MARK CANNISTER
Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation by Andrew Root (IVP)
Too often our relationships contain ulterior motives, and we abandon teenagers when our goals aren’t achieved. In what is perhaps the most important youth ministry book of the 21st century, Andy Root has brilliantly laid before us an essential course correction for relational ministry that is faithful to the incarnation of Jesus.
LARRY LINDQUIST
Letters to a Young Evangelical: The Art of Mentoring by Tony Campolo (Basic Books)
Campolo often makes me nuts and challenges me to think at the same time. That is why among the books I’ve reviewed, this one stuck with me. I was personally challenged to think through and solidify my convictions on some very tough issues. The format of the book is creatively engaging, and the issues Tony raises are too often theological “elephants” in the evangelical room that we don’t want to see.
SONIA URBAN
Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne (Zondervan)
This is the book that will not let me go. I have read many books that have been challenging intellectually and have been able to put them safely back on the shelf. But this book has called me, and many others, to action, to a different kind of life. Since my first reading over a year ago, I have been propelled into a journey that truly has become an irresistible revolution. Be forewarned: if you read it seriously, it may mess with your mind, heart and even your life.
PAUL BERRY
The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth Behind Porn by Craig Gross and Carter Krummrich (Zondervan)
This is the most helpful tool I’ve reviewed. Gross is venturing into dark places that few have dared to explore, and he’s bringing people back with him. Really great stuff.
JOHN DUNHAM
Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear by Scott Bader-Saye (Brazos Press)
Bader-Saye shares a great perspective on fear, one of the most abused commodities in our culture. His encouragement to follow Jesus is exactly the antidote we need.
ADAM GRIFFIN
Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven But Nobody Wants to Die: Or the Eschatology of Bluegrass by David Crowder and Mike Hogan (Relevant)
This is thought-provoking, raw, honest, messy and even at times bizarre; and that makes this book totally unique.
CHERI GILLARD
In Between: A Katie Parker Production (Act I) by Jenny B. Jones (Th1nk Books/NavPress)
Jones shines with In Between, not only because her talent outstrips so many other writers in her genre, but also because she doesn’t offer trite resolutions to tough circumstances.
TONY MYLES
All the Good in Sports: True Stories that Go Beyond the Headlines by Mike Sandrolini (Regal)
The book’s charm lies in its willingness to look beyond the statistical numbers and, instead, reveal the challenging backstories of these athletes we cheer on today. Discovering how these individuals overcame roadblocks through their relationships with God will undoubtedly deepen the reader’s own faith. (See a review of this book in this issue.)
DANIEL CLARK
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever: Stories, Reflections and Devotions by Delirious? (Regal)
Prophets and poets have always played a vital role in any society. This band is creative, passionate and revolutionary. The opportunity to “listen in” on their devotional life and creative process is a treat.
DANETTE MATTY
Questions Kids Ask About Sex edited by J. Thomas Fitch with Melissa R. Cox (Revell)
This is a tremendous, thorough resource for parents of kids ages 5-19. Plain-language questions and answers that take the red out of both parents, and kids, faces when talking about sex.
97: Random Thoughts About Life, Love & Relationships by Justin Lookadoo (Revell)
This is my favorite teen devo to hand to kids who are on the fence, who hate to read or who just might enjoy it. A fun-looking, funny but biblically solid devo, I keep my resource shelf stocked with them.
JOE CILEK
God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer by Pete Greig (Regal)
The topics of pain, silence and questioning are rarely addressed with the honesty, theological grounding and grace exuded by Pete Grieg in God on Mute. It is a book I have already taken from my shelf multiple times to offer others its words of encouragement.
DANIEL KREISS
The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ by Lee Strobel (Zondervan)
A solidly researched book in the series that offers sound apologetics, refuting many of the current challenges regarding the character of Christ. Great for the teacher desiring intellectual reflection.
MATTHEW MONBERG
Harvest of Hope: Stories of Life-Changing Gifts by Kay Marshall Strom (IVP)
Strom spent months tracking the impact of charitable gifts made through the Partners International gift catalog. It was gratifying to see how such simple investment could transform lives. You will leave with the palpable feeling that you can change the world with a gift no larger than the change you find under your sofa cushions.
STEVE RABEY
The Culturally Savvy Christian by Dick Staub (Jossey-Bass) is the best recent book for Christians who care deeply about culture and want to play a redemptive role.
Through a Screen Darkly by Jeffrey Overstreet (Regal) is a well-written book by a movie lover and critic who probes familiar films and suggests amazing new titles for your “To See” list.
Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell
Flannel, 1:17:52 mins., 2007, $20.00
www.everythingisspiritual.com
The conflict between evolution and a Creator-made world takes center stage in Rob Bell’s Everything Is Spiritual. The non-Nooma video premiered to more than 100 youth workers at the National Youth Workers Convention in St. Louis. In it, Bell unpacks a semester of physical science and theology and repacks it into a 78-minute presentation, taking viewers on a journey through time and space using the creation account in Genesis. Bell’s captivating, humorous look at the physical world and at human existence as body and spirit will help you start engaging the churched and un-churched, high school students, and beyond, who have serious questions or interest in how science coexists with spirituality. —Aaron Jones
Veracity Video Vignettes, Volumes 1 and 2
Abingdon Youth, DVD, 2007, $30.00 each
www.abingdonpress.com
Featuring five video clips that vary between three and six minutes each, The Veracity Video Vignettes series is accompanied by a 16-page guide that gives Scripture references and a general place to take a discussion. Volume 1 had two clips that were well done and thought-provoking; the other three appeared thrown in for good measure. Volume 2 made me wonder if they had been created by the same company or hired out to whomever so another volume could be released. Some clips appeared very “’80s” in their presentation. I’d feel a little embarrassed at showing some of the clips because of how “out of touch” with the current teen culture they would make me appear. The guidebook is handy if you have no time at all and want an “instant lesson.” However,
