Audiobooks narrated by Jay Charles

Most parents would give anything to anchor their children with a vibrant faith that 'sticks' and continues to mature long-term. Yet despite this deep desire, research indicates that approximately 40-50% of high school seniors drift from their faith after graduation. In response to this problem, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) has launched the College Transition Project, a national longitudinal study following 400 high school seniors during their first three years in college. This provocative and needed research is geared to spark a movement that empowers parents, churches, leaders, and adults of all ages to develop robust and long-term faith in kids.

Chap Clark, Kara E. Powell, Kara Powell (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles (Narrator)

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For the City

Within ten years, nine out of ten people will claim 'no religious affiliation.' Many of these people will live in urban areas. Church leaders must learn how to effectively engage in ministry with this urban core, a group that includes both the poor and marginalized as well as the wealthy and influential. This book will guide you in developing a philosophy of ministry that can lead to restoration and renewal in your city. Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick explain the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of ministry within the urban core, and how to plant churches where the gospel is not only faithfully preached and shared but also brings substantial benefits to those living in the community. For the City relates the wisdom gleaned from years of serving their cities for the sake of God's kingdom. Carter and Patrick practically equip church leaders and Christians to look at their city as a mission field where individuals and churches can faithfully proclaim the gospel and live out the reality of a community changed and transformed by its message.

Darrin Patrick, Joel A Lindsey, Matt Carter (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles (Narrator)

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Dangerous Church

Dangerous churches should be norm. Church leaders and church people alike shrink back from danger because we want safety. Jesus said that he's overcome the world and its troubles. Dangerous churches put everything on the line for the one thing that matters most: reaching lost people. It's dangerous not to be a dangerous church. The book is less about methods or even the message of God, but about a church that risks everything it has to reach lost people. Living Hope was birthed 8 years ago and has grown from five families to 5000 attendees, grown from one to 19 services on many campuses, and baptized 5,000 people along the way. A dangerous church sees what 'only God' can do when it acts upon what the church is supposed to be. It risks everything to reach people. God wants us to live on the edge of our margin when it comes to mission and methods. So much of Living Hope's journey has been going back to the Book of Acts and trying to live authentically with the givens of who they were, where they were and what they had to work with. They learned to abandon agendas and short-sighted human plans, especially ones that copy what other churches are doing. That's when they found God's blessing. 'We went from being a good church to being God-honoring church,' he reports. Drawing insight from the book of Acts, this book unfolds the very personal journey of a pastor, and then his entire church, when they finally began to live a dangerous faith. The transition had a dramatic impact on the pastor's life and marriage, as well as on the congregation and its outreach. It opened a new sense of mission and incredible spiritual fruitfulness. The pastor is not only a radically different person today, but the entire church has become an atmosphere that values taking dangerous steps of faith. It will lead Christ's followers to become risk-takers who change the world through a revolution that begins with a dangerous grace. The book is story-rich with examples of the grace-filled culture from Living Hope Church through the experiences of its pastor, John Bishop. It will avoid a smug attitude that implies 'we've arrived,' 'we're the first to live out grace' or 'we're the best at giving grace.' Instead, the book will convey a humble attitude of 'we've got a lot to learn,' including examples of mistakes the church has made along the way. The rapid transition of Living Hope will not be projected as a speed for other churches to follow (lest the book invite a crash-and-burn outcome at other churches). Thus the book will find its primary story in and from Living Hope. In 2007 Outreach Magazine ranked Living Hope as the seventh fastest growing church in the US. They have also been listed among the 50 most influential churches in America.

Jay Charles, John Bishop (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles (Narrator)

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Joy That Lasts

What would you give to have joy in your marriage? Not just happiness, but enduring, deep-rooted joy that weathers every storm? It's yours to have -- provided you go to the right source. Here's a hint: It's not your spouse. Like virtually every husband and wife, each of you entered your marriage with expectations of how your mate would meet your needs. Maybe you've discovered that the reality is a little different. Neither of you is capable of recharging the other person's joy battery. Only one power source is strong enough to provide an unfailing flow of the things you're really looking for -- and that's God. A rich, vital relationship with Jesus Christ will spill over into every other relationship in your life, especially your marriage. Joy That Lasts can help you make this a powerful, daily reality. Renowned family counselor, seminar speaker, and author, Gary Smalley shares with you five truths that can transform your marriage. Sharing frankly what he has learned from his own relationship with his wife, Norma, Smalley shows why both you and your mate need an energy source to recharge your spiritual batteries, someone to whom you can talk about anything at any time, an understanding of your emotions and what they mean, reassurance of meaning in your trials, and a shared mission you and your spouse can strive for together. 'Of the fifteen-plus books I've written, this one is the most important,' says Smalley. Discover why. Revised and expanded to focus specifically on your needs as a couple, Joy That Lasts can help you and your mate bring new life and fulfillment to your marriage -- by turning to God for the things he alone can give.

Al Janssen, Gary Smalley (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles (Narrator)

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How I Changed My Mind about Women in Leadership

This book features a number of autobiographical accounts as to how various persons have come to change their minds about women in leadership. Well-known Evangelical leaders---individuals and couples, males and females from a broad range of denominational affiliation and ethnic diversity---share their surprising journeys from a more or less restrictive view to an open inclusive view that recognizes a full shared partnership of leadership in the home and in the church based on gifts not gender. This book offers a positive vision for the future of women and men together as partners of equal worth without competitiveness in the work of equipping this and the next generation of Christian disciples for the 'work of ministry' and service in the Kingdom of God.

Alan F. Johnson, Zondervan (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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Disappointment with God

Philip Yancey has a gift for articulating the knotty issues of faith. In Disappointment with God, he poses three questions that Christians wonder but seldom ask aloud: Is God unfair? Is he silent? Is he hidden? This insightful and deeply personal book points to the odd disparity between our concept of God and the realities of life. Why, if God is so hungry for relationship with us, does he seem so distant? Why, if he cares for us, do bad things happen? What can we expect from him after all? Yancey answers these questions with clarity, richness, and biblical assurance. He takes us beyond the things that make for disillusionment to a deeper faith, a certitude of God's love, and a thirst to reach not just for what God gives, but for who he is.

J. C. Howe, Philip Yancey (Author), J. C. Howe, J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions

How can I ... * cope with stress? * rebound from failure? * defeat depression? * have peace of mind? The Bible offers time-tested answers to life's toughest questions. Practical wisdom that will make a real difference if you apply it. This book was written to help you do just that. Rick Warren writes, 'In each of these twelve studies, you'll discover simple ways to apply God's truth to your personal life, your family, and your job. The way to get the most out of this book is to act on it.' This isn't nuclear physics. It's working-class wisdom for anyone and everyone---factory workers, professionals, homemakers, high school students, business executives, and yes, even rocket scientists. The Bible is filled with examples of real people who faced the same questions you face: How to handle discouragement. How to respond to crises. Why bad things happen. What to do about loneliness. Taking you inside the lives of biblical characters such as Moses, Paul, and Jesus himself, Rick Warren shows you how they dealt with their circumstances with wisdom and faith in God. From their stories you'll gain a few concrete, easy-to-understand insights you can put to work immediately in your own life.

Jay Charles, Rick Warren (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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God's Power to Change Your Life

'In the years I have been a pastor,' writes Rick Warren, 'the number-one question I'm asked is, 'Rick, why can't I change?'' People want to change---but they're stuck. Here's how to get unstuck. Drawing simple but powerful truths from the Bible, this book gives you practical guidance for specific types of change, and it links you up with the power to actually make the changes you long to make. This is no pie-in-the-sky theory. It's what redemption is about, and it's founded on the resurrection power of Jesus himself. Power that cancels your past and sets you free to get on with life. Power to conquer your problems. Power to change. The first two chapters help you lay the foundations for change. Then, taking you inside the Scriptures, Rick Warren guides you step-by-step through ten different areas. Do you want to ... o become a more joyful person? o cultivate a peaceful life in this uptight world? o be a kinder, more gracious individual? o replace self-indulgence with self-control? o experience what the truly 'good life' is all about? You can! All of the above and more are covered in plain, straightforward language. As you apply the truth of God's Word by the power of his Spirit, your life will change. You'll move out of your rut---and get on track with God's wonderful purposes for your life.

Jay Charles, Rick Warren (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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Boundaries with Teens

The teen years---relationships, peer pressure, school, dating, character. To help teenagers grow into healthy adults, parents and youth workers need to teach them how to take responsibility for their behavior, their values, and their lives. The coauthor of the Gold Medallion Award-winning book Boundaries and the father of two teenage boys brings his biblically based principles to bear on the challenging task of the teen years, showing parents: How to bring control to an out-of-control family life How to set limits and still be loving parents How to define legitimate boundaries for the family How to instill in teens a godly character In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries---the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.

Dr. John Townsend, Jay Charles, John Townsend (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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Hope When You're Hurting: Answers to Four Questions Hurting People Ask

Dan B. Allender, Dan B. Allender Pllc, Larry Crabb, Pllc Dan B. Allender (Author), Dan Allender, Dan B. Allender, J. Charles, Jay Charles, Larry Crabb, Larry Crabb Jr., Ph.D. (Narrator)

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Reaching for the Invisible God: What Can We Expect to Find?

Philip Yancey (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles (Narrator)

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Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them

Normal? Who's Normal? Not you, that's for sure! No one you've ever met, either. None of us are normal according to God's definition, and the closer we get to each other, the plainer that is. Yet for all our quirks, sins, and jagged edges, we need each other. Community is more than just a word---it is one of our most fundamental requirements. So how do flawed, abnormal people such as ourselves master the forces that can drive us apart and come together in the life-changing relationships God designed us for? In Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them, teacher and best-selling author John Ortberg zooms in on the things that make community tick. You'll get a thought-provoking look at God's heart, at others, and at yourself. Even better, you'll gain wisdom and tools for drawing closer to others in powerful, impactful ways. With humor, insight, and a gift for storytelling, Ortberg shows how community pays tremendous dividends in happiness, health, support, and growth. It's where all of us weird, unwieldy people encounter God's love in tangible ways and discover the transforming power of being loved, accepted, and valued just the way we are.

Jay Charles, John Ortberg (Author), J. Charles, Jay Charles, Zondervan Publishing (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Jay Charles