Honoring God In Red Or Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason - Softcover

Black; Dr. Amy E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802404871 ISBN 13: 9780802404879

Publisher: Moody Publishers, 2012

Synopsis

At any given time there are thousands of churches seeking a lead pastor.  While a great resume, a friendly smile and a memorable sermon will convince many, what should local congregations focus on to find a new shepherd?  Chris Brauns believes to find a great preacher the search must focus on God's Word and how the candidate relates to it and preaches from it. 

This book is a must have resource for search committees and church leaders addressing the needs of churches in the transition of pastoral leadership.  It assists by approaching their responsibilities in a biblical way and providing critical help in key practical matters.  From the initial formation of a search committee to the final terms of agreement with the new pastor, Brauns shows you how to 'major on the majors' and away from subjective approaches of evaluating candidates and their sermons.  Great also for pastors or pastoral students to know how to prepare, the book includes such practical tools as interview questions for candidates and the top mistakes search committees make.

About this title

About the Author

DR. AMY E. BLACK is Associate Professor of Political Science and chair of the department of Politics & International Relations at Wheaton College (IL). Prior to joining the Wheaton faculty in 2001, she taught at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A specialist in American Government, her research interests include religion and politics and Congress. Her books include Religion and American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, edited with Douglas Koopman and Larycia Hawkins (Pearson Longman, 2011), Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics (Baker Books, 2008), From Inspiration to Legislation: How an Idea Becomes a Law (Prentice Hall, 2007), and, with Douglas Koopman and David Ryden, Of Little Faith: The Politics of George W. Bush's Faith Based Initiatives (Georgetown, 2004). She and her husband, Wheaton theology professor Dan Treier, live in Wheaton with their daughter Anna.

From the Back Cover

Politics isn't a four-letter word.

Everyone's been at that dinner party. The conversation takes a political turn. The arguments start, the atmosphere grows tense, and all that remains is a hopeless stalemate and an awkward silence. Makes you wonder . . . is thoughtful and productive dialogue about politics even possible?

In Honoring God in the Red or Blue, Dr. Amy Black addresses the debaters as well as those intimidated or annoyed by the debaters; political junkies and the contented uninvolved. She explains the purposes and limitations of our system and helps readers create realistic expectations for government. While God's truth is perfect, human application of it is not, a reality that shouldn't deter us from engaging in debate and staying informed. Rather, it should challenge us to raise our standards for how we speak about the issues--and those in office.

It's time to approach political divides with an extra measure of grace. Success begins with seeking God's honor first and foremost, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. Don't limit yourself to chatting about the weather.

"Millions of believers nationwide have grown weary of the hyperbole, distortions, and bitter attacks--from both sides of the aisle--that have come to characterize political 'discourse' in this nation. It was refreshing to read a perspective that so thoughtfully and effectively balances the importance of standing for biblical truth while at the same time being considerate, compassionate, and, yes, even loving toward those with whom we disagree. Both of those ingredients are essential. We can't emphasize either to the exclusion of the other and claim to be living a consistent Christian witness." --James Daly, president Focus on the Family

Amy E. Black is associate professor of political science and chair of the department of Politics and International Relations at Wheaton College (IL). Dr. Black earned her Ph.D. in Political Science at M.I.T. In 2000-2001, Dr. Black served as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Representative Melissa A. Hart.

Her books include Religion and American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, edited with Douglas Koopman and Larycia Hawkins, and Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics. Amy is married to Wheaton theology professor Daniel Treier, and they have one daughter, Anna.

Edition details

• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802404871
• ISBN 13: 9780802404879
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208