Church History, Church Leadership, Religion & Spirituality 

The Bible - the Word of God - and the Spirit of God are inextricably bound together, as the story of God's working throughout human history reveals. The Word of God tells the story of God's unfolding purposes for the salvation of his world, and teaches and trains us in godly Christian living. The Spirit of God inspires and illumines the text, breathes life into those who believe, and fills us with power and gifts for Christian ministry and mission. Sadly, 'Word' and 'Spirit' have in recent times become increasingly identified with divergent parts of the Church, impoverishing our witness and weakening the body of Christ. Written with passion and urgency, this book issues a timely call to Christians to focus on what unites, rather than divides, and come together in a celebration of both Word and Spirit to build each other up and further the sharing of the Gospel. It not only traces the shaping of this 'vital partnership' through Christian history, but explores systematically their shared importance in key areas of church leadership and ministry. The foreword is written by Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates and Oxford and Dean of Studies, Oxford Centre of Church Growth. Endorsements come from The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, The Revd Dr Liz Hoare, Wycliffe Hall, and, The Revd Hugh Palmer, All Souls Langham Place. - from Amzon