Growing in Grace: Resources, Winter 2023-24, Vol. 6
Quarterly mini-book reviews for Christian leaders
I offer these mini-reviews not only to inspire your personal reading,
but also to provide ideas for holiday gift-giving.
Happy reading and giving!
Personal Discipleship
Chris Davis, Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Anticipating Christ’s Return Gives Strength for Today (Zondervan, 2022).
Even in this season when we focus on Christ’s first coming, we do well to remember and anticipate his promised return. Davis’s book is informative, profitable, and worship-filled.
Advent Devotional
Amy Orr-Ewing, Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ (Worthy Books, 2023).
Mary’s viewpoint on the incarnation provides context and perspective. Here’s an Advent devotional worth starting late and continuing into January.
Understanding the Times
Amanda Held Opelt, Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life (WorthyBooks, 2023).
Opelt challenges the “Emotional Prosperity Gospel,” showing that marriage, parenthood, work, and even the church cannot keep Christians from difficulties, discouragement, and longing for a better world. Like Job, we operate without all our questions answered, all our hopes fulfilled. In many ways, sanctification is mysterious.
Education
Adam Grant, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (Viking, 2023).
Although a business writer, Grant also addresses the educational classroom in his most recent book. Wherever one is, character skills make the difference: So, embrace discomfort, become a sponge, and be an imperfectionist. Grab opportunities by reading Hidden Potential: it’s full of research-based advice.
Christian Leadership
Liz Forkin Bohannon, Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now (Baker Books, 2019).
Bohannon leads Sseko Designs, the largest fair-trade fashion brand. A master storyteller, Bohannon tells entrepreneurs to find their purpose by doing, moving, and learning from their mistakes.
