Introduction to Orthodoxy

by Andrew Smith

In the Orthodox Church, we can look at our history with some level of thanksgiving.  We're able to trace our founding to Jesus and the Apostles, through the persecutions of the Roman Empire, through the Ecumenical Councils and evangelising the same empire that persecuted Christians, through the spread of the Church through Europe - Western and Eastern - through renewed persecution and, finally, through to the present day.  An unbroken chain of bishops, an unbroken chain of people being baptised, communed, married and buried, an unbroken chain of people following the teachings of Christ within the Church He founded.

And yet, so often, we look at our parish and wonder, 'how can we share this treasure with people who are desperately seeking it?'.

To my great joy, I am able to contribute this e-book, Footsteps of the Apostles, as one part of the answer.  Where there are many Protestant books talking about church growth, and even a few Orthodox books talking about church growth; this book is one of the few that gives concrete solutions for church growth dilemmas.

In fact, there are over 110 suggestions are in this 121 page e-book - and they can be with you for just $35 $15.

Answer these questions...

• Would your parish benefit from being more welcoming? (Section 2 on "Passive Evangelism" includes ways to welcome visitors and help parishioners on the 'fringe' of your parish)
• Do you want to see your parish grow, but think that only clergy can do that? (Section 3 on "Laity" includes information for choir and groups)
• Are you a priest who doesn't have time to think of new ideas? (Section 4 on "Clergy" includes ideas for sermons, services and events)
• Are you are little skeptical about the idea of church growth, and want to see some proven examples? (You'll love Section 6, where we go through the strategies that one missionary was able to use in his church!)
• Is there no Orthodox parish in your area, but you think there should be? (Section 7 can help for reinvigorating a parish or starting a new one)
• In short, would your parish be better off with some new faces?

If the answer to any of these is 'yes', then you'll love Footsteps of the Apostles.