The summer months can be a quiet time for pastors and ministry leaders. Church attendance can be sparse and events at church can be few and far between. So, what better way to spend this quiet time than to take the opportunity for personal soul care and spiritual formation?
Here at Christianbook.com we see a lot of books cross our desks, so we thought we’d round-up a few of our favorites perfect for those in ministry. Get ready to rest, reflect, and restore the rhythm of your ministry with these four summer reads!
An Unhurried Leader: The Lasting Fruit of Daily Influence by Alan Fadling
In the midst of the many different things we do, we are often tempted to grab control of situations in hopes of making good things happen. However, Alan Fadling proposes an alternative response in An Unhurried Leader, by unpacking what it means for leaders to live an unhurried life at the pace of Jesus—the pace of grace. Through biblical illustrations, personal examples, and on-the-ground leadership wisdom, Fadling directs his readers towards a new vision of kingdom leadership. A leadership model that is less hurried and hectic and more fruitful and joyful, opening the door to an abundant and transformed way of life.
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Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton
Rhythms of Grace: Discover God’s Tempo for Your Life by Kerri V. Weems
Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down by Kirk Byron Jones
Building Below the Waterline by Gordon MacDonald
Expository Exultation: Christian Preaching As Worship by John Piper
What is the true purpose of a sermon? Building on the foundation established in his two previous works, A Peculiar Glory and Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper, in Expository Exultation, makes the claim that it is more than just an explanation of the biblical text. Revealing insights from over forty years of experience in preaching and teaching, Piper shows preachers how and what to communicate from God’s Word, in a way that takes seriously the God-appointed task of advancing His message by expository exaltation—bringing glory to God from the pulpit.
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A Peculiar Glory by John Piper
Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper
Preaching as Reminding by Jeffrey D. Arthurs
Biblical Preaching by Haddon W. Robinson
Between Two Worlds by John Stott
Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World by A.J. Swoboda
The frenetic, achievement-oriented, productivity-driven world we “live” in can often lead to the destruction of our souls, bodies, relationships, society, and the rest of God’s creation. However, A.J. Swoboda, in Subversive Sabbath, argues that our lives can be more enriched and joyous when we establish a Sabbath rhythm that determines how we handle time, work, health, relationships, creation, worship, and the demands of overall discipleship. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Swoboda offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that ultimately leads to fuller and more joyful lives.
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Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado
Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan
Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life, Return to Sabbath by Curtis Zackery
The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst
Eschatological Discipleship by Trevin K. Wax
Christian eschatology forms a basic but necessary component of discipleship. Yet, eschatology is often thought to refer only to “end times” doctrines. However, eschatology in its broader sense encompasses the Christian view of time and the future of the world, informing both one’s evangelism and ecclesiology. Trevin K. Wax, in Eschatological Discipleship, therefore argues that failing to relate the eschatological dimension to discipleship leaves one with an incomplete worldview, imbalanced discipleship, and eventually, a tragic inability to model the Christian way of life. Wax provides discipleship pastors and spiritual life leaders with a clear, understandable connection between culture and history with that of eschatology and the mission of the church.
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The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad Waggoner
Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches That Send by J.D. Greear
Eternity Is Now in Session by John Ortberg
Kingdom Disciples: Heaven’s Representatives on Earth by Tony Evans
Kingdom Learning by David Heywood
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