June 8, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Beyond Normal
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by David Michaelis, John Elder Robison, and Arron Chambers, reflecting on Peanuts, Asperger’s syndrome, Christian identity, and the extraordinary shape of human potential.
Book Reviews
Book Reviews provides thoughtful, biblically informed reviews of books that serve churches, leaders, and disciples. Explore summaries of key ideas, theological and practical evaluation, and clear recommendations on who each book is best suited for—pastors, elders, small group leaders, students, or everyday believers. You’ll find reviews across theology, ministry, discipleship, Christian living, and church history, helping you choose resources that are faithful, helpful, and worth your time. Whether you’re building a library or selecting a study for your church, this hub offers trusted guidance for discerning readers.
May 4, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Looking for God
Leroy Lawson reviews spiritual writing and Reggie McNeal’s church leadership books, reflecting on humility, mission, global Christianity, and the church’s need to move beyond the status quo.
April 13, 2008
Mega Myth Busters: A review of “Beyond Megachurch Myths”
Dick Alexander reviews Beyond Megachurch Myths, highlighting research that challenges common assumptions about megachurches and points church leaders of every size toward healthier, more effective ministry practices.
January 20, 2008
Five Books About How We Got the Bible
William R. Baker recommends key books that trace the Bible’s transmission, canon, and translation—from early manuscripts to modern English versions—highlighting accessible guides for students and serious readers.
January 13, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Not Your High School”s History
History doesn’t sit still—and neither should our understanding of it. LeRoy Lawson reviews three books that challenge tidy textbook stories and help readers think more honestly about the past, faith, and public life.
December 16, 2007
Restoration Scholars and Their Evangelical Counterparts (a book review)
Gary Weedman reviews William R. Baker’s Volume 2 on evangelical and Stone-Campbell dialogue, highlighting essays on open theism, Christology, the Lord’s Supper, eschatology, and the Old Testament.
December 9, 2007
Discussing and Discovering Community (Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, IL)
Jon Zabrocki reviews Joseph Myers’s Organic Community, challenging one-size-fits-all small-group models and urging churches to measure community by shared stories and real-life connection rather than charts and infrastructure.
December 9, 2007
Seeing God”s Work (Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY)
Bill Search reviews Joe Myers’ Organic Community, highlighting a framework for more natural community in the church—especially how leaders measure growth and invite people to participate according to how God has formed them.
December 9, 2007
Creating Environments (Southland Christian Church, Lexington, KY)
Southland Christian Church learned that lasting small-group community can’t be programmed. This review traces how leaders applied Joe Myers’s “four spaces” to create invitational environments where life groups formed naturally and endured.
September 16, 2007
5 Books About Emerging/Emergent Churches
A concise roundup of books engaging the emerging church movement, missional living, and postmodern culture—featuring titles by Michael Frost, D. A. Carson, Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger, Dan Kimball, and Brian McLaren.
September 2, 2007
Scandalous Risks
By C. Robert Wetzel “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). Some time ago I read Susan Howatch”s novel Scandalous Risks. It is the fourth in a series of six novels about the Church of England in the 20th century. I was surprised to see the novel introduced by a quotation from the book of popular theology entitled Honest to God, written by Bishop John A. T. Robinson in 1962. Honest to God was one of those books that attempts to revise Christian faith to make it more
August 19, 2007
Five Books About Business As Mission
A brief roundup of books on business as mission, tentmaking, microenterprise, and kingdom entrepreneurship—highlighting practical approaches for ministry in places closed to conventional missionary work.
July 22, 2007
Five Books About Contemporary Preaching
A brief roundup of preaching resources—ranging from contextual evangelistic preaching to sermon process models and provocative rethinking—offering practical ideas to broaden and sharpen a preacher’s approach.
September 10, 2006
Books for Christians Who Want to Be Peacemakers
A curated list of practical books for resolving personal conflict and navigating church conflict. These recommendations highlight biblical peacemaking, effective dialogue in high-stakes moments, and leadership tools for healthier congregations.
March 15, 2006
The Stories and the Strength
Mark A. Taylor reviews Brian Jones’s Second Guessing God, a story-filled book that faces doubt honestly, avoids pat answers, and points readers to God’s Word with hope, humor, and tears.
November 30, 2005
Suffering, Shepherding, and Seasons of Faith
LeRoy Lawson recommends three worthwhile reads: Lynn Gardner on suffering and hope, Lynn Anderson on shepherding leaders with character, and Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir tracing changing “seasons of faith.”
May 29, 2005
Beyond Laughter
Mark A. Taylor introduces Wayne Smith’s example of joy and servant leadership, pointing readers to Rod Huron’s biography Love, Laughter and Leadership. Lessons in work, humility, giving, and intentional leadership make it “good medicine.”
May 29, 2005
A New Book About a Favorite Minister
A review of Love, Laughter and Leadership, the biography of Wayne B. Smith of Southland Christian Church. Highlights his humor, humility, family, friendships, and lasting influence in ministry.
