The Tenth Parallel: Dispatches from the Fault Line Between Christianity and Islam

by Eliza Griswold

For seven years, poet and journalist Eliza Griswold met with Muslims and Christians throughout Asia and Africa to explore the various issues that are firing clashes between and within these faiths. She presents her findings with objectivity, compassion, and vivid sensory detail in The Tenth Parallel. A richly observed encounter with people on both sides of the divide, Griswold's book is an excellent journey into the space “where the horizontal, secular axis of the everyday intersect[s] with the vertical, sacred world of God.” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

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Letters to a Young Calvinist

by James K.A. Smith

Calvinism is currently the unwitting hot topic among a subset of young, ardent, evangelical Christians. Smith's engaging epistles are a welcome contribution to the conversation, especially in the way they shift the focus from rather loveless debates about predestination and election to a “wide-angle” perspective on the matter. His letters trace the contours of the tradition with kindness, patience, and generosity. (Brazos Press)

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At Your Baptism

by Carrie Steenwyk and John D. Witvliet, illustrated by Linda Saport

Through the sacrament of baptism, God shows his love—the same love that claims us for his family, that sent Christ into the world to die for us; the same love that we show to one another. Using simple, clear text adapted from the French Reformed Church liturgy and paired with vibrant illustrations and straightforward explanations on every page, At Your Baptism provides the perfect way to show young children how baptism is a sign of God's love and promises. (Eerdmans)

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The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith

by Peter Hitchens

At a young age, Peter Hitchens, brother of prominent atheist Christopher Hitchens, burned his Bible and repudiated Christianity, later becoming a Trotskyist. While serving as a journalist in Moscow, Hitchens witnessed the spiritual bankruptcy of an atheistic state which tried to destroy Christianity. Troubled and disillusioned, Hitchens eventually returned to Christianity. The Rage Against God—Hitchens' successful attempt to debate religion with his brother—gives a somber warning to Christians in the West, especially his native Britain, to guard and nourish their spiritual heritage. (Zondervan)

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Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers Is Telling the American Church

by Kenda Creasy Dean

Based on the National Study of Youth and Religion—the same survey as Christian Smith’s Soul Searching—this fascinating new book examines why American teens are so positive about Christianity yet so apathetic about genuine religious practice. Popularizing the dense research on the American teen creed, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, Almost Christian explains that teens are not the problem, the church is. Dean calls the church to offer a "consequential faith,” a plea that all serious parents and Christian educators should read and heed. (Oxford)

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The Spirit of Food: 34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting toward God

edited by Leslie Leyland Fields

This collection of essays serves up something truly rich—the hearty reflections, reminiscences, and recipes of 34 writers offering earthy wisdom and soulful insights along with wonderful treats for the palate. The authors, including some acclaimed writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, have in common the ability to articulate with warmth and power the spiritual importance of a common human experience. Their words constitute a sumptuous feast—and we all have to eat. (Wipf & Stock)

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To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World

by James Davison Hunter

In this landmark book, Hunter (Culture Wars) asks why Christian efforts to change the world have so often failed. He trenchantly critiques the most popular models of world-changing, which turn out to be the political theologies of the Christian Right and Left and the Neo-Anabaptists—Colson, Wallis, Crouch, and Hauerwas all fall short. Hunter argues that these political theologies fail the creation mandate in “implicit theory and explicit practices” and suggests a deeply theological alternative: the practice of “faithful presence.” (Oxford)

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Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

by Eric Metaxas

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian who died at the hands of the Nazis for his part in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, knew years earlier "that he had been ‘grasped’ by God; that God was leading him, and sometimes where he preferred not to go." In this thorough, inspiring biography, Eric Metaxas leaves no doubt that the crisis faced by Bonhoeffer and other Christians in Germany was a "battlefield between Christ and Antichrist." (Thomas Nelson)

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What's in the Bible?

From Veggie Tales creator Phil Visscher comes this 13 disc set of humans, cartoons, and puppets that are designed to teach kids the essentials to know and understand God’s plan for humankind. Buck Denver (Man of News!), the Sunday School Lady and her flannelgraph, and Michael the Backseat Critic will teach kids every book of the Bible in a fun way. As with Jim Henson’s successful formula of capturing both kids and parents (think “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show”) “What’s In The Bible?” will have the whole family laughing and learning. DVDs 1-4 are available now.  Ages 5-9. (Jellyfish Labs)

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1: In the Beginning
2: Let My People Go
3: Wanderin' in the Desert
4: Battle for the Promised Land!

Hannah's Child: A Theologian's Memoir

by Stanley Hauerwas

Stanley Hauerwas says we can't understand the “what” of Christianity without knowing the “how” of being a Christian. In his humble and adventurous account, we learn how Hauerwas is a Christian, and how that has shaped his character in and out of the academy. It's a life of influential scholarship, provocative ideas, and warm friendships, providing a shining example of what it looks like to live truthfully into the great story God has laid before us all. (Eerdmans)

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After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters

by N. T. Wright

In a profound, yet clearly understandable manner, N. T. Wright’s challenging book answers two basic questions: "What am I here for now? What happens after you believe?" Beginning with the foundation of God’s saving grace, Wright shows that "God’s future is arriving in the present, in the person and work of Jesus, and you can practice, right now, the habits of life which will find their goal in that coming future." (HarperOne)

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Hunger and Happiness: Feeding theHungry, Nourishing Our Souls

by L. Shannon Jung

Hunger and poverty are the result of our sinful selfishness which subverts values and warps distribution systems. In six short, easily-read chapters, Jung provokes worthy discussion about marketing pressures that produce cheap food for some at huge expense to others, inappropriate diets that lead to cultural obesity, and twisted ethics that put “me” before “we.” Great for study groups. (Augsburg Fortress)

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Faith Under Fire: An Army Chaplain's Memoir

by Roger Benimoff, with Eve Conant
   
After two deployments to Iraq, army chaplain Roger Benimoff found that "war zones have a way of traveling home with you." Back in the U.S., he counseled soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder until he was diagnosed with the same condition. While struggling to retain his faith in God, Benimoff became depressed as he recalled "the terrible machinery of death" that is war. Based on journals that he and his wife kept, Faith Under Fire eloquently relates how God’s grace sustained their traumatized lives. (Crown)

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Growing Up Christian: Why Young People Stay in Church, Leave Church, and (Sometimes) Come Back to Church

by John P. Bowen

John Bowen, a long-time campus outreach worker, surveyed hundreds of young people who “grew up Christian.” Retelling their stories, he explores how growing up and leaving home affected their faith. Bowen considers those who remained active in their faith and church, the path of those who left, and “absent believers,” who left the church but not the faith. Growing Up Christian will be helpful to parents, teachers, youth workers, pastors and anyone who has a heart for raising the next generation of the faithful. (Regent College)

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Tea with Hezbollah: Sitting at the Enemies' Table

by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis

In this thought-provoking travelogue, the authors share what they learned on their trip through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel to meet with "America’s perceived enemies, primarily Muslims, whom Jesus suggested we love." Interviews with muftis, ayatollahs, sheiks, and the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah reveal that people in the Middle East, as well as in the West, fail to follow Jesus’ commandment. However, glimmers of hope persist as some groups embrace nonviolence. By turns humorous and tragic, Tea with Hezbollah opens a window to a fascinating, complex world. (Doubleday)

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Preaching from Memory to Hope

by Thomas G. Long

We all make judgments about preaching. Long gives helpful reflections about both preaching well and hearing well. He believes narrative preaching can be made better without becoming mere religious-entertainment-by-way-of-storytelling, and he provides a meaningful guideline: (1) interpret my story (2) in light of the biblical story (3) as it illumines the eschatological story of what God is drawing us toward. Long also shows how much of our desire for relevant preaching undermines the true hope of biblical engagement. Great book. (Westminster John Knox)

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Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

by Francis Chan

Francis Chan’s Crazy Love may make the reader uncomfortable. Chan invites Christians to leave their comfort zones and radically show their love for God. Chan contends that many Christians appear like unbelievers (“Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers”). He encourages people to downsize their lifestyle, give to the poor, and live life now in view of eternity. Crazy Love causes one to examine the impact of their Christian life in the light of God’s saving grace. (David C. Cook)

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Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

If you are looking for a “nice” read, keep moving. If you are ready to be infuriated, to experience moral conviction and social empowerment, the vivid stories, haunting statistics, and photographed smiles in this Pulitzer Prize winner are intended for you. Rightly called a “manifesto,” this book is intended to channel the social pressure of western indignation, “turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide.” Perfect for book clubs and church groups. You won’t be finished with this book until you’ve gotten involved. (Knopf)

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Green Revolution: Coming Together to Care for Creation

by Ben Lowe

Environmental evangelist and activist Ben Lowe, a twentysomething recent Wheaton College graduate, presents an informative and inspirational case for Christian involvement in climate change and creation care issues. Sharing real-life stories from churches, communities, and particularly Christian college campuses, along with plentiful research case studies, the author shows how we can make a big difference when we all work together. Lowe issues an impassioned call for an “incarnational earthcare.” Particularly relevant to youth groups and college students wanting to go green. (InterVarsity Press)

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The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate

by John H. Walton

John H. Walton expands on his very readable NIV Application Commentary on Genesis, suggesting that we have to keep in mind both the culture and the language of the biblical text. Walton explores the meaning and use of the word “bara,” as well as the Egyptian and Mesopotamian cosmologies with their ideas of a “firmament.” He builds the case that in the days of Genesis, God assigned function to an existing creation, his temple. This understanding, Walton notes, would eliminate all of the arguing over origins. (InterVarsity)

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Biblical Literacy: The Essential Bible Stories Everyone Needs to Know

by Timothy Beal

Timothy Beal argues that "biblical literacy is a prerequisite for cultural literacy." Addressing both believers and unbelievers, Beal shows how anti-war songs, black spirituals, pop music, political speeches, art, common phrases, and more borrow from the Bible. Throughout the book, he asks tough and, at times, controversial questions to encourage readers to wrestle with the text. (HarperCollins)

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Praying God's Heart: Prayers That Make a Difference

by Alvin VanderGriend

Praying God's Heart is an thorough yet approachable resource for anyone who wants to be more effective in intercessory prayer--praying for others and for God's kingdom to advance. This book will teach you how to more effectively come alongside God's purposes for your family, friends, church, and world as you learn to intercede for what is on God's heart. (PrayerShop Publishing)

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Someday You'll Be a Good Preacher: A Homiletical Memoir

by Stan Mast

Following his journey from cocky seminarian to seasoned veteran of the pulpit, Stan Mast reflects on the impact that critics have had on his desire to become a better preacher.  This book is useful for preachers who are on their road to good preaching as well as old pros, helping them to understand the value (and harm) that can come from even harsh criticism. (VMI Publishers)

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Parent Church Landmines: Ten Mistakes a Multiplying Church Should Avoid

by Ben Ingebretson and Tom Nebel

This book is an invaluable resource for churches that want to start a church plant or satellite campus. It will help churches to lower their fears, increase determination, and avoid common mistakes. Filled with practical advice. (Churchsmart Resources)


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When God's People Travel Together: A Trip Leader's Planning Manual

Leader's Manual by Debby D. Vial
Participant Guide by Alice Winters

Through Bible stories and contemporary examples, participants in this study will hear God's call to mission, discover the importance of partnership in mission, and learn how one's life is transformed through active dicipleship. The leader's manual helps trip leaders plan a successful mission trip by providing guidelines and procedures to follow before, during, and after the journey. (Presbyterian Peacemaking Program)

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Short-Term Mission Workbook: From Mission Tourists to Global Citizens

Tim Dearborn

This 8-week course helps teams as they prepare for their upcoming mission trip. Together, the team will get a biblical perspective on the world, gain cross-cultural understanding, and even prepare for reentry upon return. (InterVarsity Press)

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When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself

Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

When Helping Hurts reveals the painful truth about poverty. But it does more than tell you what not to do. This book moves from foundational concepts, to principles, to strategies to help, guiding the reader to both a true understanding of poverty and of how to make a difference. (Moody Publishers)

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Deep Justice Journeys: Moving from Mission Trips to Missional Living

Kara E. Powell and Brad M. Griffin

This set of resources (a leader's guide and a student journal) help young people process their service and justice work, before, during, and after. These two resources work together to help prepare students prior to a mission trip and then to help them reflect on their experience after it's over. (Zondervan)

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Serving with Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence

David A. Livermore

Though short-term missions can be a great way to impact the kingdom, they can often lack effectiveness because of mistakes or naivete from the participants.  This book lays out global and cultural realities to enable participants to effectively minister cross-culturally. (Baker Books)

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The Essential Guide to the Short Term Mission Trip

David C. Forward

Providing both a biblical foundation and the practical steps necessary, this book is recommended as a great resource for a successful short term mission trip. Teams preparing to leave will greatly benefit from this outstanding and practical resource. (Moody Press)

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Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures

Sarah A. Lanier

This guide is both well-written and well-researched, and is invaluable for those working cross-culturally or anyone interested in expanding his or her worldview.  The author's broad cross-cultural experience, love, and sensitivity are all evident throughout the guide as well. (McDougal Publishing)

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Mack and Leeann's Guide to Short-Term Missions

J. Mack and Leeann Stiles

This book, full of field-tested advice, is written by Mack and Leeann Stiles, veteran leaders of over a dozen two-month mission trips around the world.  Full of practical advice, hard-won lessons, and hilarious stories,no one should go without this valuable resource. (InterVarsity Press)

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The Word of God for the People of God: An Entryway to the Theological Interpretation of Scripture

J. Todd Billings

This book fills a real need for pastors and students. In a straightforward, accessible way, J. Todd Billings lays the groundwork for why theological interpretation matters and how it can be done. Though rooted in a historic vision of the practice of scriptural interpretation, the book engages a wide range of contemporary issues and includes examples that apply to concrete ministry situations. (Eerdmans)

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Souls In Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults

Christian Smith, Patricia Snell

This much anticipated follow-up to Smith's 2005 Soul Searching provides a definitive look at the religious and spiritual lives of "emerging adults" (ages 18-23) in the U.S. today. Drawing on thousands of interviews with young people and filled with survey data, tables, and sociological research, this work confirms the crucial role of parents and adult congregants in rooting emerging adults in the faith. (Oxford University Press)

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NIV Stewardship Study Bible

Discover the remarkable privilege Christians have as stewards of God's world as you study the Bible with the NIV Stewardship Study Bible. This resource offers a wide variety of engaging resources, from multiple reading plans to illuminating quotes, that highlight stewardship in all areas of life. (Zondervan)

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The Unbinding the Gospel series

Martha Grace Reese
This series is focused on understanding both why we need to do evangelism and how to actually do it, and involves the whole church in the process.

The series starts with Unbinding the Gospel, available from Faith Alive. Church leaders take part in an 8-week study to better understand what the Bible has to say about evangelism. (Chalice Press)

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These leaders then lead the entire congregation through Unbinding Your Heart, a six-week study that involves all the members in 40 days of prayer, study, and faith sharing, encouraging a vision and growing heart for evangelism.

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Unbinding Your Church serves as a support manual for the previous two studies, providing comprehensive instructional and organizational aids, coordinated resources for children and youth and worship, full music plans, and seven sermons.

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Finally, there's Unbinding Your Soul: Your Experiment in Prayer & Community. This small group resource prepares church members to invite friends outside the church to a four-week small group experience of substantial spiritual discussion, prayer, and community. Includes facilitators' and pastors' guides.

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Your Journey to a Prayerful Life

Barbara Schutt
This study was made with normal Christians in mind, and will encourage readers to explore what the Bible teaches about prayer and develop a closer relationship to God as a result.  Contains specific ways to pray and suggested actions to accompany the lessons. (Chalice Press)

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The Surprising Christmas Pageant: The Story of the Birth of Christ Told with Humor, Mystery, and Awe!

Dennis Hartin
A wonderful play, with simplicity and enjoyment for both participants and congregation. Only two rehearsals needed! Includes CD with all music. Kindergarten through 6th grade. (Abingdon Press)

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Designing Worship Together: Models and Strategies for Worship Planning

Norma deWaal Malefyt, Howard Vanderwell
Pastor Howard Vanderwell and musician Norma deWaal Malefyt of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship offer thoughtful, field-tested processes and tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating weekly worship. (The Alban Institute)

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The Church of All Ages: Generations Worshiping Together

Howard A. Vanderwell, editor
Pastors, teachers, worship planners, and others offer their reflections on issues congregational leaders need to address as they design their worship ministry. (The Alban Institute)

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With All Thy Mind: Worship that Honors the Way God Made Us

Robert Glick
Examines the place of words, songs, sacraments, and symbols in worship--in light of what we know about the complexities of the human brain. (The Alban Institute)

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Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice

John D. Witvliet
This book mines the riches of biblical studies, theology, history, music, and pastoral research to provide windows into Christian worship practices. (Baker Books)

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Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Christian Inspiration

John D. Witvliet and David Vroege
A collection of Christmas messages from John Calvin, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Bernard of Clairveaux. (Baker)

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Stilling the Storm: Worship and Congregational Leadership in Difficult Times

Kathleen S. Smith
Explains the congregational dynamics that accompany difficult times and reviews basic principles of worship and the ways that unique moments and regular habits of worship shape the congregation. (The Alban Institute)

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Where 20 or 30 Are Gathered: Leading Worship in the Small Church

Peter Bush and Christine O'Reilly
This book addresses the unique needs and characteristics of small churches in a variety of contexts. (The Alban Institute)

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The Art of Worship: A Musician's Guide to Leading Modern Worship

Greg Scheer
Provides in-depth instruction to every aspect of contemporary worship leadership--from assembling the team to choosing the music to conducting rehearsals. (Baker)

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High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely

Quentin J. Schultze
Learn when to adopt, reject, or adapt technologies to help worshipers encounter God in meaningful ways. (Baker)

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