By Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp


Description
____________________________________________________________________________

While skillfully identifying the deeper issues that keep relationships less than they are designed to be, Tim Lane and Paul Tripp show readers how to experience the other side of relationships as well. They convincingly testify of the power of God's presence to bring believers to the place where:

* Conflicts actually get resolved
* Tough conversations turn out positive
* Forgiveness is granted and real love is expressed and shared
* Casual relationships mature into deep friendships
* Weaknesses are overlooked and strengths are applauded
* People are honest without being mean

A book about relationships, written within the context of their own friendship, Tim and Paul's new offering is straightforward about the relational disappointments that we all suffer. But they are also optimistic about the power of grace to redeem and restore our relationships. Rather than presenting new or sophisticated techniques to make relationships flourish, the authors instead focus on the basic character qualities that can only be formed in the heart by the gospel. "We are called to be people of great character so that when we do come in contact with the world our character shapes and influences those around us. Even though relationships are messy, they are also what God uses to rescue us from ourselves," say Tim and Paul.


Author Bios
______________________________________________________________________________________

Timothy S. Lane, M.Div., D.Min., is Executive Director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), a faculty member, and a counselor with twenty-five years of experience, including ten years as a pastor. He is the coauthor of the books How People Change and Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, coauthor of the curriculums Change and Your Relationships and How People Change, author of the minibooks Conflict; Family Feuds; Forgiving Others; and Freedom from Guilt.

Paul David Tripp, M.Div., D.Min., is the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition, Paul is on the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia; the Professor of Pastoral Life and Care at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas; and the Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas. Paul is a best-selling author who has written eleven books on Christian living. He has been married for many years to Luella and they have four grown children.

How to Use

_____________________________________________________________________________

Product Overview:

Relationships: A Mess Worth Making is the book that goes with CCEF's third core curriculum which addresses relationships and how they bring change to us and others (see below for a description of the two other courses). The book helps readers to place the important process of change within its primary context - our relationships. Those who have read and studied the book note that it expands on the material in the course Change and Your Relationships: A Mess Worth Making and is a helpful resource for both leaders and participants as they go through the course.

Who Is the Product For?

This book is for anyone who wants to understand God's design for relationships and how to grow in sharing the grace of God with others. It is suitable for laypeople and ministry and counseling professionals.

Related Products:

The Relationship materials (book and small group study guide) are the third of CCEF's three core courses about gospel-centered change. The first part of the series is How People Change (book, small group resource, and seminar) coauthored by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. The second part of the series is the book and small group resource Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand by Paul David Tripp. Each course is designed to give pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders a biblical, Christ-centered, and user-friendly tool to equip laypeople to grow in grace. The three courses together answer three fundamental questions: Why do people do the things they do? How does lasting change take place in a person? How can God use me in someone's life to help them grow? 

Although each of these series stand alone, it can be helpful to go through them in order - beginning with How People Change, then Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, and ending with Relationships: A Mess Worth Making.