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Love at Its Best When Church is a Mess

Hardcover |English |172526773X | 9781725267732

Love at Its Best When Church is a Mess

Hardcover |English |172526773X | 9781725267732
Overview
Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you. Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation ""next steps,"" and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.
ISBN: 172526773X
ISBN13: 9781725267732
Author: Patrick Allen
Publisher: Cascade Books
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2020-09-30
Language: English
PageCount: 182
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.56 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 15.52 ounces
Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you. Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation ""next steps,"" and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.
Editorial Reviews


"Love at its Best When Church is a Mess is a book that is needed for the messy times that the church finds itself in today. Through conceptual analysis, warm stories, scriptural references, and personal questions, Patrick Allen leads the reader through a discovery of oneself. First Corinthians 13 is used as a mirror to see more clearly and practice more faithfully the gracious gift of God's love."


--Stephen Green, W. N. King Chair of Theology, Southern Nazarene University



"I love the way my friend Patrick Allen so clearly describes how church is both beautiful and messy, just like life. In my fourth decade of pastoral ministry I've seen lots of healthy and unhealthy behaviors played out in the faith community. I believe this book is helpful for those new to church, lifers in church, and those in between. Love, God's and ours, must remain central and Patrick shows us how to do it well."


--Paul Almquist, Senior Pastor, West Chehalem Friends Church, Newberg, Oregon



"With an engaging personal prose that perfectly balances seriousness and playfulness, Patrick Allen provides fresh insight on 1 Corinthians 13 and its charge for Christians today. This book is about the cultivation of virtue--the faith, hope, and love that define the journey from ourselves toward our home with God. Allen does not mince words or romanticize the journey; he is real and his authenticity is refreshing. Readers will treasure the wisdom in this book and discover the beauty that can emerge alongside our own restlessness and wandering."


--Josh R. Sweeden, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Church and Society, Nazarene Theological Seminary



"Dr. Allen is amazing! This book has something for everyone seeking deeper discipleship. It's all there--wit, wisdom, and hope for the church in the twenty-first century. He brings Paul's message of love to life in such a powerful, hope-filled, practical way. This is good news for any age, but especially now as many grope for the essence of Christian community. I hope to apply this wisdom in my life and share it with my parish."


--Tony Griffin, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Russellville, Arkansas



"Ever witnessed a church divided, its members bickering, scheming, and taking up sides? What should be done? With keen insight, Patrick Allen unwraps the apostle Paul's gift to the church in times of crisis--1 Corinthians 13. Allen's work--refreshingly honest and exceedingly practical--invites the church, in the midst of its messy relational realities, into a more excellent way."


--David Alexander, former President, Northwest Nazarene University



Known for his practical approach to spiritual formation, Patrick Allen addresses how the Christian faith can be shaped and formed by intentional practices--particularly used for small groups, discipleship, and spiritual growth. He is regarded as one of the best storytellers in the Northwest. Patrick is the author of Morning Resolve: To Live a Simple, Sincere, and Serene Life (2015), and a companion volume, For Today: A Prayer when Life Gets Messy (2018), as well as The Good Shepherd, Gentle Guide & Gracious Host: Meditations and Metaphors from the Twenty-Third Psalm (2020), all published by Cascade Press. Patrick and his wife, Lori, reside in Newberg, Oregon.

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The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

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  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

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The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

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  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

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Overview
Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you. Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation ""next steps,"" and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.
ISBN: 172526773X
ISBN13: 9781725267732
Author: Patrick Allen
Publisher: Cascade Books
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2020-09-30
Language: English
PageCount: 182
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.56 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 15.52 ounces
Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you. Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation ""next steps,"" and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.
Editorial Reviews


"Love at its Best When Church is a Mess is a book that is needed for the messy times that the church finds itself in today. Through conceptual analysis, warm stories, scriptural references, and personal questions, Patrick Allen leads the reader through a discovery of oneself. First Corinthians 13 is used as a mirror to see more clearly and practice more faithfully the gracious gift of God's love."


--Stephen Green, W. N. King Chair of Theology, Southern Nazarene University



"I love the way my friend Patrick Allen so clearly describes how church is both beautiful and messy, just like life. In my fourth decade of pastoral ministry I've seen lots of healthy and unhealthy behaviors played out in the faith community. I believe this book is helpful for those new to church, lifers in church, and those in between. Love, God's and ours, must remain central and Patrick shows us how to do it well."


--Paul Almquist, Senior Pastor, West Chehalem Friends Church, Newberg, Oregon



"With an engaging personal prose that perfectly balances seriousness and playfulness, Patrick Allen provides fresh insight on 1 Corinthians 13 and its charge for Christians today. This book is about the cultivation of virtue--the faith, hope, and love that define the journey from ourselves toward our home with God. Allen does not mince words or romanticize the journey; he is real and his authenticity is refreshing. Readers will treasure the wisdom in this book and discover the beauty that can emerge alongside our own restlessness and wandering."


--Josh R. Sweeden, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Church and Society, Nazarene Theological Seminary



"Dr. Allen is amazing! This book has something for everyone seeking deeper discipleship. It's all there--wit, wisdom, and hope for the church in the twenty-first century. He brings Paul's message of love to life in such a powerful, hope-filled, practical way. This is good news for any age, but especially now as many grope for the essence of Christian community. I hope to apply this wisdom in my life and share it with my parish."


--Tony Griffin, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Russellville, Arkansas



"Ever witnessed a church divided, its members bickering, scheming, and taking up sides? What should be done? With keen insight, Patrick Allen unwraps the apostle Paul's gift to the church in times of crisis--1 Corinthians 13. Allen's work--refreshingly honest and exceedingly practical--invites the church, in the midst of its messy relational realities, into a more excellent way."


--David Alexander, former President, Northwest Nazarene University



Known for his practical approach to spiritual formation, Patrick Allen addresses how the Christian faith can be shaped and formed by intentional practices--particularly used for small groups, discipleship, and spiritual growth. He is regarded as one of the best storytellers in the Northwest. Patrick is the author of Morning Resolve: To Live a Simple, Sincere, and Serene Life (2015), and a companion volume, For Today: A Prayer when Life Gets Messy (2018), as well as The Good Shepherd, Gentle Guide & Gracious Host: Meditations and Metaphors from the Twenty-Third Psalm (2020), all published by Cascade Press. Patrick and his wife, Lori, reside in Newberg, Oregon.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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