What’s On Your List?

Last week we I had the opportunity to spend time with arts leaders from around the country. We spent time talking about a variety of topics but one of my favorites was hearing about what they have been reading. What has been changing their thinking … touching their souls … and bringing them enjoyment. I thought you might be interested in some of their suggestions. A few people mentioned the book The Shack by William P. Young. They were moved and challenged by the story. Others mentioned Glory Revealed: How the Invisible God Makes Himself Known by David Nassar, God’s Greater Glory by Bruce Ware, and The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Looking at my list of books from last year, I would recommend The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear by Frank Luntz. I love to read. I am always on the hunt for a good book. A story to inspire me. Words that could change my mind. And truths that will change my life. So, what do you recommend?
Published 21 January 2008 04:27 PM by Pam Howell

Comments

# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:41 PM

All of our church's staff and staff spouses are reading The Shack and we're hoping to do an event with the author this spring. It has sparked some great discussion among us as a team.

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate
# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:42 PM

At Sojourn church in Louisville, many of us who are involved in the arts turn to Harold Best's "Unceasing Worship" again and again. Another great Best book, though more limited in scope, is "Music Through The Eyes of Faith."

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate
# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:44 PM

Chris, I am interested in your response and learnings to The Shack. Let me know. And I am especially interested in how things go with the event your planning for the spring. Is the book something people outside your staff are reading and talking about?

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate
# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:45 PM

Bobby, thanks for the recommendations. I am going to add those to my list.

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate
# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:46 PM

Hi Pam - Feel free to send me an email or contact me through my blog.

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate
# Admin said on 06 May, 2008 04:48 PM

Hi Pam, my young adult group has just started reading "Inside Out" by Dr Larry Crabb. It talks about the kind of real and internal change that permits a richer taste of God.

This book is written for:

1) those who're trying hard to do what the Bible commands but feel frustrated - you are doing all you know sincerely but you feel more pressure than joy

2) those who're doing quite well and feel content and happy most of the time - you are good disciples but God wants to change you into powerfully loving servants

3) those who are hardened - you're going to church but inside, you're stagnant, there's no life for you, just continue pretending with the occasional relief of "worldly pleasures"

4) those who are in positions of Christian leadership - facing the pressure to model for others what maturity looks like

I really like this book. The approach is not forceful. Issues are addressed in a humble and loving way. It's not about trying harder to get to a state of joy but to really understand how real change first takes place on the inside. The author also addressed this honest and important concept: "change is not easy but definitely possible" which prepares the reader that the journey could be painful but worthwhile

Email Comment  |  Notify As Inappropriate