In our increasingly busy culture, encouraging prayer and spiritual disciplines among church attenders is consistently a challenge for pastors and ministry leaders. This theme includes teaching from wise spiritual directors, including Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Ben Patterson. Articles range from "How to Pray as a Group" to "Where Do You Stand," written to help leaders see ways that spiritual disciplines can influence character and behavior. Also included are practical activities designed to get ministry leaders praying, titled "A Day in Prayer" and "An Hour in Prayer."
INTERVIEW
Time for God
with Richard Foster and Henri Nouwen
Making room for the eternal
Colossians 4:2; Psalm 84
ASSESSMENTS
Guidelines for Effective Prayer
9 principles for including God in church decisions
Ephesians 4:16; Philippians 4:6-7
by Wayne Jacobsen
Winsome Faith
5 qualities that reflect God's image
Galatians 5:1; 22-26
by Rick Weiner
CASE STUDIES
God's Work in Suffering
Even in our darkest moments, God is active.
James 1:1-18; Job 42
by Alan Redpath
Prime Time for Prayer
Breaking out of boredom
Psalm 51:10; James 4:7-10
by Steven D. Mathewson
DEVOTIONALS
Away to Pray
Changing the setting to talk with God
Luke 5:15-16
by Steven D. Mathewson
The Central Work of Prayer
How prayer and work go together
Colossians 4:12-13
by Ben Patterson
Fighting Spiritual Decay
It's critical that we speak with—not about—our heavenly Father.
Psalm 142; Job 1:20-22
by Helmut Thielicke
HOW TO ARTICLES
How to Pray As a Group
3 helpful stages.
1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:13-18
by Wayne Jacobsen
Where Do You Stand?
How to assess your life and work.
Psalm 139:23; Jeremiah 17:9-10
by Norman Shawchuck and Roger Heuser
ACTIVITY
An Hour in Prayer
Focus for time in God's presence
Matthew 6:5-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
by Dick Eastman
RESOURCES
Further Exploration
10 helpful resources on spiritual formation
Sample Retreat Schedule
How to use Building Church Leaders at a weekend retreat.
Total number of pages - 16
