{"title":"New Titles eBooks","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"messy-togetherness-being-intergenerational-in-messy-church-2","title":"Messy Togetherness: Being intergenerational in Messy Church","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Why do more and more people advocate the idea that the generations should explore faith together, and what does the Bible have to say about this? How does this fit with our inherited model of age-related groups for learning and discipleship? And is it really practical and possible to have an experience of church where the youngest to the oldest share the same meeting space, service theme and time to worship? Edited by Aike Kennett-Brown, in Messy Togetherness Martyn Payne discusses Messy Church as an intergenerational expression of church and the benefits of this to the church community. He explores current thinking about faith development and give a biblical rationale for the all-age approach, offering practical advice and sharing stories and ideas from across the Messy Church network. Chris Barnett provides a brand-new chapter on being intentionally intergenerational.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMartyn Payne\u003c\/strong\u003e worked with BRF Ministries and Messy Church for 15 years before his retirement at the end of 2017. He has a background in Bible storytelling and leading all-age worship, and is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Barnett\u003c\/strong\u003e brings to the intergenerational space a wealth of experience, a heart for connecting and a commitment to facilitating learning together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e‘Ministry leaders worldwide desire to facilitate intergenerational faith formation in their ministries, but the question often arising from that desire is: “Where do we begin?” Martin Payne, Chris Barnett and Aike Kennett- Brown help faith communities define and uphold intergenerational values while unleashing a plethora of fresh creativity and resources for making “messy togetherness” a transformative reality.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eDr Valerie M. Grissom, author of All Ages Becoming, chair of the InterGenerate Team and Presbyterian pastor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e‘This book is a gem! Building on the previous edition and incorporating new learning around intergenerational church, Messy Togetherness offers wisdom and theology, born out of experience, which every church com- munity should take note of. Read the book and join the journey!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThe Revd Mary Hawes, children’s spirituality consultant, former Church of England National Children and Youth Adviser\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e‘An enlightening exploration of why and how being “all age” is the necessary default for all Messy Churches. While intergenerational church is still countercultural in many settings, this book offers updated research and helpful teaching to enable Messy Churches – and all gathered congregations – to consider what it means to truly be an intergenerational church.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eRachel Gotobed, family ministries outreach mission partner, The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e‘Whether you’ve only heard about this whole Messy Church thing or you’ve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ebeen part of one for a decade, this book is for you. It’s chock full of stories, insights, and practical ideas. What are you waiting for? Read this book and join the Messy revolution!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eDavid M. Csinos, associate professor of practical theology at Atlantic School of Theology, founder of Faith Forward, and author of A Gospel for All Ages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e‘Messy Togetherness gives a wonderful overview of the value of inter-generationality. A must-have book for anyone wishing to grow faith and discipleship in their Messy Church.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eSandy Brodine, education and strategy coordinator for the Younger Generations Team, Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church in Australia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martyn Payne and Chris Barnett","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55247330541948,"sku":"9781800390034","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/messy_togetherness_ebook_main.png?v=1747236309"},{"product_id":"donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent-1","title":"Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us find our own route decidedly winding. Biblical characters in the story of the incarnation are called to set out on the road to discipleship using any means of carriage they can. This book offers user-friendly encouragement (with the occasional spur onwards) to explore what helps and what hinders us in this journey to deeper encounter with the flesh and blood God whom we find in scripture, in our lived experience and in the least of his sisters and brothers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso available in paperback format, click \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGemma Simmonds is a Roman Catholic sister of the Congregation of Jesus. An ecumenical canon of the Church in Wales, she has trained candidates for religious life and ordination in the Catholic and Anglican churches, working as a spiritual director and retreat giver for over 30 years. She is a regular broadcaster on religious matters on the BBC and other radio and television networks, and speaks internationally. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Donkey Roads and Camel Treks is a wonderful, witty and deeply pastoral journey through Advent. Gemma draws us into the heart of the story with gentleness and challenge in equal measure, closer to the God who holds us with tenderness and leads us into transformation.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and author of Embracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Advent is a time of great anticipation, and as Gemma says in her charming, inspiring and frequently profound new book, one of her favourite times of year. But what happens when all our plans for a spiritual Advent, filled with deep prayer and peaceful meditation, run into the reality of our often complicated and complex lives? In these beautifully written and artfully presented meditations, Gemma reminds us that the first Christmas also took place in a complicated and complex world, and that God is ready to accompany us in our messy lives, whether we’re in a car, at our desk, in our living room or, yes, atop a camel.’ \u003cem\u003eJames Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘An attractive and inspiring travel invitation. I immediately wanted to get a special journal to walk with the reflections through Advent. The questions at the end of each section are real gems – places to pause to consider the invitations hidden in the reflections. Indeed, the journey might even be richer if shared with a group of friends.’ \u003cem\u003eBernadette Flanagan, spiritual director and co-founder of The Spirituality Institute for Research and Education\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Whether you want to find fresh ways to connect with God, with each other, with nature or with your own deepest desires, this book will inspire you. I do not know a wiser spiritual guide to ordinary Christian living than Gemma Simmonds. Here, from her life of immersion in prayer, wisdom-seeking, formation of individuals and communities, and practical service in some extremely demanding situations, she offers a deeply attractive distillation, focused through key biblical texts. This is far more than an imaginative, thoughtful and practical way to approach Christmas; it gives the essentials for a lifetime following Jesus.’ \u003cem\u003eDavid F. Ford OBE, Regius professor of divinity emeritus, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost., author of \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Hlk47607762\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is the best Advent book I have read in a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn fact, that one line could almost be the extent of this review!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGemma Simmonds has provided a deeply enriching set of daily readings to guide us the rough and smooth terrain, the donkey roads and camel treks, that is often the period leading up to Christmas. From the outset, the author makes it clear that, like riding a camel or a donkey, the reflections she offers in this pilgrim’s guide for Advent may not always be comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHer own experience of the season reflects that. On the one hand, she expresses a positive liking for the period of Advent but also, like many of us I suspect, a profound dislike of all the ‘stuff’ that goes with Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAdvent is often seen as a time of waiting. ‘The fact that it (Christmas) hasn’t come yet isn’t bad news of frustration…but good news of our capacity for growth,’ she writes. ‘That capacity is what fuels our desire for God, and the waiting can actually increase our capacity.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDrawing on a wealth of theological and biblical knowledge, Gemma Simmonds conveys it in a non-academic, relatable way. With daily reflections running from 1-25 December, each begins with a Bible passage and offers a variety of ways and examples to explore the theme for the day. Refreshingly, the author uses modern-day examples to do this – often referring to the day to day of 2025 living, movies, care for creation, shopping and other contemporary issues, joys and challenges alongside some powerful stories of human experience. There is time for personal reflection and group discussion material too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOn this pilgrim’s journey, we are encouraged to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. This is a book which is relevant for today and I for one will be using it in the coming time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003esix \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eother books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gemma Simmonds","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":55985773281660,"sku":"9781800393486","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196"},{"product_id":"day-by-day-with-god-rooting-womens-lives-in-the-bible-january-april-2027","title":"Day by Day with God: Rooting women's lives in the Bible January-April 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook only\u003c\/span\u003e - \u003cem\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eis a collection of Bible reading notes specifically written for women by women. The entries for each day contain a suggested Bible reading, with the key verse written out in full, a helpful comment that engages heart and mind and a short reflection or prayer. Whatever your situation, you will be inspired and encouraged by these notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopics and contributors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClearing the clutter - Di Archer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrayer: the air we breathe - Michele D. Morrison\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHaggai: hope for the future - Amy Boucher Pye\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnowing God’s love - Tracy Williamson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout time - Lyndall Bywater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsaiah 43 - Amy Boucher Pye\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat the Bible says about tears - Jenny Sanders\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecognising idols in our lives - Hannah Fytche\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJesus: gentle and lowly - Tanya Marlow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGod stepped in - Sandra Wheatley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe letter to the Galatians - Georgie Tennant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJackie Harris is married to Ray and lives in Worthing. A freelance editor, Jackie was previously editor of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWoman Alive\u003c\/em\u003e, the magazine for today's Christian woman, and also edited\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWomen of the Word\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(BRF), a collection of Bible studies written by a team of writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-a9849c94=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-a9849c94=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-a9849c94=\"\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" class=\"card\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Editor: Jackie Harris","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56129155826044,"sku":"9781800395015","price":5.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/471.png?v=1768566593"},{"product_id":"the-upper-room-where-the-world-meets-to-pray-january-april-2027","title":"The Upper Room: Where the world meets to pray January - April 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach day’s reading contains a Bible passage to read, a reflection on the passage and a prayer, followed by a 'Thought for the day' and a suggested 'Prayer focus' for the day. There is also a set of small group questions provided each week to fuel discussions within house groups, with a prayer partner or just with friends in church.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Editor: Daniele Och","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56129197998460,"sku":"9781800394872","price":5.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/470.png?v=1768566371"},{"product_id":"to-hells-mouth-and-back-pilgrimage-suffering-and-hope-1","title":"To Hell's Mouth and Back: Pilgrimage, suffering and hope","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - After a gruelling 140-mile pilgrimage walking across the rugged terrain of North Wales, Trystan Owain Hughes finds himself facing another, very different pilgrimage as he recovers from a serious injury sustained on the walk. In To Hell’s Mouth and Back he explores his experience of suffering, considering how God can redeem and transform pain and disability, and examines how common experiences of pilgrimage are echoed in the challenges of our life journeys. Along the way, the reader is led to consider the journeys we all face, as we search for God’s presence and hope in our joys and pains.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan is director of ministry development in the Church in Wales, based in Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, Real God in the Real World and Living the Prayer for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University and is canon theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trystan Owain Hughes","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56295273103740,"sku":"9781800394278","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/tohell_smouthebookcover.png?v=1769687315"},{"product_id":"the-cost-of-christian-living-currency-in-kingdom-life-1","title":"The Cost of Christian Living: Currency in kingdom life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e- The gospels are full of references to coins, money, taxes, costs, pricing, wages, bribery and gambling. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Cost of Christian Living\u003c\/i\u003e, Martyn Percy explores the different meanings and uses of money in the gospels. Through parables, miracles, and encounters, Martyn offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and finance, helping readers to engage in new ways with the stories of Jesus’ life and death. Ultimately, God’s economy is one formed through the currency of love. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes stories from Holy Week and discussion material suitable for Lent.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy writes and teaches on culture, faith and values in public life. A former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, he was principal of Cuddesdon (Oxford) from 2004 to 2014. Martyn lectures at the University of Saint Joseph in Macao (where he serves as the distinguished Morrison chair in religion and culture) and at Ming Hua Theological College, Hong Kong, where he serves as their provost-theologian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Martyn is not in thrall to anyone except God and he is quite brilliantly articulate, biblically literate and anchored in the struggle of actual living… With much courage he discusses currency, money and debt.’ \u003cem\u003eIain Torrance, president emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘You will find much you thought you understood stood on its head by Percy’s determined “monetising” of biblical material – because to his eyes the myriad references to money matters are already there, if only we let ourselves look.’ Peter Selby, formerly bishop of Worcester, author of An Idol Unmasked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book is a challenging read for any Christian. Based on deep scholarship and vividly written, it helps us bridge the centuries and imagine afresh the real flesh-and-blood Jesus and his uncomfortable message.’ \u003cem\u003eStephen Green, BRF Ministries’ vice president and former group chief executive of HSBC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy uses biblical stories… to explore the intersection of faith and finance. This book is a timely call to readers and the church to embrace God’s radical, abundant love for a truly inclusive kingdom.’ \u003cem\u003eJeremy Greaves, archbishop of Brisbane\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This inspiring and moving book maps new spaces for theological thinking on the nature of God’s kingdom currency… Martyn brings readers constructively beyond their accepted way, engaging their understanding, ideas and patterns of thought.’\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Kwong, archbishop emeritus, Hong Kong\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book will not only change your thinking about money – it may even change your thinking about God’s church.’\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMark Edington, bishop in charge, The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Percy’s accessible writing and profound theological reflections inspire a renewed understanding of Christian discipleship, rooted in love, service and the abundant grace of God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Dr Isaac Pooblan, provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity online 20.01.26. Review by Paul Valler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis provocative book may unsettle church treasurers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIf your goal is to have stable finances, Martyn Percy suggests you have misunderstood the gospel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy, former Dean of Christ Church Oxford, is a practical theologian known for challenging Church of England institutional practices. He argues that the currency of God’s kingdom is love, not money, and love is sacrificial. This kingdom currency of love cannot be hoarded, earned, or depleted – it must flow freely or become worthless. Percy contrasts this with human economies built on scarcity, competition, and accumulation. He challenges churches obsessed with survival and financial security, arguing they misunderstand stewardship as preservation rather than taking risks for the right reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s central conviction in The Cost of Christian Living (The Bible Reading Fellowship) is that faithful stewardship is rooted in a love willing to take risks. Drawing on gospel scenes of extravagant generosity and the costly love revealed during Holy Week, he invites readers to rethink how value, faithfulness, and devotion are measured. His reflections consistently resist reducing love to monetary terms, instead pointing to a generosity shaped by grace rather than calculation. Although Percy describes himself as “more towards the Bible-busker end of the spectrum rather than the symphony concert standard”, his writing yields rich sermon material and fresh biblical insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy reframes familiar gospel stories into encounters with economic justice and reflects deeply on them. For instance, he points out that making a whip takes time. So Jesus’ temple clearing was planned, not spontaneous – a deliberate attack on religious commercialisation. This kind of careful reading characterises his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFor the author, whenever there is any tension between prudence and generosity, generosity must win, and he cites many gospel examples. God’s radical generosity trumps merit-based reward systems in the parable of the vineyard workers. The extravagant worship of the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume is affirmed. The burial costs for Jesus paid by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are sacrificial. All these show that expressions of love cannot be assessed or measured by money. Percy convinced me that God’s ‘love economy’ operates by different rules – freely given, lavishly spent, never hoarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy’s plea is for churches to empty their coffers to take risks in mission rather than institutional preservation. Good stewardship, he argues, means taking more risks with resources, not fewer. The parables of talents and minas teach that putting our resources to work is much better than hoarding them, and Percy criticises churches that prioritise institutional survival, calling this the equivalent of the servant who buries his talent. A especially valid point for wealthy denominations, but perhaps less relevant for small independent churches already practicing radical generosity despite limited resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is deliberately disruptive material for institutional church leaders caught between mission and maintenance. Percy makes the provocative claim that the church’s greatest financial crisis isn’t empty coffers but full ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a church trustee I found myself wondering how to square Percy’s radical generosity with sensible governance and our obligations under charity law. There are undoubtedly some gaps in the book between vision and what to do in practice. But his theology does helpfully force difficult and important questions: How large do our reserves really need to be? Does our building maintenance consume more than our community service? Are we protecting our assets or burying our talents? Percy doesn’t attempt to resolve these tensions or close the gap between the vision for radical generosity and implementation. He simply argues that God’s abundant, paradoxical kingdom economy works by different rules than trustees typically think.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePercy offers what many churches need but rarely want: theological challenge to risk everything for the kingdom’s sake. In God’s economy, faith-filled and generous spending out of love can bring unexpected abundance, but anxious hoarding leads to spiritual bankruptcy. This is a wake-up call for any institutional churches who are dying rich while the kingdom starves outside their doors. Percy himself calls this book ‘only a tiny contribution’ – a provocation, not a practical manual. But it feels like a breath of fresh air, even if it won’t calm nervous treasurers or help balance budgets. And it might just provide enough theological disruption to break us free from the kind of excessive prudence that can hinder the mission of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e4****\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Valler is a mentor\/executive coach, author and speaker. He is a former Chair of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehttps:\/\/www.premierchristianity.com\/reviews\/this-provocative-book-may-unsettle-church-treasurers\/20765.article\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martyn Percy","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56295351583100,"sku":"9781800393509","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ebookcoversthecostofchristinaliving.png?v=1769696362"},{"product_id":"belonging-without-barriers-creating-accessible-christian-communities","title":"Belonging without Barriers: Creating accessible Christian communities","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e Belonging without Barriers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e casts a vision of inclusion and full belonging within our churches and other Christian communities for those with additional needs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrading, Bunyan, and Wood begin by exploring the theological basis for this vision, aiming to inspire the reader with God’s love for the weak and marginalised in society. They then move into a practical section outlining a range of different experiences we are likely to encounter, including autism, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. Each chapter contains up-to-date research, personal accounts, interviews, and a range of specific, actionable ideas, including changes that any individual within the church could make. This book shares a vision not just for inclusion, but for full integration and belonging for those with additional needs. Throughout, the emphasis is that this is an ‘every believer ministry’ as we all grow in love together as Christ’s disciples wherever he has put us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTriona Brading works with primary-age children with social, emotional and mental health needs and leads the SEND provision at Revive Bible festival. Lois Bunyan facilitates workshops for adults and children with learning disabilities, people living with dementia and those who suffer with brain and stroke injuries. She established the SEND provision at Revive. Claire Wood was a secondary-school teacher and is now a tutor and examiner supporting the needs of children with specific learning difficulties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Triona Brading, Lois Bunyan, Claire Wood","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56355577758076,"sku":"9781800394216","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/482_d8671875-f5f0-4251-a768-b59e61113498.png?v=1770852917"},{"product_id":"giving-it-up-subtitle-daily-bible-readings-from-ash-wednesday-to-easter-day","title":"Giving it Up Subtitle: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe idea of 'giving something up for Lent' is widely known and discussed today - yet how many know that the ancient discipline of the Lenten fast had several purposes? It was designed as a reminder of our daily dependence on God for all our needs, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect with the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ's journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem. How many of us simply abstain from some treat or other for a few weeks and fail to engage with this deeper meaning of Lent? This book shows how Lent can be a time for exploring a different kind of 'giving up', one that can transform our lives. If we are to draw closer to God, we have to be willing to give up some of our entrenched ideas about him, in order to see him more clearly. In a series of daily studies, Maggi Dawn shows how, throughout Scripture, people were radically changed by encountering the true God. If we follow their examples, we can allow the Holy Spirit to shed his light on our ideas of God that are too harsh, too small, too fragile, or too stern. Then God will graciously reveal himself to us and bring us to an Easter joy that is richer and more profound than ever before.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaggi Dawn is a priest in the Episcopal Church in the USA. She is diocesan theologian in the Diocese of Rhode Island and professor of theology at Durham University. She was previously associate dean of Yale Divinity School.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 30.01.26. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFor any Christian, of course, the Bible is our primary resource, and a daily discipline of scripture reading is as good a foundation for Lent (and, it is to be hoped, the rest of the year) as there can be. Once again, the Bible Reading Fellowship and Maggi Dawn have come up with the goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA reissue of a volume first published in 2009, Giving It Up is the BRF’s Lent Book for 2026, and a good thing it is, too. The simplest format is usually the best: each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter is given a scripture reading, followed by a short meditation. Questions for reflection end each week. A subtle thematic arc of entering into the wilderness and slowly being changed in heart and mind will prepare the reader more truly to perceive the change above all other that is Easter. Of course, this would be used in groups, but I think its primary value lies as a daily manual for the individual. 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Whatever your situation, you will be inspired and encouraged by these notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopics and contributors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSongs of Ascent – Lyndall Bywater\u003cbr\u003eThe person and work of the Holy Spirit – Elaine Storkey\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Esau – Anne Le Tissier\u003cbr\u003eWhat is means to be heirs of Christ – Jen Baker\u003cbr\u003eCoping with failure and disappointment – Bridget Plass\u003cbr\u003eThe faithfulness of God – Sheila Jacobs\u003cbr\u003eWise words from women in the Bible – Chine McDonald\u003cbr\u003eThe significance and symbolism of wells in the Bible – Jenny Sanders\u003cbr\u003eLord, teach us to pray – Sara Batts-Neale\u003cbr\u003eLet kindness light the way – Catherine Larner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Editor: Jackie Harris","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":56638521082236,"sku":"9781800395039","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/486.png?v=1776269572"},{"product_id":"stepping-up-a-devotional-for-stepfamilies","title":"Stepping Up: A devotional for stepfamilies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e No one dreams of being a stepparent – and that is where the adventure begins. Through practical guidance and biblical pointers, stepmum and bio-mum Esther Kuku leads you towards peace and fulfilment in your day-to-day family life. 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