Foreward by Anne Beiler
Founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
#ad God’s intention for us is to be connected with Him. God reveals Himself and connects with us when we encounter Him, and when we take the time to see Him. My experience of deep connection with God most often happened during the darkest times of my life. The lowest times of life very often guide us into a deep intimacy with God, who truly sustains us. How we respond to the difficulties we experience in life will determine our relationship to God and also to those closest to us. When we are at the end of our grip, we begin looking for Him. He is there, ready to comfort and give us grace and the assurance that He will never leave you and will not forsake you. He has our attention, and that’s the story of Dr. James Allen. Dr. Allen has responded to the pain of his experiences with a very clear vision to help others by sharing his struggles and victories. He shares his suffering, his mourning, his waiting for relief from his depression, and ultimately his healing. His writings will give you hope for your healing. Each chapter is written with you,the reader, in mind. A Pastors Guide to Life’s Journey is written in such a way that will encourage you. It will give you practical how-to’s along with Biblical ought-to’s to help you live an overcoming life. As human beings, we all struggle with the ability to fully live out the life Jesus modeled and taught. If life has hit you hard and you struggle with doubt, depression, despair, and maybe even disbelief, this book will give you the courage to begin the journey of being open, honest, and transparent. It will give you permission to admit you need help and reach out to another fellow sojourner who will help you carry your burden. It will also guide you to a place of spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness. This Guide will give you the capacity to reach out for help or the courage to reach out and help someone in great need.
#ad Encouragement, HOPE, PEACE, AND CHALLENGE are all part of devotional reading. For nearly 50 years, I have been a pastor and a counselor. My prayer is that these pages will be used by the Spirit to encourage you and lift you up. I also hope they will get you in the habit of doing some devotional reading and even starting your own writing by journaling.
TAKE FIVE—Take some time to spend with the Lord. Take Five and rest with Him. Listen to Him. Speak to Him.
FOR FORTY DAYS—There is something about the number forty in the Bible. It is not magical, but some believe it has a covenant-like bond. Moses spent forty years with the Egyptians, forty years in the desert, and forty years leading Israel in the wilderness. Moses was on Mt. Sinai for forty days and nights. Jesus spent forty days and nights in the wilderness.
#ad With COVID-19, some are suggesting that churches don’t need buildings, but Jesus and His disciples used the upper room for a meeting. As you learn the spiritual foundations of buildings, this book will show you why churches need sacred spaces and why the church grew to use buildings.
This small book is adapted from my book, Why Church Buildings. Its purpose is not to guide a congregation in construction but rather to lead the congregation back to the physical building.
Let’s get back together at church!
#ad A Guide to Assist Pastors and Church Leaders in Building Programs: Toward a Spiritual Understanding of Why Church Buildings? Kindle Edition
Now available on Amazon: Reviews:
Dr. James Allen has created a Magnus opus with A Guide to Assist Pastors and Church Leaders in Building Programs. It is comprehensive, covering all aspects from planning to opening your new worship facility. Read this book. It could save you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, and help you avoid untold strife. Buy this book with confidence. —-Jim Wootton, Author of Real Estate Gift