Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus Williams & John Perkins
Drawing from a diverse range of theologians, sociologists, artists, and activists, this is a helpful survey of issues that is fair minded and even handed. Thaddeus Williams was a speaker at the 2022 EFCA Theology Conference in early February. -recommended by Dave Linde, Placement and Credentialing
Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
This book helps people understand what the Gospel is and recognizes that when we immerse ourselves in it as a community, we can see how the Gospel relates to us in real time and affects our relationships. It has helpful tools to get at the root and to see what lies are believed and how the gospel transforms that. -recommended by Andrea Tyson, Women in Ministry
Rare Leadership In the Workplace: 4 Uncommon Habits That Improve Focus, Engagement, and Productivity by Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder
Many of our churches are a healthy until something goes wrong. How do we handle those situations as leaders? The elemental four habits of remaining relational, acting like yourself, returning to joy, enduring hardship are the focus of this book. -recommended by Pat Wester, Church Revitalization
Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God by Tiece King
This book uses the word of God to purify the way you pray. It’s prayers are based on the word of God and will keep your heart centered as you pray. -recommended by Glenn Olson, Student Ministries
Another Gospel?: A lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity by Alisa Childers
How do we help people who have encountered the ideas of progressive Christianity? How do we help people stay true to the gospel? This book helps give solid answers to a culture of endless questions. -recommended by Dan Moose, Church Multiplication
The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Some people feel intimidated when it comes to raising money but this talks about fundraising as ministry. We aren’t about raising money – we are about discipleship and spiritual formation and inviting people to partnership in the journey through their financial gifts. Fundraising develops relationships and helps people grow in the area of their finances. -recommended by Paul Anderson, Resource Development
When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend: Reflections on Life and Ministry with Depression by Mark Meynell
This is a hard but good read that helps people know what it is like when you’re dealing with depression in a ministry setting and when everyone thinks you have your life together but you just want to crawl into the cave. -recommended by Kelley Johnson, Pastoral Care
Me, Myself and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables by Phil Vischer
This is Phil Vischer’s journey with Veggie Tales – how the company grew and then went bankrupt. It’s a fascinating story and speaks to the experience of being raised in America as a Christian. It talks about how the idea of the American dream of “follow your heart” can get mixed together with Christianity and can get turned into a non-Biblical view of what it means to walk with Jesus. -recommended by Sonja Monsen, Fiances
Embracing the New Samaria: Opening Our Eyes to Our Multiethnic Future by Alejandro Mandes
What does the Bible tell us about ethnic diversity? How far do we need to travel to fulfill the Great Commission? Many of us need to just walk out our door to find our ‘new Samaria’ as 99% of all the counties in America have had increased minority peoples moving into their counties in the last few years. This book helps us embrace that. -recommended by Steve Austvold, Mission Mobilization
The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington
This book helps gets Christianity just right. It reminds you there are two essentials of the Christian faith – righteousness of Christ (justification) and the power of the Holy Spirit (sanctification). This nice guide creates growth while being short and easily digestible. -recommended by Brian Farone, District Superintendent
The Techwise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
This book has many principles that apply to all of life – not just families – as we all constantly make decisions about our technology use either consciously or not. The Barna statistics show our choices have consequences that we may not have ever considered. And while Andy’s anecdotes from his family seem extreme, they challenge you to think of practical applications for you and your family. -recommended by Dena Stromberg, digital communications
Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement” by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear & Chris Butler
“When we understand our civic engagement as a way to obey Christ’s call to love our neighbor, we see that it is possible to engage the political process with both love and truth – compassion and conviction.” This book helps believers go from either/or to both/and. It shows that we can uphold our Christian values and not retreat from the political fray into tribalism. Justin Giboney also does speaking events with Transform Ministries. -recommended by Sharon Trucker, Administration
