The Book of Books

Written for younger readers, The Book of Books (Lion) by Trevor Dennis is an imaginative and contemporary retelling of many biblical stories. Church leaders will find it to be a helpful resource for children's worship, small-group studies and other uses.

From Eden to Jerusalem

From Eden to Jerusalem (Kregel) by T. Desmond Alexander is an introduction to biblical theology which helps the reader understand the "meta-story" of Scripture and how the Bible answers two questions: Why is the earth here? and What is the reason for human existence? Alexander addresses many of the central themes of the Bible, drawing extensively on the final chapters of Revelation as a foundation.

Jesus and Money

In a time of economic crisis for many families, a proper view of Christian stewardship is vital. In Jesus and Money (Brazos), New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III offers a helpful survey of what the Bible does and doesn't say about money. The insights in this useful book would offer an excellent foundation for a sermon series or small-group study.

Worshipping with the Church Fathers

In Worshipping with the Church Fathers (IVP), Christopher A. Hall guides us through a study of baptism, the eucharist, prayer and spiritual discipline using the insights of the ancient church fathers. The book offers valuable insights for worship - corporate and personal - that will be a wonderful resource for pastors and church leaders.

The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You

John Ortberg's latest book is The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You (Zondervan). In it Ortberg writes about how to realize the full potential God has placed within you. He provides a spiritual formation assessment tool and an online tool (at Monvee.com) to help readers develop their own spiritual growth plan.

Sent and Gathered

Sent and Gathered (Baker Academic) by Clayton J. Schmit is subtitled A Worship Manual for the Missional Church. The book explores the various terrains of worship in the global church and offers insights for shaping worship in relationship to the missional focus of the church. Schmit offers an opportunity to see what is taking place in the church's worship in the 21st century.

Introverts in the Church

Churches tend to be places where extroverts--those gregarious, outgoing, people-persons--are prized. So, Adam McHugh has written Introverts in the Church (InterVarsity Press) to encourage his fellow introverts to find their own special place in the life and ministry of the church. He also reminds church leaders to recognize and value the gifts of the introverts in their churches.

A Case for the Divinity of Jesus

In A Case for the Divinity of Jesus (Rowman & Littlefield), attorney Dean L. Overman examines the earliest available records to build a compelling case for the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. He also addresses many of the skeptical questions raised by contemporary authors such as Bart Ehrman and Elaine Pagel.

Preaching & Leadership: A 25th Anniversary Retrospective

The relationship between preaching and leadership is a natural one, Maxwell explained in an interview in the January-February 1998 issue: "All great leaders are effective communicators," Maxwell asserted. "It is the vehicle for the vision. For me to know where I want to take a group of people and not have the ability to cast that dream, preach that message, communicate that heart, makes the dream impossible. The vision won't be accomplished.