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Magnificent Help from the Magazine Rack
Some time ago we recommended looking at some periodicals that would assist you in ministry. It is time to take a second look at the magazine rack. No one could possibly subscribe to every useful magazine. Perhaps you can subscribe to some and access others at a good theological library.
Preaching
www.preaching.com
If you want to improve your preaching, the best source is Preaching magazine. It is the best magazine on preaching in the market today. The editor, Michael Duduit, supplies the reader with interviews, reviews, articles, sermons, and sermon seed thoughts.
This attractively designed quarterly publication features writers and preachers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many with well-known names serve as consulting editors, including Stuart Briscoe, Steve Brown, James Earl Massey, Bob Russell, and many others. There is also a board of contributing editors who are excellent craftsmen and represent various points along the theological spectrum. A great respect for preaching and the Scriptures permeates the magazine. (I often contribute to the illustration column of the magazine, but I don’t think that has affected my judgment.) At the magazine’s Web site, you can subscribe to print and online versions of the periodical. Preaching also sponsors preaching seminars and the National Conference on Preaching.
Discipleship Journal
www.navpress.com
If your area of interest is spiritual formation, small groups, etc., you will want to become acquainted with Discipleship Journal. This magazine, produced by NavPress, a subsidiary of the Navigators organization, has been a staple for many years.
The Navigators were formed in the 1930s by Dawson Trotmen as a means to disciple members of the Navy. The group’s influence has moved well beyond that.
The magazine’s emphasis is on Christian growth and it addresses the practical dimensions of devotional time, Scripture memorization, small groups, mentoring, and other related subjects. Very little in the way of distinctive doctrines of any particular group emerge in the articles, so people of various backgrounds can benefit.
LeaderLife
www.lifeway.com
If you are interested in honing leadership skills, new help is available from LifeWay Christian Resources, a subsidiary of the Southern Baptist Convention. LifeWay produces a new magazine called LeaderLife. This quarterly magazine deals with the leadership and management issues church professionals face. It addresses issues like conflict management, leadership development, worship, budgeting, and facilities management.
While it is not as classic in appearance as the better-known Leadership journal, you will find the articles helpful and even more directly practical. You can subscribe by going to the Web site and searching for LeaderLife.
Random House Dictionary defines magazine as "a room or place for storing gunpowder and other explosives, as in a fort or on a warship." Here’s hoping that these magazines contain explosive ideas for your ministry.
Mike Shannon is dean at Cincinnati (Ohio) Bible Seminary.
PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
January 18, 2006 - Dealing With the Dark Side
January 4, 2006 - Libraries Without Walls
December 21, 2005 - Communication Concepts from Secular Circles
December 7, 2005 - Words of Wisdom for Women's Ministry
November 9, 2005 - Invigorating Volunteers; Developing Disciples
October 26, 2005 - Overcoming Overwhelm
October 12, 2005 - Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
September 28, 2005 - For You and Youth
September 14, 2005 - A Potpourri of Books
August 31, 2005 - A Potpourri of Web Sites
August 17, 2005 - Hart-to-Heart Talks
August 3, 2005 - Ken Can Help
July 20, 2005 - Easum Has Some Advice
July 6, 2005 - Finding Illustration Gold Mines
June 22, 2005 - Get Real with Bobb Biehl
June 9, 2005 - Let Len Lend a Hand
May 29, 2005 - A New Angle on Church Growth
May 15, 2005 - It's Your Turn
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