Will I Read That Again?

One of my favorite websites is The Simple Dollar. It is primarily a site with sound financial advice, but it also offers a whole host of different ideas on living simply. This is a concept which I have really taken interest in. One suggestion I took from a Simple Dollar post was to go into a room and find items that you have not used in the last 6 months and sell or donate them. Other than digital music and Chicago Cubs memorabilia, the only thing I collect is books. Many times my wife has asked me before I buy a book, "but don't you have a bunch that you haven't read on your shelf?" I used to answer that it was true, but I would get to them all.
I decided that I would scale down my book collection, radically. I sold all books that I could find at the local library, or which are public domain online. Next, I went through and pulled the books which I had read, or partially read, that I would not read again. Finally I went through and honestly asked of books I hadn't yet read, if I would.
Well, I wanted to whittle down to one book shelf and I was able to do so. I took about fifteen boxes over to half-price books and I have saved the rest for the next time i go to Grand Rapids. The Baker Book House buys used books and they are better suited for the ones I have kept.
Anywho, what did I keep and why? I kept all my NIV Application Commentaries for the OT (I have the NT on CD-ROM), many of the books on marriage I have (including all books by Les and Leslie Parrott), as well as many of the parenting books I have picked up over the past few months.
I would be remiss if I rid myself of C.S. Lewis, so I kept every book of his I own, as well Lilith and Phantasies, two books of George MacDonald which greatly inspired Lewis.
I will list some of the books I kept which I have yet to read in a future post, but I wanted to talk about a couple I kept - ones I have read multiple times and will read again multiple times.

• Leap Over a Wall, by Eugene Peterson. I have talked about this book before on this site, here, and again, I really enjoy this book. I think that anyone would do well to read this, whether you are a pastor, new believer, or somewhere in between.
  
• The Jesus Way, by Eugene Peterson. I have actually kept all three of the books from what is promised to be a five volume set. Look for my review of this book on this site, here.
  
• Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller. I drank this book up when I first read it. Most people talk about Blue Like Jazz, but I found this book to be Mr. Miller's best.
  
• Money, Possessions and Eternity, by Randy Alcorn. This book changed my thinking in the realm of finances. I dare you to read this book and not re-evaluate how you look at money and possessions. Check out my review of this book here.
  
• The Signature of Jesus, by Brennan Manning. I first read this book in high school. A great read and one that needs more than a blurb regarding it. In the future, I will write up a full review.
  
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer. A classic that many have read, and those who have not, should.
  

Outreach Resources - Curricula

As promised from yesterday, here are the best group curricula available in the area of outreach!

Just Walk Across the Room – Zondervan, Willow Creek
In Just Walk Across the Room, the complete church kit, author Bill Hybels brings personal evangelism into the twenty-first century with a natural and empowering approach modeled after Jesus himself. When Christ “walked” clear across the cosmos 2,000 years ago, he had no forced formulas—just an offer of redemption to people like us, many of whom were neck-deep in pain of our own making. This dynamic, four-week experience is designed to equip and inspire your entire church to participate in that same pattern of grace-giving by taking simple walks across rooms—leaving your circles of comfort and extending hands of care, compassion, and inclusiveness to people who might need a touch of God’s love today.

Becoming a Contagious Christian - Zondervan, WillowCreek
This Willow Creek Resources six-session evangelism course for churches and groups of all sizes is designed to equip believers for effective evangelism by showing them how they can share the gospel in a natural and powerful way while being the person God made them to be.

H2O – Standard
H2O is an evocative, DVD-driven, group-oriented journey of faith. Hosted by Kyle Idleman, the 10 episodes of high-definition video are a new way to share your faith. It's an invitation to get together, enjoy a meal, watch a DVD, have a conversation, and end with an invitation to be transformed through the living water of Jesus Christ. This kit contains all the planning tools and resources for the church, ministry, small group, or individual to lead an H2O journey.

Go Fish – Multnomah, North Point
We’ve all heard them. “It was this big.” “You should have seen the one that got away.” People love to tell stories of their fishing adventures. When it comes to faith, however, most people clam up. Why is it we can’t talk about what God has done in our life as naturally as we can spin fishing tales? This six-part DVD explores the motivation behind sharing our faith and how it can become a natural part of our lives. Its companion study guide is complete with a leader’s guide and six lessons, including conversation-starting exercises, discussion questions, and application steps.

Bullhorn – Zondervan, Mars Hill Bible
God loves everyone, so a Christian should, too. In fact, Jesus said that the most important thing in life is to love God with everything we've got and love others the same way. But it's not always easy to love everyine around us, is it? Sometimes we strongly disagree with other people's political views, religious belieifs, behaviors or something else, and it makes it hard to love them when we feel like we're right and they're very wrong. But Jesus doesn't separate loving God and loving others. So maybe that best way for us to show our love for God is actually by loving other people no matter how hard it sometimes is. Maybe it's the only way.

Life on Loan – Standard
Life On Loan is a six-week, church-wide experience that leads children, students, and adults through a study of what it means to live a life that is on loan from God - a life serving others, building relationships, and earning the right to share your faith. Life On Loan provides the curriculum and tools to plan, promote, and implement a program throughout the church. Age appropriate curriculum is provided for early childhood, elementary, teens, and adults, so the entire church studies the plan God has for our lives - lives that have the opportunity to make a real impact in our world.

Going Public with Your Faith – Zondervan, Focus on the Family
The people in your group spend hours every day in the most high-impact mission field in the world: their workplaces. A place where they are regularly in touch with people facing significant life questions. But to have an impact, they need a perspective that’s different from anything they’ve ever heard or read about evangelism. Real evangelism is a process. It’s organic—more like farming than selling. In six thought-provoking and empowering sessions, Going Public with Your Faith walks your group through a proven approach to evangelism that respects the unique relationships they have with their coworkers, clients, or customers.

Sharing Your Life Mission Everyday (Doing Life Together) – Zondervan, Saddleback
The way you’re wired is no accident! God designed your unique mix of gifts, natural abilities, personality, values, and life experiences to play an essential part in his kingdom. These six sessions will help you develop your God-given design at home, at work, at church, and in your community in a way that extends God’s love to others and enriches your own life immeasurably.

The Alpha Course – Alpha
The Alpha Course is a 10 week, 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith. It provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to explore the meaning of life. Included are 15 talks dealing with essential questions of life, such as: Who is Jesus?, How can I be sure of my faith?, How does God guide us?, How can I resist evil?, What does the Holy Spirit do?, and How can I make the most of my life?

Outflow – Group
For most adults, outreach feels...well, uncomfortable. Intrusive. Contrived. That's why--in spite of Jesus' intent that we share our faith--we seldom do so. With Outflow, adult small groups experience transformed, joy-filled lives they then share with others. Outflow encourages honest outreach based on a growing relationship with God...and the sharing of God's love. This Small Group Kit gives small group leaders everything they need to lead a 5-week Outflow study.

10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible – Moody, Arlington Hts EFC
Many people--churched and unchurched desire to learn more about the Bible, and find purpose in their lives through its timeless principles. 10 KEYS FOR UNLOCKING THE BIBLE COURSE, is an ideal tool for small groups, home Bible studies and personal evangelism or discipleship. It is designed for people with limited knowledge of the Bible who want to learn about it in a non-threatening way, and seasoned believers who desire a better understanding of the Bible story from beginning to end.

They Like Jesus but Not the Church (forthcoming) – Zondervan
Many in today’s emerging generation don’t like the church. Some are leaving the church; others never were a part of it. Yet they remain fascinated with Jesus. This small group curriculum will explore six of the most common objections and misunderstandings emerging generations have about the church and how the church can respond in positive ways.

Outreach Resources - Books

This week is the National Leadership Conference for the EFCA. This morning I am leading a seminar on the best resources available for outreach. I will post those resources on the blog tomorrow. But here are some of the best books available on outreach.

Just Walk Across the Room – Bill Hybels
Believers universally affirm that evangelism is a vital part of what God calls them to do, but very few make a practice of doing it. They feel awkward and ill-equipped, either because they've never been trained, or because their lack of interaction with non- Christians prevents them from using and developing the skills they do have. Bill Hybels addresses these concerns and signals the next era in personal evangelism with Just Walk Across the Room. Drawing on fresh perspectives from the author's own experiences, as well as time-tested and practical illustrations, Just Walk Across the Room encourages and equips readers to routinely initiate spiritual conversations with those who don't know Christ.

Becoming a Contagious Christian – Bill Hybels, Mark Mittelberg
Evangelism doesn't have to be frustrating or intimidating. Effectively communicating our faith in Christ should be the most natural thing in the world. We just need encouragement and direction. In Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels and Mittelberg articulate the central principles that have helped the believers at Willow Creek Community Church become a church known around the world for its outstanding outreach to unchurched people. Based on the words of Jesus and flowing from the firsthand experiences of the authors, Becoming a Contagious Christian is a groundbreaking, personalized approach to relational evangelism.

They Like Jesus But Not the Church – Dan Kimball
Many people today, especially among emerging generations, don’t resonate with the church and organized Christianity. Some are leaving the church and others were never part of the church in the first place. Sometimes it’s because of misperceptions about the church. Yet often they are still spiritually open and fascinated with Jesus. This is a ministry resource book exploring six of the most common objects and misunderstandings emerging generations have about the church and Christianity.

Living a Life on Loan – Rick Rusaw, Eric Swanson
As a Christian, your life is no longer about you. It is allowing God to write his story through you and your story. Explore a life where serving others provides an opportunity for your story to intersect theirs - and for lives to be forever changed! Explore a life of finding grace at the intersections.

The Radical Reformission – Mark Driscoll
Reformation is the continual reforming of the mission of the church to enhance God’s command to reach out to others in a way that acknowledges the unique times and locations of daily life. This engaging book blends the integrity of respected theoreticians with the witty and practical insights of a pastor. This basic primer on the interface between gospel and culture highlights the contrast between presentation evangelism and participation evangelism.

The Forgotten Ways – Alan Hirsch
Hirsch identifies six latent potencies in God's people that lie dormant and forgotten until something catalytic prompts the rediscovery of them. These elements are clearly seen in the church during times of phenomenal growth and impact, but he suggests that they are actually always present and can be reactivated to create apostolic movement. He describes them as the centrality and lordship of Jesus, disciple making, the missional-incarnational impulse, organic systems, apostolic environment, and communitas (a type of community formed in situations of significant ordeal and/or mission).

No Perfect People Allowed – John Burke
No Perfect People Allowed shows you how to deconstruct the five main barriers standing between emerging generations and your church by creating the right culture. From inspiring stories of real people once far from God, to practical ideas that can be applied by any local church, this book offers a refreshing vision of the potential and power of the Body of Christ to transform lives today.

Outflow – Steve Sjogren, Dave Ping
If it's all about God, why do we live as if it's all about us? This book--a cross between a manifesto and a how-to manual--inspires readers to embrace outreach as a lifestyle--a natural, everyday thing that's as normal as going to the grocery store.

Share Jesus Without Fear – William Fay
In recent years, the Share Jesus without Fear book and its growing family of ancillary products have sparked a faith-sharing movement that continues to gain momentum. It began with the jaw-dropping story of William Fay, once a money-driven businessman with Mafia ties who ran a house of prostitution until it was raided by police. Facing the threat of jail time, Fay turned to Jesus Christ for redemption and ever since has been turning others to Him as well.

City Impact – Daniel Bernard
God calls His Church to take the Gospel into the world, but what about meeting the day-to-day needs of your local neighborhood? Daniel Bernard uses practical, motivating examples from his ministry, Somebody Cares, Tampa Bay, and from Christians all over to illustrate how unity among churches and partnership with local businesses can transform communities.

The Gutter – Craig Gross
Why did an all-knowing, all-powerful God send the perfection of His kingdom? His only Son? To the earth through the gutter? Why did Jesus spend so much time, reaching out to people in their own secret, dark places? Why do His followers so often turn away from those very same situations? The Gutter chronicles the author's journey to the gutter, telling the stories and sharing the insights he gained while spending time with the people who dwell there.

101 Ways to Reach Your Community – Steve Sjogren
You may not be a gifted evangelist, but you do have the gift of servanthood. You can use that gift to reach out to your community with the love of God. For years Steve Sjogren has successfully used a simple approach called "servant evangelism" that allows any believer—regardless of gifting—to be involved in sharing God's love with others. One of the great things about this approach is that you don't have to do it alone. Sjogren offers 101 simple and effective ways your church or small group can demonstrate the love of God to those in your community. When people see the love of God in action, they want to know more about Him. You can share your faith successfully, and here are plenty of starting points!

Outreach Ministry in the 21^st Century – Group Publishing
This collection of 200 practical ideas turns "outreach" from an intimidating mandate into something that's actually enjoyable. Included: proven ideas for preparing your church to embrace outreach, ways to teach kids, service ideas for youth, long-term and mission ideas, ways to make your church visible in your community, and much more.

The Top Five....Books on Atonement

A week late, but here they are - the top five (plus one releasing this fall) books on the Atonement, according to Dr. Greg Strand, Director of Biblical Theology and Credentialing at the EFCA. Having just read the book, Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches, in which the authors were asked to talk about Scripture, Trinity and the Atonement, I asked Dr. Strand for the best (in print) books on those topics. Today I want to share with you the top books he gave me on the Atonement. In no particular order...


The Glory of the Atonement, Frank James & Charles Hill - ed.
The atonement is the crown jewel of Christian doctrine. And it is the responsibility of each generation of theologians to preserve its heritage, explore its facets and allow its radiance to illumine their day. With The Glory of the Atonement editors Charles E. Hill and Frank A. James III, along with a group of expert contributors, attempt to fulfill this trust at the dawn of a new millennium.

The Glory of the Atonement is divided into three parts--biblical, historical and practical--with each section introduced by an overview essay. In part one evangelical biblical scholars explore the atonement within the contours of Scripture, looking first at the atonement in the Pentateuch, Psalm 51 and Isaiah 53, and then more closely at the major texts of the New Testament.

In part two historical and systematic theologians weigh the atonement in the ancient, medieval and Reformation traditions. The primary perspective of the contributors is the Reformed tradition, which is further represented by essays on John Calvin, Herman Bavinck and Karl Barth. A timely capstone to this historical view is a stimulating consideration of the atonement and postmodernism.

Finally, the implications of the atonement are brought home in part three with a look at the atonement in contemporary preaching and Christian living.

Here is a full-course feast for ministers of the Word, a textbook for students of the Bible and theology, and a valuable resource for any theological library.

The Atonement, Leon Morris
Leon Morris examines the rich variety of New Testament terms used to describe the significance of Christ's death and resurrection.
Why is the cross the crux of Christianity? What are the meaning and significance of the atonement? The Bible uses a host of terms to illuminate the answers to these questions: covenant, sacrifice, the Day of Atonement, Passover, redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, justification. In plain English Leon Morris explains each of these words, thus opening up for students, pastors and teachers the fuller biblical dimension of God's great salvation.


Where Wrath and Mercy Meet, David Peterson
In this collection of papers, delivered at the Oak Hill summer school of theology, four members of the faculty defend a strong articulation of penal substitution in the face of contemporary challenges. David Peterson surveys the atonement in both Old and New Testaments; Gary Williams examines the nature of punishment at the heart of a penal doctrine; Michael Ovey expounds how sin is the 'de-creation' of God's world; and Paul Weston reflects on John's gospel and the lessons it provides on proclaiming the cross today. The collection is then completed with an appendix on justification by faith by Alan Stibbs.


The Cross of Christ, John Stott
The work of a lifetime, from one of the world's most influential thinkers, about the heart of the Christian faith.

"I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. . . . In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?" With compelling honesty John Stott confronts this generation with the centrality of the cross in God's redemption of the world -- a world now haunted by the memories of Auschwitz, the pain of oppression and the specter of nuclear war.

Can we see triumph in tragedy, victory in shame? Why should an object of Roman distaste and Jewish disgust be the emblem of our worship and the axiom of our faith? And what does it mean for us today?

Now from one of the foremost preachers and Christian leaders of our day comes theology at its readable best, a contemporary restatement of the meaning of the cross. At the cross Stott finds the majesty and love of God disclosed, the sin and bondage of the world exposed.

More than a study of the atonement, this book brings Scripture into living dialogue with Christian theology and the twentieth century. What emerges is a pattern for Christian life and worship, hope and mission.

Destined to be a classic study of the center of our faith, Stott's work is the product of a uniquely gifted pastor, scholar and Christian statesman. His penetrating insight, charitable scholarship and pastoral warmth are guaranteed to feed both heart and mind.

Cross Words, Paul Wells
The post-modern society is so focussed on the internal life of the individual that it makes the significance of the cross a difficult concept to grasp. Even Christians are trying to find alternative ways of explaining it - some have abandoned the concept of atonement entirely.

Jesus, though, is far more than a victim. When God receives and approves the condemned Jesus he transcends the world of oppressor and victim to create a new humanity, capable of new kinds of relationships. Atonement speaks of a transition from brokenness, alienation and the death of love to a place of restoration, healing, and wholeness. A place that holds out hope for deepening friendships and mutual confidence - the exact same things the post-modern mind is lacking, and is looking for.

Pierced for Our Transgressions, Steve Jeffery, Mike Ovey and Andrew Sach
The doctrine of penal substitution states that God gave himself in the person of his Son to suffer instead of us the death, punishment and curse due to fallen humanity as the penalty for sin.

Although this is the historic Christian view, it has recently come under attack. Controversy has raged since 2003 when Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, likened the doctrine to ‘a form of cosmic child abuse’.

Pierced for our Transgressions offers a fresh affirmation of penal substitution, engaging with exegetical, theological, pastoral and historical perspectives. It is designed to be useful for pastors, theological students, and all thinking Christians.

Book Awards 2007

Christianity Today has posted their book award winners for this year. Of the ones they listed, here are some which have been reviewed on this site:
Prayer
The Divine Embrace
Reconciliation Blues
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses

Top Ten Books on Teaching

Yesterday, Scot McKnight posted his top ten books on teaching and education. Here is the link if you are interested. Jesus Creed.

The Top Five....Books on the Trinity

Last week I mentioned that I picked Dr. Greg Strand's brain for his top books in three subjects: Scripture, Trinity and Atonement. Last Friday, I gave you his top books on Scripture, today is the list on the best books on the Trinity (and only one is out of print!). Look next Friday for his best books on the Atonement.

God the Holy Trinity, Timothy George
God the Holy Trinity brings together leading scholars from diverse theological perspectives to reflect on various theological and practical aspects of the core Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Throughout, the contributors highlight the trinitarian shape of spiritual formation. The esteemed lineup of contributors includes Alister E. McGrath; Gerald L. Bray; James Earl Massey; Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.; Frederica Mathewes-Green; J. I. Packer; Timothy George; Ellen T. Charry; and Cornelius Plantinga Jr. This book will appeal to students, church leaders, and interested laity.

The Holy Trinity: Reflections on Christian Faith and Practice, Robert Letham
When it comes to the doctrine of the Trinity, evangelicals have underachieved. In The Holy Trinity Robert Letham helps to redress this shortcoming. He offers a well-researched volume about “the One who is utterly transcendent and incomprehensible.” After examining the doctrine’s biblical foundations, the author traces its historical development through the twentieth century, and engages four critical issues: the Trinity and (1) the incarnation, (2) worship and prayer, (3) creation and missions, and (4) persons

Our Triune God, Peter Toon
Who is the God of the Bible? From both within the church and outside her walls the orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity, declared in Scripture and passed down in ecumenical creeds and local confessions of faith, is under attack. The emerging absence of a Trinitarian mind-set so prevalent in the church today has enormous implications for the future of the Christian faith. Concerned to counter contemporary attacks on the doctrine of God, Peter Toon here demonstrates the existence and priority of a Trinitarian pattern in Scripture and defends the essential role of the Trinity in Christian belief, faith, and practice.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles and Relevance, Bruce Ware
Bruce Ware provides an approachable examination of the doctrine of the Trinity. He discusses the relationship and roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the practical implications of the Trinity for our lives.

God in Three Persons, Millard Erickson (Out of Print - links to amazon.com used copies)
This contemporary approach to basic doctrine offers a crucial tool for students who want comprehensive, consistent, logical theology. God in Three Persons will enhance undergraduate theological courses and has applications for graduate systematics and historical theology study. Erickson surveys the background for today's debate, showing that modern controversies simply rephrase old arguments. At its core this book is a close study of Scripture, especially the key teachings of John's Gospel. Erickson also considers whether belief in the Trinity is requisite to salvation, whether it makes any practical difference in the Christian worldview, and whether it is logical and intelligible. The book's contemporary statement of the Trinity doctrine sets forth and applies all biblical evidence to Christianity at large and worship and prayer in particular.

The Top Five....Books on Scripture

I recently asked Greg Strand, Director of Biblical Theology and Credentialing at the EFCA, about books he would recommend in certain subjects. Having just read the book, Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches, in which the authors were asked to talk about Scripture, Trinity and the Atonement, I asked Dr. Strand for the best (in print) books on those topics. Today I want to share with you the top books he gave me on Scripture. In no particular order...

1. Standing on the Rock, James Montgomery Boice. Boice presents evidence that not only has God spoken through His Word, but He has a trustworthy and authoritative message. This updated revision of Standing On The Rock includes a new chapter on the Bible's sufficiency in meeting our society's psychological, social, and spiritual needs. This timely book provides the answers you need to be an effective witness and is also an essential guide for seekers and new believers.




2. Scripture and Truth, D.A. Carson & John D. Woodbridge, editors. In this book, various theologians who defend biblical inerrancy look at issues that have been raised by contemporary scholars. They define and analyze what Christians mean when they say Scripture is truth.

3. Hermeneutics, Authority, and Canon, D.A. Carson & John D. Woodbridge, editors. "These thought-minded essays are the channel through which conservative scholars must steer for competent interaction with current critical theories, for helpful direction in focusing the battle over Scripture, and for reflection of conflict areas that Evangelicals must themselves resolve. This work rises above the shallow shadow-boxing over inerrancy and engages central concerns with academic ability and dignity. It puts on the agenda issues that Evangelical leaders must now wrestle: Does the Bible contain different kinds of truth? Is all divine revelation rational? Is the canon really post-apostolic? No reader will agree with all that is said; some will loudly disagree here and there. But all students will be stimulated and serious readers edified at the frontiers of current debate."
Carl F. H. Henry

4. Nothing But the Truth, Brian H. Edwards. "The battle for the Bible continues. Liberal scholarship and sceptics continue to cast doubt upon the authenticity of all Scripture and its inerrancy. Here is a book rich enough in content to stir the minds and hearts of all who love the Bible and at the same time clear enough for all to understand the arguments so powerfully presented for the full and final authority of Scripture. The Christian church needs this updated version of Brian Edwards’ excellent Nothing but the truth. The Bible is its own defence, but books like this one are enough to confirm the faith of God’s people that it is what it says it is, God-breathed from beginning to end. I heartily commend it." — Martin Holdt, Pastor of Constantia Park Baptist Church, Pretoria, South Africa

5. The Revelation of God, Contours of Christian Theology Series, Peter Jensen. Peter Jensen examines the role of the Bible in divine revelation, beginning from biblical categories of the knowledge of God and the gospel. He sets out to define the Gospel in the first part of the book by looking at the work of Christ in a redemptive-historical and soteriological fashion. He concludes by stating that the Gospel, therefore, is revelation because in it God's Kingdom-establishing project is revealed.

Outreach Resources of the Year

For the last four years, Outreach Magazine has rated the best outreach materials in many categories (adult, children's, youth, and others). Link. They rate Just Walk across the Room the best overall. I would definitely concur with that. Earlier, I reviewed a number of these resources.
Just Walk Across the Room
H2O
Heroes Unmasked
The AIDS Crisis
The New Friars
Soul Cravings (reviewed by Lexi Lorentz)
Confessions of a Reformission Rev.

Top 10 Books of 2006 - Part 2

Here are the remaining books of the top books of 2006. Again, the by clicking on the picture, you will go to my review of the book & the title will take you to nsresources.com, where you can read more about them & purchase them.

5. Just Walk Across the Room. Evangelism has never been my strong suit. I tried to let the “gifted” people do that. But the Bible makes it clear that evangelism is the work of all Christians. Well, this book (& multi-media curriculum) helps ordinary people like me out in the realm of evangelism. The book boils down to two words. Build Relationships. As we live our lives with & in front of people, we listen to the Spirit’s prompting & let him give us the right words to say – in his timing, not ours. Sometimes, all it takes is for us to be that one “Christian friend” of a person & they can see how a Christian actually lives. Sometimes, we get to see them take the step of faith. Whatever your role in the process of faith, Mr. Hybels asks readers to just embrace that role & not do more or less than that. This is worthy of taking entire churches through!

4. Confessions of a Pastor. I knew that a book from Craig Groeschel needed to be on this list, the hard part was choosing which one! Chazown greatly guided my year & is a great book for finding ones God-given vision for life. I eventually went with Confessions, because authenticity is so greatly needed & so often lacking within our churches, let alone our leadership. Many times leaders are worried that they have to be the example so much that they forget that they are fallen & that people are not supposed to live up to our leaders standards, but Gods. Mr. Groeschel lays out insecurities, fears, and struggles which will make you laugh, but mostly empower readers to be honest & authentic.

3. Dissident Discipleship. David Augsburger is a professor from Fuller & is here writing about what he calls “tri-polar” spirituality. That is, a spirituality of self-surrender, love of God & love of neighbor. Many of us are bi-polar, but not truly tri-polar. Dr. Augsburger discusses 7practices of the tri-polar Christian. This book will challenge you on every page & will have you rethink your approach to discipleship. This is a phenomenal book & is a must read for 2007.

2. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. This book is a call to action. You will read In a Pit & pray for God to rock your world & give you a lion to chase. This is not a one time thing, either. It is a life-long calling that we are willing to risk anything & everything for God’s Kingdom. This book seeks to banish all prayers of asking God for the safe route & instead asking God for odds so outrageous, so outlandish, that if & when we accomplish them, there is no possible way of people even being able to give glory to anyone but God. I encourage you to read this book & let it shake off the passive tendencies, let it awaken you to risk huge for God.

1. The Revolution. This book is subtitled “A Field Manual for Changing your World.” It could very well be “A Field Guide for Changing You & Your World.” In this little book, Heather Zydek edits 12 different essays by leading spokespeople within their field regarding issues as broad & far-ranging as gang violence, sex trafficking & clean water. There are many, many ways people can make a difference in the world & make it a better place to live. This book educates the reader on twelve issues & guides you to get involved in the one(s) that God has given you a passion for. God is the God of the oppressed & there is much oppression occurring in our world today. This book will make you aware of that, help you to take next steps & give you ways to pray for what is going on. A necessary book for everyone.

Top 10 Books of 2006 - Part 1

2006 saw my reading interests narrow a bit (see last years list). I started off reading general theological & church ministry books, and have since have had my reading habits shaped by a surge of passion in specific areas (thanks largely to a book on this list & one I read in 2006, but was published in 2005 – The Gutter).

Social justice has really crept on my radar, as you may or may not have noticed. Another book that had profound influence on me & this passion was Randy Alcorn’s Money, Possessions & Eternity (published 1989). I would say that these books are must reads, not only for leaders, but for evangelicals in general. All but one has been reviewed on this site in the last year (& that one will be up within the month), so if you click on the picture of the book it will take you to those reviews.

10. Africa Bible Commentary. This is a one-volume Bible commentary written by African thinkers & pastors. I am not aware of anything like this work, from any non-Western country, in a format so useable. The benefits of this commentary are multiple, but primarily, it provides a new perspective on Biblical studies that is fresh & broadens our frame of reference. Christianity is soon becoming the faith of the southern hemisphere predominantly, & if the West doesn’t accept this, we may well get left behind. This work will help you gain new insight in your understanding of Scripture.

9. This Beautiful Mess. Rick McKinley is the pastor of Imago Dei in Oregon. In this book, he talks about the Kingdom of God. Mr. McKinley writes that we have skewed visions of the kingdom & often set ourselves up as the ruler & that Jesus didn’t come to make us rule ourselves better, but to rule us. He also talks about the aspect of being the kingdom of God. He says that Jesus had a holistic vision for the kingdom, not a compartmentalized one, which is so prevalent in today’s churches. This book will spark your thinking regarding the Kingdom of God & possibly even how you do ministry.

8. Living the Resurrection. Spiritual formation & spiritual leadership are not something to be taken care of by "specialists." We live in a society of specialists. Spirituality is not specialized. It is something every Christian should work at. Paul says that we are "to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." This isn't something only for the pastors, but for every believer. We all need to dig into Scripture, to "search the Scriptures like the noble Bereans."

7. Communicating for a Change. Speaking directly to leaders & pastors, Mr. Stanley discusses the philosophy North Point follows in communicating their messages. I believe that this would be helpful to anyone, because we all communicate & many times we are trying to get our point across to people so they will see our vantage point. The idea is to boil your message down to one point. Get that message across as simply & clearly as possible. If you have multiple things you want to get across, save them for another time, (in sermons, make it a series). Very helpful resource!

6. The AIDS Crisis. This book is a great book to be used personally or within a small group to learn more about the AIDS pandemic & what you (your group or your church) can do to get involved. The Church has sat back long enough & needs to get involved in turning the tide with this disease. This book is an excellent resource to help you get started.

My 50 Books That You Should Check Out

Recently, Christianity Today put out their list of 50 books that have shaped evangelicals. All those books are 20% off here. (Well, at least 41 of them. The others are not in print.) So I decided to list 50 books which I thoroughly enjoyed & feel that most people would get something out of them. Some of them may be the last books that you might choose, or books that you might put on your list of books to leave on the shelf.
Some of these books are serious, some are basic, some are just fun. All of them have given me enjoyment, challenged my thinking or caused me to act upon something. Many of them are ones you have seen on this blog. They are not listed in any particular order. Enjoy the list!




































If you would like to find further information on many of these books, follow this link.