Renee Crosby and Henry Neufeld Sign Contract for Soup Kitchen for the Soul

Energion Publications is pleased to announce the contract signing for Soup Kitchen for the Soul, a practical guide to getting out of the church and living the Christian life in a community changing way. Author Renee Crosby and Energion Publications [...]]]>

Renee Crosby and Henry Neufeld Sign Contract for Soup Kitchen for the Soul

Energion Publications is pleased to announce the contract signing for Soup Kitchen for the Soul, a practical guide to getting out of the church and living the Christian life in a community changing way. Author Renee Crosby and Energion Publications owner, Henry Neufeld, signed the contract for publication on January 22, 2009.

Soup Kitchen for the Soul combines testimony with a challenging scriptural foundation and follows it up with specific guidance on how you can get out of your church and make a difference in your community.

Each chapter builds on a Bible story and the author’s personal experience, and ends with thought questions, then action questions. References include specific ways in which you can take action on what you have been studying in the book.

This book is suitable for personal or small group study, or could be used effectively by an entire church to transform their ministry.

In the introduction Crosby says:

“Upon entering Seminary, I was required to serve in the community and begrudgingly accepted my assignment, choosing to serve in a soup kitchen. While serving in the soup kitchen, God revealed himself to me in a profound and miraculous way. It was in restudying the scriptures with this new heart knowledge of God that allowed me to see a message of a mission for His people that we lack a connection with today. I began asking, ‘What if … What if I’m not the only one who doesn’t understand the whole mission God has planned for us? What exactly are we supposed to be doing? Where in the Bible can we find directives on our missions for God? What if I wrote a book about radically new old ways of doing the gospel?’”

“Testimony, scripture, practical guidance, and a challenge to action, all packaged with enthusiasm and joy — how could I resist publishing a book that is so centered on the Energion Publications mission, ‘to educate Christian laity and clergy, to energize the whole church to commitment and action, and to empower all members of the body of Christ to be effective witnesses for Jesus.’” – Henry Neufeld, Energion Publications owner.

Advance copies will be available for reviewers about April 20, 2010 and release is schedule for June 1, 2010.

About the Author:

RENEE CROSBY is a Christian Bible teacher. She enjoys teaching the Word of God in any way, in any place, at any time she can. She is currently enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary working towards her Master’s degree in Theology to become a Deacon in the Methodist church.

Renee is the founder and President of the non-profit organization Christian Pep Rally, Inc. that focuses on reviving Christian spirit one community at a time by raising funds and raising spirits around the country with regional non-denominational conference events. She volunteers her time in her local church, with the local homeless coalition and with the Ft. Walton Beach Waterfront Rescue Mission.

Renee is willing to provide a Soup Kitchen For The Soul one time Bible study launch speaking engagement, or to facilitate the study series for any local group within the Panhandle of Florida. In general, on a national level, she is available for key note speaking engagements, seminars or conferences.

She is married with one son and one daughter. Soup Kitchen for the Soul is her first book.

We have a generous program of review and advance reader copies of any of our books for interested individuals with established publications or blogs. We reserve final judgment on who is eligible to receive free books.

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For more information on Energion Publications, reviewers, book stores, authors, and the general public may contact us at (850) 525-3916, by e-mail at pubs@energion.com, or by mail at P. O. Box 841, Gonzalez, FL, 32560.

This reminded me of an experience I had when I was delivering newspapers.  This was not a paper route as a boy, but one I did [...]]]> Anthony at A Little Light posts on 1 Peter 3:15 – in context.  He suggests we need to lead lives that cause people to ask positive questions about the gospel.

This reminded me of an experience I had when I was delivering newspapers.  This was not a paper route as a boy, but one I did in later life because it gave me extra income earned in the early morning hours and thus let me get back to business and to the phone during the day.  My district sales manager was a dedicated Christian.  He didn’t talk about it much, but he was the type of person you would ask, “What makes you so even tempered?”  When things were going crazy, he could remain calm.

We were discussing it one morning, and he said that he liked to live in such a way that those who saw him would ask.  It was then, he said, that he could effectively talk to them about Jesus.

I was also reminded of Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. (yes, there’s a commercial hook!) one of my authors.  I already knew the context of the verse, because every time I’ve invited him somewhere or accompanied him when he teaches about apologetics, he emphasizes the context, especially 1 Peter 3:16.

Elgin is the author of Energion Publications titles Evidence for the Bible and Christianity and Secularism along with their study guides.  He is also available to teach.  Contact.

HT:  Dave Black Online.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gonzalez, Florida

Bible Study Path Award

Bible Study Paths WebZine, sponsored by Energion Publications is pleased to announce the new, annual Bible Study Path award. This award will honor teachers in the church who encourage Bible study both through their living and their teaching and will be granted by vote of [...]]]> February 6, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gonzalez, Florida

Bible Study Path Award

Bible Study Paths WebZine, sponsored by Energion Publications is pleased to announce the new, annual Bible Study Path award. This award will honor teachers in the church who encourage Bible study both through their living and their teaching and will be granted by vote of the readers of Bible Study Paths WebZine. Nominations are open until March 28, 2010, voting will begin April 1, 2010, and the award recipient will be announced in the May issue.

The recipient of the award will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate and an award custom designed by CFosters of Pensacola, Florida.

According to the award standards, who is a Bible Path Award winner?

• God intended that His Word would teach us. (Psalm 23:3, 27:11) The Bible Path Award winner has sought the Word and allowed it to direct their life.
• God’s Word is to be a light on our path. (Psalm 119:105, Luke 1:76-79) We are to follow the path given to us with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Bible Path Award winner has followed their God-given path through valleys and up mountains that required sacrifice and humility.
• God’s Word is to enlighten and empower His People. The Bible Path Award winner has freely given what they have learned to others. They have actively sought to encourage and empower other to find and fulfill God’s call on their life.

Nominations may be submitted at the Bible Study Paths Award page. You are encouraged to write a substantial nomination e-mail and also to support your nominee through your own blog and through other social media.

Besides our presence on the internet, Energion Publications has a generous program of review and advance reader copies of any of our books for interested individuals with established publications or blogs. We reserve final judgment on who is eligible to receive free books.

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For more information on Energion Publications, reviewers, book stores, authors, and the general public may contact us at (850) 525-3916, by e-mail at pubs@energion.com, or by mail at P. O. Box 841, Gonzalez, FL, 32560.

PDF Version

I believe the thrust and heart of this book are needed and crucial for the faith, life and witness of the church today. It is short, concise and affordable, one of those books one may want to work on, and good for reference. So [...]]]> Ted M. Gossard writes the review at Jesus Community. His conclusion:

I believe the thrust and heart of this book are needed and crucial for the faith, life and witness of the church today. It is short, concise and affordable, one of those books one may want to work on, and good for reference. So I highly recommend at least getting your hands on it and working through it. These are thoughts that I believe are at the heart of our daily existence as God’s people in the mission of God in Jesus for the world.



In the world of TV, people don’t care as much about NBC as much as they care about good content. And in the world of faith, substance trumps [...]]]> Shane Raynor has written a post on the Wesley Report comparing the situation in the United Methodist Church with the problems NBC has had changing programming.  He concludes:

In the world of TV, people don’t care as much about NBC as much as they care about good content. And in the world of faith, substance trumps denominational loyalty and brand names every time. To thrive, the United Methodist Church needs to forget about surviving and go back to its Gospel foundation. By majoring on the majors, keeping the minors in “late night”, and diversifying our distribution channels, our church could once again become a potent force on the spiritual landscape. Time will tell.

While I’m not sure about “distribution channels” I think there is much here that is of importance both to the United Methodist Church and to other denominations and local fellowships.  Gospel without action and action without gospel are both failures of Christian witness.

We need both a Christian identity, which can come only from Jesus of Nazareth, the Word become flesh, and also a life that reflects that identify.  The name on the church sign will mean nothing if the same name is not reflected in the lives of the church members.

My concern about distribution channels is simple.  I have been in too many church committee meetings where the topic of debate was the color of the carpet or the aging chandeliers, obviously in immediate need of replacement.  Any suggestion that maybe we could live with an older carpet was met with dismay and hostility.  “We need to reflect well on the gospel!” people said.  But I wonder just how well Jesus himself, the one who had “no beauty that we should desire him” reflected on the gospel, if the standard was the color of the carpet or the quality of the chandeliers!

Some of my best times with the Lord have come in places where the church had no carpet, often because there was no church.  Some of my best times in worship came where we had no equipment, no musical instruments, and we just began to sing from our hearts.

I think Dave Black expressed it very well in The Jesus Paradigm:

What might this kingdom-focused church of the twenty-first century look like? It will be a serving church. Its organizational structure will be simple, unencumbered by bureaucrats and bureaucracies. Its financial priorities will reflect a commitment to missions, local and global. Capital expenditures will be reduced and the savings earmarked for discipleship. Most jobs that are currently salaried positions will be filled by volunteer help or eliminated. Denominations will make drastic reductions in funds spent on publications that are a waste of the church’s money (bulletins, glossy magazines, and Sunday School quarterlies – the Bible will be used instead). Church buildings will be used for primary and secondary Christian education. Believers will gladly work transdenominationally and cooperatively, especially at the local level. The church will proclaim the Good News of the Gospel as its first priority while not neglecting the cultural mandate. A full-fledged lay ministry will replace clericalism. Individual believers will be expected to assume specialized ministries according to their giftedness. Churches will provide regular lay training and build voluntary programs of education into their structures. Worship will no longer be confined to a single time or place. Preoccupation with church buildings will be seen for what it is – idolatry. The church will no longer cling to its prerogatives but take the form of a servant. It will refuse any longer to shun the secular. Trained pastors will become humble assistants to the “ministers” – every member. Disciples will take the going forth as seriously as they do the gathering. New believers will be asked to specify a regular community involvement (neighborhood council, PTA, volunteer library staff, nursing home visitation, etc.) in addition to their commitment to a ministry in the church. (p. 3)

I’m not against doing things to reach people for the gospel and attract them to church.  But if the attraction is comfort, I have to ask whether we’re attracting them to the right identity–the one given by the gospel portrayed by the crucified Christ.

This may seem strange as a post for a business blog.  Indeed, you could read some of this as suggesting that you don’t buy what I publish but go to your Bible instead!  But I wouldn’t be in business as a publisher if I did not regard it also as a ministry.  As a ministry, my business should also reflect the One who is Savior and Lord.

If my publications will help you be a better disciple, I hope you buy them.  If you’re choosing between buying my materials and following God’s call for you in mission, please follow God’s call.

– Henry Neufeld

(Henry Neufeld is the owner of Energion Publications and author of a number of books, including Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Confessions of a Liberal Charismatic.  He reflected on this same topic in fictional form in The Organ and the Tramp.)

Energion Publications already is in compliance with the Amazon.com pricing scheme, though we are not in favor of strong arm tactics in pricing.  Authors and publishers are due their earnings.

Wyatts Departing to Serve in Haiti - Photo courtesy of Harvey Brown

I have known Dr. Harvey Brown for a number of years, heard him speak many times, and worked with him in ministry on a few occasions.  He is the head of Impact Ministries located in Pigeon Forge, TN.  I normally associate Harvey with [...]]]>

Wyatts Departing to Serve in Haiti - Photo courtesy of Harvey Brown

I have known Dr. Harvey Brown for a number of years, heard him speak many times, and worked with him in ministry on a few occasions.  He is the head of Impact Ministries located in Pigeon Forge, TN.  I normally associate Harvey with teaching and preaching ministry, but his organization has become involved in direct action in Haiti through Mike and Karen Wyatt, members of his board of directors.

Mike is a retired Army Medical Service Corps officer who once helped lead a MASH unit during the first gulf war.  (Do you know how odd it feels for veterans of that war, such as myself, to call it the “first” gulf war?)  As such he is unusually well qualified to work under current conditions in Haiti.  He and his wife Karen, a chaplain, traveled to the Dominican Republic and then drove into Haiti.  They are now working in Port-au-Prince.

For more detailed information on their work and background, let me direct you an editorial from The Mountain Press, Editorial: Doing their part — Wyatts feel led to travel to Haiti to assist in relief efforts and to an earlier news article, Helping in Haiti: Sevier County couple aiding quake victims.

But to get a feel for what’s going on, look at one of Mike’s updates via iPhone.  He has to be very careful of his battery because it is hard to recharge due to irregular power supply.  I received this by e-mail from Harvey, and I think it gives the flavor wonderfully:

”One of the team members became dehydrated today and had to be treated. Still have great need for med supplies. Karen prayed over injured baby has she Rocked her and sang to her. Team saw mother and new born. Some one was needing a midwife. Nurses tried for 20 min to start an IV on infant – I was taking pictures- could not see to take pictures for tears in my eyes. Haitian are very greatful. They wait fir hours in the sun to be seen. We are starting to see old infected wounds. Cast legs and armes if suspect fracture. Lots of surgery needed but no one or facilties to do it. We are trying to make contact with us forces for medevcac to hosptial ship. Good place for forward surgicial team and a MASH unit. Phone batt dying agAin can’t charge we keep losing power. We are next to the airfield- notice not as much traffic tonight.”

I encourage you to support any local people that you know who are engaged in service projects.  If you would like to support the Wyatts, send checks, with the word “Haiti” in the check memo line, to Impact Ministries, P.O. Box 39, Pigeon Forge 37868.

A commenter included the following video, which I’m embedding here as well.

Do you think the church could learn [...]]]> Kevin at Shooting the Breeze has an interesting post as he returns from a four day cruise.  He cites two things that the church could learn from the cruise line industry.  Check it out and join the discussion.

A commenter included the following video, which I’m embedding here as well.

Do you think the church could learn from the cruise line industry?

Did you see some things in the video that remind you of your own church?

How much is spreading the gospel like marketing a product?

And speaking of marketing, this topic made me think of two of our books.  The first is Disciples: Jesus With Us, about becoming a disciple, and The Jesus Paradigm.  The latter book makes me ask one more question:  What type of hospitality and what focus fits with the Jesus paradigm?