Harley T Atkinson

To the casual observer the major contributors of the Protestant Reformation include a select few--Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and perhaps Philip Melanchthon. However, the movement might have easily perished in its infancy were it not for a very unique and courageous company of more obscure individuals who worked together across continental Europe during the sixteenth century--Martin Bucer, Wolfgang Capito, Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, Matthew and Katarina Zell, Menno Simons, John Oecolampadius, Andreas Karlstadt, and Heinrich Bullinger, to name a few. This book draws the reader into three often-ignored elements of the Reformation: first, the interaction the reformers had with each other through dialogues, letters, debates, and colloquies; second, the weaknesses, blemishes, and misdeeds of the reformers (in addition to their strengths and accomplishments); and third, the contributions of the lesser-known reformers in addition to the prominent ones. It is a story as vividly powerful as any adventure novel--it is a story of Fallible Heroes.

Small groups continue to be a significant part of church life and Christian formation in the twenty-first century, impacting a church and society characterized by loneliness and fragmentation. As such, Julie Gorman is prompted to declare, ""Small groups have come of age They have found unprecedented acceptance and endorsement."" This is a comprehensive book on small groups and Christian formation informed by theology, church history, and the social sciences. It addresses both the foundations and praxis of groups, with a special emphasis on leading dynamic group discussions. ""I found the book to be solid but accessible, theoretical yet practical, biblical and real-world, focused with information regarding topics you want to hear about, and expansive enough to need an index for those topics. In other words, I intend to recommend this book to student and leader alike. There is more than enough support to understand, develop, and sustain small group ministry within church and academic settings."" --Gregory C. Carlson, Director of the Biblical, Religious, and Philosophical Division, Trinity International University Harley T. Atkinson taught for twenty-seven years at Toccoa Falls College in the Christian Education and Ministry Leadership departments. He is a co-author of Ministry with Youth in Crisis (revised edition) and author of Teaching Youth with Confidence. He is also the editor of Religious Education of Young Adults and has contributed numerous articles to the Christian Education Journal.