Thanks and another book

Hi Corey et al,
Thanks for including me in the Baptist blogosphere.
I like the distinction between attractional vs incarnational churches, and appreciate the web links.
I've been using Logos for about 10 years now, and have the huge mega scholar's gold collection. It is super on searches and varieties of translations including Greek and Hebrew, as well as a plethora of commentaries. I have added Keil and Delitsch, Life Application Bible and Barclay's of late, and use them frequently. The whole software gig has freed up my study and prep time, and liberated me from the problem of porting texts back and forth from the church study to my home, where I really work.

I have a book I picked up in the fall at the Sojourner's conference in Pasadena, called Churches That Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with God News and Good Works. Ronald J. Sider, Philip N. Olson and Heidi Rolland Unruh. (2002) Baker Books.

Maybe you all have read it already, but I'm finding it a fit for our congregation as we have had a 95% turnover from older to younger (avg attend. 35) in the last 8 years.

Three big parts are: 1) Understanding holistic ministry, integrating evangelism and social outreach 2) The essential elements of holistic ministry, healthy congregation as a base for a commitment to the community, including a ministry-centered organizational structure 3) cultivating and implementing the vision, developing vision, rallying support and dealing with fears, change and conflict in the congregation.

This comes out of the work in the Congregations, Communities and Leadership Development Project. one site they refer to is: network935.org

I just got back from working the Kafe Underground, a coffee house in the basement of K-House, opened up in the short term to raise $$ for the Katrina New Orleans Mission Trip, but with a cozy well lighted place with tables and a great coffee espresso set up and wireless internet its a great place to study and spend time. Right now they're getting going, and don't have totally regular hours. Student run and all that. I'm there 5-7 on Tues and Wed. They are open on Sats too.

All for now. Must work on PhD.
Blessings,
JHD