Augsburg Fortress

Preparing the Assembly's Worship: A Handbook for Worship Planning

Preparing the Assembly's Worship aids worship leaders in the short- and long-term preparation of worship in their congregation.

9798889833680

See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color

In See Me, Believe Me, Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers offers an honest and unflinching look at the challenges faced by leaders of color in the predominantly white ELCA. Her insights and concrete suggestions for action illustrate how seeing and believing leaders of color are essential steps in the journey of allyship.  

9781506499963

Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising

In Ashes to Action, Shari Seifert provides her riveting first-person account of the events following May 25, 2020. Shari joined others in the Calvary Lutheran Church community to show up, listen, and ask what was needed in the moment. 

9781506496788

Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color

How can churches do the work of becoming allies for the leaders they call? Call to Allyship is a must-read for call committees, church councils, social justice teams, and anyone prepared to do the work of understanding, welcoming, and celebrating these leaders.

9781506497761

ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on The Church in Society

Childs contextualizes this foundational statement, helping us think creatively about how we are called to be the church today. Grounded in scripture and Lutheran theology, he charts the history of Lutheran public witness, deftly connecting it with our present. How are we guided to speak today? Exploring this book will spark generative conversation.

ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion

Riswold calls us to think together about the ELCA’s 1991 social statement on abortion. Our social, political, and legal context has changed drastically since this statement was written, but one thing remains the same: we as Lutherans are called to compassionate community. Riswold’s engaging prose invites readers into thoughtful conversation.

Scripture Out Loud!: Dramatic Readings for Lent and Easter

Looking for new ways to open up the readings for your congregation? Try this collection of twelve dramatic readings of Revised Common Lectionary texts that fall between Ash Wednesday...

9780806639642

Today Everything Is Different: An Adventure in Prayer and Action

In Today Everything Is Different Dirk Lange does not fail to deliver the "unexpected" in helping readers gain both a greater understanding of Christian spirituality and a path to it. On this adventure, the reader will explore the foundational underpinnings of baptism, the impact of prayer in many forms--especially in community--and the insights of giants like Luther and Bonhoeffer. The great beauty of the book, however, is found in the incredibly moving stories Lange shares.

9781506433479

Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry

Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry builds on experience and wisdom developed through The Naming Project, a ministry created at the intersection of youth, faith, and LGBTQ identity. Ministry cofounder Ross Murray shows congregations how to examine their values and create a program that affirms LGBTQ youth in their faith and their identity, accepts and welcomes diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and equips future leaders for the church and the LGBTQ community.

9781506468006

A Spirituality for Doing Justice: Reflections for Congregation-based Organizers

Dennis Jacobsen brings his many years of experience doing congregation-based organizing for justice into conversation with unique spiritual reflections. Jacobsen turns to his work creating and meditating on icons to connect biblical themes and Christian personalities to guide those who are preparing for congregation-organizing and faith-based social action. His unique perspectives help anyone engaged in such work go deeper in prayer and devotion before diving into the messy work of organizing.

9781506464367

Christianity in Blue: How the Bible, History, Philosophy, and Theology Shape Progressive Identity

Christianity in Blue shows how liberal values and progressive attitudes are the fruits of taking seriously both the Bible and Christian tradition. But rather than treating these sources as the final word, Kaden argues that they are places to start exploring how to be a Christian in the world. Christianity in Blue helps both progressive and conservative Christians better understand the importance of the Bible, theology, history, and philosophy for building a loving church for everyone.

9781506471273

Preparing for Marriage: A Guide for Christian Couples

An effective resource for pastors and counselors to use in premarital counseling. This practical workbook helps engaged couples explore their expectations,...

9780806625690

The Gospel People Don't Want to Hear: Preaching Challenging Messages

Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching, provides tools to craft difficult sermon messages that can be heard. Part 1 focuses on the preacher's preparation, the building of mutual trust with listeners, and the authority needed to proclaim the gospel with empathy, compassion, and skill. Part 2 focuses on the sermon itself with practical suggestions on what to say and how to say it.

9781506456393

Elders Rising: The Promise and Peril of Aging

Riding the age wave with grace In this inspiring book, Roland D. Martinson draws on the folk wisdom and experience of over fifty persons between...

9781506440545

Preaching at the Crossroads: How the World—and Our Preaching—Is Changing

David Lose takes preachers on a tour of the major cultural influences of the last century, exploring how they offer opportunities to cultivate a more relevant faith in the twenty-first century.

9780800699734

Faith in Action: A Handbook for Activists, Advocates, and Allies

You want to make the world better. This book can help. Faith in Action offers quick dives into a range of topics, from racial justice...

9781506432564

Jesus the Harmony: Gospel Sonnets for 366 Days

Author and poet Gracia Grindal has written 366 sonnets based on the life and ministry of Jesus to inspire meditation and reflection. Each poem entry is based on a specific biblical connection and relates to a holy day or season. The book's introduction provides historic background on Gospel harmonies, tells the story of how the author created the sonnets, and offers suggestions for using this unique devotional volume.

9781506464558

Practicing Care in Rural Congregations and Communities

Small towns and rural areas have particular challenges, and in seeking to live out the Christian life in the midst of those, local churches have unique and useful insights into what it means to care for one another.

9780800699543

Liberating Youth from Adolescence

Liberating youth through theological reflection on vocation Jeremy Paul Myers, a seasoned expert in youth and family ministry, calls the church to challenge the dominant...

9781506433431

Literary Companion to the Lectionary: Readings Throughout the Year

This beautiful book offers poems and literary pieces for Sundays and principal feasts throughout the liturgical year. Each selection relates to an aspect of...

9780800634643