Books by Our Leadership
Faith-based resources on counseling, family, culture, and spiritual growth — authored by our team.
Strangers in a Foreign Land
Edited by Dr. Thomas Idiculla (1995)
First book on Indian Christian immigrant experiences in America. Covers spiritual heritage, family stresses, youth ministry, and biblical counseling for South Asian Pentecostal communities.
Strangers in a Foreign Land is a groundbreaking work — the first of its kind — examining the spiritual, social, and mental health challenges faced by Indian Christian (particularly Pentecostal) immigrants in the United States. Edited by Dr. Thomas Idiculla, the book features contributions from twelve scholars and ministry leaders who provide valuable perspectives on first-generation struggles, second-generation identity conflicts, and community life across the diaspora. Published by Agape Partners International in collaboration with Cummings & Hathaway Publishers, this seminal volume remains a cornerstone resource for pastors, counselors, and South Asian Christian communities striving to maintain vibrant faith while navigating cultural transitions.
Key Themes and Topics
- Spiritual Heritage and Worship: Pentecostal prayer traditions, faith expressions, and worship practices brought from India
- Cultural Transition Challenges: Navigating tensions between Indian heritage and American identity
- Family and Parenting Pressures: Generational gaps, marriage expectations, and raising children in bicultural settings
- Mental Health Issues: Addressing stress, isolation, and relationship struggles within immigrant families
- Youth Ministry: Discipling the next generation while preserving core family and spiritual values
- Church Leadership: Developing multicultural ministry practices, leadership training, and inclusive community building
- Biblical Counseling Solutions: Faith-based approaches to coping with emotional and relational crises
- Social Experiences: Confronting discrimination, fostering belonging, and building community support networks
Contributing Authors and Topics
- Sam Kannampally, Ph.D. — The Indian Pentecostal Community: The Past and the Present
- Samuel Mathai, Ph.D. — The First Generation: Struggles and Survival
- Ashish Raichur, M.S. — The Second Generation: Spiritual and Cultural Conflicts
- C. Thomas Luiskutty, Ph.D. — The Second Generation: Struggles and Survival
- Sam Ninan, M.A. — Youth in Transition
- George Kurian, Ph.D. — Stresses Facing Indian Families: The Role of Biblical Counseling
- John K. Wessly, Ph.D. — Christian Parenting in America: An Immigrant’s Perspective
- Thomson K. Mathew, D.Min., Ed.D. — Ministering to Young People of Indian Origin
- Rev. Stephen Samuel, M.Div. — Multicultural Ministry: A Challenge for the Indian Christian Community
- Rev. John Daniel, D.Min. — Leadership and Discipleship in Indian Pentecostal Churches
- Philip S. Thomas, M.S. — Praise and Worship in the Indian Pentecostal Community
- Rev. Tom John, D.Min. — A Call for Unity and Love
- Rev. Leslie Verghese, Ph.D. — 21st-Century Strangers in a Foreign Land
Endorsements
“This book is a milestone. Indian Christians around the globe can be proud of this timely and practical resource.”— Thomas Mathews, Ph.D., Founder, Native Missionary Movement
“A valuable tool for parents and ministers who aspire to guide the next generation toward spiritual maturity.”— Ezhamkulam C. Samkutty, Ph.D., Professor of English Literature, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
“Studies like this analyze both the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant families and churches, offering insight for ministries and scholars alike.”— Raymond B. Williams, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Wabash College; Author of Christian Pluralism in the United States: The Indian Immigrant Experience
Keralite Pentecostal Churches in the USA
Dr. Leslie Verghese
Examines growth, generational conflicts, ethnocentrism, and multicultural strategies for Keralite churches. Essential for immigrant church leaders.
This insightful book explores the growth, challenges, and cultural dynamics of Keralite Pentecostal churches serving the Indian diaspora across the United States. Written by Dr. Leslie Verghese, Executive Director of Agape Partners International and Associate Pastor at Dallas Assembly of God, the work examines the spiritual vitality and structural hurdles shaping these vibrant faith communities. Published by Agape Partners International, this volume is essential reading for Indian pastors, church leaders, and members seeking to strengthen their congregations in a shifting cultural context. Dr. Verghese challenges leaders to confront ethnocentrism, embrace cultural relevance, and adopt biblically grounded strategies that help churches not only survive but thrive amid generational and societal change.
Key Themes and Insights
- Migration and Church Growth: Historical patterns of Keralite Pentecostals settling in the U.S. and forming strong ethnic congregations
- Ethnocentrism in Ministry: How cultural exclusivity has limited outreach and second-generation engagement
- Generational Conflicts: Differences between first-generation (Malayalam-speaking) and second-generation (English-speaking, American-raised) believers in worship, identity, and leadership
- Cultural Assimilation: Balancing Kerala Pentecostal traditions with adaptation to American life and values
- Church Governance: Examining leadership models, denominational dynamics, and the need for pastoral development
- Worship and Spiritual Practices: Preserving Spirit-led worship, prayer, fasting, and tongues while remaining contextually relevant
- Multicultural and Missional Ministry: Expanding beyond ethnic boundaries to build unified, Scripture-centered communities
Case in Point: Christian Counseling Case Studies
Dr. Leslie Verghese · Foreword by Dr. Thomas Idiculla
Real cases from clinical practice showing faith-psychology integration for South Asian families. API certification companion text.
Case in Point is a practical training guide that presents real-world Christian counseling case studies designed for pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders. Authored by Dr. Leslie Verghese (LMSW, ACM, MDiv, PhD), with editing by Japhia Verghese and a foreword by Dr. Thomas Idiculla, the book demonstrates how biblical principles can be applied to complex counseling situations in both clinical and pastoral settings. Published by Agape Partners International, this resource bridges theology and psychology through relevant, faith-based case discussions. It equips ministry professionals to serve individuals and families — especially within South Asian immigrant contexts — with sensitivity, wisdom, and biblical integrity.
Key Features
- Real case examples drawn from Dr. Verghese’s clinical and pastoral experience
- Step-by-step analysis of assessment, intervention, and spiritual care
- Integration of a Christian worldview with evidence-based counseling techniques
- Specialized focus on South Asian Christian families and immigrant community challenges
- Discussion questions for training programs, workshops, and certification courses
Main Themes and Insights
- Integration of Faith and Psychology: Blending biblical truth with evidence-based assessment for holistic care
- Cultural Sensitivity: Addressing South Asian family dynamics, identity conflicts, and generational struggles
- Holistic Assessment: Considering spiritual, emotional, relational, and cultural dimensions in counseling
- Grace and Truth: Confronting sin with compassion while guiding counselees toward gospel-centered restoration
- Church-Based Application: Providing tools for pastors and lay counselors in multicultural congregations
- Crisis Intervention: Offering biblically grounded strategies for marital stress, youth rebellion, addiction, depression, and trauma
- Spiritual Warfare Awareness: Recognizing demonic influences alongside psychological and relational issues
Core Message: Effective Christian counseling must minister to the whole person — spirit, soul, and body — through Christ-centered, culturally relevant interventions that make theory practical for immediate ministry use.
Ideal for: Counseling students, ministry teams, and lay leaders seeking hands-on training in faith-based counseling across diverse cultural contexts.
Endorsements
“A timely and deeply practical resource for anyone involved in Christian counseling or pastoral care. Dr. Verghese bridges biblical wisdom with the realities of today’s diverse communities.”— Dr. Thomas Idiculla, Editor, Strangers in a Foreign Land
Labyrinth
Chantal Small
Spiritual journey through life’s complexities using labyrinth prayer practices. Contemplative tool for counselors and ministry leaders.
Labyrinth is a compelling exploration of the spiritual journey, personal transformation, and the complexities of life through the timeless metaphor of a labyrinth. Authored by Chantal Small, the book offers readers practical insights and contemplative guidance for finding clarity amid confusion. Blending Christian spiritual traditions with psychological wisdom, Small invites readers to experience the labyrinth not only as a symbol but as a living practice of prayer, healing, and discovery. Published by Agape Partners International, Labyrinth complements the organization’s counseling and family enrichment resources, offering a contemplative path toward wholeness and spiritual renewal.
Key Focus Areas
- Walking the Labyrinth as Prayer: A meditative practice for reflection, healing, and restoration
- Faith Through Dead Ends: Confronting life’s obstacles with courage and spiritual resilience
- Finding God in Uncertainty: Recognizing divine presence in seasons of confusion and waiting
- Daily Integration: Bringing labyrinth spirituality into everyday Christian living and devotional habits
Core Message: Spiritual growth is not about avoiding the maze of life but learning to walk it with faith, patience, and awareness of God’s guiding presence. The labyrinth becomes both a map and a mirror — a pathway that leads inward to the soul and outward to transformation.
Ideal for: Teens, young adults, and anyone seeking contemplative tools for spiritual grounding and personal renewal.
Endorsements
“A gentle yet profound invitation to slow down, reflect, and let God guide you through life’s twists and turns. Chantal Small writes with depth and grace.”— Dr. Thomas Idiculla, Editor of Strangers in a Foreign Land
“Chantal Small’s wisdom bridges Christian spirituality and real-life struggles, offering readers a sacred map for healing and hope.”— Paul Meier, M.D.