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Resources
The resources located in this section are provided to assist in educating and adults, youth, children, and preschoolers in the cause of Christian missions.
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Compelled by Love looks at love within these three contexts: God, the church, and individuals. God's searching, dying, and indwelling love must be understood. Stetzer and Nation examine what it means for the church to be identified by love—its foundation, its Commission, and its direction. Lastly, what it means for individual believers to be newly formed by their understanding of love through obedience, direction, separation, and service. Nation, Stetzer's friend and coauthor adds, "Most of the books regarding missional ministry are concerned with methods. Compelled by Love uncovers the heart of the ministry. We hope to reveal the why, and thus propel missional ministry throughout the church. "A few years ago, I came to understand that love is the central discipline of the Christian life," says Nation. "The main theme encompasses the need for the church and the individual believer to seek out the lost, due to the great love of God." According to Stetzer, people can't love Jesus and not live differently day by day. "It is all about love," states Stetzer. "Because of God's love, He sent Jesus. Because of Jesus's love, He died. And, because of His death, He compels us by His love." The authors are hopeful that readers will begin applying love more widely within all of their relationships. "That is what we want believers to do," states Andrea Mullins, publisher, New Hope Publishers. "We want believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. I approached Ed about writing this book because I knew he understood the magnitude of what could happen if today's believers were to grasp an understanding of the expanse and depth of God's love, the commission of the church, and the loving, willing acts of submission that follow." Written in a warm conversational tone, the compelling and transforming power of God's love will be evident to the average reader. Through thought-provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter, the authors challenge readers to grasp the power of love and to act in obedience, to be submissive to the Father's will, to incorporate holiness and spiritual disciplines into their lives, to live as those with a passion for the lost, and to have pure motives in ministry. "Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation lay bare their heart and soul about God's love and its transforming effect in our lives," says Henry Blackaby, author of Called and Accountable. "With Christ living in us, His love will involve us on mission with Him in redeeming a lost world. Compelled by Love is a much needed overview for how God's love compels us to love as He is loving in our world." The book is structured to allow for individual or group use. Written primarily in first person, each chapter follows a basic pattern and includes illustrations, basic theology, understandable principles of missiology, and ideas for personal application. It beckons for a community aiding one another to integrate love into all aspects of our missional calling. "As Christians, we know that the church is called to live in and for the mission of God," states Thom Rainer, author of Simple Church. "Yet, we also know that many watch from the sidelines rather than respond to God's call. With biblical clarity, bold challenges, and a good amount of wit, Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation give reasons and ways that will help you and your church respond to the call of Jesus. Compelled by Love is a great read for those needing encouragement and direction for engaging in God's work in the world." About the Authors
Visit the book's Web site at www.compelledbylove.com. Compelled by Love is an excellent book to use with your leadership team, small group, or church staff. It is also an excellent gift to give to your pastor, both to encourage him and to share with him the heart and focus of WMU for the next year. It is also available in Spanish. Be sure the multicultural group in your church has a copy. |
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Dr. Ed Stetzer is considered by Rick Warren (The Purpose-Driven Life) to be "one of the best informed, practically minded, field church planters" he knows. Ed is currently director of Research at LifeWay Christian Resources. Ed has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, transitioned declining churches in Indiana and Georgia, trained pastors and church planters on five continents, and has taught at 16 different seminaries. Formerly the missiologist and research director at the North American Mission Board, Ed holds two master's degrees, two doctorates, and has written dozens of articles and books. He and his wife, Donna, have three daughters and call Tennessee home.
Philip Nation, church planting missionary for the North American Mission Board, followed God's call into the ministry at age 16. He has given his life to many ministries in the church including youth ministry, single adult ministry, senior pastoral roles, and oversight of the education ministry of a 7,000-member church. Currently pursuing a doctor of ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philip's works include contributions to Ed Stetzer's Breaking the Missional Code and Planting Missional Churches, as well as articles for numerous publications. Philip is currently planting a church in north Metro Atlanta with his wife, Angie, and sons Andrew and Chris.
