Suggested by Pastor Chris Romig, Summer 2010

 

During my sabbatical, one of the things I’m looking forward to doing is reading.  I will be reading varieties of books—fictional novels, biographies, books on organizational leadership, and devotional materials.  I’m suggesting ten books that would offer great food for thought as a congregation.  I’ll be leading a discussion of one book a month (dates and times to be announced when I return from my sabbatical), as well as some on-line reflections about each book during its focus month.  If you’re interested in reading any of these books, all of them are available for purchase through major on-line booksellers and many are on the shelves of local bookstores.

 

The Gospel According to Starbucks

Leonard Sweet is a highly-regarded author/speak and a professor of Christianity and culture at Drew Theological Seminary.  This fascinating examination of Christianity in light of current culture addresses the question, “How to have an EPIC life.”

 

The Blessing:  Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Do you want a fabulous Christmas present to give your loved ones?  Learn how to be a bestower of blessing.  No matter our age, the approval of our parents affects how we view ourselves and our ability to pass that approval on to others.  In this touching book, Dr. John Trent and Dr. Gary Smalley offer hope for those who have missed the blessing of parents and provide specific ways for practicing the habit of blessing others.

 

Abba’s Child

More than any other single book, this work by Brennan Manning catapulted me into a season of personal self-discovery and renewed self-acceptance.  Manning shares from his own experience in a refreshingly straight-forward way.  I encourage you to read anything by Brennan Manning, but this book is at the top of my list.

 

Missional Renaissance

Reggie McNeal, author of The Present Future (which many VPC members and leaders have watched on video) offers a complementary volume about a new reformation that is happening in churches across North America.   If you want to understand many of the directions where VPC and many other churches are heading, read this book.

 

Unbinding the Gospel

This book by Martha Grace Reese is being read and studied in mainline churches  and Presbyteries across America.  It’s an honest, straightforward approach to real life evangelism.  This book will be studied in a discussion/prayer group during Lent.  This group will be doing the 40-day prayer/journaling adventure that’s in the book’s final section. 

 

The Reason for God:  Belief in an Age of Skepticism

In this New York Times bestseller, the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Tim Keller, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics—and even devoted Christians—have about religion. 

 

The Rest of God

Meaningful reflections on Sabbath and how God’s gift of Sabbath can enrich all of our lives, by one of today’s finest theologians, Mark Buchanan.

 

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Henri Nouwen reflects on Christ’s parable and Rembrandt’s painting of this gospel story.

 

A New Kind of Normal

Recently I read another book by Carol Kent where she describes her personal faith journey after a horrendous situation happened in the life of her grown son.  This book reflects more on the subject of how God can help us make hope-filled choices when life turns upside down. 

 

Waking the Dead

John Eldredge (author of Wild at Heart) challenges readers not to miss the glory of a heart that’s fully alive.  This book can help reawaken life, see the fierce spiritual battle over our hearts, and embrace all that God has for us.  Eldredge writes especially for men, but both genders can benefit from reading this book.