A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, PhD. Published in 1996 by aha! Process, Inc., Highlands, TX. ISBN 1-929229-14-3

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Community Building

Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development by John M. Perkins, 1994. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 0-0810-7122-4. Our cities are not crying for charity, but for people with love that reconciles and an involvement that changes strangers into friends. This book deals with urban ministry in an honest, straightforward manner by teaching us to be sensitive to our hurting brothers and sisters.

Building Communities From the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets by John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight, 1993. Published by ACTA Publications, Chicago, IL. Phone # 800-397-2282.

Empowering the Poor: Community Organizing Among the City's 'Rag, Tag, and Bobtail' by Robert C. Linthicum, 1991. Published by MARC, Monrovia, CA, 91016. ISBN 0-912552-75-1. This book shows managers how to achieve true, lasting results within their organizations. These authors explain how to empower the work force by creating a responsibility-centered environment.

Restoring At-Risk Communities: Doing it Together & Doing it Right. Edited by John M. Perkins, 1995. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 0-8010-5463-X.

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Deacon Support and Education

A Leader Among Servants: A Manual for Deacons, Conference Leaders and Deacons by Rev. Douglas R. Fauble, 1989. Published by Chicagoland Diaconal Task Force. This manual is helpful for conference leaders, new diaconates seeking guidelines, and/or establishing deacon boards seeking ways to expand and improve their ministry of mercy.

Changing Times, New Approaches: A Handbook for Deacons by Jay Van Groningen, 1996. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-222-3.

Developing a Workplan in your Diaconate by Ben Vandezande. Published by Diaconal Ministries in Eastern Canada, St. Catharines, ON. Ph# (905) 646-4511. This booklet is dedicated to deacons who want to respond to God's call to make a difference in the lives of those needing compassion. This resource shows deacons how to plan to turn passions and gifts into ministry.

Servant/Leaders: A Practical Guide for Deacons by Ben Vandezande, 2000. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-773-X.

Small Group Leader Training Kit by Crown Financial Ministries. www.crown.org. ISBN 1-56427-154-4

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Financial Resources

Becoming a First Fruits Congregation: A Stewardship Guide for Church Leaders by Robert C. Heerspink, 1996. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-208-8.

45 Best Church Generosity Practices & Resources of Thriving Churches by Brian Kluth. www.MAXIMIMgenerosity.org.

Discovering God's Way of Handling Money by Crown Financial Ministries, Inc., 2001. Published by Crown Financial Ministries, Gainesville, GA. www.crown.org.

Faith and Finances: Helping People Manage Their Money by Gary Nederveld and Erica Chung, 1996. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-570-2.

Growing in Giving a Manual by FirstFruits. firstfruits@barnabusfoundation.com

Money and Generosity 250: Quips, Quotes, Humor, Facts, Stats, Stories, Sermons, & Illustrations by The Lampo Group, Inc. www.daveramsey.com.

The Complete Financial Guide for Single Parents: Sound Money Strategies for Mothers or Fathers on Their Own by Larry Burkett, 1991. Published by SP Publications, Wheaton, IL. ISBN 0-89693-133-1. This book is not only a resource for singles of all ages and circumstances, but will also help to direct others into this vital ministry of mobilizing the resources of those with a surplus to meet the needs of singles.

The Treasure Principle Workshop: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn and Howard Dayton. DVD Edition: ISBN 1-56427-160-9. VHS Edition: ISBN 1-56427-159-5.

Three Simple Rules: Financial Counselor and Workshop Leader Training Manual by Theo A. Boers, 2003. www.ThreeRules.org.

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General Ministry Resources

Beyond the Agenda: Add a Spiritual Dimension to Ordinary Church Meetings by Jessie Schut, 2000. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-443-9.

Church Meetings that Work by Gaylord Noyce, 1994. Published by The Alban Institute, New York. ISBN 1-56699-132-3.

Discover your Gifts and Learn How to Use Them by Alvin J. Vander Griend, 1983. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-183-9.

Getting Things Done: Concepts and Skills for Leaders by Lyle E. Schaller, 1992. Published by Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. ISBN 0-687-14142-7. Can just anyone learn how to be an effective leader? This author says YES! and shows how in this practical, information-packed book.

Helping a Neighbor in Crisis: How to Encourage When You Don't Know What to Say. Edited by Lisa Barnes Lampman, 1997. Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL. ISBN 0-8423-4676-7.

He's My Brother: A Black Activist and a Former Klansman Tell Their Stories by John Perkins and Thomas A. Tarrants III, 1994. Published by Chosen Books, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 0-8007-9214-9. This is a compelling and powerful story of Christ's power to change the human heart. The Rev. Billy Graham says, AThis book points the way to true racial reconciliation and peace through the transforming love of Christ@ (See Let Justice Roll Down).

Journeying Through Grief, a series of 4 short books through Stephen Ministries. Order through Stephen Ministries (314) 428-2600, 2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63114-5765. www.stephenministries.org.

Partnering to Build and Measure Organizational Capacity: Lessons from NGO's Around the World. Edited by Scott Johnson and James D. Ludema, 1997. Published by The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Grand Rapids, MI. Telephone # (616) 224-0740.

Too Close for Comfort: Understanding and Responding to the Reality of Abuse by Beth A. Swagman, 1994. Published by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. ISBN 1-56212-053-0. Numerous studies have shown that emotional, physical, and sexual abuse are present in our churches. Beth Swagman explains why we must address this issue by presenting this guide to self-examination and healing.

The Freedom of Faith-Based Organizations to Staff on a Religious Basis by Carl H. Esbeck, Stanley W. Carlson-Thies, and Ronald J. Sider, 2004. Published by The Center for Public Justice, Washington, DC. ISBN 0-936456-04-03.