{"title":"Books by David Mathis","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781433578076","title":"Workers for Your Joy","description":"David Mathis Examines the Qualifications and Calling of Church Leaders for a New Generation of Congregants and Leaders We live in an age increasingly cynical about leadership—some of it for good reason, much of it simply the mood of our times. Still, the risen Christ continues the counter-cultural work he’s done for two millennia: he appoints leaders in his church—not as a burden, but as a gift to his people. “He gave . . . the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12).    What is the nature, calling, and work of local church leadership? Pastor and seminary professor David Mathis considers the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 not only as prerequisites but as daily necessities to carry out joyfully. This accessible guide aims to serve current and aspiring pastors and elders, as well as church members who want to know the expectations for their leaders and how to pray for them. From the words of Christ to Peter and Paul and Hebrews, the New Testament casts a vision for church leaders that is good news to churches and leaders alike: joyful workers for the joy of their people.     Great Training for Current and Aspiring Pastors and Elders: Expands on the nature and work of local church leadership through the framework of its qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and other passages Useful for the Whole Church: Aims to help full-time pastors, lay elders, deacons, and seminary students, as well as church members eager to explore the true nature of leadership in the church and to pray intentionally for their own pastors Explains 15 Virtues Church Leaders Should Pursue: Mathis shares Spirit-given competencies that Christian leaders can draw upon week in and week out to do the work to which Christ has called them","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312369611125,"sku":"9781433578076","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781433578076_e0a678aa-6578-4ddf-be25-cf642a1d3548.jpg?v=1786019516"},{"product_id":"a-little-theology-of-exercise-enjoying-christ-in-body-and-soul","title":"A Little Theology of Exercise","description":"A Pastor Looks at Physical Exercise and Its Potential to Serve Spiritual Life and Joy We live in an age dominated by screens. For many, life is sedentary, and it’s become increasingly difficult to prioritize physical activity. Quietly conformed to this new normal, they feel sluggish and unmotivated. Others, however, have become entangled in a fitness culture that prioritizes the self, fuels pride, and coddles idolatry. Is it possible to make exercise holy? A Little Theology of Exercise explores how stewarding our bodies can serve the soul, honor God, and bless others. Combining biblical texts with practical guidance, pastor and author David Mathis encourages readers to embrace modest exercise as a way to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of Christ and then reflect his love in the world. By placing Christ at the center of physical training, readers will discover a greater joy in exercise and an even deeper joy in their relationship with God.     Christ Centered: Demonstrates how effective body stewardship serves the soul, fostering the ability to know and enjoy Christ better  Balanced: Helps readers embrace new healthy habits while navigating the challenges of sub-Christian motivations  Timely: In our sedentary age, this resource spurs physical movement and aims to enrich spiritual joy Written by David Mathis: Bestselling author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57484329615733,"sku":"9781433598678","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781433598678.jpg?v=1794512035"},{"product_id":"jonathan-edwards","title":"Jonathan Edwards","description":null,"brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57487832580469,"sku":"9781802543544","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781802543544.jpg?v=1791212779"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-david-mathis.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}