In far too many ways, in far too many places, the church is tame. People seldom anticipate that things there will be in the category of the "amazing." What would it take for the un-taming of the church? That is the central question of this challenging book.

The author spends much of his time leading seminars to equip Christians for renewal in their personal lives and in their churches. He observes that many of these people seem to wear themselves out striving after church programs and church growth methods that are driven more by technology than the wind of the Spirit. Often the results are disillusionment, burn out, frustration, and little lasting fruit. Wardle wants Christians to know that there is far more available to them as followers of Jesus Christ.

Drawing heavily upon the Scriptures, the church fathers, contemporary authors, real-life stories, and personal reflection, Wardle seeks to guide Christian leaders to receive the full ministry of the Holy Spirit into their lives and local congregations. "What I am interested in," says the author, "is an outpouring of the Presence of God that clearly and consistently identifies us as his people. An outpouring that births genuine love for Christ and one another, increased practical holiness, deeper personal transformation, and more power for Kingdom ministry within the church and the world."

Terry Wardle is professor of practical theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, and holds a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. Some of the previous books include Strong Winds and Crashing Waves: Meeting Jesus in the Memories of Traumatic Events (2008), Outrageous Love, Transforming Power: How the Holy Spirit Shapes You into the Likeness of Christ (2005), The Transforming Path: A Christ-Centered Approach to Spiritual Formation (2004), and Healing Care, Healing Prayer: Helping the Broken Find Wholeness in Christ (2001), all from Leafwood Publishers. He conducts frequent seminars on emotional healing and spiritual renewal for counselors, pastors, therapists, and other caregivers.

"Today God is using Terry Wardle to work in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those in spiritual and/or emotional bondage. Terry knows how to help hurting people partner with Jesus, working in His power and authority, to go beyond the mere understanding of our problems to healing, to freedom."

- Dr Charles Kraft, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California

ISBN: 9780891126379

Pages: 176

Dimensions (inches): 8.25 x 5.5

Weight (pounds): 0.45