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When people felt obligated to attend worship, as in 1955, it didn't matter whether or not their religious needs were being met. But since our culture has shifted to giving people a choice, they are seeking something meaningful during worship; something which helps them to change their lives. In the church, we talk a lot about «changing people's lives» but we do not articulate what it is that the church has to offer to those seeking to do so. The author explores what happens during worship to provide a transformative experience and identifies which forms of worship are most conducive to this process. The focus here is on small groups, bible study, and forms of interaction between and among leaders and worshippers. For pastors and leaders discerning what forms of worship to experiment with in order to connect with seekers in their community and bring visitors back a second Sunday, this book offers easy to implement, practical ideas for church growth.

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Following the death of her best friend since high school, a religion professor re-examines her own personal beliefs about god. She realizes she doesn't want to be consoled by a 'transactional' god who exchanges 'right' belief and 'good' behavior for services upon request. She explores the concept of a 'transformative' god, one not aligned with any particular religion, who equips people to adapt to challenges and to spiritually grow from crises and traumas. Out of our experiences, something positive can emerge which helps us to be more empathic toward the suffering of others. Her story demonstrates how grief can be an opportunity to ponder the great mysteries of life and make meaning of our existence. She describes this process as a journey up the side of a mountain to explore how a concept of god both reflects and impacts the way a society approaches its contemporary social problems, such as global warming, poverty, and inequality. In doing so, she encounters a god beyond organized religion.

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