Resources

“Hello. My name is Rick and I’m a resource junkie. There, I said it! I feel better already. Hey, wait a minute. Is that a new book by John Ortberg?”

Disclaimer. Just because a particular resource spoke to me or got my juices flowing doesn’t mean it will do the same for you. Before you buy a book try to preview it first. Many publishers and book sellers have online features that allow you to read the table of contents or even a chapter or two. As always, I welcome your feedback.

Exploring God and Faith Issues
Faith and Doubt – John Ortberg
Searching for God Knows What – Donald Miller
The Case for Christ – Lee Strobel
Blue Like Jazz – Donald Miller
The Case for Faith – Lee Strobel
Soul Cravings: An Exploration of the Human Spirit – Erwin Raphael McManus
Epic: The Story God Is Telling and the Role That is Yours to Play – John Eldredge

intimacy with the Lord
The Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning
Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality – David G. Benner
The God You’re Looking For – Bill Hybels
Surrender – Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Too Busy Not To Pray – Bill Hybels
What’s So Amazing About Grace – Philip Yancey
The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence (Bridge-logos Publishing is a very readable version)
The Forgotten God – Francis Chan

involvement with the Church
The Most Loving Place in Town: A Modern Day Parable for the Church – Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges
No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come-as-You-Are Culture in the Church – John Burke
An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind – Erwin Raphael McManus
The Safest Place on Earth – Larry Crabb Jr.
Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction – David G. Benner
The Emotionally Healthy Church – Peter Scazzero
Building Up One Another – Gene Getz
Body Life – Ray C. Stedman

influence with the World
Conspiracy of Kindness, Revised and Updated: A Unique Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus – Steve Sjogren
Walk Across the Room – Bill Hybels
Outflow: Outward-focused Living in a Self-focused World – Steve Sjogren, David Ping
Becoming a Contagious Christian: Communicating Your Faith in a Style That Fits You – Mark Middelberg
Go Fish – Andy Stanley
101 Ways to Reach Your Community – Steve Sjogren
Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them – Thom S. Rainer

Morphing/Spiritual Growth
The Life You’ve Always Wanted – John Ortberg
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero
Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ’s Pattern for Spiritual Transformation – Dallas Willard
The Me I Want to Be – John Ortberg
The Good and Beautiful God – James Bryan Smith
The Beautiful Fight – Gary Thomas

Discipleship/Christian Living
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God – Francis Chan
The Great Omission – Dallas Willard
Choose the Life – Bill Hull
Authentic Faith – Gary Thomas
The Barbarian Way – Erwin Raphael McManus
Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive – John Eldredge
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, Third Edition – Dave Ramsey
Wild Goose Chase – Mark Batterson
Making Room for Life – Randy Frazee
A Tale of Three Kings – Gene Edwards

Marriage/Family
Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend
Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy – Gary L. Thomas
Intimate Allies – Dan B. Allender Ph.D., Tremper Longman III
Love Life for Every Married Couple – Ed Wheat M.D.
The Five Love Languages – Gary Chapman
Boundaries with Kids – Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend
Parental Guidance Required – Andy Stanley (DVD with Study Guide)
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours – Dr. Kevin Leman
Strong Fathers, Strong daughters – Meg Meeker
A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex – Dr. Kevin Leman, Kathy Flores Bell