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What Christ Thinks of the Church: An
Exposition of Revelation 1-3 by John Stott |
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Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
A
scripturally sound but nontraditional discussion of Christianity.
Especially useful for yournger groups or for people who are skeptical
of Christianity. |
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Space for God by
Don Postema
An excellent small group book for groups interested
in a poetic,
visual and varied approach to spirituality. Each chapter contains
biblical passages, as well as quotes from thinkers and artists
such as Van Gogh, the Desert Fathers, and John Calvin. The chapters
also include visual prompts (famous paintings, etc.), a reflection
section, and exercises for groups or individuals. |
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Devotional Classics edited
by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith
An excellent source for
those who want to read selections from historical Christian saints.
Each
chapter includes a brief bio about the person, an excerpt from the person's
writing, questions for individuals and groups, and suggestions for further
reading. |
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A Long Obedience in the
Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by
Eugene Peterson
A classic book that explores key principles
of discipleship,
including worship, service, joy, and (of course) obedience.
The chapters are short, and there's also a companion journal
book that may be very useful for small group
discussion.
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Streams of Living Water by
Richard Foster
A great book for those who want a more challenging
study. Divided into chapters on the various traditions of spirituality
(contemplation, holiness, charismatic, social justice, evangelism,
and incarnational living), each chapter begins with a timeline
of important people and events in the history of that spiritual
tradition. Following the timeline, the chapter then discusses,
in turn, the life of a historical, a biblical, and a contemporary
person who exemplify the tradition. The chapter closes with an
in-depth definition of the tradition and a discussion of how to
practice it. |
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The Emotionally Healthy Church by
Peter Scazzero
The
subtitle describes the book well: "A Strategy for Discipleship
that Actually
Changes Lives." This book looks at what is not working in the
way we have
done church and what we need to change in ourselves for good leadership,
to
be good disciples of Jesus, and for spiritual maturity. The book
has a
Discussion Guide for eight sessions on the six principles in the
book. His
follow-up book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Integrity
2006) has a more
individual focus and does not have group questions, but is excellent.
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When People are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure,
Codependency, and the Fear of Man by Edward T. Welch
Great application of scripture and helpful tools to use to challenge the
struggles of living in our culture in a godly manner. Each chapter has a
"For Further Thought" portion for group discussion.
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War of Words: Getting to the Heart of your Communication Struggles by
Paul David Tripp
A helpful and challenging book for
aligning our words with the hearts we desire to have. His suggestions and
examples are practical and full of God's grace. Each chapter ends with a "Getting
Personal" section for group study.
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The Peacemaker: A Biblical
Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande
An excellent guide for resolving conflicts by
Biblical principles with grace rather than a hammer. Study
and application
questions at the end of each chapter.
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The Dangerous Act of Worship by
Mark Labberton |
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Discipleship Essentials by
Greg Ogden |
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Simply Christian by NT Wright |
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Finding Common Ground by
Tim Downs |
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Becky Pippert...anything recent she
wrote! |
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Nooma videos - Thought-provoking and
fresh spiritual insight from Rob Bell, pastor of the Mars Hill
church. The videos come with questions for groups. Especially
good for younger groups or groups with people who are new to
Christianity. |