Though not written specifically for an urban context, this book does address the issue of recruitment in an urban setting and provides helpful tools designed for use within such a context.
This book teaches where and how to find the best volunteers, examining the topic of recruitment in depth. It includes examples of recruitment tools, charts, and worksheets and is organized in an understandable lay-out. This book does not focus on volunteer management but is very thorough in examining volunteer recruitment, covering such topics as: why people volunteer, where to look for volunteers, techniques of recruitment, and printed materials.
Churches that Make a Difference is a thorough handbook for churches that want to embrace holistic ministry in their congregations. Historically, America has expected social work to be secular, objective, and separated from the world of faith communities and congregations. However, government and public agencies are not solving the problem of poverty. Sider, Olson, and Unruh introduce their book with some amazing results that faith-based groups are having in some of America’s poorest and toughest neighborhoods.
The authors then proceed to guide readers to participate in this exciting time for Christianity by embracing holistic ministry in their own congregations. This book covers both the practical and theological sides of the issues and provides clear, biblical and balanced advice. Congregations of all denominations, situations and styles will find help here. Leaders reading the book will find helpful counsel for both their congregational and their personal spiritual lives as well.
This book is a compilation of wisdom and encouragement from CCDA founder John Perkins and fourteen other veteran urban workers. It is a compass, a reference tool, and a how-to guide for urban ministry practitioners. The book offers vision and many practical examples of successes and failures. Its lessons and advice are relevant for practitioners just starting out and those with significant experience in the field.
The book is divided into three parts: foundations of Christian community development; strategy of Christian community development; and ministry in the community. Each section contains three or more practical chapters written by different urban ministry experts. Topics include: the theology of Christian community development, understanding poverty, racial reconciliation, indigenous leadership and how to start a community development ministry.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
This book is particularly useful for at least three reasons. First, it collects the wisdom and insights of some of the leading urban ministry veterans--people who have been in the trenches and know what they are talking about. Second, it covers a wide range of practical topics and relevant issues. Third, it refreshingly candid—the authors share many personal examples of pain, struggle, success, and failure. Authors of various races, ages and genders contribute, so the book presents a varying range of perspectives. The book is both encouraging and realistic about what can and cannot be done well.
This book provides examples (in story form) of black entrepreneurs from the end of slavery to the present. Examples illustrate the principles of entrepreneurship described throughout the first part of the book. The book also identifies and gives statistics about current successful black businesses. A section aimed at adults gives suggested activities to help expose black youth to entrepreneurship. Helpful tools include a list of business ideas for youth entrepreneur and additional resources (publications, internet websites and organizations) that support black youth entrepreneurship.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
This book is beneficial in motivating black youth as well as providing practical resources and guiding principles in entrepreneurship.
This workbook provides a detailed description of factors influencing successful collaboration based on extensive research and includes examples of collaborations marked by the "success factors." It also contains an evaluation tool-the Collaborations Factor Inventory-for assessing a collaboration.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
The workbook would be beneficial to any organization entering into a collaboration.
The Handbook is a detailed, thorough, easy to read “how-to” guide that presents an overview of collaboration from start to finish. Topics discussed include understanding the positives and negatives of a person’s power, dealing with conflict, and potential behavioral styles of different partners in the collaboration. The book also contains many helpful drawings, worksheets, charts and quotes.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resources?
This handbook is a helpful resource for any organization considering entering into a collaborative alliance or desiring to strengthen their existing relationships.
The edited volume brings together papers by a variety of “official” and “lay” theologians (including Richard John Neuhaus, George Grant, and R.C. Sproul, Jr.) on different traditions of care for the poor throughout Church history. It begins with some critical analysis of the welfare state in the U.S. as it existed in the early 1990s). The second section then reviews some key Old and New Testament principles related to poverty and poverty fighting. The third section of the book is the most fresh: it offers detailed descriptions of poverty-fighters from days gone by. The Reformation period in particular is discussed in detail.
This is a simple and solid guide for churches that want to make a difference. The authors explain why Christians and the Church should be involved in service and social action and discuss the different ways churches can get involved in their communities – service, community education, social action, and advocacy. The book points readers to the Bible for the ultimate motivation for compassion but spends more time on practical advice rather than deep theological thought. Readers will find an attractive and easy-to-read guide that will provide them with plenty of advice, encouragement, and resources to get an effective community ministry started in their congregation.
In this book, author Marlene Wilson builds a theological and practical framework for why church leaders need to equip and release church members for service. She then provides them with the administrative and managerial tools they need to do it. This book serves as an introduction to organizational development, covering such topics as strategic planning and delegation. The appendix has many useful forms and checklists.
This book is a useful and accessible tool for church leaders desiring to release their members into service ministry.
By Murray C. Cullen and Michael Bradley (Lanham: American Correctional Institution, 2001).
Summary:
Inside Out is the companion volume to Cage Your Rage (also produced by the American Correctional Association), which sought to help ex-offenders recognize unhealthy expressions of anger and overcome them.Inside Out is meant to stand alone, but could be employed with the earlier workbook for a more comprehensive anger management curriculum.
Purposively hands-on, this volume effectively aids the reader in uncovering the root causes of anger, rather than its expressions. One of the most effective facets of the material is its delineation between primary and secondary emotions. The authors describe primary emotions as “the first reactions you have to an exciting event, whether it is upsetting or pleasant.” Some of these primary emotions are confusion, powerlessness, shock, helplessness, embarrassment, or hurt. The authors’ aim is to encourage the reader to actually deal with these primary emotions rather than the secondary emotions of anger, depression, sadness, or bitterness. This comes to fruition through a number of hands-on writing exercises wherein the reader is asked to recount episodes of anger and determine what could have been done differently were one to act on primary rather than secondary emotions. Directed primarily to ex-offenders, Inside Out is a helpful, concise, and focused resource for anyone developing an anger management curriculum.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
Inside Out is an excellent resource to consult for those practitioners who are developing some sort of curriculum to deal with anger management among ex-offenders.Concise yet comprehensive, this workbook helps people face their anger and learn to replace it with healthy thought patterns. Utilized either in group therapy or individually, its approach is a practical way to address anger in a focused, redemptive way.
This booklet helps the reader understand ADD from a Biblical point of view:What part of an ADD child's behavior is sin? What part is weakness?Edward Welch offers practical clarity on the physical and spiritual dimensions of ADD. He gives a helpful description of the disorder from the American Psychiatric Association and offers useful wisdom of how to navigate the use of Ritalin and other prescription drugs.He compassionately speaks to both the challenges and responsibilities of ADD children, and offers hope to parents and children's workers.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
Handling and helping an ADD child is one of the most common struggles of children's workers today. This booklet is very practical, easy to read and offers tangible help and hope.It succinctly gives the reader a Biblical framework for the problem, as well as Biblical guidance for making decisions about discipline and instruction.It addresses the honest questions of parents and children's workers who are on the "frontlines" of ministry.
Good News for the Chemically Dependent and Those who Love Them
By Jeff VanVonderen (Bethany House, 2004)
Summary:
Jeff VanVonderen writes this book to pastors and other church leaders who have a desire to better understand and deal with substance abuse. He does not simplify chemical dependency but gives a thorough explanation of all the factors involved for both the addict and his/her family and friends. The first part of the book focuses on understanding alcohol and drug dependency and its repercussions. VanVonderen discusses the power the dependency has over the whole family, expanding on such dynamics as enabling and shame within the family. The second part of the book focuses on the recovery process, covering such topics as:
·how to deal with chemically dependent loved ones who refuse treatment or help without becoming an enabler or codependent,
·how the law of God and the grace of God fit into the area of chemical dependence,
·how to help those who are seeking aid,
·what to do to minister to family members of the chemically dependent,
·how the church as a whole has failed the chemically dependent and their families in the past,
·why the church should be helping and suggestions on where to begin,and
·information on drugs and drug use.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
VanVonderen gives a very thorough account of chemical dependency, covering its effect on individuals and their families; the relationship between the church and the chemically dependent; and how to go about serving in this area. He writes with compassion and understanding but without hesitation to place responsibility where it belongs. Any church leaders who desire a better understanding of chemical dependency and/or want to help their church serve in this area will find this a valuable resource.
Told in the voice of brand new Christian youth as they express their own frustrations and questions on living the Christian faith, this devotional hits all of the major themes and issues that a new Christian would need to know--and addresses the issues that would likely derail them. Each day begins with a question, such as: “What’s the Right Way to Pray?” and “Why Do I Still Struggle and Have Problems?” Then these questions are addressed with a Bible verse and an explanation. Each devotional ends with a section called “Making it Personal,” which raises reflective questions to help the youth internalize the Bible lesson. Finally, each day closes with a prayer and a suggestion on how the youth can continue to pray in that particular area.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
This devotional uses language and addresses topics of faith that are relevant to today’s teens. The author, who is part of Straight Ahead Ministries, a juvenile justice ministry, is particularly in tune to at-risk youth. This devotional does not require a long attention span but still effectively hits key issues.
By Susan J. Ellis (published by Energize, Inc., 2002). Visit Energize at 
ations/P&R Publishing, 1994)
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