Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation - Softcover

Baab, Lynne M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0664237096 ISBN 13: 9780664237097

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012

Synopsis

Although interest in spiritual practices has grown in recent years, most of the books available address individuals who wish to try Christian disciplines such as fasting or fixed-hour prayer. This book, by contrast, offers guidance and examples to Christian leaders as they seek ways to involve their congregations or small groups in spiritual practices.

In Joy Together, Lynne M. Baab describes six spiritual practices that congregations can attempt together: thankfulness, fasting, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, hospitality, and Sabbath keeping. She goes on to explore how these practices can help with congregational life and discernment and provides practical instructions for communicating with group members. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter so groups can delve into the topics more fully.

About this title

About the Author:

Lynne M. Baab, Ph.D. (www.lynnebaab.com) is the author of several books and Bible study guides on spiritual practices, including Sabbath Keeping and Fasting. She has also written books on online communication, such as Friending and Reaching Out in a Networked World. She is a Presbyterian minister and teaches pastoral theology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Review:

"In her typically wise and inviting manner, Lynne Baab offers a distinctive approach to cultivating deeper spiritual lives in congregations by engaging ancient faith practices in fresh and timely ways. Her writing shimmers on every page. Her insights motivate. Her approach captures the deep joy of active Christian faith lived well with others in community." Allan Hugh Cole Jr., Academic Dean, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and editor of A Spiritual Life

"Baab exuberantly, and realistically, displays the way spiritual practices can strengthen groups or whole congregations of Christians. Her illustrations are convincing; her experiences, vast and confirming; her explanations, constructive. I heartily urge every Christian to read this book, significant as it is, because we who respond to the Trinity with practices need to learn to live more as a community!" Marva Dawn, Theologian, author of Keeping the Sabbath Wholly and Unfettered Hope

"Faith is meant to be practiced in community, yet we rarely get help in accomplishing this. This is a great book with practical suggestions on how to enrich congregational life with spiritual practices that can be performed together. I love it." Christine Sine, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Associates and author of GodSpace

"This is a book I've been waiting for because formation is as much 'caught' as 'taught.' Thankfully then, Baab shows how congregations and small groups can build community and help each other by engaging in practices together." Jan Johnson, author of Spiritual Disciplines Companion and Invitation to the Jesus Life

"In a world where happiness equals personal satisfaction or gratification it is lovely to come upon a book called Joy Together. The spiritual journey is not about hiking solo. It is a pilgrimage with others into prayer, hospitality, gratitude, Sabbath, etc. Those looking for ways to grow together with God will enjoy the personal and practical tack of Joy Together." Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, co-pastor Redeemer Community Church and author of The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook and Invitations From God

"This is terrific! Lynne is a wise and gentle guide to a deeper and more peaceful life. You will be blessed if you don't just read the book but do it, slowly." John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and author of Who Is This Man? and The Me I Want to Be

"In Joy Together, Lynne Baab introduces six essential spiritual practices that can help congregations to spend time with Jesus, listen to what he is saying, be changed by him, and then speak and act in the world for him. Her insightful book provides practical and promising ways for groups to enter God's presence and be transformed." Henry G. Brinton, pastor of Fairfax Presbyterian Church in Virginia and author of The Welcoming Congregation: Roots and Fruits of Christian Hospitality

About this edition

• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0664237096
• ISBN 13: 9780664237097
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 214