When members of Ecclesia Houston tried to identify more closely with the poor through a season of fasting, they found their hunger for community was satisfied. Their 40-day experience is now shared by their pastor, Chris Seay, in A Place at the Table, a six-session DVD small group study based on his similarly titled book, released this month. Rather than a total fast, Seay advocates participants limit their diet to the basic foods those in less affluent parts of the world eat as a way of identifying with their struggles, then giving the money they save to child sponsorship, poverty relief and clean water projects there. While the emphasis of the study is on looking at world issues such as poverty and hunger—“why there is suffering in the midst of our excess”—the series may also encourage people to examine their different appetites for things beyond food. 

With the heavy emphasis on leadership in the church today, best-selling author Leonard Sweet urges believers to opt for counterculture and focus on following. In I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth, and Life of Following Jesus, Sweet says that following is “the most underrated form of leadership in existence.” He challenges church leaders to invite people into a fellowship of followers rather than to come under their leadership.

After years of personal experience with the demonic realm, prophetic minister Kris Vallotton has penned Spirit Wars: Winning the Invisible Battle Against Sin and the Enemy, which couples his testimony with relevations from the Word of God. A transparent account of anxiety attacks, demonic visitations, physical sickness and battling fear, Spirit Wars identifies why the behavior of the spirit world is so difficult to define.

Insecurity and inferiority were imparted to mankind in the Garden of Eden and are the underpinnings of all other evil, according to author Steve Foss. After giving a short background on how this revelation came to him personally and impacted his ministry, Foss eagerly asserts that understanding this and getting the victory over insecurity and inferiority will release believers from bondage and empower them in a greater way. Satan’s dirty little secret, he explains, is that he has no power but can only lie. Readers will welcome this truth as they gain new ground to combat the enemy of their souls.

After 25 years as a full-time chiropractor working with thousands of patients, Joseph Vetere has crafted a diet that helps people get fit quickly and teaches habits for overall wellness. Vetere details the plan in his book, The Genesis Diet, which explains how the ideal body fat percentage can be achieved primarily through correct nutritional habits and a proper balance of aerobic, strength, power and endurance exercises. He also highlights the need to drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, eliminate stress and keep your nervous system functioning properly. Aligned with the timeless biblical covenants that govern health, The Genesis Diet was written not to promote personal vanity but to give glory to the Creator.

In Dare to Be Uncommon, Super Bowl-winning coach and best-selling author Tony Dungy dispenses wisdom on leading a successful team—whether at church, at home, at work or on the field. The four-part small group study set has two tracks, one tailored to sports teams and the other for churches, each emphasizing the importance of character in attaining success. The study is supplemented by a Playbook for an Uncommon Life paperback, available in packs of six.

Chuck Pierce’s ministry, Glory of Zion, invites believers to “Cross Over Into the New Day” with a prophetic gathering that ends on New Year’s Day. The conference begins Dec. 29 and, in the ministry’s words, offers “the opportunity to gather and hear what the Spirit of the Lord is declaring to the church as we transition from 2011 to 2012.” Held at the Global Spheres Center in Corinth, Texas, meetings will include speakers such as Pierce, C. Peter Wagner, Cindy Jacobs, Dutch Sheets, Alemu Beeftu and more.

Richard G. Lee, general editor of The American Patriot’s Bible, believes that many of the same social and religious provocations that spurred the colonists toward the American Revolution are present today. Believing that America is on the brink of a new revolution, Lee seeks to inspire his readers to fight and win the battle for personal and national freedom inThe Coming Revolution: Signs From America’s Past That Signal Our Nation’s Future. The book includes a foreword by Mike Huckabee.

Tonya Larson’s Power Stretch & Sculpt offers a 47-minute workout from the Christian fitness coach who promotes “Body, Mind, Spirit, Fit.” Intended to help relieve stress and back pain and to condition, the exercise segments build on each other but can be followed separately, with no equipment needed other than a mat. The Bridgestone Multimedia Group release includes an optional “spiritual warm-up” session, featuring Bible meditation and prayer.

Matt Sorger Ministries believes “the church is in a fresh hour of anointing, glory and commissioning.” Sorger is hosting the Discerning the Times conference, which will include extended times of worship to hear what God is saying about the new year. Being held in Melville, N.Y., on Jan. 13 and 14, the event will featue John Paul Jackson, and worship will be led by Julie Meyer.