit. He would go on to speak before thousands in arenas around America, publish his own evangelical bestseller, and work with such figures as Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Dr. James Dobson. But all the while Schaeffer felt increasingly alienated, precipitating a crisis of faith that would ultimately lead to his departure—even if it meant losing everything. With honesty, empathy, and humor, Schaeffer delivers “a brave and important book” (Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog)—both a fascinating insider's look at the American evangelical movement and a deeply affecting personal odyssey of faith.

"Almost all who claim to be Christians are agreed on the need for evangelism. However, evangelicals are still distinguished by their authoritative proclamation of man's state in sin, necessitating a personal response to Christ in repentance and faith. As distinct from vaguer conceptions, evangelicals believe in the new birth of individuals. In recent years, however, the pattern in which such conversions are most frequently expected to occur has been linked with the practice of calling people to the front during an evangelistic service. This is 'the invitation system' characteristic of modern mass evangelism." --from back cover.

From USCCB Publishing, this revision of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) seeks to promote more conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful in the mystery of the Eucharist. While the Missale Romanum contains the rite and prayers for Mass, the GIRM provides specific detail about each element of the Order of Mass as well as other information related to the Mass.

Most preaching and teaching in the church engages only one of the senses—hearing. In The Power of Multisensory Preaching and Teaching, Rick Blackwood shows how recognizing and engaging the multiple senses of the congregation can lead to greater impact. Blackwood presents both biblical evidence and scientific research showing that the more senses we stimulate in teaching and preaching, the greater the levels of learner attention, comprehension, and retention. Blackwood addresses both the “why” and the “how” of multisensory communication. Regardless of one’s current skill level, this practical book can help anyone add multi-sensory elements to messages in order to take communication to the next level—more compelling, clear, and memorable. As a result of reading this book readers can be more effective as a communicator and teacher. The book includes tools, examples, and worksheets.