Paul DeCelles gave this talk at a 2001 Teaching Review Seminar. He presented some of the results of the board of governors’ investigation of the situation of the high-school-aged youth in the People of Praise. He talked about the roles that purpose, friends, adults, social structure, the People of Praise and God himself play in the social lives of the … [Read more...] about 422. The Situation of the Kids, 2001
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418. MORE Lord: A Pastoral Perspective
Paul DeCelles gave this talk at a 1998 Leaders’ Conference for Men. At the time, most of the branches had begun public meetings, were praying with people for more of the Lord and were experiencing many healings. Paul commented on what had been happening, beginning with the 1996 Pastoral Training Institute. He also commented on the first High Country Adventure and how public … [Read more...] about 418. MORE Lord: A Pastoral Perspective
413. Christ in You: A Bold Proclamation
This was the second talk of the 1996 Christ in You series. The testimony of Scripture and the Church Fathers points to the mystery of "Christ in you." A hologram can be used to illustrate why Christ is sometimes easier to see when the whole body is gathered together. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of an audio recording, and may contain transcription … [Read more...] about 413. Christ in You: A Bold Proclamation
403. Ecumenism in the People of Praise
In this 1989 Leaders' Conference for Women talk, Kevin Ranaghan talked about the People of Praise’s grassroots ecumenism of personal relationships. He also stressed the importance of members knowing not only the faith and practices of their own church but also the faith and practices of their brothers and sisters who belong to a different church. He then gave some practical … [Read more...] about 403. Ecumenism in the People of Praise
402. Feminism
Mary Frances Sparrow gave this talk at the 1989 Leaders’ Conference for Women. She presented evidence for the claim that differences between men and women are not simply culturally determined. She then examined and refuted eight common feminist claims. She concluded by arguing for the value of women's unique contributions to society. Transcript This document is a direct … [Read more...] about 402. Feminism
331. Aging Gracefully
In this 1988 women’s retreat talk, Jackie Curran explained the advantages and disadvantages of growing old. She addressed topics of weakness, isolation, giving up possessions and giving in to being served. Her main idea was that, as we age, the best place to be is in Christian community. The talk ended with an endearing personal sharing from Eva Kruse. Transcript This … [Read more...] about 331. Aging Gracefully
323. The Use of Our Time in Families
Kerry Koller gave this talk at a meeting for coordinators and mission branch leaders. He started with the assumption that we want a culture in our families consistent with People of Praise culture. In particular he analyzed the way time is used, with a focus on the problems of spending too much time on worldly entertainment and recreation. He offered a long list of worthwhile … [Read more...] about 323. The Use of Our Time in Families
320. Cathedral-Building
In this talk, given at a 1986 South Bend community meeting, Paul DeCelles used cathedral-building as an image for building Christian community in the People of Praise. It is a long-term project requiring the investment of time and resources. It involves many people working together, putting aside personal style and preference for the sake of unity and following a specific … [Read more...] about 320. Cathedral-Building
318. Pastoral Care: Expressing God’s Love
This talk, given by Paul DeCelles at an area leaders’ retreat in Servant Branch, offered instruction for pastors. Although Paul was specifically addressing heads of men’s groups, what he said applies to all pastoral care. He explained different phases of interaction, moving from teaching and learning to friendship. The health and vitality of the community rests in pastoral … [Read more...] about 318. Pastoral Care: Expressing God’s Love
317. Working Women
In 1986, women in the People of Praise were encountering a new reality and new challenges, with more of them working outside the home. In this talk, Jeanne DeCelles offered practical wisdom and a large dose of humor to address very real problems and their solutions. She emphasized the importance of observing the Lord’s Day and encouraged the women to avoid unrealistic … [Read more...] about 317. Working Women
313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
This introductory letter to the coordinators from Paul DeCelles outlined the topics they would be discussing at an upcoming meeting. He and the head coordinators were introducing proposed changes to the structure and government of the People of Praise such as term limits, a more defined leadership structure and a way of nominating new coordinators. These proposals eventually … [Read more...] about 313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
228. Accomplishing Our Work through Divisions
In this talk given at a 1981 elders’ meeting, Paul DeCelles discussed the introduction of divisions into the structure of the community, noting how this organizational change was for the sake of apostolic activity. Paul discussed the goals and objectives of each of these new divisions and provided details about the structure and governance of the community which now had … [Read more...] about 228. Accomplishing Our Work through Divisions