Being an avid reader means that I get a lot of different books across my desk. I read Christian books ranging from creativity and faith to theology, from Church ministry to street evangelism. I quite like the variety. Because I haven’t been posting as much lately, I’m catching up on my review pile, so for the next little while (hopefully just a couple of weeks until, or until the end of 2025 at the most!) I’ll be giving you multiple shorter recommendations of books that I’ve read in the last 6 months to a year. Today’s list certainly has a more ‘church-y’ vibe, but they aren’t only for church leaders! I hope you find something that you want to pick up and read.
The Soul-Winning Church by J. A. Medders and Doug Logan, Jr.
Here is another book on evangelism, which I don’t think is a bad thing at all! There are plenty of books out there on the topic, and many good ones at that. This one is focused specifically on the local church. I don’t think you’ll learn anything new is you’ve been in and around church ministry for a while. You’ll see the same urgent message that we need to share the gospel and so on. But I hope that you will, as I was, be rebuked afresh of the local churches lack of prayer for people to be saved.
The authors explore 6 areas;
1. Praying for Conversions
2. Posture of an Evangelistic Church
3. Preparing for Conversions
4. Personal Evangelism
5. Preaching for Conversions
6. Process for New Converts
I think the thing that book does well is it stresses the need for the church to be prepared for people to come to faith. In my experience churches are happy when conversions happen, but they’re not necessarily prepared for it or maybe even not expecting it. That could all change if we regularly and publicly prayed for people to become Christians and were intentional as churches and individuals in sharing Christ.
Both / And Ministry by Gary Millar
If you’ve spent any time around churches you’ll have heard about the ‘both/and tension’. The premise of the book is living and leading like Jesus. Millar explored this tensing in 6 areas of the life of a Christian;
- Theology
- Identity
- Relationships
- Ministry
- Leadership
- Community
I read this book whilst I was away on study leave looking at developing leaders in the local church and it brought some good practical tips and helpful insights into the blessing of the both/and tension. Miller describes that this tension in our lives should be both for the glory of God and the for the good of others. This book is very easy to read, it is not incredibly deep, but it will serve as a good reminder to those of us in ministry about our need to depend on Jesus and learn from his example. Miller doesn’t write as a bully pointing out all that you’re doing wrong, but as a brother who wants to encourage you to be more like Jesus.
Neighbourhoods Reimagined by Chris and Elizabeth McKinney
This was an incredibly helpful read. The McKinney’s look at the impact a Christian can have on their neighbours and neighbourhood through the lens of the beatitudes. I found it interesting because I’ve heard many sermons on the beatitudes and most of them have been application light. But this book is not. There is plenty of practical wisdom for how Christians can, and should, live out our faith in front of our neighbours and some stories of what that impact has meant in the lives of people. A mix of Bible, practical help and stories has all come together and produced a book that I would certainly encourage you to read.
Send by Jim Essian
I initially thought that this was also another book about evangelism or world missions, and there are elements of those topics there, but the main thrust of the book is about church planting. Do I think this book is necessary? Absolutely, it may even be one of the most urgent reads in the ‘Love your church series’. I say that because this book will challenge the idea of comfortable Christianity. It will convict people of being confutable at church and will spur them on to have a bigger vision of God’s glory and plan for the church and the need to reach others with Jesus Christ. One of the main ways we can reach people is through planting new churches in unreached, or underfed (faith-wise) areas. If you’re a church leader, please read this book! If you’re a Christian who is passionate to see what God can do through you and your church, please read this book!
A Time to Mourn by Will Dobbie
When someone dies without knowing Jesus, the pain can sometimes feel worse for the Christian. In those moments people often don’t know how to grieve and if we’re helping a grieving friend, we might not know how to bring comfort in those moments. In my experience people are often so torn that they don’t really talk about it, which is incredibly sad. In this book Will Dobbie brings biblical truth, pastoral sensitivity and care and a confidence in God’s character that makes this little book a very ‘powerful’ read. I particularly like how Dobbie doesn’t shy away from difficult questions around predestination, infant deaths, those with mental disabilities and people who take their own life.
Accessible Church by Sandra Peoples
To my shame I have not read many books about how the church can be accessible to those with disabilities and other additional needs. I would say that there are few churches that are truly equipped to welcome and care for those with disabilities and additional needs. Reading this book was a real eye opener for me and a much needed challenge to think about how we care for the entire flock. In my experience accessibility is only really discussed when someone comes for the first time and we realise that what we currently do / have in church is not appropriate or best for their care and spiritual growth. But that’s not enough. We need to expect people to come and encourage them to come and be part of our church families. Another thing that this book challenged me on was how we care for the families of those with disabilities and additional needs. If you’re in church leadership, or part of a pastoral care team or involved in pastoral care in any way, I would recommend you pick up this book!
*** I received a copy of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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