what was in the box?

I was talking to my Mom about the box that arrived and mentioned I was anticipating opening it.  She said it was okay and I opened it up there while on the phone and with Debbie next to me.  She got a couple books too (but certainly I too will be reading them!).  So what were they?  It’s early morning here and I have to get off to work for a while - so more to come!!  Ha Ha!  

Well here is what was in the box: 

Waltke’s An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical and Thematic Approach.  Zondervan / 2007 / Hardcover

A masterful study of the Old Testament as the inspired revelation of the nature, character, and works of God. Taking a narrative approach to the text, Waltke and Yu employ rhetorical criticism to illuminate how the unifying theme—the “breaking in of the kingdom of God”—is revealed in the theologies of the biblical writers. 896 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

I took Nate’s advice and had the fam get me this one and I’ll soon be getting von Rad’s masterpiece as well.  I am excited about it and look forward to digging in!  Looks and feels like a textbook though and the cover had a slight bend in it, but I think it will be okay.  

 

Glenn C. Daman’s Shepherding the Small Church, Second Edition. Kregel Publications / 2008 / Paperback.

This second edition is an indispensable source of advice and encouragement for the small church pastor, including how to formulate a mission while understanding the cultures of the community and the church. Chapter-by-chapter suggestions and several appendixes of helpful assessment tools help pastors and lay leadership work through the book together.

We shepherd a very small church in a highly transitional environment - I am hoping this will give us some tools to work with in pastoring people here at the Canyon.   Debbie is more into the practical stuff though she does like some theology.  

Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson’s. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too. B & H Publishing Group / 2007 / Hardcover.  

Research shows that over time most congregations plateau and then eventually decline (And this is no secret.  But what to do about it?). Church growth experts Stetzer and Dodson explain why and show you how to revive a body of believers. Learn the importance of lighting a spiritual fire; intentional evangelism; making disciples; forming small groups; and a take-risk leadership—and watch your pews fill up again! 224 pages, hardcover from B&H.

I hope too this will give us some tools to work with (in addition to prayer and fasting and interceding for the church).  We’re new pastors so we need all the help we can get!     

 

There were also a couple things in the box too from Grandma for the baby!  Mercy got a little Touch and Feel Bible (based on the NLT) and a Veggie tales video!  Yea Grandma!!