Silence. Just the word may cause you anxiety. Does it make you think of boredom, lonliness or isolation? The truth is that most of us have very little silence in our lives. At home we listen to music or watch television while our family members chatter away. Then we move to the car or transit where we instantly turn on music or a podcast. Even our workouts are full of noise from a screen or our earbuds. And how many of us turn on music during our "quiet" time with God? Today we're excerpting an article by Brian Croft of
Practical Shepherding, which shares his struggle with silence and the tremendous benefit it has brought to his life as a person and a pastor.
Today we present a careful and sobering glance back at the last year's effect upon the church. We think you will find John Benton's thoughts quite poignant and perceptive... 
When your children are young, the idea of preparing them for adulthood seems incredibly irrelevant. You might be thinking at this point I'd be happy with them just tying their own shoes! But the truth is that the years will speed by and both you and your child will be staring their adulthood in the face, whether you've prepared or not. 
You don't have to be in ministry for long to experience the sting of criticism. While it cannot be avoided, we can control our response to it and even turn the pain into a blessing. This is the theme of Mostyn Robert's new release Coping with Criticism. Here is what Melvin Tinker had to say about the book:
“This book is a must for all those starting out in pastoral ministry and essential for all those wishing to continue in it. By a combination of superb biblical exposition and sensitive application reflecting a wealth of personal ministerial experience, the author not only shows how to endure criticism but flourish through it. I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this. I could have done with it 40 years ago! A little gem of a book.” 
Does the world seem upside down to you? Even the most normal of norms seem to be questioned; the most basic of truths thrown out for more progressive ideas. Lest we be careful, this upending of foundational principles can seep into the Christian's thinking, bringing doubt and confusion. Today we have the privilege of hearing from EP author and Pastor Terry Johnson who brings together his knowledge of history and theology to speak to what is true, specifically what is true about our identity in Christ. Enjoy! 
Ask ten Christians about the value of technology and you will find eleven different answers. Some view technological advances with fear and prefer to avoid or them all together and disparage those who use them. Others fully embrace technology, while glossing over its inherent dangers. Somewhere in between, you will find the nuanced approach of Dr. John Fesko, author of The Christian and Technology. His thoughtful and balanced look at the Christian's use of technology is a valuable tool in the hand of both the clergy and the layman. 
Please enjoy this word from Graham Heaps, whose heart-stirring new release, 
Please enjoy this timely word from EP author Elizabeth El Mostain, author of 
We had the recent privilege to interview pastor and EP author Jeremy Walker. Graham Hind, EP's Managing Director, describes Mr. Walker as one of the "few true 21st century Puritans." He is also a member of the EP Board and book review editor for the Banner of Truth magazine. We trust that you will find his answers below both insightful and thought-provoking: 
We are so pleased to offer a new book by J.V. Fesko next month. 
Recently Ligonier Ministries interviewed EP Books author John Blanchard for its