The days are longer, the weather’s warmer, and everything just seems to slow down a bit. For church workers, summer is a great time to dive into books for fresh insight into theology, faith, leadership, or personal growth. But what should you read?
I asked for recommendations, and Pastor Peter Couser (New Thing, Towson, MD), Pastor Alec Fisher (Christ Lutheran, Hickory, NC), Rev. Dr. Travis Guse (SED Director of Wellness) and DCE Wesley Spottiswood (Hope Lutheran, Wake Forest, NC) responded:
Theology
Jesus and the God of Israel — Richard Bauckham
In this collection of essays, Bauckham argues that the divinity of Jesus is very clearly demonstrated in the New Testament even more often than we might think. (AF)
The Art of Biblical Narrative — Robert Alter
In this work, Alter shows us many literary devices in the Old Testament that we might miss. (AF)
Bad Girls of the Bible series – Liz Curtis Higgs
What can some of the most infamous women in Scripture teach us? For starters, how not to succumb to the temptations of life. (WS)
Faith
Handbook of Denominations in the United States – Roger E. Olson
A good reference book that lists more than 200 denominations within the U.S. and explains key information on each of them. (WS)
Practical advice for those who want to develop a vision for discipleship. (TG)
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion — Jonathan Haidt
Haidt explores why social groups hold specific values. Our intuition and gut often impact our morality. (AF)
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society — Eugene Peterson
Peterson wrote this more than 40 years ago. His thoughts on discipleship are just as relevant today. (PC)
Leadership
Practicing Change series – Tod Bolsinger
Bolsinger is an adaptability guru. The series includes four books: “Leading Through Resistance,” “The Mission Always Wins,” “Invest in Transformation,” and “How Not to Waste a Crisis.” (TG)
Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough — John Ortberg
According to Ortberg, we’re all addicted to something. This book is about discovering what God can do for us that we can’t do for ourselves. (PC)
Haidt details the consequences of what happens when the youngest among us drift further and further into the virtual world. (PC)
Personal Growth
Moonwalking with Einstein — Joshua Foer
Written by a journalist who dives deep into the culture of memory competitions, this is a very accessible introduction to practices meant to engage your long-term (rather than short-term) memory. (AF)
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout – Cal Newport
Work smarter, not harder. (TG)
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