{"title":"Reading to fuel one-to-one ministry","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"making-disciples","title":"Making Disciples","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow central should the work of disciple-making be in our daily lives and in our church culture? How do we get there? And what does it actually look like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8 studies in \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples\u003c\/em\u003e will highlight the work of disciple-making as the very heart of the Bible’s vision for the life of God’s people. They will also:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eguide you as you explore and discuss key Bible passages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eshow you what it might look like to be involved in this great work of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eforge the deep biblical convictions that you will need in order to commit to disciple-making\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eaddress the challenges and potential pitfalls around making disciples of Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehelp you see disciple-making as both an enormous privilege and an attainable goal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColin Marshall is the author of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"growth-groups-manual\"\u003eGrowth Groups: A training course in how to lead small groups\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, and co-author of \u003ca href=\"the-trellis-and-the-vine\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"the-vine-project\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Vine Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. He has spent over 40 years training men and women in the ministry of the gospel, and is currently the CEO of Vinegrowers—a ministry that provides coaching and support to churches engaged in disciple-making culture change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":29089768898646,"sku":"mdi","price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"PDF","offer_id":40255246401622,"sku":"pdfmdi","price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"PDF group licence","offer_id":40255246794838,"sku":"licmdi","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/making-disciples-18-rgb.jpg?v=1562757411"},{"product_id":"songs-of-the-saints","title":"Songs of the Saints","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen Rob Smith and Mike Raiter travel to various churches and conferences they often observe two rather disconcerting trends: Christians either remaining stony-faced and disengaged during the songs, or passionately singing songs of minimal biblical or theological substance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSongs of the Saints\u003c\/i\u003e is their call to revitalize congregational singing in our evangelical churches. It is a spirited plea to marry sound biblical theology and spiritually zealous hearts, and harness the God-given power of congregational singing to bring vitality and maturity to God's people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy exploring some of the songs in both the Old and New Testaments, Mike and Rob powerfully remind us why songs are such an important vehicle for glorifying God and sharing life-changing truths with each other.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":29089796128854,"sku":"songs","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":29089796161622,"sku":"esongs","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/Songs_of_the_Saints_16rgb.jpg?v=1564564510"},{"product_id":"the-trellis-and-the-vine","title":"The Trellis and the Vine","description":"\u003cp\u003eAll Christian ministry is a mixture of trellis and vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is vine work: the prayerful preaching and teaching of the word of God to see people converted and grow to maturity as disciples of Christ. Vine work is the Great Commission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd there is trellis work: creating and maintaining the physical and organisational structures and programs that support vine work and its growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat’s the state of the trellis and the vine in your part of the world? Has trellis work taken over, as it has a habit of doing? Is the vine work being done by very few (perhaps only the pastor and only on Sundays)? And is the vine starting to wilt as a result?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the trellis and the vine raises all the fundamental questions of Christian ministry:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is the vine for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow does the vine grow?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow does the vine relate to my church?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is vine work and what is trellis work, and how can we tell the difference?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat part do different people play in growing the vine?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow can we get more people involved in vine work?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne answer these urgent questions afresh. They dig back into the Bible’s view of Christian ministry, and argue that a major mind-shift is required if we are to fulfil the Great Commission of Christ, and see the vine flourish again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis latest edition of \u003cem\u003eThe \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eTrellis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e contains a discussion guide for groups and ministry teams working through it together, a list of recommended resources, and an index of Bible verses referenced throughout the text.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've been convinced by \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e, then the next step is \u003ca href=\"the-vine-project\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Vine Project\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":29089804746838,"sku":"tatv3","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":29089804779606,"sku":"etatv","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/TheTrellisandtheVine23rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1709529538"},{"product_id":"the-thing-is","title":"The Thing Is","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The thing is.\" That's what we say when we are at last getting to the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bushes have been beaten around, the chase has been cut to, and we are finally getting to the thing we've been avoiding but that now needs to be spoken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is that thing for you? What is the thing that makes sense of your life but that you don't often talk about? What is the point of it all, the purpose, the real reason you get out of bed in the morning?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e comes an opportunity to pause and take stock of our lives, and to discover the life-changing purpose that God has for each one of us. Not some vague-Christian-cliché purpose; but a purpose that is clear and real enough to drive the decisions we make and the way we live our lives from this point on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis second edition includes a new discussion guide and updated resource suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eTony Payne is the author of more than 30 books, ministry courses and Bible studies, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eincluding \u003ci\u003eTwo ways to live: the choice we all \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eface\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e The Course of Your Life\u003c\/i\u003e. He now works \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eas a ministry trainer and writer-in-residence at Campus Bible Study (UNSW).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":29089821556822,"sku":"tti2","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":29089821589590,"sku":"etti","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/TheThingIs20rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1600816096"},{"product_id":"busy","title":"Busy","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFeeling overworked? Too much on your plate? Hoping there must be a better way? Then surely you need greater efficiency, better time management techniques, the right apps, the resolve to simply push through, guidance from a guru or influencer …\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what if the change we really crave is found somewhere entirely different?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we make our way in this hectic, confused culture, our greatest need is the practical, life-changing wisdom that only our Creator can provide. We need to pause and look to God—who he is, who he has made us to be, and how the good news of Jesus can genuinely reorder our daily lives for the better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin Ian Carmichael as he explores the Bible in search of a better way to handle our busy lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso available: the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com.au\/products\/busy-group-bible-study\" title=\"Busy: Group Bible study\"\u003efree group Bible study\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com.au\/products\/busy-group-bible-study-leader-notes\"\u003efree leader's notes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eListen to an interview with the author on Pilgrim Radio:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"player\"\u003e\n\u003cvsc-controller class=\"vsc-controller\" style=\"z-index: 9999999 !important;\"\u003e\u003c\/vsc-controller\u003e\u003caudio controls=\"controls\"\u003e\n\u003csource src=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.info\/shopify-files\/pilgrim-radio-busy-interview.mp3\" type=\"audio\/mpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/audio\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIan Carmichael has been with Matthias Media from its beginnings in 1988, co-leading with Tony Payne for many of those years. Ian stepped down from the CEO role in late 2020, and now contributes in an honorary capacity. Ian and his wife, Stephanie, are part of Chatswood Presbyterian Church in Sydney, as well as Unichurch at UNSW.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eRecommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e offers a unique take on busyness and one that strikes to the very heart of our God-given purpose. It is a book that blessed and challenged me and, I trust, one that will bless and challenge you as well. I am glad to recommend it.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Tim Challies (read the full review at \u003ca title=\"Challies.com review\" href=\"https:\/\/www.challies.com\/book-reviews\/the-overloaded-christian-life\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eChallies.com\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Reading the book feels like meeting a helpful friend. Carmichael is down to earth, conversational, and personable, guiding us through a biblical perspective on the world we live in, the God who made it, and our busyness. The lack of “magic bullets” does mean it takes nine chapters for the book to start feeling more practical, but that’s okay. The goal is a proper perspective, not just a bunch of strategies.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Aidan Smith (read the full review at \u003ca title=\"TGC Australia review\" href=\"https:\/\/au.thegospelcoalition.org\/book-review\/busyness-following-in-gods-footsteps\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Gospel Coalition\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Ian Carmichael speaks into our common slavery to busyness, and charts the only road to freedom—not by providing more tips on time management, but by thinking deeply about who we are as humans, and understanding God’s busyness in his plan of redemption. Ian shows us that we are slaves to busyness because we don’t believe the gospel. He is disarmingly honest, confronting and warmly conversational at the same time, anticipating our questions and objections. He provides very practical reflections for personal change towards godly busyness for employees, church members, parents, children, husbands, wives and siblings. I can see radical implications for how we think about retirement. This book is comprehensive.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Colin Marshall, author and trainer\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Ian Carmichael’s book \u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is refreshingly clear and to the point. It helps us re-examine the purpose of life while we wait for the new creation—that is, Christ-directed busyness and rest. Ian’s relationship audit exercise is insightful and practical for applying the biblical principles given in the first half of the book:\u003cbr\u003eStep 1: Identify our key relationships.\u003cbr\u003eStep 2: Reflect on how we can be more intentional in seeing these precious people transferred into God’s kingdom and transformed into the likeness of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eMedical experts recommend booking annual health checks. I recommend buying and reading this book as an excellent yearly spiritual health check.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Carmelina Read, Dean of Women, Christ College, Sydney\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Ian Carmichael’s \u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful read. It’s full of biblical wisdom, warmth, humour and grace. Most importantly it will help you think about how God’s kindness in Jesus rearranges our priorities and helps us be busy in a healthy way for God. It’s a book born of a life lived serving Jesus and putting the Bible into practice. It’s a book that will encourage you to rest in God, work hard for Christ, and put busyness into perspective. I encourage you to grab a copy, read it, and live it! It might just turn ‘busy’ into joyful service.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Paul Grimmond, Dean of Students and Lecturer in Ministry and Mission, Moore Theological College, Sydney\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eBusy\u003c\/em\u003e is not what I expected but it’s exactly what I needed, and I suspect it’s what many of us need. Challenging me to rethink not only Monday-Fridays, Ian also really pushed me to think again about my Sundays (and I say this as a pastor!). I pray this book will be given to every Christian, from new to mature, with the hope that all of them will consider how they themselves are answers to the prayer of Matthew 9:37-38—a call to be busy with work for the harvest.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Marty Sweeney, Pastor of Training, Old North Church, Ohio, and Executive Director, Matthias Media, USA\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"head accordion_toggle\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":40058127253590,"sku":"BUSY","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":40099349430358,"sku":"EBUSY","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/products\/Busy22rgb72dpi.jpg?v=1663198594"},{"product_id":"warriors-of-the-word","title":"Warriors of the Word","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen was the last time you did some truly deep learning—not just memorizing some facts and figures to pass an exam, or discovering more about a hobby or personal interest, but the kind of profound learning that transforms the mind, penetrates the heart, and produces a renewed life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a disciple of Christ—a deep learner of Christ—has always been at the heart of the Christian life. But in a culture that pushes us to choose the path of least resistance, the idea of learning Christ is becoming a lost art. For those who fight against this trend and dedicate themselves to learning Christ, the rewards are abundant—and eternal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eWarriors of the Word\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pastor and author Colin Marshall provides a much-needed field manual to guide you in your lifelong pursuit of learning Christ. With his trademark inspiring yet accessible approach, Marshall reveals what the Lord Jesus calls us to learn as his disciples, why it’s worth the effort, and how this kind of deep learning can become part of your daily life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart A: Disciples are learners\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Valuing learning\u003cbr\u003e2. What kind of learning do we need?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart B: The problem of stalled learning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. Good teachers, but what about us learners?\u003cbr\u003e4. We are losing the learning wars\u003cbr\u003e5. Learning Christ is a fight\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart C: The privileges of learning Christ\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6. Chosen\u003cbr\u003e7. Saved\u003cbr\u003e8. Transformed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart D: Power for learning Christ\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9. Learning the Christ of Scripture\u003cbr\u003e10. Learning the doctrines of Christ\u003cbr\u003e11. Learning Christ in prayer and suffering\u003cbr\u003e12. Learning in the body of Christ\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart E: Progress in learning Christ\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e13. Learning Christ in church and household\u003cbr\u003e14. Personal learning\u003cbr\u003e15. Learning to fight for Christ in a hostile world\u003cbr\u003eConclusion\u003cbr\u003eAppendix A: An example of reading the Bible theologically\u003cbr\u003eAppendix B: Some theological resources\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColin (Col) Marshall has spent the past 50 years training men and women in Christian discipleship and ministry, both in university and local church contexts. He served as CEO of the Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) and was the founder of the Vinegrowers ministry, which helps pastors to build churches with a disciple-making culture. His previous books reflect his experience and passion to equip church leaders and members as learners of Christ: \u003cem\u003eGrowth Groups\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePassing the Baton\u003c\/em\u003e, and with Tony Payne, \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Vine Project\u003c\/em\u003e. He is married to Jacquie, who has shared with him in this lifetime of ministry, and they have been blessed with three now adult children and six grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThe word we translate ‘disciple’ means ‘learner’, and so being a Christ-disciple simply means ‘learning Christ’—learning his word, his love, his way of living. From a lifetime of this kind of learning, Col Marshall has a profound understanding not only of how this learning proceeds, but why we find it difficult, given the obstacles and opposing forces we face. I warmly recommend his rich and stirring challenge for us to keep learning Christ, and to build churches that are learning communities.\u003cbr\u003e—Tony Payne, Lecturer in Christian Thought, Moore Theological College, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHere is a Col Marshall book—not simply a book written\u003cem\u003e by\u003c\/em\u003e Col Marshall, but a book of Col Marshall as he shares his struggle and passion for learning Christ in a hostile world. Working with Col for several decades was always an encouraging challenge as I watched his persistent fight to learn more of putting God’s word into practice.\u003cbr\u003e—Phillip Jensen, Bible teacher and evangelist, Two Ways Ministries, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWarriors of the Word\u003c\/em\u003e is rooted in Col Marshall’s experience of decades of personal Christian discipleship, and his practice training multiple Christian disciples. In an age when techniques and methods for Christian growth abound, the biblical emphasis on ‘learning Christ’ as the means to maturity is both liberating and refreshing. It has done me good to read it, and I already have in mind a number of people to whom I would like to give it. I highly recommend this book. \u003cbr\u003e—William Taylor, Rector, St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, UK\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book is a humble, gentle, vulnerable and yet urgent call to take living for the Lord Jesus seriously while we have breath. Col puts his arm around our shoulders and patiently walks us through the challenges of keeping going and keeping growing in a way that makes me long to keep learning Christ. \u003cem\u003eWarriors of the Word\u003c\/em\u003e is a deeply heartfelt word from one who has invested his life in proclaiming Christ, and now is determined to keep pressing on. I was deeply encouraged by reading it and pray that you will be too.\u003cbr\u003e—Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHow do we live out our new identity in Christ? Col Marshall’s answer is warm, practical, and personal as he argues that we do so as lifelong learners of Christ, individually and in community. He is concerned that in a world that is battling for our hearts and minds, it is possible for our learning to stall, plateau, or get stuck. Marshall’s book, which includes reflection questions at the end of each chapter, is for anyone to read on their own with a Bible and journal on hand, or in discipling contexts with others. It helpfully teaches that being Christ’s disciple is daily and lifelong devotion to the theologically deep and rich truths about Christ that motivate us prayerfully to live like him.\u003cbr\u003e—Veronica Hoyt, Director, Priscilla and Aquila Centre, Moore Theological College, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book was good for my own heart. As a pastor of a local church, I am keenly aware that the occupational hazard for church leaders is to become professional Christians. I am so grateful for Col’s personal conviction of the importance of continuing to learn Christ—present continuous tense. It revealed my own heart’s propensity to slip into apathy and presumption. I found myself praying that I would delight in the journey to keep learning Christ. \u003cbr\u003eBut this book is also a great tool for discipling others. Col’s warm, real and convicting challenge is that learning Christ is a community project. I know that many of us are grateful to God for Col’s lifelong emphasis on, and commitment to, discipleship. \u003cbr\u003eThe book is wonderfully accessible, written for every Christian. It is honest and hard-hitting—with a lovely feature of Col’s personal confessions, which are raw and real, and will resonate with anyone who has been on the road for a while. There is a tone of fatherly, patient instruction, which I found refreshing. This book is a great resource, both to refresh Christian leaders and to use in discipling others. I warmly welcome it.\u003cbr\u003e—Grant Retief, Senior Minister, Christ Church Stellenbosch, South Africa\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eDon’t read this book if you want a stale, spoonfed Christian life! \u003cbr\u003eWith the strength and kindness of a spiritual father, Col names my foolishness and reignites my heart to the joy and privilege of learning Christ.\u003cbr\u003e—Di Warren, Co-founder, EQUIP Women, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eBoth Colin Marshall’s life and ministry have sought to deepen the knowledge of Christ in the lives of Christian disciples. The disciple never removes the ‘learner plates’—not until we see Christ face to face. Col’s writings have helped countless people come to know Christ, who have then shared that knowledge with others. This book continues in that vein. Col’s honest identification of the possible pitfalls of familiarity, world-weariness and jaded effort, and his incisive, relevant reasoning, make this book an essential read. It isn’t written by someone detached from the realities of daily discipleship, but by an enduring disciple. I have been challenged, taught, shaped and blessed by Col’s pastoral intelligence, warmth and loving heart to see Christ grow in me.\u003cbr\u003e—Trevor Johnston, Rector, St Nicholas and All Saints Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":43815692304470,"sku":"wotw","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":43815692337238,"sku":"ewotw","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/WarriorsoftheWord25rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1768439177"},{"product_id":"transforming-work","title":"Transforming Work","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday you installed a shower\/taught long division\/wrote a compliance policy\/cut hair\/changed nine nappies\/led a Bible study. Does God care what you did? Does he care how you did it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Christian circles, there can be a lot of confusion about whether our work matters, and how our work relates to God’s work. The Bible paints a very rich picture showing us the unique significance of the Lord’s work, while also showing us all the valuable ways in which we exert ourselves in obedience to God—whether at home, for our employers, in study, in church, and in doing good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e, Simon Flinders and Paul Grimmond invite you to rethink the how and why of work by exploring what God tells us in his word, making sense of the Bible both praising work and lamenting it. They delve with warmth and insight into questions around relationships and responsibilities, and why ‘just get on with it’ and ‘work–life balance’ aren’t satisfying solutions to work difficulties. Ultimately, you’ll marvel with them at the day in history that transformed the meaning of your work forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhatever form of work God has set before you, \u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e will re-orient you so that your heart steers your hands in worship of God even in the most everyday of tasks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelight or drudgery? Understanding and defining work\u003cbr\u003e1. God’s work and ours: Working through the Bible\u003cbr\u003e2. Everybody wants to rule the world: Working, ruling and imaging God\u003cbr\u003e3. What are we made for? Working and resting\u003cbr\u003e4. Work wiser, not harder: Working wisely\u003cbr\u003e5. It’s not about you: Working for others\u003cbr\u003e6. The family business: Working in church\u003cbr\u003e7. A way of being and behaving: Working with others\u003cbr\u003e8. Never in vain: Working for the Lord\u003cbr\u003eAfterword\u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Flinders lives in Sydney’s north, is married to Tamara, and is a father to three daughters. He has served as an ordained Anglican minister in Sydney for the past 25 years. He currently serves as the Archdeacon (Chief of Staff) to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, but for most of his ‘working life’ he has been a pastor in local churches where has sought to walk alongside people seeking to live for Jesus in various kinds of work. Simon has written numerous articles on the Christian life and Christian ministry. This is his first book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Grimmond loves his job at Moore College, where he trains future ministry leaders in how to love God and love people with the truth of God’s word. Before college, he spent many years talking to university students about the value and place of their work and what it looks like to honour God with all that we do. Paul has written a number of other books, including \u003cem\u003eWhen the Noise Won’t Stop\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWater for My Camels\u003c\/em\u003e. Paul is looking forward to that day when none of our work will be vain any more and when we will enjoy eternal rest with our heavenly Father.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn a world that often misunderstands the purpose of work, \u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e is a refreshing and helpful corrective. The authors show from Scripture that all work—whether paid or unpaid—matters to God when it is done in the service of others, and that every task can become a part of our worship when done for the Lord. With clarity, as well as pastoral warmth and sensitivity, this book cuts through cultural confusion and offers an encouraging God-centred vision of work, while also challenging our own potential misconceptions and priorities. An important read for anyone looking to connect their daily labour with their faith in Christ.\u003cbr\u003e—Andrew Laird, Executive team, City Bible Forum, Australia; Author,\u003cem\u003e I Am What I Do\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eSimon Flinders and Paul Grimmond have served us well in writing this new book on a subject with which we are all intimately concerned but often more shaped by the cultural milieu than the word of God. One of the features to appreciate in Transforming Work is the compelling exposition of biblical and theological themes in a way that is both rigorously faithful and cheerfully grateful. Flinders and Grimmond combine doctrine and devotion in bringing to light surprising and liberating truths: God is less interested in what we do than how we do it; we are to work for rest, not the other way around; we work for others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e teems with insights to stimulate fresh thinking, thanksgiving, and prayerful dedication in light of our creation for good and wise works that serve others, and the good work of Jesus for our sakes. I’m delighted by the inclusion of a prayer at the end of each chapter.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a highly engaging work that displays sensitivity to both the breadth and telos of Scripture, and the ordinariness of how most of us experience ‘work’. Workers of all kinds (and that’s all of us) will find much to encourage, challenge and reform their view of themselves as workers in the world, and labourers for the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e—Kanishka Raffel, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis thorough and careful survey of the Bible’s teaching about work is both liberating and challenging. It calls the reader to think much more Christianly about the subject—and then to live it out wherever he or she works. It will, I trust, cause many of us not only to work “as unto the Lord”, but also to engage steadfastly and immovably in “the work of the Lord”.\u003cbr\u003e—William Taylor, Rector, St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London, UK\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis is the theological reset many of us need for thinking about our daily work. Flinders and Grimmond remind us that God cares less about what job we have and more about how we do it: with faith, love, and integrity. They handle 1 Corinthians 15:58 with refreshing clarity, showing that sharing and building up others in the gospel has a special place in God’s plans, yet all work done for the Lord truly matters. With a great chapter on the church as God’s ‘family business’ and short, heartfelt prayers throughout, this is a wise and encouraging book for every believer who wants their work to count for Christ.\u003cbr\u003e—David Pitt, CEO, City Bible Forum, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e is one of those books that you wish you had read when you were younger! Simon Flinders and Paul Grimmond bring together biblical insight and pastoral wisdom to give us a comprehensive biblical theology of work. Starting in Genesis with the proposition of God as the divine worker in creation, they show us that work is far wider in scope and far richer than we typically think. There is much here that encourages and liberates us from the often narrow, and frequently negative, way we view work. I shall be giving copies to my children!\u003cbr\u003e—Simon Pillar, Founder, Pacific Equity Partners, UK\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eHaving worked as a high school teacher, a ministry trainee, and now a stay-at-home mum, navigating my attitude and understanding of work over the years has been somewhat of a perplexing journey. This book brings refreshing joy, vision, and clarity to the way God speaks about and cares about the work I do, seen and unseen, paid and unpaid. It addresses work’s mundane exasperations (e.g. that never-ending pile of laundry) but also probes into bigger-picture identity questions for me of why my work as ‘just a mum’ sometimes doesn’t feel significant enough.\u003cbr\u003eThis book digs unashamedly into the Bible for answers, asks hard-hitting questions piercing to the heart, and lifts my eyes to the beauty of being God’s worker in the home, in the church body, and in evangelism. It has encouraged and energized me to follow in the humble footsteps of Jesus’ radical self-forgetfulness in every sphere of work he has given me.\u003cbr\u003e—Lilian Ireland, Ministry wife and stay-at-home mum, Sydney, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003ePaul and Simon have given us a helpful primer on the theology of work that avoids exalting one biblical truth to the neglect of others but rather engages with the full counsel of God on the topic. The result is a book that can sing the praises of work while bemoaning its frustrations; gets you excited about work while recognizing its limitations; and recognizes the impact of our jobs in this life while highlighting work that lasts for eternity. The authors persuade us of the goodness of the biblical teaching on work and the right way to flourish in it.\u003cbr\u003e—Matt Fuller, Senior Pastor, Christ Church Mayfair, UK\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI approached \u003cem\u003eTransforming Work\u003c\/em\u003e sceptical that more could or needed to be said on this topic, yet the authors’ promise to explore this topic from “more than one camera angle” delivers a rich, fresh, and thought-provoking exploration of why we work; what we might achieve through our work; and who we are becoming as we work. After 25 years in education as a teacher, leader, and academic, I found the reflections on relationships deeply resonant as both a source of joy and a necessity of burden sharing; both gift and challenge. This book is no manual of techniques but a call to follow and imitate a person. I finished encouraged, equipped, and reminded that our work, done for others, can truly be transformative.\u003cbr\u003e—Dr Rob Loe, Deputy Principal, The Scots College, Sydney, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThere are some areas where Christians are confused. Work is one. This important and carefully written book by Simon Flinders and Paul Grimmond brings much-needed clarity. The authors explain what the Bible says about work, including the difference between the Lord’s work and all other work. The Lord’s work is gospel proclamation—work to which all Christians are called when they are converted, with some set apart to do it full-time. Others have two jobs, the Lord’s work and their other work. Both the Lord’s work and other work are valued by God, but they are different. It is only the Lord’s work that saves people—specifically the proclamation of the gospel through the local church.\u003cbr\u003eThere are many implications flowing from this. It corrects the misunderstanding that a full-time electrician or doctor can serve God in the same way as a full-time gospel worker; or that electrical work and gospel work are ministry in the same way. They are not. This misunderstanding is one of the reasons people are not training to be gospel workers. Why would you, if you can do the same ministry in another job?\u003cbr\u003ePlease read this important book. \u003cbr\u003e—Robin Sydserff, Director, Proclamation Trust, UK\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI have been working for MTS, in Australia, for 25 years. We want to win the world for Christ by multiplying gospel workers through ministry apprenticeships. We encourage godly men and women to consider giving up their current occupation and becoming ministry apprentices. One of the biggest hinderances to recruiting is a flawed understanding of work. So many Christians are worldly in their thinking about work.\u003cbr\u003eI’ve been waiting three decades for this book. It is excellent. I commend it to you.\u003cbr\u003eA theology of work is like a theology of love. It impacts every part of life: every relationship, every plan, every ambition, every expenditure of energy … and more.\u003cbr\u003eThis is an excellent book. Biblically deep. Insightful. Funny. Real. Honest. Raw. Liberating. Chapter 8 is worth the price of the book itself.\u003cbr\u003eFlinders and Grimmond are in their fifties, but this book feels like it’s written by a C.S. Lewis or a Don Carson. It is deep, thoughtful, rich and true. It is a mature book that sifts the chaff from the wheat on the topic of work. \u003cbr\u003eIt humbles the exalted and exalts the humble. I commend it to you.\u003cbr\u003e—Ben Pfahlert, National Director, Ministry Training Strategy, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":43932740812886,"sku":"trw","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ebook","offer_id":44278588801110,"sku":"etrw","price":16.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/TransformingWork25rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1771446517"},{"product_id":"let-the-word-dwell-richly","title":"Let the Word Dwell Richly","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collateral-box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion_content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eThis book is available for pre-order now. We expect to send pre-ordered copies out in July. Please don't include any other resources in the same order except \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com.au\/products\/written-on-our-hearts\" title=\"Written on Our Hearts\"\u003eWritten on Our Hearts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince its publication, \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and Vine\u003c\/em\u003e—co-authored by Tony Payne and Colin Marshall—has been widely commended for its articulation of a clear ministry vision: every Christian committing themselves to the task of making and growing disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and Vine\u003c\/em\u003e proposed something more than just the conventional mantra of ‘every-member ministry’. It proposed ‘every-member \u003cem\u003eword \u003c\/em\u003eministry’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally, readers had questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat’s the nature of this word ministry that all church members are expected to do? What does it actually look like?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow does it relate to preaching? Is it doing a different thing?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs this just one option for growing a church? Or is it the right option? What does the Bible say?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEven if we agree in theory, how do we make it a practical reality?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo Tony Payne set out to do more thinking and provide some answers. Nearly ten years and a PhD later, he has discovered two very surprising realities: firstly, how little theological reflection and writing there has been on this topic; yet, secondly, how extensively the Bible talks about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eLet the Word Dwell Richly\u003c\/em\u003e, Tony Payne brings a new rigour and depth to the ministry mind-shift that will revolutionize the effectiveness of the ministry we pursue in our churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eTable of contents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForeword\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction: Pulling on a thread\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart I. What is the one-another word?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. What kind of word?\u003cbr\u003e2. Is this a thing in the New Testament?\u003cbr\u003e3. Exploring the silence\u003cbr\u003e4. Apprentices to Scripture\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart II. How spiritual people speak: The one-another word in 1 Corinthians\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5. The gifted problem child (1:4–7)\u003cbr\u003e6. Spiritual grown-ups speak spiritual wisdom (2:6–16)\u003cbr\u003e7. Common prayer and prophesying (11:4–5)\u003cbr\u003e8. Spiritual speech for the common good (12:1–31)\u003cbr\u003e9. The supremacy of prophecy (14:1–40)\u003cbr\u003e10. Summary: the one-another word in 1 Corinthians\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart III. Speaking the truth in love: The one-another word in Ephesians\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e11. Building the body of Christ\u003cbr\u003e12. Think cosmic, speak local (4:1–16)\u003cbr\u003e13. Walking and talking (4:17–6:9)\u003cbr\u003e14. Summary: the one-another word in Ephesians\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart IV. A word of exhortation: The one-another word in Hebrews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e15. The word of exhortation\u003cbr\u003e16. A dangerous journey with friends (3:12–14)\u003cbr\u003e17. The neglect of exhortation (10:24–25)\u003cbr\u003e18. Summary: the one-another word in Hebrews\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart V. Three key themes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e19. Drawing threads together\u003cbr\u003e20. The word of God and the one-another word\u003cbr\u003e21. Moral transformation and the one-another word\u003cbr\u003e22. Christian community and the one-another word\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart VI. Letting the word dwell richly\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e23. The nature of the one-another word\u003cbr\u003e24. The purposes of the one-another word\u003cbr\u003e25. Reaching towards practice\u003cbr\u003e26. Reverberations\u003cbr\u003eAppendix: Men and women and ministry of the word\u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgements\u003cbr\u003eBibliography\u003cbr\u003eScripture index\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Payne is well known for his long ministry at Matthias Media, and his authorship of more than 30 Christian books and resources. He is currently a faculty member at Moore Theological College, lecturing in Moral Theology and Christian Thought, and directing the College’s Centre for Christian Living. With his wife Ali he is blessed with five children and ten grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCommendations\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI doubt I’ll read a better book this year. Tony Payne has taken decades to study, reflect, practice and write this book. In brief, his idea is that the Bible teaches us that as surely as pastors are to exercise the public ministry of the word proclaimed, so surely is every Christian to exercise the personal one-another word ministry. What is one-another word ministry? It is Christian speaking to Christian to edify, correct, encourage and instruct. The book is full of careful reading of the Bible—giving special attention to 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews—thoughtful synthesizing of the truths it teaches, and experienced practical reflections. \u003cem\u003eLet the Word Dwell Richly\u003c\/em\u003e is a gift to pastors and churches that I pray is widely read. May the Reformational recovery of the ministry of God’s word in our lives and churches continue, and may this book be used to help it.\u003cbr\u003e—Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eTony Payne tackles a topic central to the apostolic teaching of the New Testament—yet often neglected in our own churches—with biblical clarity, theological depth and practical wisdom. He offers rich and timely insights that we need to heed and take to heart.\u003cbr\u003e—Lionel Windsor, New Testament Lecturer, Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI can’t recommend this book highly enough. It offers compelling exegesis, thoughtful theology and practical application. With incisive clarity, Tony makes a convincing—and convicting—case for the vital importance of all believers speaking God’s word to one another. As he observes, “a Christian congregation that lacks one another Word ministry is—like the Corinthian church—still waiting to grow up”. I pray the Lord will use this book to help many congregations grow to greater maturity in Christ. Our leadership team is already seeking to implement the biblical vision it casts.\u003cbr\u003e—Mark Howard, Senior Pastor, West Valley Presbyterian Church (PCA), Allentown, PA, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book is the fruit of long and patient attention to the word of God, shaped by years of careful thought, reflection and study within the life of the church. Tony has given us what may at first appear to be a timely reminder of the importance of “one-another” ministry, but which proves on closer reading to be something far more profound. It is a call to recover confidence in the power of God at work in our churches by multiplying and amplifying the word of God throughout the whole congregation, as every member takes up the calling to speak the truth in love to one another.\u003cbr\u003eThe pulpit is, of course, central to the church’s life. Yet when the public ministry of the word is received and carried into every part and aspect of the church’s shared life, something genuinely transformative takes place. Ordinary believers are drawn into the great dignity of speaking God’s own words to one another as instruments of his grace.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a stimulating, timely and potentially very fruitful book. It presses us to think carefully about ministry, maturity and mutual care, and to reckon afresh with the way God uses his word—spoken from one believer to another—as a living means of grace. I warmly commend it to pastors and church leaders who are seeking to cultivate a church life marked by the richness and fullness of the whole body of Christ at work.\u003cbr\u003e—Andrew Heard, Senior Pastor, EV Church, Erina, NSW, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e was only the beginning. In \u003cem\u003eLet the Word Dwell Richly\u003c\/em\u003e, Tony Payne now takes us to the beating heart of biblical disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003eEvery year sees a huge wave of new books on preaching—and for good reason. God’s word brings life, and the pastoral ministry of the word must remain central in the church. Yet the New Testament also insists that the word must not stop at the pulpit. Pastors know the bottleneck: when everything depends on the professionals, discipleship stalls and church health suffers. But the church grows when ordinary Christians ‘speak the truth in love’ to one another—encouraging, warning, comforting, instructing and building up one another with Scripture. \u003cbr\u003eThroughout church history, God has used certain books to recover neglected dimensions of the Christian life—whether Luther on justification, Carey on missions, or Packer on knowing God. In that same spirit, \u003cem\u003eLet the Word Dwell Richly\u003c\/em\u003e calls us back to the vital yet easily forgotten power of “the one-another word”. Tony Payne carefully traces this theme through 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews. His analysis, synthesis and conclusions are exegetically rigorous, theologically rich, and profoundly practical. This is a big book with an even bigger vision: Scripture-shaped conversation is essential for discipleship, church health and perseverance in the faith.\u003cbr\u003e—Champ Thornton, Author and director of children and family resources, Crossway, Wheaton, IL, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLet the Word Dwell Richly\u003c\/em\u003e fills a notable gap overlooked in many Western churches: the one-another ministry of the word. Tony Payne thoroughly defines and defends this practice from the Scriptures, convincingly arguing that its neglect has adversely affected our churches. Although exegetically vigorous and thoroughly researched, the book remains engaging and practical. I found myself challenged to research the Scriptures, encouraged to examine my ministry, and convinced to mentor the church I pastor on one-another word ministry. Anyone involved in leading a ministry would benefit from this book, especially if heeding its message and incorporating its principles.\u003cbr\u003e—Dave Trepanier, Senior Pastor, Gospel Life Church, Evans City, PA, USA\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThis is a book that unsettles—in the best possible way. It confronts comfortable assumptions and gently but firmly exposes an often-unintentional neglect of the New Testament’s “one-another” ministry of the word.\u003cbr\u003eLong overdue, this work addresses a strikingly under-served area of Christian thought and practice. From the outset, Tony makes clear both the biblical importance of the subject and the paucity of material devoted to it. His contribution is therefore not only timely, but also deeply needed.\u003cbr\u003eWith a theology-that-leads-to-practice approach, Tony calls readers to re-evaluate the balance of their ministry. As he carefully works through 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews, I found myself confronted about my own ministry, as resistance gave way to conviction. The book demands effort—but it is the rewarding kind. Written with clarity and accessibility, it never oversimplifies. Tony is unafraid of complexity and invites his readers to grapple alongside him with the deep truths of Scripture. \u003cbr\u003eCrucially, this book restores emphasis to the vital “one-another” word without diminishing the place of preaching. Instead, it elevates the often-neglected word ministry of \u003cem\u003eevery \u003c\/em\u003eChristian. Its rigorous handling of Scripture is matched by a rich engagement with the Reformers, offering particular delight in its exploration of their understanding of preaching.\u003cbr\u003eAbove all, this book rekindles wonder at a great God who speaks clearly, who graciously shares his word with his people, and who uses that word—democratized and dispersed—to ensure his church remains edified, engaged and growing.\u003cbr\u003e—Grant Retief, Senior Minister, Christ Church Stellenbosch, South Africa\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eI’m delighted to enthusiastically recommend this book to you. As a pastor, I value pastoral theology, and Tony has provided a rich and deeply helpful resource that stretches my mind, warms my heart, and sharpens my pastoral focus. Preaching (one-to-many) has great value within Christ’s church, but I’ve always striven to encourage my people to recognize the value of their one-another speaking. This book has sharpened and deepened my zeal to see this vital one-another ministry flourish among my people. I need to continue working hard on preparing and delivering my Bible talks, but I also need to work hard to help my people be prepared to speak “some aspect of the word of Christ to each other, for the purposes of mutual edification and maturity in Christ”.\u003cbr\u003eTony’s exegetical study of key passages in 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews, using what he calls an “apprentice to the word” methodology, is full of rich insights. His historical study of how others have connected (or not) the preached word with the one-another word is fascinating. What should a belief in the priesthood of all believers really look like within our churches?\u003cbr\u003eTony concludes the book by offering suggestions on how our clarified framework of theological understanding can be applied to our own situations. I appreciated the non-prescriptive nature of these suggestions. Tony’s call is for each of us to consider how the “one-another word” can grow and become a normal feature of our Christian lives and churches. I’m excited to heed his encouragement.\u003cbr\u003e—Paul Sheely, Pastor, Albury Presbyterian Churches, Albury, NSW, Australia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eFrom a careful study of the New Testament, grounded in sound interpretive method, Tony argues for a commonly neglected element of Christian discipleship. The ministry of speaking the word of God to one-another should be the normal God-given experience of the Christian life and church ministry.\u003cbr\u003eFrom his study of historical theology, Tony concludes that the 16th-century Reformation of the church by the public preaching of the gospel word did not go far enough. Luther and Calvin expounded the revolutionary biblical truth of the priesthood of all believers. But they failed to draw the implication that all believers are servants of the word, speaking God’s word to fellow-believers and to the lost. To this day, our churches suffer from this commonly neglected doctrine and practice.\u003cbr\u003eThe effort of equipping our members to fulfil this vision will pay huge dividends. The formal preaching of pastors will have greater impact as members help one another learn deeply. And our various ministry structures in church life will be more fruitful for maturity and mission.\u003cbr\u003eViva la Reformation!\u003cbr\u003e—Colin Marshall, Author, \u003cem\u003eWarriors of the Word\u003c\/em\u003e; co-author, \u003cem\u003eThe Trellis and the Vine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eTony Payne has gifted the church a wonderful, if strange, resource in this book. I say strange not because of its content, but because of the need for the book in the first place. As Tony points out, the task of regular church members being apprentices of Scripture and helping others become the same has often been assumed, but not carefully argued for. This work does just that. It drives at the importance and vitality of one-another word ministry in the church.\u003cbr\u003eThe book is helpfully dense. Payne is unapologetically not taking short cuts, but carefully examining Scripture to prove his point. It is scholarly without being pretentious. I particularly appreciate how he goes out of his way to make his task hard on himself, raising and answering many potential objections to his thesis throughout his work. \u003cbr\u003eI must admit he’s preaching to the choir on this one. As a theological ethicist, I deeply appreciate the emphasis on formation according to Scripture for all believers for the sake of themselves and others. As one who trains preachers, I’m encouraged that there is an elevation of one-another speech without diminishing preaching. Both are vital, based on God’s word, empowered by the Spirit, but are useful for different ends (though they do overlap and serve each other). Preaching is more useful for comprehensive knowledge, and one-another word ministry is more geared towards practical immediacy. \u003cbr\u003eWhat we need in the church today is the proliferation of the word in a variety of ways inside the Christian community. Tony gives help on why that is the case and how such things might happen. He wisely avoids over-emphasizing how the one-another word should work itself out in any particular church because each context has its own strengths and challenges. Regardless, to live in this way makes every ‘regular’ interaction between church members potentially significant. This practice of ministering the word to one another is not just the ‘right’ thing to do, but ‘good’ for all who speak and all who listen. \u003cbr\u003e—Jeremy Meeks, Director of the Chicago Course on Preaching, The Charles Simeon Trust, Chicago, IL, USA\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIf early church history clarified the divinity of all three persons of the Trinity, and the Reformation clarified the priesthood of all believers, then this most recent century has finally seen serious work begin on the ministry of all believers. Or has it?\u003cbr\u003eWith the theological and exegetical rigour we expect from Tony Payne, this book skilfully explores the neglected topic of one-another word ministry. But be prepared: you will be forced to check your assumptions at the door and rethink certain key passages of Scripture. If you’re like me, you’ll know you’re reading a significant work when you regret that you laid eyes on it only \u003cem\u003eafter\u003c\/em\u003e preaching through the relevant passages.\u003cbr\u003eThis book is an urgent plea to unleash God’s word from the mouths of all of God’s people and, as Tony puts it, to no longer “constrain the communication of the word of God to one context only (the church service), by one person only (the preacher), in one form of speech only (the sermon), as many churches in history have done and continue to do today”. May we heed this call, by God’s grace.\u003cbr\u003e—Ray Galea, Senior Pastor, Fellowship Dubai, UAE\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eTony Payne has made a significant contribution to the doctrine of the church by analyzing what the New Testament says about one-to-one ministry by all Christians. What he says, and the conclusions he draws, constitute a challenge to every Christian about our calling to ‘speak the truth in love’ to one another. His work throws light on contentious issues such as the gift of prophecy and the ministry of women. Most important, however, is the way in which we are helped to think again what church is for and the responsibilities of all who belong. I hope that his work will enrich all our churches and enable us to show forth the faith, hope and love described in 1 Corinthians 13.\u003cbr\u003e—Peter F. Jensen, Former Anglican Archbishop of Sydney and Principal of Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthias Media","offers":[{"title":"Book","offer_id":44783670919254,"sku":"lwdr","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1830\/4342\/files\/LettheWordDwellRichly26rgb150dpi.jpg?v=1779771326"}],"url":"https:\/\/matthiasmedia.com.au\/collections\/reading-to-fuel-one-to-one-ministry.oembed","provider":"matthiasmedia.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}