Growing in Grace: Resources, Summer 2024, Vol. 8
Quarterly mini-book reviews for Christian leaders
This summer add to your beach reading some books that cause you to reflect, question, and apply!
Personal Discipleship
Kevin DeYoung, The Good News We Almost Forgot: Recovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism (Moody, 2010).
The creeds and confessions of Church history link the centuries and keep the Church unified and on track. Using the Heidelberg Catechism. DeYoung traverses its questions and answers, offering 52 chapters of rich theological content and cogent devotional thought.
Leadership
Charles Duhigg, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection (Random House, 2024).
Known for his writing on habits, Duhigg addresses here how to talk well with others, including those who think differently—even with views diametrically opposed. His practical book offers tips and motivators for achieving improved relationships and understanding.
Understanding the Times
Stephanie Gilbert, Jessica Taylor, and Jenna Allen, Pastors’ Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty and Humor (Baker, 2024).
Larry L. Anderson and Christine O. James, The Pastors’ Wives Diaries: A Visible Journal of an Invisible Journey (Self-published, 2024)
Just recently a study concluded that young women compose the largest demographic leaving the church. We can understand them better, in part, by learning more about women who are still ministering within the church. Two worthwhile new books offer poignant and practical stories about the trials and joys of being a pastor’s wife.
Education
Phillip Donne, The Art of Teaching Children: All I Learned from a Lifetime in the Classroom (Simon & Schuster, 2023).
This book offers lots of ideas to help your education program in the church. Simultaneously you will learn more about the teachers and the students who are in your congregation.
