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Richard B. Hays is internationally recognized for his work on the Gospels, the letters of Paul, and on New Testament ethics. His scholarly work has bridged the disciplines of biblical criticism and literary studies, exploring the innovative ways in which early Christian writers interpreted Israel’s Scripture. He has also consistently sought to demonstrate how close reading of the New Testament can inform the church’s theological reflection, proclamation, and ministry.

His book The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation was selected by Christianity Today as one of the 100 most important religious books of the twentieth century.

Dr Hays has lectured widely in North America, Europe, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Japan. An ordained United Methodist minister, he has preached in settings ranging from rural Oklahoma churches to London’s Westminster Abbey. Professor Hays has chaired the Pauline Epistles Section of the Society of Biblical Literature, as well as the Seminar on New Testament Ethics in the Society for New Testament Studies, and has served on the editorial boards of several leading scholarly journals.

“All these essays illustrate, in one way or another, how I have sought to carry out scholarly work as an aspect of discipleship—as a process of faith seeking exegetical clarity.”

Richard Hays has been a giant in the field of New Testament studies since the 1989 publication of his Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul. His most significant essays of the past twenty-five years are now collected in this volume, representing the full fruition of major themes from his body of work:

– the importance of narrative as the “glue” that holds the Bible together
– the figural coherence between the Old and New Testaments
– the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus
– the hope for New Creation and God’s eschatological transformation of the world
– the importance of standing in trusting humility before the text
– the significance of reading Scripture within and for the community of faith

Readers will find themselves guided toward Hays’s “hermeneutic of trust” rather than the “hermeneutic of suspicion” that has loomed large in recent biblical studies. – From the Publisher

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Dr. Vince Bantu (PhD in Semitic and Egyptian Languages, CUA) is the Ohene (President) of the Meachum School of Haymanot and is Assistant Professor of Church History and Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the Ohene of the Society of Gospel Haymanot (SGH), an academic society of theological Gospelism—Afro-rooted theology committed to the universal Lordship of Jesus, biblical authority and the liberation of the oppressed. Vince, his wife Diana, and their daughters live and minister in St. Louis and they love to travel, watch movies and bust some spades.

You can follow Vince on Twitter.

Christianity is not becoming a global religion. It has always been a global religion. The early Christian movement spread from Jerusalem in every direction, taking on local cultural expression all around the ancient world. So why do so many people see Christianity as a primarily Western, white religion?

In A Multitude of All Peoples, Vince Bantu surveys the geographic range of the early church’s history, revealing an alternate, more accurate narrative to that of Christianity as a product of the Western world. He begins by investigating the historical roots of the Western cultural captivity of the church, from the conversion of Constantine to the rise of European Christian empires. He then shifts focus to the too-often-forgotten concurrent development of diverse expressions of Christianity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

In the process, Bantu removes obstacles to contemporary missiological efforts. Focusing on the necessity for contextualization and indigenous leadership in effective Christian mission, he draws out practical lessons for intercultural communication of the gospel. Healing the wounds of racism, imperialism, and colonialism will be possible only with renewed attention to the marginalized voices of the historic global church. The full story of early Christianity makes clear that, as the apostle Peter said, “God does not show favoritism, but accepts those from every people who fear him and do what is right.” – From the Publisher

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Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, in New York City. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), Aaron created A New Liturgy- a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. Shortly after, Aaron started a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called The Practice. Since writing ‘The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning’, he’s continued to create resources to help us all flesh it out.

You can find Aaron’s book, music, and other resources on his website, and you can follow him on Twitter, @aaronieq.

This retreat is for exhausted spiritual leaders who are looking for holy space, godly spiritual guidance, and new personal practices.

Many of us spiritual leaders spend so much time helping others participate, that we miss out on the fullness of the invitation. In an attempt to help our communities live “unforced rhythms of grace”, we accidentally stumble into “forced rhythms of stress”. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s been said that “The way we do anything is the way we do everything”, and Jesus Christ humbly invites us to baptize our entire lives—even the work of ministry—into God’s deep streams of Life.

Learn more about the Pastors, Priests, and Guides Retreat here.

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If you don’t know, my first book debuted last week. Because it was my first time I didn’t do everything right, like turning in my acknowledgments to my publisher with the final draft. I have many people to thank. I am who I am because of the people around me. They make me better and they’ve made this book possible.

First, to Kate my wife, partner, and best friend, thank you for always supporting my unconventional work and vocational life. Whether it’s showing houses until 8pm, flying off to Jackson for a 4 days, or driving to another city to record a podcast, you’ve let me pursue my interests and passion projects, and spend our money that might not get repaid in any earthly way. We are good together.

Margot & Amos… I can’t believe I get to be your dad! You are the best and every day is a new adventure with you. I get sad that you’re not your younger selves anymore and excited about who you’ll become as you get older all at the same time.

To my parents… One of the surprises of adulthood was finding that I never stopped wanting my parents to be proud of me. I don’t know how people who don’t have the full support and love of their parents make it in the world. If I’m anything good, it’s because of you.

My church Austin Mustard Seed, we’re imperfect, we’re messy and real. Thank you for being people for whom I can work out my theology in front of, thanks for letting me cry in front of you and thanks for letting me be myself. April, thanks for being a pastor to me and always having a lot of grace for my scattered brain and busy schedule. Erin, thanks for loving our kids. Josh and Tim, thanks for holding my confessions, and hearing me with nothing but compassionate curiosity.

Chris, thanks for being my friend, and for always being my advocate. Laura and Micah, thanks for being our people.

Kerri, what did we do before we had each other to recognize our mutual comedic genius?! Thank you for reading a million different versions and drafts of this book, and all the priceless feedback. I really don’t think I could have done this without your guidance.

Drew Hart, Tara Beth Leach, Michelle Reyes, and AJ Swoboda I can’t believe we’re friends. BTW I tell people we’re friends… is that ok?! Your endorsements floored me. “Those must be words about someone else and their work”, my brain told me. Thank you for all you’ve taught me through your books, sermons, and conversations.

Lastly, thank you John Perkins. I have been in awe of you since I first read Let Justice Roll Down. Eight years ago I sent an email to The Spencer Perkins Center hoping to get an interview with you. I thought it was a long shot, but you said yes. These last several years getting to know you have be life giving. In addition to our hours of conversations, I’ll always remember being at your house, picking okra, watching TV, making pancakes, and sitting at your kitchen table late at night talking. I’ll also never forget when you came to my house, and seeing you talk and laugh with my kids. Thanks for giving of yourself. I want to be more like you.

The book, Go and Do: Nine Axioms on Peacemaking and Transformation From the Life of John Perkins, is out now wherever books are sold. Go here to get 40% off.

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Kellye Fabian serves at Willow Creek Community Church as the Pastor of Biblical Oversight & Support and is the author of Holy Vulnerability: Spiritual Practices for the Broken, Ashamed, Anxious, and Afraid and Sacred Questions: A Transformative Journey Through the Bible. A former trial attorney turned pastor, Kellye’s experiences have equipped her to work closely with people struggling and learning how to cope with hard things.

Kellye provides leadership, develops content, and fills various roles at Willow Creek, including teaching and leading the community through spiritual practices. Kellye also teaches spiritual discipline workshops.

Kellye has a Certificate of Spiritual Formation through the Transforming Center and a master of arts degree in New Testament from Northern Seminary. Kellye and her husband, Steve, have three daughters between them and live in the Chicago area.

You can read more of Kellye’s thoughts on her blog, and follow her on Twitter.

Life can seemingly be fine on the surface. But for any of us who scratch that surface, we recognize anxiety, shame, disappointment, and regret. And yet, in the depths of these feelings, in the things we hate about ourselves, others, and this world, we can invite God’s presence.
This is the essence of holy vulnerability. To enter into holy vulnerability is to intentionally expose our raw wounds so that God can heal and mend and transform us.
What happens when we refuse this depth of healing? Something that author Kellye Fabian calls “unholy leakage”—that thing that happens when we are afraid, ashamed, or anxious, and instead of facing the reality of what we’re experiencing, we just spill it on everyone around us. Where is anxiety occupying our hearts and minds? Where is fear hindering our relationships and limiting our faith and joy? Where is shame causing us to question our self-worth? Is there another way? Yes.
Holy Vulnerability unpacks six atypical, unexpected spiritual practices intended to open us to God’s healing and transformation. Through practices like laughter, community, and tangible engagement with creation, Kellye guides us to notice where brokenness is breaking into our lives. And as we intentionally seek God in the midst of these practices—as we step out in holy vulnerability—God will meet us there. – From the Publisher

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Tim Mackie is a writer and creative director for BibleProject. He has a PhD in Semitic Languages and Biblical Studies. He wrote his dissertation on the manuscript history of the book of Ezekiel, with a focus on the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls. He is a professor at Western Seminary and served as a teaching pastor for many years.

Jon Collins is a writer and creative director for BibleProject. He has a BA in Biblical Studies from Multnomah University (where he met Tim). Jon is a master of making complex ideas simple and has spent the last decade founding and leading digital media and marketing companies.

You can follow Tim on Twitter @timmackie and Jon is @jonpdx.

BibleProject is a nonprofit ed-tech organization and animation studio that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes, and educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.

From page one to the final word, we believe the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. This diverse collection of ancient books overflows with wisdom for our modern world. As we let the biblical story speak for itself, we believe the message of Jesus will transform individuals and entire communities.

Many people have misunderstood the Bible as a collection of inspirational quotes or a divine instruction manual dropped from heaven. Most of us gravitate toward sections we enjoy while avoiding parts that are confusing or even disturbing.

Our Bible resources help people experience the Bible in a way that is approachable, engaging, and transformative. We do this by showcasing the literary art of the Scriptures and tracing the themes found in them from beginning to end. Rather than taking the stance of a specific tradition or denomination, we create materials to elevate the Bible for all people and draw our eyes to its unified message. – From BibleProject.com

You can follow The Bible Project on Twitter @bibleproject

I noticed my hair was getting thinner ever since I turned 27. It was too early to get bald, so I started taking Propecia from https://healthylombard.com/buy-propeciafinasteride-online/. This drug works awesome! Yes, it needs you to wait for improvements for months, but every day and every minute of your waiting is worth the result. My hair is thick again, and I look and feel like a healthy 32-year-old man.

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Beth Allison Barr received her B.A. from Baylor University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses primarily on women and gender identity in late medieval England, how the advent of Protestantism affected women in Christianity, and medieval attitudes towards women in sermons across the Reformation era. Beth is the author of The Pastoral Care of Women in Late Medieval England, and is co-editor of The Acts of the Apostles: Four Centuries of Baptist Interpretation. She is currently working on her next book, Women in English Sermons, 1350-1700. She is also a regular contributor to The Anxious Bench, a religious history blog on Patheos. Beth has been very active in service to her discipline—serving as president of two historical societies (the Texas Medieval Association and the Conference on Faith and History), serving on the diversity committee and program committee for the American Society of Church History, serving on the sexual harassment committee for the Sixteenth Century Society, and serving as a board member for The Medieval Review (2015) and the Conference on Faith and History since 2013, as well as CFH program chair (2016) and Vice President (2016).

You can follow Beth on Twitter: @bethallisonbarr

Biblical womanhood–the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers–pervades North American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn’t biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history–ancient, medieval, and modern–to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr’s historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women’s roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

Interweaving her story as a Baptist pastor’s wife, Barr sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world, helping readers understand why biblical womanhood is more about human power structures than the message of Christ. – From the Publisher

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Michael grew up in Brisbane before joining the Army and serving as a paratrooper, intelligence operator, and then chaplains assistant. It was during his time in the military that he came to faith from a non-Christian background, and soon after felt a call to ministry. Michael describes himself as a “biblical theologian” who endeavours to bring together biblical studies and systematic theology. He believes that the purpose of the church is to “gospelize,” that is to preach, promote, and practise the Gospel-story of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remembered by his students for his mix of outlandish humour and intellectual rigor, he makes theology both entertaining and challenging. As an industrious researcher, Michael has written and edited over thirty books in the fields of Septuagint, Historical Jesus, the Gospels, St Paul, Biblical Theology, and Systematic Theology. He also runs a popular blog called Euangelion.

You can follow Mike on Twitter: @mbird12

Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible is a short and readable introduction to the Bible–its origins, interpretation, truthfulness, and authority. Bible scholar, prolific author, and Anglican minister Michael Bird helps Christians understand seven important “things” about this unique book. Seven Things presents a clear and understandable evangelical account of the Bible’s inspiration, canonization, significance, and relevance in a way that is irenic and compelling. It is a must-read for any serious Bible reader who desires an informed and mature view of the Bible that will enrich their faith. – From the Publisher

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Get 40% off Shane’s book Go and Do: Nine Axioms on Peacemaking and Transformation From the Life of John Perkins.