You know you must be really hard up for reading material when you resort to reading the dictionary. (Nonfiction)
It Is What It Is. Maybe.
The topic of faith and aging is always present, so why is it a gap in my faith community experiences?
Vulture Brain
There’s something unsettling about vultures. These birds that traffic in death. That subsist off another’s end. That fly circles around the weak and vulnerable, the dying and dead.
The Power of Showing Up
We want to make a difference in the lives of our family, our community of faith, and our world.
“A Mercy” by Toni Morrison
Morrison writes so brilliantly and compellingly that we might not immediately notice how often she is describing very sordid actions. (Fiction)
For Elders in Conversation with Upset Families about Gender Inclusion, Read This
Gender communication style differences played a large role during our gender inclusion process.
Please Hear My Voice
There exists a group of people who feel like they are not being heard. Not being listened to. Not being welcomed into the kingdom of God in the way God intended.
“Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely
I know it’s hard to believe, but here’s a book on basic economic behavior that is amazingly entertaining. (Nonfiction)
The Reason You Get So Angry with Those Who Differ
Christians shouldn’t have to agree with people, even on big things like politics, in order to have healthy relationships with each other.
“Lunch at the Piccadilly” by Clyde Edgerton
This novel is deeply relational, and I assure you the residents of this nursing home are hilarious. Don't be surprised if there's a breakout in a stolen car. (Fiction)
Celebrating Leads to Success
How do we keep from trending toward extinction? How do we convince people that church life is much more than just a tradition or formality?
Weary and Heavy Burdened
I don’t know how to let go. Maybe you have that problem too. I find myself subconsciously and constantly attempting to be better and to do more.
“The Last Boy” by Jane Leavy
The real story here is not Mickey Mantle’s health but his character. (Nonfiction)
Realism and Hope
If restoration means something for those of us who are part of a restoration tradition, then it’s time to reimagine what we mean by the term.
“Waiting for Eden” by Elliot Ackerman
Efficiency is one of the most underrated characteristics of truly great preaching. How much can I say in very few words? (Fiction)
The Bill of Rights
How does my understanding of myself as an American citizen with these guaranteed rights inform my view of gospel living?
How to Please God
When a biblical writer says something like “this is pleasing to God,” we’d better lean in and take a close look because that sounds important.
“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)
Seeking Awareness of God’s Presence
One of the marks of spiritual growth is a constant sense of God’s abiding presence through the good and the bad in our lives.
Forgive and Remember
When someone who has been hurt in a way that will forever mark their path, telling them to forgive and forget is cruel and unwise.