Most churches identify themselves as friendly communities. Yet the experience of a first-time visitor is often one of confusion, embarrassment and even alienation. John Bowen helps us think through the steps by which we can make that first visit a positive one, so that a visitor will feel confidence to return, to explore the reality [...]

The key to good youth ministry is movie and pizza nights, right? Wrong! Val Michaelson writes out of extensive experience of youth ministry in British Columbia and Ontario to help us understand who today’s young people are, and how they can be nurtured in faith. Weaving together theological conviction and practical recommendations, this booklet will [...]

Those who have been in church a long time cannot imagine how intimidating the first encounter with church can be for those who have never tried it before. Using the analogy of a sports fan who invites an inexperienced friend to their first game, Jenny Andison suggests a range of user-friendly activities a church can [...]

Evangelism is not an extra program which can be added on to the life of an already busy parish. Rather it is the overflowing of life in a healthy congregation. Judy Paulsen shows us ways to grow a healthy congregation by helping members discover their gifts, so that as the congregation works together, there is [...]

by John Bowen and Harold PercyIn a world where many are “exploring their spirituality”, how can the church communicate the faith in ways that are faithful but fresh to those who have no background in church or Bible? The authors offer from their experience an outline of how an introductory course of four sessions can [...]

Many church members are not enthusiastic about outreach and evangelism simply because they do not understand the nature and calling of the church. This booklet offers 14 sermon outlines and two sample sermons on different aspects of the church, from the origins of the church in the Old Testament via leadership, gifts, community, sacraments, mission, [...]