"A crucial book." —Timothy Keller Our world is facing increasing hostilities. Political and cultural differences rage, even among people who otherwise show goodwill. And the church is no stranger to extreme polarization, theological backbiting, and political squabbling. Jesus's prayer in John 17—that the church be one as he and the Father are one—seems increasingly unattainable. But what if Scripture actually provides the key for thinking about unity in diversity? In Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Division, Richard Lints explores the nature of diversity and how Christians can think more clearly about unity in an increasingly polarized age. Drawing on theological, historical, and sociological resources, Lints exposes problems with the inclusion narrative of democracy and shows a better way forward for fostering unity in the midst of extreme diversity. If we are to think rightly about diversity, wisdom is required for the church in our late modern world. Through wisdom, Christians can display real unity in diversity and bear witness of the God who made them for himself as diverse members of his one body. Readers of Uncommon Unity will be heartened that Scripture and Christian tradition provide an antidote to division.

Discover the Secret to Turning the World Upside Down! Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said… “that they may be one just as We are one.” (John 17:1, 22) Division feeds powerlessness. The longer the church remains divided and disconnected from each other, the longer it will take to accomplish the work Jesus has assigned us to do. You may be thinking, “I’m just one person. What can I do to bring God’s people together and promote unity in the body of Christ?” Joey LeTourneau’s book shows you how to: Become a catalyst that releases uncommon unity in your unique sphere of influence Recognize your identity and essential role in the global community of God Receive and release vision that transforms culture Position yourself to sow into future generations and empower emerging leaders It is time for you to access the secrets to walking in the same dynamic presence and power of God that were normal for the first century Church and play your part in turning the world upside down!

"A crucial book." --Timothy Keller Our world is facing increasing hostilities. Political and cultural differences rage, even among people who otherwise show goodwill. And the church is no stranger to extreme polarization, theological backbiting, and political squabbling. Jesus's prayer in John 17--that the church be one as he and the Father are one--seems increasingly unattainable. But what if Scripture actually provides the key for thinking about unity in diversity? In Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Division, Richard Lints explores the nature of diversity and how Christians can think more clearly about unity in an increasingly polarized age. Drawing on theological, historical, and sociological resources, Lints exposes problems with the inclusion narrative of democracy and shows a better way forward for fostering unity in the midst of extreme diversity. If we are to think rightly about diversity, wisdom is required for the church in our late modern world. Through wisdom, Christians can display real unity in diversity and bear witness of the God who made them for himself as diverse members of his one body. Readers of Uncommon Unity will be heartened that Scripture and Christian tradition provide an antidote to division.

In the USA, minorities such as blacks, Latinos and gays demand a school curriculum that recognizes their identity. Others insist education should instil a common American identity. The author indicates the underlying issues and shows how schools can promote both national and cultural identities.

Why do you need this book? Because there are treasures in tradition. In stark contrast to the common belief that youth workers require nothing less than a light show, smoke machine, and sweaty punk-rock band to reach teenagers' souls, more and more youth have actually been moving toward depth and quiet---and away from fluff and noise. Creeds, candles, silence, and ancient spiritual practices are all gaining understanding and popularity among students who're passionately seeking otherworldly and mysterious fragrances. They're realizing that there are treasures in tradition. The Book of Uncommon Prayer is your tool for unearthing, dusting off, and tapping into these treasures---but in ways that are completely contemporary and, more importantly, completely relevant to students. It's personal. The prayers and worship services inside are written for youth ministry---for students and for youth workers! They tell the from-the-gut truth about what you and your kids face every day---and in language that won't leave anybody scratching their heads. It's practical. These tools are for just about any situation you can think of. Need a prayer for a lock-in? For family? For loving enemies? For final exams? How about a mind-blowing 'Dumpster' Christmas service? An eye-opening service for All Hallows Eve? Or the most intense service for Good Friday you've ever experienced? They're all here---along with many other innovative vehicles for bringing your students into communion with God. It's unparalleled. This book is for all denominations. It doesn't matter if you're mainline or evangelical, Protestant or Catholic; The Book of Uncommon Prayer is geared for all teenagers and youth workers in Jesus' church! There's also an entire section of devotions and prayers written specifically for you, the youth worker, to renew and strengthen you when times are tough. Plus...we've included a bonus music CD in the back---Eucharist---an at-once moody and energetic, ancient-postmodern collection of songs straight from the 'alternative worship' movement in the United Kingdom. Many services inside use songs from the Eucharist CD, and there's even an entire service that uses the CD from start to finish. Mysterious. Practical. Treasure-filled. (Yes, uncommon, too!) The Book of Uncommon Prayer is a rich source of God-revealing worship and a one-of-a-kind guide for personal renewal that youth workers, camp counselors, Sunday school teachers, adult volunteers (and even students) will love.

Outreach Resource of the Year The Gospel Coalition Book Award The church is at its best when it pursues the biblical value of unity in diversity. Our world has been torn asunder by racial, ethnic, and ideological differences. It is seen in our politics, felt in our families, and ingrained in our theology. Sadly, the church has often reinforced these ethnic and racial divides. To cast off the ugliness of disunity and heal our fractured humanity, we must cultivate spiritual practices that help us pursue beautiful community. In The Beautiful Community, pastor and theologian Irwyn Ince boldly unpacks the reasons for our divisions while gently guiding us toward our true hope for wholeness and reconciliation. God reveals himself to us in his trinitarian life as the perfection of beauty, and essential to this beauty is his work as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The gospel imperative to pursue the beautiful community—unity in diversity across lines of difference—is rooted in reflecting the beautiful community of our triune God. This book calls us into and provides tools for that pursuit.

Christians cannot remain indifferent to the divisions in the Church today. In this study guide companion, Chan draws on the gospel infused message of Until Unity to remind readers that Church unity is not optional. This study guide includes: Deeper exploration of every chapter in Until Unity Free original videos with Francis Chan Tips for leading and participating in a small group Scripture passages and reflection questions Prompts for group and individual prayer Chan’s emphasis on worship and praise, along with his passionate teaching, make this guide a unique and life-changing exploration of why unity is not just God’s wish for His Church—it’s His command.