Steve R. Bierly

Did you know that Jesus is married? And that he's married to you? And that his marriage can serve as a model for our earthly marriages? Explore these ideas and others, including the purpose of marriage and how married persons and singles should treat each other in churches. Easy-to-read, thoughtful, and practical, this book examines and explains what the Bible says to you about being married.

Is God Mad At You Because You Are A Single Guy With Normal Sexual Urges? Tired of being told that your sex drive is a beautiful, natural gift from God, but if you indulge it in any way before you're married you are committing sexual sin? Have you, as a Christian, tried to "kiss dating goodbye," only to have dating turn into a spurned stalker who dogs your every step and refuses to let you go? Have you had to wave the white flag after attempting to fight "every man's battle?" Have you wondered what you are supposed to do with your hormones while you are waiting to be in a serious committed relationship? IF SO, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU In it, you will find out what the Bible really says about sex - and it's not what you expect Most well-meaning Christian teaching and advice about the subject is illogical, inhuman, just plain wrong, and unbiblical Also, the Christian "party line" doesn't work in real life. And real life is what's important, right? Using humor, honesty, common sense, and sound principles of biblical interpretation, this book will help you discover: - How God Defines Sexual Sin - The Difference Between Attraction and Lust - If Masturbation Is Really the Big No-No for Christian Men - What to Do While You're Looking for Love - How to Resist Temptation and how to Resist Labeling what God Deems Perfectly Natural as "Temptation" - Whether Christians Can Make Out and How Far You Can Go - What a Holy Sexual Fantasy Is - God's Help for You when You Fail and How He Can Help You Succeed If you are looking for a sane, balanced approach to sexuality for Christian singles (even though this book is written for guys, women who read it have said they benefited from it, too), LOOK NO FURTHER In this guide, you'll find the biblical middle ground between "If it feels good, do it," and "If it feels good, God doesn't want you to do it." And, if you are now married, but are haunted by what happened during your single years, this book can help you, too. Do you want to honor God in the area of sexuality? READ THIS BOOK

Pastoring a small church is no small job. It can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting. Read this book for a relief . . . And a turning point. Steve R. Bierly offers the seasoned reassurance of one who has been in the trenches of small-church pastoring. He understands your unique needs and problems not just as a pastor, but as a person. And he shows that, by God's grace, you can fulfill your calling and thrive in the face of its challenges. With humor and fatherly wisdom, Bierly helps you reframe your perspectives on - God - Your ministry - Your relationships - Your personal needs . . . And more. Drawing on years of experience, he offers assurance that you're not alone, a fresh outlook on the successes of your ministry, and an upbeat, practical approach to spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. How to Thrive as a Small-Church Pastor will help you face realistically the rigors of your vocation . . . and reclaim your first love of ministry.

Churches of less than 150 remain the rule rather than the exception in American Christianity. However, seminaries don't equip their students in every way that's necessary to effectively lead smaller congregations -- despite the fact that most seminary graduates will becomes small-church pastors. Help for the Small-Church Pastor offers pastors of small churches the guidance and encouragement they need. In this common-sense book, Steve Bierly draws from his eleven years in ministry to show what makes smaller congregations tick. Help for the Small-Church Pastor provides practical insights on uniquely "small-church" issues, such as-- The characteristics of small churches - How to work effectively as an "insider" within the small church - How God is at work in powerful ways in smaller assemblies - How to motivate your church toward positive change and true growth - How to invest your own time and energy in the right directions - How your church can reach out to the community in ways that are practical and productive -- "There are many ways for even the smallest congregation to be true to the church's calling," says Steve Bierly. Help for the Small-Church Pastor will steer you through the strengths and weaknesses of your small church to unearth its true riches.