Cultivating Communities

Desire. Conviction. Character. Story. Practice. Institution.The Shape of Our Lives digs into how these six factors-often operating beneath our consciousness-profoundly affect our spiritual formation, both as individuals and congregations. As Christians across America grapple with the value and purpose of church, this accessible volume provides a roadmap for exploring what motivates and forms us. The Shape of Our Lives equips readers to look beneath the surface, understanding the forces impacting our formation. The book lays a theological and practical foundation for congregations and communities to be transformed more into the image of Christ. How does a community of people-with their different and sometimes competing values-grow together? How can congregations make room for God's spirit to be at work?The Shape of Our Lives will give you and your Christian community the language to renew these conversations and embark on the journey of congregational formation."In these times of disillusionment with church, there could not be a more timely book. " --David Fitch, Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary

Has reading scripture become stale or lifeless in your church? Do competing understandings of the Bible cause division in your congregation?In The Form of the Word: Making Sense of Scripture in the Body of Christ, New Testament scholar Stephen E. Fowl offers the expertise of a teacher and the guidance of a pastor to help readers come to a deeper and more expansive understanding of the biblical story.This clear and accessible book is for:Pastors and lay leaders who need a framework for approaching the Bible with their congregations in these polarized timesChurches and and small groups looking for a deeper and more faithful understanding of God's salvation as explored in scriptureCongregations looking to make sense of Scripture and be the body of Christ together.You'll come away with a clear and expansive framework for linking together the Bible's diverse texts around the person of Christ and God's redemptive work in the world.Breathe new life into your community's reading of scripture as you discover the shared language and essential understanding your congregation needs.