Which books help you pursue the shalom of the city and the glory of God? Here are some titles that have contributed meaningfully to our shalom-seeking in Boston.
A Christian church or ministry functions in the context of a particular community. To effectively minister in that community, it’s important to understand it.
From population trends to social needs, this illustrated guide lists the factors to consider when learning more about a local neighborhood or community.
A discussion group for people involved in the child welfare system in Boston has led to collaboration as members learn from each other and better understand the system which affects their lives and directs their work.
New England’s Book of Acts is a 2007 publication of the Emmanuel Gospel Center that captures the stories of how God has been growing his Church among many people groups and ethnic groups in New England. Bursting with stories, research, and inspiration, the 24 reports about these ministry streams were written by leaders from within the groups and by EGC staff. Here's an overview to get you started, and links to the publication and other resources.
What is the Quiet Revival? Fifty years ago, a church planting movement quietly took root in Boston. Since then, the number of churches within the city limits of Boston has nearly doubled. How did this happen? Is it really a revival? Why is it called "quiet?" EGC's senior writer, Steve Daman, gives us an overview of the Quiet Revival, suggests a definition, and points to areas for further study.
On Friday, March 4, 2005, Pastor Reth Nhar said goodbye to his wife, climbed into a car with four Cambodian friends, and headed out into the evening rush hour for the 60-mile drive north out of Providence, through the heart of Boston, to Lynn, Massachusetts. There the five made their way up to the second floor of an office building at 140 Union Street, grabbed some tea, and at 6:45 p.m., they crammed into a meeting room at the new Cambodian Ministries Resource Center.
About 30% of all Brazilians living in the U.S., approximately 68,197, reside in New England and Portuguese is the third most spoken language after English and Spanish in the region. What are the strengths and opportunities of the predominant Brazilian-speaking churches in New England today? Kaye Cook and Sharon Ketcham offer a quick update on the status of New England’s Brazilian churches, their history, strengths and challenges.
Thinking of sharing space with another congregation? Before you do, read this. You may be facing an unexpected challenge, but an opportunity for growth, maturity, and increased unity among followers of Jesus Christ. With limited meeting space in some of our cities, how do churches who practice their faith in different ways gather under the same roof and learn to love each other?
God’s intent is that everyone living in Greater Boston be enthusiastically and holistically engaged in a community of vibrant Christian faith. The best way to make that happen right now, in 2012, is by church planting—apostolic-led church planting. That is the story of the Book of Acts and it is the story of Christian history ever since.
Do you want to see the Church at work? This little book by Rev. Ralph Kee, veteran church planter in Boston, helps us get a handle on what the Bible calls “diakonia” and what we call “the deaconate.” Diakonia, we will discover, is much more than just a religious word. Diakonia moves us quickly from words to action, for it is, in fact, the life of service the church carries out in the world. In our day, as in Jesus’ day, as in the Apostle Paul’s day, diakonia carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit is still absolutely critical to the work of a credible church.
While it is the nature of teens to consider their parents to be “out of touch” and the nature of older people to complain about the younger generation, the biblical mandate to pass the faith on to our children becomes extremely difficult in immigrant communities where younger people rapidly assimilate into a culture very different from their parents’. While this is not a new issue, to those experiencing the conflict, it is an issue that seems to threaten the very future of their faith.
