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Philippians 3:10  |
CDs, Books, Video, Ministry Ideas, Hype Links, etc.
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The YUBM Ministries Web Card is geared especially for hip-hoppas. It's a business-card sized witnessing tool that's got the questions from the "Big Up Ya Quest, Son" page printed on the front and "Psalm 23: The Remix" on the back. Want a supply? Send an email to: hep@yubm.org |
OPEN HOUSE: Are you a professional serving the needs of youth? The urban site of Eastern University will begin offering an awesome Master of Arts degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in YOUTH LEADERSHIP beginning in the fall of 2006. It is designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults. It is an excellent opportunity to advance your career and your life.
Location: Eastern University; 990 Spring Garden Street, 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Call 1-800-732-7669, ext. 5039 or e-mail kdavis3@eastern.edu. Indicate that you are interested in the MA in Urban Studies (Youth Leadership) program.
Click
here for a downloadable PDF version of the brochure for the seminar, The Gospel
/ The Street
- requires
the Adobe
Acrobat Reader-
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RIZE is a stunning 2005 documentary by Dave LaChappelle who follows a postmodern tribe of South Central L.A. young people and young adults who've have set off a new wave of expressive urban dancing (krump) which in turn developed out of an "clown" venture. Compelling in how it portrays young people dealing with pain. A must-see for those who want to better understand postmodern urban youth ministry. In theatres July 2005. PG-13 |
THREE of HEP's URBAN MISSION JOURNAL ARTICLES NOW ON-LINE - Although they may be a bit dated (they were written in 1989 and 1992) they still got 'feet' regarding the street — enough so that Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson saw fit to quote from them in their 2005 book, The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting with the Movement Shaping Our Culture (InterVarsity Press).
"Penetrating an Urban People Group." Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, Mar 01, 1989, Volume 6:04, pp. 33-42. http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15652
"Rap Music: A Window into a Culture." Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, May 01, 1992, Volume 9:05, pp. 6-19. http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15780
"Rap Music: Give Me My Respect, Man!" Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, Sep 01, 1992, Volume 10:01, pp. 16-28. http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15789
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Hoop Dreams - This highly-acclaimed 1994 documentary tracks young Arthur Agee and William Gates as they pursue hopes of NBA "glory" as they deal with the hard realities of the street, family pressures, school, etc. William Gates: "People always say to me, 'when you get to the NBA, don't forget about me.' Well, I should've said back, 'if I don't make it to the NBA, don't you forget about me.'" Finally available in DVD format. |
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The Thesis is The Ambassador's second solo album. Release date: May 17, 2005. "Against the backdrop of Hip-Hop's cultural significance and theology's critical importance, The Ambassador skillfully proves the validity of Holy Hip-Hop as a God-given tool of the urban missionary. In "The Thesis" he summarizes Holy Hip-Hop's origins, past, present and future as a mechanism for communicating a biblical worldview and employs all that Hip-Hop has to offer from head-bangin' beats to lyrical mastery. The result is a compelling example of theologically anchored Hip-Hop that is an undeniably powerful tool for fulfilling God's cultural mandate." (from a CMR press release) |
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My Utmost for His Highest, Youth Edition So many young people "out there" -- livin' "on the edge." Is it that far a reach to realize they'd probably connect with Oswald Chambers' classic My Utmost for His Highest? Not really. This classic devotional, calling for radical Christianity, is a perfect match for today's youth 'n young adults who are on a quest for a real, vital deeper faith. James Reimann reworked the original edition's somewhat difficult-to-comprehend style and has included helpful Scripture and subject indexes. Barbour Publishing, 2003. ISBN: 1586608304 |
Play chess? Ar-ight, then — chess do it with this thorough Java Script-based game. Impressive !
Here's
a great online resource for standardized test preparations (PSAT, SAT, GRE etc.)!
Thanks, Joshua, for the
heads up
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The Cross Movement's
Phanatik releases his solo project The Incredible Walk on
February 22, 2005 Phanatik is a lyrical heavy hitter and underground favorite from The Cross Movement. The title is a play on Marvel Comic's The Incredible Hulk and chronicles the struggle of the new nature of the Christian to break through and come alive where the old nature used to thrive. (adapted from a CMR press release) |
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Understanding Today's Youth Culture (Revised & Expanded) is one of the books we're using for "Contemporary Adolescent Culture" at the Center for Urban Theological Studies. Walt Mueller is the president of the Center for Parent / Youth Understanding. Even though it's a bit dated, it's still relevant and helpful for understanding where young people are at even today (it just means you use the book as a springboard for doing your own contemporary research). It won a Gold Medallion award and covers the influences of the media (music, videos, the Internet), substance abuse, sex, depression, suicide, as well as encouraging teens' spiritual growth and protecting them against the stuff our culture's throwing at 'em. 461 pages, paperback, Tyndale House. ISBN: 0842377395 |
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Review coming soon. |
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"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1 Of late this has been my approach to most of Christian hip-hop. It takes a lot for me to cop an album these days — a spirit of mediocrity pervades the industry — and most of what's goin' on AIN'T ministry. MOMENT of TRUTH is like a breath of fresh air — a hope-restoring debut album from Da' T.R.U.T.H. (one of the artists affiliated with the Cross Movement). I have to admit that I'd been sleepin' on givin' it a listen, and I deeply regret doing so. (Thanks, Keith, for lettin' me hold your CD.) Just about everybody who's listened to it has given it 5 stars. Add me to the list. Manny, you ar-ight — thanks for restoring my hope in and for Christian hip-hop. |
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RELEVANT MAGAZINE is a well-written, graphically-rich and innovative periodical (comes out every two months), that'll certainly grab the attention of teens 'n 20-somethin's. It's by-line is: "God. Life. Progressive Culture." and it does an excellent job hittin' 'em all. The mag's madd on point! You can hit up their Website at http://www.relevantmagazine.com to check 'em out and read some reviews at Amazon.com. |
| Though I got some real beef with most of what goes on on television these days, there is an occasional refreshing exception. JOAN of ARCADIA is a great show (Fridays on CBS) that not only explores the deeply existential premise of "What if God was one of us") but also manages to successfully portray the complexities of American high school life. Barbara Hall is the main writer and producer. Rarely have I ever been disappointed by this show, which completed its first season with Joan left in the midst of a profound crisis of faith (much like many of the young people and young adults I've been dealing with lately). This drama's on time and is very useful as a discussion starter. |
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The Epic Book and Audio CD -- By Fred Lynch The Epic is a fictional story AND a radical new presentation of The Book of John in hip-hop rhyme. Food and Words is the story of Shawn and Shaka living in the near future and discovering the truth of God's word only when they're threatened with not being able to own a Bible. They devise a rhythmic street "code" for communicating the Word to their generation. This is the first installment of a trilogy of books and audio CD's. This installment of the audio CD includes The Book of John Chapters 1-7 and is called – The Coming. 128 pages. Plus Audio CD with 15 tracks. Click here to hit The Epic's Web site. |
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SPIRIT IN STONE is the impressive debut album from the Portland, Oregon rap group LIFESAVAS. Inventive 'n imaginative lyrics crackle 'n explode on top of infectious 'n creative production, but a warning's in order here: this album ain't for the faint of heart. It's straight-out street-2-street wheelin' 'n dealin' — served up wit' much feelin'. Rough, raw, complicated 'n cryptically abstract, some if its sociopolitical commentary (along with its slicin' prophetic underground edginess) will no doubt offend many. But hey, couldn't we stand a li'l bit of a shakin' up — 'n out? The genuine can be tested. Click here to check out some clips. |
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Da Jesus Book is the New Testament in Hawaiian Pidgin English, translated by de Wycliffe peopo. Why list it on a resource page at a hip-hop-oriented Web site? Although it's got a definite "islands feel" to it, it's "different way of packaging ideas" resonates with the street's ear. Here's the rationale for developing this refreshing translation: "Jesus Christ, he fo everybody. He not jus fo da peopo dat talk English. Get plenny peopo dat undastan da local Pidgin mo betta den da English. Az good, dey check out wat God say, dea own language! Da Pidgin Bible talk strait to da heart fo plenny peopo. Fo dem, da English talk mo to da head. Da peopo dat know Jesus, if dey goin do good job fo help odda peopo find out bout Jesus, an teach, dey gotta use dose peopo's language, so dose peopo can know him fo real too." Click here for more info. |
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CROSS MOVEMENT'S HOLY CULTURE is the crew's latest compilation effort. It rolls bold, hardcore, solid Gospel truth right out there, all up 'n down the street — even the underground — and is bound to catch headz with the Rock. Christ's church is gonna feel it also -- catchin' the vision the CM crew's got for seeing Christ faithfully repped 'n presented within the global phenomena called secular hip-hop. Sample snippets of the album available here. A review of the album release concert may be found here. |
Photo courtesy: Universal
Maybe you're as tired as I am of all those music videos that go way over the top tryin' to bowl ya over with slick 'n dazzlin' glitz 'n glam (and they tryin' to say they're jus' tryin' to keep it real?). Well, Johnny Cash's last music video is a refreshingly candid, haunting, poignant and downright prophetic piece that puts everything in its proper place 'n perspective. It's his cover of the song "Hurt" by Trevor Reznick of Nine Inch Nails — and it's an absolute stunner. I'm n either a country or alternative music fan, but this thing hit me with a wallop, and I venture to say it'll probably drop you as well. Note: it's a large file (ca. 9.3 MB), but well worth the time and the hard drive real estate. Click here for the video. Click here to get the QuickTime player.
A Rap for the Rapper is a thinkin' man's rhyme examining the issues surrounding the hot topic of hip-hop lyrics. This catchy piece is done up as an Acrobat .pdf file, so you can download, print and use it as a tract and/or discussion starter. Click here. - Requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader
Those of you who travel to other pages on this site (particularly the "Newsletter" section) have heard me ask you to pray for Sam H. (a.k.a. The Activist). Well, he's teamed up with G. Wade 'n R. Swift and they've released their first album: Street Sweepers M:22. Took me a minute to get a copy, and my only disappointment was having to wait so long. (Ar-ight, yeah, I had a demo, so I knew something big was coming.) Energetic, passionate, deep and poignant. It's one very impressive debut.
* While grateful for the conversion of Mason Betha, please be aware that YUBM
Ministries stands unequivocally opposed to his "total life prosperity" perspective.
"Sparked by his work with Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment, Mason "Mase" Betha's meteoric rise to fame is one of rap's great success stories. But just as he was poised to sign a multimillion-dollar deal with Bad Boy, Mase walked away. Mason Betha is now a pastor, inspirational speaker, and founder of a nondenominational group called S.A.N.E. (Saving a Nation Endangered) Ministries. Having turned his back on stardom, he reveals in this fascinating memoir the rhyme and reason behind his choice to leave a glamorous life of extraordinary wealth and influence to become a pastor with a powerful message for America's youth. Thought-provoking and illuminating, Revelations is an undeniable testament to the enduring power of faith - and to the limitless possibilities in a life transformed by God's guiding hand." Review from Amazon.com
RockSoul Entertainment is a Christian production company dedicated to raising the standard of Christian music. Their portfolio includes a wide spectrum of musical genres, including Hip-Hop, R & B, Pop, Jazz, Praise & Worship and Christian Rock. They've released their first compilation album, featuring a number of up-and-coming artists to watch for, as well as several established hip-hop artists. It's a great debut! Artists include: Shai Linne, R-Swift, Corey Red & Precise, J-Silas, the Cross Movement, Shekinah, Jeff Murrell, Michelle Bonilla, Sistah Dee, Tre-Z, Forrest Glenn and Monique Walker. http://www.rocksoulentertainment.com
The Hip-Hop Bible, a self-published work by Rebecca Scott, is filled with interesting tidbits, poems, lists, quotes, definitions, clip-art, photos, spiritual inspiration, news clippings, etc. It is not a Hip-Hop translation of the Bible but rather a potpourri of cultural images and background information on hip-hop. Old School is well-represented as well as the Nextness and is printed in black and white (except for the cover). Note: This review refers to the 1st edition. If you wanna cop a copy, please contact Rebecca directly: rebecca1000scott@netscape.net
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MEMO: To all those who've been called to pastor at the street level: If you've ever wondered and struggled with your gift, your calling, your ministry or even your qualifications as a street pastor, this book will bring you tremendous encouragement. Jesus the Pastor by John Frye examines Jesus' pastoral ministry (a rarely looked-at dimension of His ministry), revealing how He pastored different individuals, small groups (notably His disciples) and the masses. Be ready to have you understanding of pastoral ministry (and how one is prepared for it) turned upside down. Zondervan Publishing House. |
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Hold up. I don't agree with the exploitative marketing strategies designed to "move product" (e.g., "Prayer of Jabez" clickable pens that step you through the verses), nor "prosperity" teaching's "take" on Jabez' prayer ("get YOURS"), nor the profit-driven mark-ups in the book's price (it started out around $6.99 but is now up to $9.99). But I did like the book. The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson is only 96 pages -- seemingly insignificant, much like the prayer Jabez uttered before the LORD (1 Chron. 4:9-10) -- but wow, does it ever pack a wallop! Jabez' bio and prayer takes up all of 2 verses in the Bible, but Wilkinson's exegesis and praxis of J's prayer makes it remarkably relevant. It should revolutionize your prayer life, and yeah, although I've bought this little book in bulk, I won't anymore). Jabez' prayer wasn't intended to facilitate greed (which is idolatry). Published by Multnomah. |
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My City, My God is an urban-youth-oriented New Testament done in the NIrV (the New International Reader's Version - a little easier read than the NIV). The thing is packed with 34 full-color pages featuring testimonies by 7 urban teens, along with well-written sections dealing with love, success, friendship, leadership, responsibility, etc. Youther-friendly and hard to put down! Published by the International Bible Society. |
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Grounded in the Word, co-authored by Eugene Williams Sr. and Eugene Jr., takes words found throughout verses in the New King James Version, shows then in context, defines them and offers synonyms. The layout makes for a great vocabulary-builder, and although it may initially seem to come across as just a reference work, it actually draws the reader's interest. It's fascinating reading for wordsmiths and will build your vocabulary in the process. eWilliams@webtv.net |
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The Triumphs of Joseph by Robert Woodson "shows in a concise 100-plus pages that "Black History" includes the triumphs of self-sufficiency which were considered ordinary before the Civil Rights movement taught the race that "progress" meant handouts and lowered standards of evaluation. The inner cities are slowly rising out of the ashes, not through government charity but through residents working the system to change their own destinies, making their peace with an unfair past. No book says this better." -- review by John McWhorter at Amazon.com |
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Human Emergency, The Cross Movement's third compilation album, is now available. New artists DJ Official and T.R.U.T.H. (as well as a second album contribution from London's M.O.D.) join C.M. members (l. to r.): The Tonic, enocK, Earthquake, The Phanatik and The Ambassador for a rippin' righteous rescue-themed rap effort. Incisive, earnest urgent cuts surgically cut through loud and clear. Album release party photos here. |
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Generating Hope by Jimmy Long is one of the texts we use in our Postmodern Urban Culture and Youth Ministry classes at CUTS. Published by InterVarsity Press, this volume looks at the profound paradigm shift taking place within our society and offers a lot of helpful insight and strategies on reaching this present postmodern generation. |
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1NC (One Nation Crew) is an extraordinary design of unity and praise. Comprising 10 culturally diverse vocalists, 1NC both bridges gaps and breaks boundaries by fusing South African and Latin American sounds with R&B, gospel, praise, and pop influences. With each song a new adventure, this project takes the musical scenic route, visiting heated urban grooves and intimate vocal showstoppers. While all but one of the 13 tracks were written by [Kirk] Franklin himself, the fervor and honesty displayed by the vocalists unquestionably demonstrates ownership in heart and soul. Including spoken-word interludes between some of the cuts, the Christ-centered vision of 1NC visits spiritual and social issues with sincerity and jubilation. -- review by Israel Button for Amazon.com |
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African-American boys enter this world having a distinct disadvantage, still the target of racism, prejudice, and discrimination. Now, in the first book of its kind, husband and wife psychologists Drs. Nancy Boyd-Franklin and A. J. Franklin address the long overdue issues involved in raising African-American teenage boys and how to combat the overwhelming influences that can negatively affect these young men. Parents and educators will learn how to deal with problems such as violence, drugs, sex, and racism, as well as with the effects of music, the media, and sports. Based on the authors' own experience as psychologists and as the parents of four children, and including stories from dozens of other African-American families, Boys into Men offers simple, effective strategies for problem-solving, improving communication, and instilling a positive racial identity in African-American boys. This important book includes resources on finding a professional counselor as well as offering related reading, websites, and helpful organizations. -- book description courtesy of Amazon.com |
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The Ambassador, one of the ministers of rap with The Cross Movement, has released his solo album "Christology — In Layman's Terms." This join' gonna rip lidz rugged, uppin' the standard of our Savior big time with its clear, forceful, prophetic street style. Christian hip-hop's movin' up in stature -- this effort is proof positive. Track titles: Intro - One-Two - Selah - Christology Interlude - Hold Your Ground - Thug Joint - Prayer Interlude - What a Relief - Loophole - Apologetics - Hands in the Air - Psalm 23 - Interlude World - Girl Named World - Interlude - It Was Love - I Love You Jesus - Whirlwind - Honor and Glory - Products - Cypha International. |
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Truly one of the best books I've ever read on how to naturally/supernaturally share the Lord Jesus and His love with people. Out of the Saltshaker & into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert is an absolute delight to read -- no joke. Her winsome writing goes far beyond merely presenting you with stories told by an engaging effervescent personality (an obvious plus in sharing Christ with others) -- it brings you right up alongside of Jesus and you watch Him go to work in people's lives even as He's working in her's and those she writes about. I'm a witness that He's woked in mine as well as a result of reading this book. A great resource for those who minister to college students. |
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The Cross Movement's long-awaited second release, "House of Representatives" takes it to a whole 'nother level after their first release, "Heaven's Mentality" (see below). These young bruthuz drop bombs 'n balm as they impart knowledge to the people on what it means to be His representatives. Ya might like to check out the studio and stage Photos at this web site, or peep them at their site: http://www.crossmovement.com |
You're
the One is an original rhyme which encourages the street-oriented to take a closer
look at the scene behind the hip-hop scene. It has an apologetic flava 'n demonstrates
"it's not religion or a culture that we represent, but rather Jesus Christ, the One
the Father sent." Text
found here. |
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Dr. Elijah Anderson, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has an important new book out entitled, Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City (Hardcover - 224 pages - W. Norton & Company - ISBN: 0393040232). It offers an informative analysis of the complex dynamics that drive street culture. |
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Values of the Game by Bill Bradley is not just a book about basketball -- it's a book about life. Using basketball as a moral template for life, Bradley covers 10 important values: Passion, Discipline, Selflessness, Respect, Perspective, Courage, Leadership, Responsibility, Resilience and Imagination --illustrating them with quotes and stories from players and coaches. Great photos complement this inspiring, well-written and much-needed book. |
| 1 Timothy 4:12 is an original song that's been a favorite with young people for a number of years. Contains a rap interlude that exhorts, "A-yo - though young, there's no need to let anyone - put the drop on you for ya youth - truth - hey, you got the better way, when you the Lord obey - 'n read His Word 'n pray." (words, music and rap). Click here. - Requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader |
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Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry: 9 Essential Foundations for Healthy Growth by Doug Fields is built around the fundamental purposes of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry and worship. It balances theory and practice and can be applied to any church setting regardless of size, denomination, facilities, resources and existing leadership. "Doug offers hands-on practical insights for igniting young people" says Max Lucado (Hardcover - Zondervan - 395 pages - ISBN 0310212537). |
| Nitty-Gritty '-Ities' for the Gospel and the City is a devotional piece which examines a wide range of character qualities which Christians who wanna love livin', movin' 'n havin' their bein' in the city. At a time when fame, fortune, power 'n pleasure mean everything and character quality means very little, saints gotta decide which they wanna go with when it comes to doin' ministry. The truth is, character -- not brute force -- is what's gonna win the battle. (text) |
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Heaven's Mentality, the Cross Movement's impressive first release, got them nominated for a Stellar and 3 Dove Awards. One of the select few rap groups who have both spiritual authority and street authority. Having had the privilege of bein' able to hang with these guys in the studio, on stage and on da street, I am truly a more humbled, blessed and instructed believer because of their lives, testimonies and ministry. No joke. You might also like to peep Time magazine, May 11, 1998, page 18 (picture [in print edition] 'n lyrics). |
| A.M.A.G.O.H. ( A Man After God's Own Heart ) is a rap based on the concept found in Acts 13:22 and 1 Samuel 13:14. Sister: you in here, too -- as A.W.A.G.O.H.! (rap /chant) |
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"One of the most striking features of the New Testament is that it was written in the street language of the day. The idiom of the playground and the marketplace -- not the formal lofty language of government decrees and historical documents. Written in the rhythms and idiom of contemporary language, The Message [by Eugene H. Peterson, published by NavPress] brings out the expressive, earthy flavor of the New Testament Greek." (from the cover). Highly recommended for those who seek to communicate the Scriptures in a refreshingly relevant and reverent way. ISBN: 0891098534. |
| The Spiritual Needs of People. The conversion experience is just the beginning of the Christian life. How do you know where you need to go and grow in the Christian life? This piece takes a look at 15 spiritual needs, providing an index to measure Christian maturity. (text) |
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"Who will get into heaven? Is there a right and wrong way to date? Does God like music? How should I treat my parents? Sometimes it's hard to find answers just when we need them most. Touch Points for Students: God's Answers for Your Daily Needs is a valuable tool for discovering what God says about students' particular needs and circumstances. Each entry contains though-provoking questions, answers from Scripture, and a promise form God's Word...features the New Living Translation of the Bible" (from the cover). Published by Tyndale House Publishers - ISBN: 0842333068. There's a lot of deep wisdom packed in this reasonably-priced dynamite little book. |
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BOOM! Hey, get this CD or tape as soon as ya can! Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago's latest effort is a real encouragement -- a "bref" of fresh air in the Gospel music industry (oops! I meant to say ministry)! This bangin' recording will bless ya beyond measure and is a worthy representation of Who Gospel music is s'posed to be about: the Lord Jesus! |
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An excellent book on leadership with a wealth of lessons on leadership drawn from Scripture, church history, as well as Dr. J. Robert Clinton's personal ministry and experience. The Making of a Leader identifies the patterns God uses to develop a leader. Clinton's discovered 6 stages of leadership development, and establishes checkpoints to clarify where you are in the process. This is an invaluable book that will last a lifetime. It's not an easy read, but well worth the investment if you want to assess where you are at in God's design for building leadership. It is also useful for assessing where the leaders you are empowering are at. Published by NavPress |
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Soul in the Hole: The Street Basketball Movie by Danielle Gardner. A powerful real-life documentary about the relationship between a star point guard who plays for the Kenny Kings (Bed-Stuy's Dream Team) and his coach. "A WINNER! As touching as it is funny, as volatile as it is heartbreaking" said The New York Post. 18-year-old Kenny's watched this video at least 5 or 6 times. Film edited for language. |
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The Making of a Leader by Frank Damazio is quite different from the book by the same title noted above, but is one of the most replete and inspirational books on leadership using Biblical models we've ever come across. It's a profound, powerful, pastoral 'n practical plumb-line-like publication that'll put ya into personal ponderrment regarding what God's lookin' for in His leaders. |
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