Transforming Acts: Acts of the Apostles as a 21st Century Gospel
About this eBook
In Healing Marks (Energion Publications, 2012), Dr. Bruce Epperly challenged Christians to take the healings of Jesus seriously as a pattern for how we can become healing communities. Now he turns to the book of Acts as a pattern for the church in the 21st century. He says, "I believe that Acts of the Apostles provides a fluid, open-spirited, and holistic faith for twenty-first-century people as well as a vision for congregational transformation and renewal. Anything can happen to those who follow Jesus. Life is adventurous, surprising, and interesting. Worship leads to mission and mission challenges narrow-mindedness and self-imposed limitations. For those who embrace the spirit of Acts of the Apostles, worship will never be boring and every day will be a holy adventure." \
This book is not just an exposition of the book of Acts. It is a call to action. But it is more than that. It draws from the lessons of the early church a plan of individual and communal action to live an adventurous life of faith and to change the world. Each chapter includes activities to help you apply the content to your life and mission. Labeled "Transforming Acts" these point to the transforming acts you can take in your personal or congregational life. Acts is a story of a small group of people who set out to do what appeared humanly impossible - change their world. In this book, you are invited to become a part of that story, attempt the humanly impossible, and bring transformation and renewal to the church and the entire world.
Anyone in church leadership can benefit from the lessons of this powerful book.
About the author
Bruce Epperly is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ and the author of over 20 books, including Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide. He regularly lectures, leads workshops and retreats, and gives reiki trainings throughout the United States and Canada.
A graduate of Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, in 1980, Bruce has served as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, Georgetown University, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. He also served as Senior Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University. Currently, Bruce is the Visiting Professor of Process Studies at Claremont School of Theology.
Dr. Epperly lives in Centreville, MD with his wife and life partner, Kate, and is the parent of Matt Epperly and the grandparent of two young children.
Author web site: Bruce Epperly
