Customer Reviews (2)

the Presbyterian Elder
The book gave a good summary of the whys and wherefores of being an elder.

Back Cover Copy
"Honorable, important and essential" are the words this book uses to describe the work of elders. To help laymen and women of the church serve more effectively in this office, The Duties of the Ruling Elder by Paul S. Wright has been revised in conformity with the Book of Order, 1985-1986.

This easy-to-use guide is a valuable resource for current and future elders and for study in churches and seminaries. It covers such basic topics as the Presbyterian and Reformed understanding of how the Christian faith and qualifications of elders and how these are determined, as well as the functions of that office. It discusses the role of elders in the session and in the presbytery and their relationship to pastors and to the whole church. Contemporary examples highlight this book's relevance, while quotations from the Bible and the Constitution of the church make it an excellent study guide.
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This book challenges American Presbyterians to remember their calling as Christians. The authors believe that Presbyterians are summoned to a character of life that will awaken and address the religious questions of today with powerful and persuasive Christian perspectives and answers. ... Read more

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Beginning with the motto "The Church Reformed and Always Being Reformed," thirteen Presbyterian leaders and representatives of a number of different groups across the theological spectrum offer their reflections on the current state of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and what the denomination needs today. The book presents various viewpoints, values, and commitments found throughout the denomination. Opening essays by Robert H. Bullock Jr. and Anna Case-Winters orient the volume. Ideal for individual as well as group study, the book includes discussion and reflection questions at the end of the chapters. Contributors include Fahed Abu-Akel, Scott D. Anderson, Jerry Andrews, Susan Andrews, John Buchanan, Jack Haberer, William Stacy Johnson, Curtis A. Jones, Richard Ray, Laird J. Stuart, Michael Walker, Barbara G. Wheeler, and Parker T. Williamson. ... Read more

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In this witty, accessible, and concise book, theologian Doug Ottati argues that liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants still have much to contribute to the contemporary world. Offering an alternative to evangelical and conservative thought that he believes now pervades the larger culture, Ottati presents what he sees as the foundations of liberal, theological thought. Writing out of the Reformed tradition and a theology of grace, he addresses current issues such as evangelism, the ordination of homosexuals, and the war on terrorism. Most important, the book is a call to liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants to restate, rethink, and revise traditional theologies and beliefs in the face of contemporary knowledge and realities. This book is ideal for individual or group study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Encouragement for Christians on the Left
This book is scholarly without being ponderous.He speaks with wit and common sense to those of us who labor in the current world of seemingly continuous struggle for recognition of a God of love and understanding of the human condition.I found myself reading passage aloud to my husband as we lay side by side reading in bed and he often echoed my delight at a voice speaking for us.It is a really "good read".

Here is the insight you need
In this postmodern area it is not satisfying to simply do something because it has always been done that way.There is tremendous value inunderstanding why the tradition exists.Douglas Ottati opens the windows and allows the reader to see the evolution of major Theological points and paradigms of worship within the Presbyterian Church. Well written, insightful and cogent.You can read it from cover to cover in less than 3 hours.Reading this book will enhance your participation in the worship experience in your Presbyterian Church.

A in-depth discussion of Presbyterian values in our complex and troubled world
Theology For Liberal Presbyterians And Other Endangered Species by Douglas F. Ottati (an Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and the M. E. Pemberton Professor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia) is an knowledgeable, informative, and occasionally inspiring approach to the struggle encountered with living as a liberal in practice of Presbyterian and other Protestant churches. Accessibly presenting the foundation concepts of liberal theological thought, Theology For Liberal Presbyterians expertly explores and comprehensively addresses the issues of evangelism, the ordination of homosexuals, and the war on terrorism. Theology For Liberal Presbyterians is very highly recommended for all readers searching for a in-depth discussion of Presbyterian values in our complex and troubled world.
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Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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The Presbyterian Handbook has engaged thousands of Presbyterians and other Christians in their everyday faith with a distinctive blend of historical and theological information, fun-filled facts, and practical tips on being a churchgoing follower of Jesus Christ. Now comes The Presbyterian Handbook for Pastors, which captures all of the essential information any pastor needs to serve and lead in any situation in one volume. Complete with illustrations and bits of humor, this handy resource is ideal for Presbyterian pastors, lay pastors, seminary students, candidates for ministry, and all those seeking the perfect gift for their pastors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Presbyterian Handbook for Pastors
A really good book full of sage advice for pastors. Written with just enough humor to keep it interesting. Book arrived on time and in great shape. Thanks very much.

Practical Fun that Reviews the Basics
This is a companion to The Presbyterian Handbook written specifically for pastors.It is easy to read and offers pastors a review of the practicalities of ministry, some of which are not covered in Seminary curriculum.The drawings are amusing and some of the discussion of pastoral situations are down right funny.It is a light-hearted look at the ministry and doesn't take the pastoral ministry too seriously while getting the reader to look as the practicalities of ministry in a new way.The section on self-care is well written.This is a great gift book for a newly ordained minister or recent seminary graduate.

A must-read for seminarians
This book tells what most seminaries won't tell you--namely how the "real world" works.When I left seminary I had a good grasp on systematic theology but precious little understanding of how to be a minister.I now mentor seminarians, and this book is required reading for them.It also works as a springboard to discuss issues related to functioning within the local church.I think the title should be changed, as it certainly applies to other denominations.It's practical and written with a sense of humor as well! ... Read more

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Presbyterian leaders Clifton Kirkpatrick and William Hopper call attention to the ties that bind Presbyterians together, those elements that define this theological tradition and present a basis for the renewal of the church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GREAT!
Dr.Clifton Kirkpatrick is a gifted writer. This book is for all who are curious about who Presbyterians are and what common ground we have in this world of diversity. Ecumenical relationships are key to healthy communications especially in this rocky time period. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1902.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1878.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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"The Presbyterian Trustee" is a brief, highly useful handbook for trustees in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the first to examine the office. Modeled after "The Presbyterian Elder" and the author's own "The Presbyterian Deacon," this book explores the biblical models of trustees, the historic background of the office, and the responsibilities of trustees today. Added features include a liturgy for the installation and recognition of trustees, a glossary, and a list of other recommended resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Presbyterian Trustee
I found this book a succinct review of what it means to be a church trustee. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

old edition
This was a good book for its time, but published in 1984, it says little about the recent history of the denomination, which has been rocked by controversy over the issue of gay ordination.There is a more recent edition, written by James Smylie, copyright 1996. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an essential companion to The Presbyterian Hymnal and Hymns, Psalms, & Spiritual Songs. Church musicians and pastors will welcome the ease with which they can locate keywords, topics, and scriptural references. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

an examination
A little too much on the brief side - more a birdseye view of the subject.

What presbyterians have historically believed
The Westminster Confession of Faith once provided readers with clear summary statements of what all presbyterians believed the Bible taught. By the middle of the 20th century that certainly had become less so. For somepresbyterians, the WCF's concepts became only an option among many theywere willing to tolerate if not accept. What presbyterians once believedhad no more than historical interest and surely no authority.

But whatdid several hundred year's of presbyterians believe? How come somepresbyterian churches even today claim that heritage? What leads thesepeople to insist that the WCF remains one of the clearest statements of theBible's teaching? What do these presbyterians and presbyterians of historybelieve? Of what value is a confession of faith, anyway?

Dr GordonClark, a theologically-trained and aware eyewitness to most of the changesof presbyterianism in the 20th century, answers those questions. Originallyappearing as a series of articles in "The Southern PresbyterianJournal", his expostion got such an excellent reception that peopledecided to publish it in book form.

The resultant book gives a veryreadable but nonetheless quite thorough expostion of the WCF. Filled withillustrations and anecdotes, it serves as an excellent study aid for notonly the WCF but Bible truths the confession comments on.

The book,along with G. I. Williamson's commentary on the WCF, should be part of thelibrary of nearly any Bible-believing presbyterian elder. ... Read more

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Presbyterians: People of the Middle Way addresses the essential beliefs and practices of this reunited faith. The Student Text and Teachers Guide are superb resources for all aspects of church development and redevelopment for congregations of all sizes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent intro to distinctives of presbyterian churches
Does a very good job of breaking down what Presbyterianism is for a modern audience. Avoids reformation theological terms and puts the Pres. theology in World perspective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Christianty vs. Liberalism
The Presbyterian Conflict, originally published by William B. Eerdmans in 1940, is a monument to a cause that continues beyond Edwin H. Rian's involvement with it. To many it remains the classic inside look at the valiant effort to preserve Presbyterian orthodoxy and ecclesiastical integrity.

The figure of J. Gresham Machen, the man so revered and relied upon by Mr. Rian in those days, stands behind the work. The book itself, therefore, pays tribute to this remarkable servant of Jesus Christ. However, it sets before us more than the reputation of one man. In it we confront issues that demand reflection and repentance from the twentieth-century church if she is to be true to her Savior.

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first history of the movement
Rian left his doctoral studies in Berlin to help found Westminster Seminary in 1929.He was a personal sec'y of Machen, president of the school's board of trustees, and raised funds for it.This history of the OPC and Westminster was the first to be written.It is harsher than others in tone, which makes his own betrayal of the movemnet a few years later somewhat surprising.

A good if painful read. ... Read more