Have your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates over for a meal. Just pick a family out of your world and host them in your home.
All in Culture
“Whistling Vivaldi” by Claude M. Steele
What cues for a negative stereotype are we sending out often without even knowing it? And how can we create a culture that will maximize learning for all kinds of people? (Nonfiction)
Christmas: More Than a Gift
I do not know what the future holds for these kids, but my gifts to them are no longer about Christmas; they’re a statement of my hopes and dreams that they will be great.
What Does It Mean to Be in Charge?
Jesus reveals that true leadership is about taking responsibility for others, not amassing authority for ourselves. As the church, what image of kingship do we promote?
The Power of Persistence
When the Son of Man comes, will he find the kind of faith that nags at an unjust system even when it feels like the cards are stacked against what is right?
“March” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
In these three graphic volumes you have the very personal recounting of the civil rights movement. (Nonfiction)
How to REALLY Grow Your Church
True growth comes not from questions of defense, but questions about how to reach a dark world with the light of Jesus.
Thankful for Tornadoes
There is no doubt in my mind that everything done that day was a reflection of God pushing us out of fear and into productivity and resilience.
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
To operate under the assumption that we all encounter injustice in the same way diminishes the strength that comes when we purposefully stand up for each other.
“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman
This book is actually about many things and it is a good old-fashioned plot-driven, character-rich novel. (Fiction)
“Vietnam” by Max Hastings
I never really understood the war then or later, so reading this book was, for me, a way to reckon with a history that never made sense to me. (Nonfiction)
A Most Complex Hug
While many feel inspired by this embodiment of love and forgiveness, others believe you cannot hug away decades of racism and police brutality.
The Bill of Rights
How does my understanding of myself as an American citizen with these guaranteed rights inform my view of gospel living?
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
If you are going to read two post-civil rights books on race, there are two short classics that I would recommend. (Nonfiction)
“The Plot against America” by Philip Roth
Roth takes seriously how nationalism, nativism, race hatred, and fear of the other can turn dangerous and then deadly. (Fiction)
We All Want to Be Seen
If you walk into a pre-K classroom and tell one child you like their socks, within seconds you will have 15 four-year-olds all showing you their socks. We all want to be seen.
Christians Must Think about Why We Are Good Neighbors
We must be good neighbors if we are to follow the second greatest command: love our neighbor as ourselves.
Doing the Right Thing
In the story of Zacchaeus, we see two clear examples of what it looks like to push back against accepted culture and instead do what is right.
Spirit and Mission: From Everywhere to Everywhere
In the New Testament—and still today—the Spirit prompts a worldwide and cross-cultural vision of the kingdom of God.
Beyond Red and Blue
How ought people of faith to think about these matters? Do we have an obligation to enter into political space at all?