Memberships Books

Jan Karon's charming North Carolina small town belongs with the great places of fiction: Macondo, Faulkner's unspellable county, the Louisiana of James Lee Burke, Egypt, Maine, and Hillerman's New West. The sense of place is such a hallmark of this series. And she populates it with such knowable and knowing characters who linger long after the last page of each new book unwillingly, but inevitably ends. There were events here that made me weep and lots that made me laugh. The simple, homespun, yet more theology of Father Tim resonates and redacts with power and sheer gorgeousness. I particularly enjoy, employ, and cherish his prayer than never fails: "Thy will be done." Potent powerful lessons of the human spirit and how it meshes with the divine unfold in pleasant, totally unpedagodical or pedantic reading. Unfortunately marketing this as Christian fiction limits its audience. This is great and mighty stuff for all readers, students of the way of the heart and spirit. Blessings in a book.

Item sold - exactly as stated online - item was delivered very fast and in perfect condition.

Out to Canaan (The Mitford Years, Book 4)

Most wonderful fiction series I've read in many years! I love Jan Karon's Mitford Season, and can't wait until the next ones come out. The characters have become so real to me, I feel like I've known them all my life. It's hard to find good Christian fiction, which are loved even by those who do not usually read Christian literature, but these fit the bill! I give them for gifts to many.

I just loved this book. I am reading the Mitford series and getting to know the characters. It's great to have a respite from our busy world. This book had me laughing out loud in a few places.

My 97 year old grandmother is in love with Mitford. She has macular degeneration and can no longer read with her eyes so she "reads" with her ears. Whenever she is feeling blue or is sick in bed, she just puts Mitford in and says she feels comforted. This was the missing book of her series on CD and we sent it for her 97th birthday. A highly recommended series - the first book may seem a bit slow, but once you finish, you'll want to read the rest of the series.

This is a great resource for those that are in the church leadership who want to find key ways to growing your congregation by numbers as well as by commitment level. Written in a plain, straightforward way, this book allows for those reading to start implementing the steps right away. Gives templates and guides on how to be the most effective in your community.

I needed to some accurate information about developing strong relationships that would benefit average people in church. Very helpful reading.

This is a great book to help your church implement a great guest welcoming program (hospitality). It is very practical and useful. You may not agree with everything, but you don't need to, to implement the program! This is uptodate and top notch.

Searcy and Henson have done a great job of putting together a very practical and readable guide to church growth. The basic premise is assimilating guests into engaged members by practicing an intentional hospitality and a structured follow-up strategy. The methodology makes perfect sense, and it is the same approach that Searcy used to grow his "from scratch" church in NYC. It is targeted toward a younger audience but could be adapted to different segments. There are also templates and other tools included in an appendix which make this a very implementable system. Searcy also shows that the motivation behind church growth is found in Bible verse. More information about Searcy can be found at www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com.

I read Nelson's book this morning, handed it to my Assimilation Director this afternoon, and sent Nelson a note tonight, congratulating him on a fine piece of work. New Song has been doing many of the things Nelson suggests for a long time, but his is a systematic approach that thinks through and closes the gap on each potential point where a newcomer might fall through the cracks.

I doubt if any of the pieces of Nelson's assimilation system are new. He's probably borrowed alot from Saddleback and a little from others. What Nelson has done is thought through, written down, and explained what to do, so that no one ever has to start from scratch again. This is a church assimilation primer! The surprising thing is that no one has written this book before. The laudable thing is, Nelson has now done it for us.

Smaller churches, if you want to think like a larger church, this is a very good place to start. As you grow, you'll need to adopt this type of system for welcoming newcomers, along with equally comprehensive systems for Small Groups, children's ministry, youth ministry, visitor attraction, branding your signature event in the community, and every other subministry of the church.

Larger churches may not need this - if they're already doing as much or more for visitors. Personally, I'm going to huddle with my team and use it as a reference guide and checklist to make sure we've closed as many gaps in our welcoming process as possible.

Great job Nelson! Keep them coming!

Hal Seed
New Song Community Church
Oceanside, CA

You have got to read this book. It's a rule, or maybe even a Commandment.

If you're a misplaced son or daughter of the South, or more specifically Southern-style religion, then let Beverly Roberts and the Rev. Arnold Chister be the first to welcome you home. In 365 Ways to Criticize the Preacher, author Pat Job has woven the realities and fantasies of one faded daughter of the once noble homeland into a web of genteel seduction. No matter how hard you try to maintain your new age distance from that old time religion, you don't stand a chance of escaping the gospel according to Jobe.

Laugh at the one-liners, nod your head knowingly at the parade of small town characters straight out of your own experience, enjoy the time you spend certain that Beverly Roberts is right or wrong -- go ahead, take your time. The good Reverend can wait -- wait until you've laughed and cried yourself into oneness with the truth he has woven for you. He can wait until the reader's journey becomes inseparable from Beverly's own. And he will still be waiting when you reach the end of this short, powerful epic and find yourself shadow-dancing backward into the arms of grace right along with her.

Pat Jobe dares to expose the wastelands of his own religious background to bring us back to the original truth that love has always been the only answer to all our questions. Whatever personal enlightenment you find visiting the Grand Canyon with Beverly Roberts, you will never be the same.

A note to Pat Jobe: When the Bubbas appeared at the Purple Onion earlier this year, I bought your book "365 Ways to Criticize the Preacher". 
I have just finished reading it and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it.  It would be great if we could all be
transformed as much as Beverly Roberts and know, as she seems to, that the process is never over.
 
Being the liberal Episcopalian that I am, I laughed and cried (sometimes simultaneously) as you lampooned some of our
personal expectations of who is "in" and who is "out".
 
It was a joy to read and I thank you for it.

At first I thought, criticize the preacher?? Who would do that? But being honest with myself, I guess I've been guilty of that too. Horrors! What a thing to admit. And to a preacher-man like Pat Jobe. Forgive me.

When I started reading 365 Ways, I thought it was going to be a good-natured spoof of small Southern churches. Fun reading. Well, it is that. But it's far more. As I progressed with Beverly's diary, I became an observer to the woman she really is, though sometimes judgemental of her. Soon my own hurts erupted, tears filled my eyes, and I realized that Pat Jobe had weaved book of healing. I was right there with Beverly , looking on and wanting to let go of my hurts, but afraid. We were not so different after all.

Now I'm reading it again, but with new light. Thank you, Pat Jobe, for the light you shed on this sometimes weary reader. And thank you for showing me the way to the Grand Canyon.

I may read 365 Ways again.

I first read it through for the story. And a good story it is. A thoroughly believable character dealing with 70 years of experience as a genuine woman of the foothills. The story traps you with humor and the struggle of Beverly having to deal with the situations not of her making or choosing.

I then read it again for the theology. Christians, Jews, Muslims, and any other group oriented to the inborn worth of all humans and the need to relate to each other with compassion will remember this little book long after most others are forgotten.

A thoughtful and wonderful gift [for the price].

"I laughed.  I cried.  I felt.  I thought.  And I don't do any of those easily or naturally."  Those are my initial reactions to "365 Ways to Criticize the Preacher."  I bought the book in February at the Mainstream Baptist Network meeting in Birmingham.  Being a Baptist preacher, I scanned it, curious that there were that many ways to tell me and my type that we weren't doing it right!  To my pleasant surprise, it is one of the best things I have read in a long time.  I only have about two dozen Beverly Roberts types in my current church and more than that in my last one.  More frightening than that, I slip into some of those behaviors as I get older.  As I read, I was reminded of Archie Bunker, and how Normal Lear invited America to look at the absurdities of his character.  Occasionally, the better side of Archie would come through, but not for long.  Your character experienced redemption, but was still in the process at the end (i.e., "I still don't like his haircut.")  I have finished the book and am ordering five more copies for friends and to put in the church library.   I thank you so much for the book.

I am a female new to the business. I was very nervous to enter the health club industry. The dialog in this book has helped me avoid the drilling of endless questions from customers that I had worried about. Not only did I sell 3 memberships my first week, with the dialog in this book, but I searched the internet for more info on Ron Thatcher and found his workbook! They both have been extremely helpful. I am signed up for one of his upcoming sales seminars!!

I've been in the business for over 14 years. I've been operating 2 personal training studios for the last several years. I'm now moving back to the club management side of the business again and was looking for a refresher on sales, prospecting etc. The book was well done, but very old school. Lots of cheeesy closing lines, scripts, etc. Lots of the techniques are outdated in the new era of club sales. Pretty "used-carsalesman" like. However, good stuff on forms, tracking, setting up personal planners etc. Don't get me wrong, this is a good book if you're a young buck just getting into club sales... just skip over the closing sections and you'll be ok. If you want a VERY current, highly informative book on working in a club... get "Making Money in the Fitness Business" by Thomas Plummer. That one is 5-stars!

I just read fitness, memberships, and money and it is an income producing system that was created to help sales people in the health club industry improve their ability to recruit and enroll new clients. This book was written in a basic form and I learned a lot from it!
I am not a sales person I am a personal trainer and I was looking for a book that could help me implement a fitness program or train a client. Many books may cover the latest and newest when it comes to exercise. These books are great for impressing my clients but when it comes time to make a living, I am looking for a book that gives it to you straight. One that teaches real techniques used by the best closers and producers in the "personal training industry." I was than told about a new book that had all the things this book was missing! "Selling Personal Training" by Ron Thatcher is the book for any serious small club operator or career personal trainer the techniques will lead you down the path of success. I bought the new book at Trafford.com and it covered things that were missing like how to do P.T. Re-signs , How to Work the Floor, The Wall of Fame, The Closeout, Selling Supplementation, Interacting With the Staff ,Giving a Free Gift with Purchase, Confirming Appointments and Cancellations my small personal training studio is booming because of "Selling Personal Training!"

I owne a small ladys only club in las vegas. I was looking for a way to improve my selling ability. this book was my first step to a thriving sales department. I use it on a daily basis to keep my new members coming in! first I used fitness memberships and money then with all my success I bought selling personal training what a great way to make your business grow!!!

erin brown

I learned more about fitness sales while working with Ron for 6 months than my other 10 years in the business combined!!! Ron's system is simple to apply and it works!!! If you want to immediatly increase your sales, buy this book!!!
Chad McCleary - Riviera Country Club and Sport Center

This is probably the best book ever written on the subject of waterbaptism. Thorough, complete, liberating.
A minor comment one could make is the confusion with baptism with the Spirit at some points, but the writer's monumental explanation of the sacramental value of believer's baptism makes up for it for sure.
In short the writer is saying that baptism is a expression of saving faith that perfects that same saving faith - with all the wonderful blessings of salvation! (James 2:22)

I came to this book needing questions answered about biblical baptism. I got that and so much more. The author not only deals with the issue in a comprehensive way, but in the wider context of the church and the Holy Spirit, and in doing so deals with many other issues aound confirmation, laying on of hands, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. Essential reading for anyone pondering the complexities of such matters.

G. R. Beasely-Murray (B-M) set out to write a book on his full understadning of baptism, and the results are amazing. I would warn you that this book is not easy reading, but is necissary reading for those who are truely interested in God's word. It seems like B-M did not leave any stones unturned in his quest to understand baptism. He brings anthropology, history, literature, theology and many years of knowledge out in this book.

B-M starts with a pre-christian history of baptism and cerimonial washing, including the Baptisms of the essenes, John, and the baptism of Jesus. He then looks at the formation of Christians baptism in the bible (broken down into each book starting with acts). Then he does a topical look at what Christian baptism means and theology about baptism: icluding grace, repentence, and faith which are almost always overlooked in modern discussion of baptism. The book ends with a look at infant baptism.

B-M is thorough in his quest to figure out baptism. He rest his arguments on facts and logical conclussions instead of assumptions (normally a problem with modern theologins). Instead of writing a book to support his denominations theology, he has the courage to challenge it (and other denominations as well).

Although this in not meant to be an "easy reading" book on the vast subject of baptism, "Baptism in the New Testament" is well worth a careful read by the serious Bible student. This scholarly book is written by a Baptist, but as the back cover says (and I agree), "his discussion transcends denominational lines." Baptism is a vital part of the Christian experience, yet it is so often misunderstood, especially when it comes to any possible role baptism has with salvation (specifically, justification). Beasley-Murray concentrates much attention on the historical aspect of the doctrine and shows how baptism has been practiced and believed in the last 20 centuries. I would heartily recommend this book to the person who is serious about his/her study.

I found the author while trying to research Baptist views on baptism, and found Beasley-Murray far different from the faith-only Calvinism I was expecting. Later in a seminar, he spoke of undertaking a project to address the Eschatological Discourse of Mark 13, saying that scholars had for too long "played ducks and drakes" with the passage. Surely the same applies to this subject!

I found many of my own views supported (baptism has a salvific role) and had other views thoroughly changed and elevated by this important book. His understanding of the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" was enlightening and convincing, causing me to depart from the dominant view in my fellowship.

Other reviewers have, however, noted the author's inconsistency on some points. Most disturbing was the treatment of infant baptism which was upheld in spite of earlier insistence on the sole suitability for believer's baptism as an application of Scripture on the subject of baptism. In his seminar, the author also attributed salvation to non-baptized, wrongly-baptized among the denominations on the visible activity of the Holy Spirit among them. Could not a similarly false argument be made for non-Christian religions?

In the seminar he also addressed the puzzling matter of why many evangelicals dodge the plain meaning of Scriptures relevant to baptism. He suprised me again by declaring that Baptists of Europe differ from their American counterparts by upholding baptism's role in salvation. Why not in America? He suggests the current standoff goes back to debates with Alexander Campbell and others from the 18th century on who were intent on throwing off denominational entanglements and restoring the NT church. Many evangelical scholars are now acknowledging the error and accepting the truth, even if filtering this down into their churches remains problematic.

Baptism's salvific role should cause no affront to Reformed believers. We see nothing meritorious, and have no pretentions of saving ourselves or adding to the finished cross-work of Jesus. Baptism is salvific along with other required "works" (believing, repentance, confession of Jesus's Lordship, calling on the Name, etc.) only because they are the means of ushering people into relationship with Him. Salvation is found in Jesus, and in the relationship with Him.

This book was my introduction to anarchist principles and economics. I found it to be enlightening and inspiring. The Spanish were able to create an amazing society in Barcelona and many other villages and rural areas in the country. They created a federation of collectives which emphasized personal dignity and freedom and celebrated the community and solidarity. These values are in sharp contrast to the ones of our own rapacious state capatalism, which celebrates greed, selfishness, and the destruction of communal values. If you are looking for a better, brighter way to live that actually worked until it was destroyed by brute force, this is a book you should read.

Rocker's work is the finest marriage of classic political liberalism and economic equality. Rocker grounds the spirit and ideas of anarchism proposed by Bakunin in a concise social/political agenda. A far more lucid vision of a social order which is both economically socialist (or communist) and politically open, than any other theorist before or since.

Some may find it a bit dated. The sorts of labor organizations he refers to bear little resemblence to those found in contemporary societies. That is, not syndicalistic.

Still, I believe he is one of the most overlooked influences upon contemporary, Western, left-wing thought.

I also believe that the books first section 'Anarchism: Its Aims and Purposes' should be read by more social activists. It would help focus the often disparate voices of opposition, giving them a clearer vision of the road ahead and what needs to be done to travel upon it.

"Anarcho-Syndicalism" provides readers with an engagiong account of an egalitarian political philosophy that has its roots in Enlightenment thought. Author Rudolph Rocker presents a systematic conception of the development of anarchist thought towards anarcho-syndicalism, writing that "anarchism is not a fixed, self-enclosed social system but rather a definite trend in the historic development of mankind, which, in contrast with the intellectual guardianship of all clerical and governmental institutions, strives for the free unhindered unfolding of all the individual and social forces in life. Even freedom is only a relative, not an absolute concept, since it tends constantly to become broader and to affect wider circles in more manifold ways. For the anarchist, freedom is not an abstract philosophical concept, but the vital concrete possibility for every human being to bring to full development all the powers, capacities, and talents with which nature has endowed him, and turn them to social account. The less this natural development of man is influenced by ecclesiastical or political guardianship, the more efficient and harmonious will human personality become, the more will it become the measure of the intellectual culture of the society in which it has grown." Rocker shows that there is value in studying "trend(s) in the historic development of mankind" that do not articulate a specific and detailed social theory. Although intellectuals and social commentators alike dismiss anarchism as utopian, formless, primitive, or otherwise incompatible with the realities of a complex society, Rocker states that at every stage of history our concern must be to dismantle those forms of authority and oppression that survive from an era when they might have been justified in terms of the need for security or survival or economic development, but that now contribute to -- rather than alleviate - material and cultural deficit. "Anarcho-Syndicalism" remains an amazing intellectual and politcal statement containing a message of egalitarian hope.

Rocker writes lucidly and forcefully. He presents a clear alternative to political socialism, including Marxism. Anarcho-syndicalism seems well-grounded ethically and as if it would avoid the problems of concentrating power inherent in both capitalism and socialism.

But can it work? The biggest argument that it can seems to be CNT in Spain in the 1930's. As Rocker described it, they were highly effective and fully anarcho-syndicalist. They were defeated largely due to the involvement of powerful foreign powers. In the U.S. before World War I, the IWW (similar to the anarcho-syndicalists in Europe) grew in influence but were suppressed by the government.

Today in the U.S. the only sizable organized anarcho-syndicalist activity appears to a mucher smaller IWW. They continue to support unionization efforts and refrain from political activity.

If people can organize around trade unions, as Rocker describes and as the IWW does on a small scale, with sufficient involvement as to be able to run industries themselves, then anarcho-syndicalism as Rocker describes it seems wonderful. There would, however, many practical issues to work out. Rocker says that the CNT in Spain did that. However, if people prefer to be led, then anarcho-syndicalism won't work, as someone will undoubtedly step in to lead and, in doing so, enforce preferences for themselves.

For over 70 years, anarcho-syndicalism seems not to have been won over many people. Will conditions change so that people embrace it? Would educational efforts help revive it? Or has capitalism adapted and won? Is self-government just too much effort for most people? This work by Rocker seems about the best place to start in exploring such questions.

This book is a classic. Rocker provides a concise but thorough history of the labor movement and how it has evolved into modern anarcho-sydicalism. He also delves into methods that may be used to implement an anarcho-syndicalist society in the modern world. It was written 60 years ago, but most of the content is still relevant today. If you're interested in the labor movement, socialism, anarchism, or any related topics, you won't regret picking up this book.

As a professor of Christian Education in a Seminary, I found this work from Dr. Hemphill very useful and required my students to read it for my course in Sunday school growth.

I would heartly recommend this book to pastors, Christian Educatin directors, deacons, laymen and other interested persons desiring real Christ-centered church growth.

I didn't read this book throughoutly, but I appreciated it through the title. I do believe that this book shall make something for teen-workers.

If your Sunday Schools are lethargic, aimless and have low expectations--and you want change---this is the book for you. Hemphill focuses on the fundamental philosophical shift we need to make but most of the book describes practical strategies that have added vigor and attendance to our small church!

As a professor of Christian Education in a Seminary, I found this work from Dr. Hemphill very useful and required my students to read it for my course in Sunday school growth.

I would heartly recommend this book to pastors, Christian Educatin directors, deacons, laymen and other interested persons desiring real Christ-centered church growth.

A thorough and comprehensive look at small group work in the life of the local church. Dr. Hemphill argues that the Sunday School can be the church growth tool of the 21st century. He creatively links the three tasks of the Great Commission to the work of the Sunday School. This strategy has been successfully used by a large number of churches. This is an excellent book for all those who work in the small group ministry of the local church.

I just recently read this book. It is a definite re-read for me.

I've had some negative experiences and sharp disappointments when dealing with some Christians or "churchfolk". I've seen actions that didn't meet the most basic laws of common courtesy and respect, let alone the higher standards that the Bible lays out for us to follow with each other. I've seen a lot of hypocrisy, dysfunction and unhealthy dynamics in the "church". All this left me with a very sour view on church and on other Christians. I had a mistrust for leadership and just wondered if folks were really trying to follow the Bible or was it all just a big show.

This book has helped me to reconcile a lot of those issues. Here were the major points for me:

- It is okay to expect the body of Christ to act like the body of Christ is supposed to act. It is okay to expect a higher standard of morality in the church than what is seen in the world. If the Bible says, don't lie, then it's okay to expect Christians to be honest. I had begun to wonder what, if anything, I could expect from other Christians.

-This book gives examples of unhealthy dynamics in relationships and families. This helped me realize fully what I'd had a sneaking suspicion of: some of the groups that I was in were dysfunctional. I was bound to get hurt in those situations.

-In addition to discussing the hurts that one can experience at the hands of leadership or other Christians, the book very gently probes into what your role was in the situation and what your responsibility is in terms of being healed from it. However, it does NOT get into any blaming the victim. This section helped me to see that while, yes, I had been hurt by some leaders and groups, it was I who put these leaders on such a high pedestal in the first place. Sure, they led - but I followed. I chose to be in groups that were unhealthy and closed my eyes to a LOT of warning signs that would've been obvious to casual observers. Now, I know that I can make better choices in terms of relationships, and that it's not just about "finding the right group".

-This book strongly emphasizes that our focus should be on Jesus and not other people.

-This book discusses legalism and the negative effects of that and how to overcome it. It is theologically sound and give a good explanation of the Gospel and how that relates to legalism.

-It gives principles on how to establish healthy relationships. It talks about the accountability of leadership.

I could go on and on. It is outstanding book and blessed me tremendously. It's helped me to have a more balanced and positive view of the church and to get over a lot of the hurts that were hindering me. I thank God that I read this book. I highly recommend it.

Jeff Vanvonderan does it again. His wisdom, written with a "probe like" dialogue into your heart, helps the reader better understand his or her hurt, and therefore overcome it. Even for readers who have not found themselves hurt by ignorant, but certainly well meaning, people, this book is strongly recommended. It will prepare you with the tools to handle the hurts that come your way. (This book actually lifted me out of a critical, very clinically advanced depression.)

What a refreshing, enlightening book! Wonderful practical counsel from a man after God's own heart. Share it with friends! Many in the churches today need to read this book.

To be honest, the book has all the answers to all my questions on God, myself and church folks esp. the bad leaders out there. It strikes my heart deeply and frees me out into the air again. We have gone through depression from slight (myself) to serious (my wife) during these bad times.

The book leads me out of the clouds of how I shall see my church pastor, leaders, staff, brothers and sisters and also myself in correct ways. Even though we feel getting hurt a lot, it tells me that we DID have responsibilities on Not wearing the suitable armours around ourselves.

Lastly, it tells me how to recover step by step, which is very important to me when I step into another church. I cried and was touched by the bible quotes in the book many times. God uses the book to heal me and I feel the love from God through the book.

I have to praise the author for his wonderful and ground
breaking books. This particular book is not one of my
favorites, but it is worth reading. I personally think it
would be more helpful to include the possibility for some
Christians to simply stop attending an institutional church
at all for a season. The idea that we "have" to be "in
fellowship" and it "has" to mean an institutional church
can be very restrictive. Some wounded Christians are
helped by finding a different church, but some heal better
by staying out of institutional settings for a season, or
for good. There is also a home church movement which helps
some people. The point is to be led by the Holy Spirit
in your choice. For some people, withdrawing from Christian
fellowship for a time until healing can occur and until
a healthier model can be formed, is the best solution. Far
too many wounded Christians hop from one abusive church into
another one. For this reason, I do not agree with the
advice that healing needs to be accomplished by trusting a
church or pastor again...just my opinion.
I do recommend reading all the books by this author.

After a good start our small group lost some energy. We got copies of this book and read it--each of us involved in starting a new group. We became a group ourselves as we prepared to do small group ministry. It was an exhilerating experience. This a valuable and useful tool. It is nicely written. A pleasure to read. -W. Edward Harris, Indianapolis, In

This book is a terrific "how to" guide for creating and nurturing small church groups that will in turn nurture their members. If you have questions about why small groups have not worked in your church, or started well, but couldn't maintain their momentum, this is the book for you.

Sometimes called "covenant groups," the small groups of this model have "covenant" as their cornerstone. Each group writes up a covenant for how they will conduct the group and how they will minister to each other, their church, and the larger community in which they live.

By following the basic structure given in this book, your small group can become a little community within your church, rather than just a casual gathering of people who may or may not show up. If your congregation has any fears about growing and losing the intimate feeling of their church, small groups such as the ones described are the answer.

In addition to giving step-by-step instructions for creating the groups, Rev. Hill provides many examples from covenant groups from all sizes of churches. The sample information at the back of the book (pamphlets, forms, training, etc.) are very helpful for getting your program up and running without having to start from scratch.

As someone involved in small group ministry, I have found this book indispensible. It incorporates the experiences of many who have been working in the vineyards and lays out in a clear and concise way how to organize and maintain small group ministry in a religious community. Great book!

If you are thinking about integrating small group ministry into the life of your congregation, this book is a must have. This volume is a wonderful survey of small group ministry in the Unitarian Universalist Association as of its printing. It describes the many ways congregations "do" small groups as well as points out key elements of all groups.

This book gets my highest praise for putting a lot of valuable information into one easy to navigate source. My book is marked up with highlighter and sticky notes! Although I don't work for an "environmental" nonprofit, I found that the insight and experience easily translates into my field (long term care for the elderly). Very, very good. I highly recommend to all development/fundraising professionals and volunteers.

This book offers one-stop shopping for the nonprofit organization in need of money, political influence, credibility, free labor and all of the other benefits that members can bring. Not only does the book provide abundant information on recruiting members, it also offers, free and online, copies of forms and worksheets you can use to help advance your organization's membership campaign. It begins at the beginning, explaining what membership is. This may sound self-evident, but the very definition of membership has some surprising twists. This book will save you from making some very obvious mistakes - such as failing to convert people who contact you into members. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense workbook with excellent samples and examples. If you are an executive, board member, staffer or volunteer at a nonprofit, we offer its congratulations: at last, here's the right book for you.

Ellis Robinson has helped hundreds of non-profits increase their memberships, both as a trainer and an employee. She's reached almost mythical status for building the membership of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy from 400 to 60,000 in three years. Now she shares her secrets in this easy-to-use guide. Whether you're a new community non-profit or an established national organization, The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit will give you a wealth of information to boost your ranks--especially important in this time of diminishing foundation grants. Ellis doesn't just give you the techniques. She also underscores the importance of developing your organization so that new members will want to renew their support. Her methods are well-rooted in community organizing, with emphasis on one-on-one recruitment, board involvement, and member participation. However, what really sets this book apart from other fundraising books is its use of materials from non-profit groups. Ellis has collected fundraising letters, brochures, surveys, membership plans, etc. from organizations in every corner of the country and presents the cream of the crop as models for your own use. The book is laid out well, with each chapter focusing on one aspect of membership development. As a professional fundraiser, I turn to The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit frequently to answer questions, inspire me to write yet another fundraising letter, or give me new ideas to try. I recommend The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit wholeheartedly to anyone involved with a non-profit organization.

In today's tough economic times, just about every non-profit needs help raising money. Members are one of the best sources of long-term funding and support for non-profits and this book tells all. A fantasic how-to-do-it guide to setting up and running a membership program. Lots of examples, worksheets, and - my favorite - practical tips and samples of results-producing membership letters. You can literally give this book to the person in charge of membership and they will know exactly what to do. Just about every non-profit has lots of room for improvment in the membership area. This book is packed with tips and advice from THE leader in membership development and fund raising, Ellis Robinson. You will not find a more passionate person to help your non-profit do a better job and be more successful.