J. Brent Bill

From essays about the Quaker Christian experience and the "mystery at the core of all being" to a murder mystery by Irene Allen, this collection presents some of the best of contemporary Quaker nonfiction and fiction writing, with a brief biography of each author. Among these popular 20th- and 21st-century writers are names familiar to readers of mainstream Christianity, including Thomas Kelly, Jessamyn West, James Michener, Daisy Newman, Jan de Hartog, and Scott Russell Sanders. These adept essays and works of fiction reflect the true scope of spiritual experience, offering essays and fiction that range from tender, thought-provoking, and challenging to humorous, dramatic, and mysterious.

"A sampling that graciously introduces Quaker faith to Friends and non-Friends alike." -- Booklist

Building communicate. Stained glass windows, high altars, multi-purpose worship/gymnasium spaces, Plexiglas pulpits, padded pews--these and all other architectural elements say something about a congregation's theology and mission. They point to a faith community's beliefs about worship, identity, purpose, and more. From the stark simplicity of a Quaker meetinghouse to the splendor of a Romanesque Revival building, sacred spaces speak loudly. What they say can either reinforce a congregation's mission or detract from it.

Holy Places is designed to be used by congregations who are involved in or are contemplating work on their facilities. This could include renovation, remodeling, expansion, or building. No matter how extensive the project, approaching the work with mission at the forefront is the key to having a final result that strengthens the congregation's ministry. The process outlined in this book--discern, decide, do--lets congregations begin where they are and provides the help they need to move to the next level.

Today we are awash in computerized Bible games, pastoral care software, and church management systems with members’ personal information and giving records, but too often we blindly accept and use technology without asking the big questions. Questions like, is it appropriate to our mission and ministry?"

40 Days and 40 Bytes will help your congregation explore technology so you can decide, from a ministry and culture standpoint, what you need to do. The goal: godly service—not technological glitz.

The authors are uniquely qualified to help you think about the role of technology in your congregation. All three are staff members with the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, which launched the innovative Computers and Ministry Grants Initiative in 1998 to help congregations address the challenges they face when using computer technology in their ministries. In this book, they share what they have learned in their work with 102 congregations.

There’s no question your congregation is going to use computer technology. The only question is, "How?" 40 Days and 40 Bytes will help you design technology that fits your ministry and mission.

I also have a bookstore where you can my books -- and other good books and music I recommend.  Check it out here -- http://brentbill.com/Brents_Book_and_More_Store.html