"Mr. Strauch has made a fine contribution to the subject of eldership. I am confident that it will be helpful to many." — John MacArthur, Jr., Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA

"At last, a thorough biblical study on the basis of church government and especially the function and ministry of elders! New churches will find it a valuable guideline to effective functioning and older churches will find it a trustworthy corrective." — Ray Stedman, former pastor and elder, Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto, CA

"An excellent text for the study of eldership by young and older men interested in the work of an elder. Strauch is a man of gift and experience, and I am grateful for his work." — S. Lewis Johnson, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Can business activity in itself be morally good and pleasing toGod? Sometimes business can seem so shady-manipulating the "bottomline," deceiving the consumer, or gaining promotions because ofwhom you know.

But Wayne Grudem introduces a novel concept: business itselfglorifies God when it is conducted in a way that imitates God'scharacter and creation. He shows that all aspects of business,including ownership, profit, money, competition, and borrowing andlending, glorify God because they are reflective of God's nature.Though Grudem isn't naïve about the easy ways these activitiescan be perverted and used as a means to sin, he knows thatChristians can be about the business of business.

This biblically based book is a thoughtful guide to imitatingGod during interactions with customers, coworkers, employees, andother businesses. See how your business, and your life in business,can be dedicated to God's glory.

This proven "course" in pastoral counseling has been extensively expanded and revised by the author to include recent developments and research, new resources, and attention to newly urgent needs such as AIDS and eating disorders. Written with clarity and warmth, this volume builds on biblical foundations and reflects the author's practical experiences.

Much of what is written about church planting aims at methodology and strategy for facing such challenges, but specific strategies do not apply to every context. What lies deeper, at the heart ofevery church plant?

The most critical human component of every church plant is the planter.

Darrin Patrick, vice president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network, looks at what Scripture teaches about this man’s character, his teaching, and the aim of his church. Offering guidance and wisdom from years of experience, Patrick reminds us that ultimately no church will succeed apart from a man with a message who leads a church on a mission. 

This book is for every Christian leader.

Church Planter is an essential resource for those considering planting a church or already in such a plant, and maybe even more important for those leading an established church.  It has wide-ranging application for elders and leadership teams seeking to better understand how the gospel must take root in their church. Avoiding an over-emphasis on particular models or methods, Patrick lays out biblical principles and sound wisdom as he urges the church to return to biblical criteria for determining the man, the message, and the mission God uses to build his church.

Lead the kind of ministry you’ve always dreamed of…

Many congregations are declining due to an inward focus, and see their pastor as someone who should only minister to their needs. But pastors must anticipate a better future. Direct Hit offers hope to leaders of congregations that have lost their outward focus. By preparing for and leading systemic change, pastors can bring new life into the culture of a congregation, guiding it to answer God’s call to reach people with the good news.

Direct Hit offers practical explanations for how to:

Systemic change occurs as a result of hard work, but the gain far outweighs the pain. Once change has occurred, a whole new world of opportunity opens up—a world in which you are privileged to equip, lead, and oversee a congregation that has joined God’s mission. Ready. Aim. Go for it!

"Church leaders need more than motivation and inspiration. In Direct Hit, Paul Borden explains how to change dysfunction to health and decline to growth."
Leith Anderson, Senior Pastor
Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN

"Direct Hit gets to the heart of the matter. Pastors--it's about Christ and leadership. Congregation--it's about Christ's purpose and mission. There is plenty of interpretation and coaching here for both sides of the pastoral relationship, but above all there is urgency. It's time to stop dithering and get on with it."
Tom Bandy, President
Easum, Bandy, and Associates

Paul Borden, is Executive Minister of Growing Healthy Churches (formerly American Baptist Churches of the West) and is in demand nationally as a church consultant. Direct Hit is the second Abingdon publication by Borden, whose first book, Hit the Bullseye, has sold 11,000 copies.