Religious social and pastoral thought and activity Books

Book SynopsisCan it ever get better? This is the question Benjamin Watson is asking. In a country aflame with the fallout from the racial dividein which Ferguson, Charleston, and the Confederate flag dominate the national news, daily seeming to rip the wounds open ever wideris there hope for honest and healing conversation? For finally coming to understand each other on issues that are ultimately about so much more than black and white?An NFL tight end for the New Orleans Saints and a widely read and followed commentator on social media, Watson has taken the Internet by storm with his remarkable insights about some of the most sensitive and charged topics of our day. Now, in Under Our Skin, Watson draws from his own life, his family legacy, and his role as a husband and father to sensitively and honestly examine both sides of the race debate and appeal to the power and possibility of faith as a step toward healing.

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Book SynopsisRichard Baxter believed that teaching was the minister’s main task. Equally, he believed that Christians should regularly approach their pastor with their problems, and that ministers should regularly disciple their congregations. Baxter’s main concern was that personal instruction in the Bible should be given to everyone, not just the young. It was this concern that brought The Reformed Pastor to birth. Faithfully presented here in a version edited for the modern audience, this book offers helpful, practical advice for those in leadership positions.Trade ReviewThe Reformed Pastor is … powerful. We are far too satisfied with scraps of praise from our supporters while the churches decline and the world moves on. This valiant, sensitive attempt to make it even more accessible by upgrading the language giving it a contemporary flavouring is most welcome. -- Geoff Thomas (Conference Speaker and author, Aberystwyth, Wales)A most amazing work that should be read by every young minister before he takes a people under his care. I think the practical part of it should be reviewed every three or four years. Nothing would have a greater tendency to awaken the spirit of a minister to that zeal in his work, for want of which many good men are but shadows of what (by the blessing of God) they might be, if the maxims and measures laid down in that incomparable Treatise were strenuously pursued. -- Philip Doddridge ((1702-1751) was a well known nonconformist pastor in Northampton, England. He ran a small college in his home for training men for the ministry.)Well-worn copies of The Reformed Pastor have been the companion of faithful Protestant ministers since the 17th century. Church leaders will find this book a helpful resource for setting a biblical direction for their shepherding care of God's flock. -- Charles M. Wingard (Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Students, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi)A timeless treasure. This edited version will thrill the reader with the privileges of a faithful pastoral ministry yet simultaneously reveal its challenges. Use it with an eager anticipation that the pastoral ministry will be transformed. -- Harry L. Reeder III ((1948 – 2023) Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama)

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Book SynopsisDomestic abuse is an ugly, but all too real, problem that is often not dealt with well within our churches. Eryl Davies tells the stories of domestic abuse survivors – both men and women – who have been let down by their churches’ reactions. How are we to respond biblically to such situations? How do pastors and church leaders address this problem when both victim and abuser are part of their congregation? As well as making the reader aware of the reality of this issue, Davies gives helpful guidelines and suggestions for church leaders dealing with cases of domestic abuse.Trade ReviewWriting with patience and care Eryl acknowledges the courage of sufferers, and brings scripture to bear on the sin of domestic abuse. Helpful pastoral advice is presented, and a clear biblical understanding of marriage presented. The chapter on divorce is particularly stimulating. -- Philip Swann (Pastor, Llanelli Free Evangelical Church & Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, Evangelical Movement of Wales Training Course)… wakes us up to the disturbing reality that the church is not immune to the horrors of domestic abuse … Yet this is not something the church knows how to handle. Davies gives us the data and tools we need to dig our heads out of the sand and help those in danger! -- Natalie Brand (Bible teacher and author of ‘Priscilla, Where Are You? A Call to Joyful Theology’)… blends personal accounts, biblical insight, and pastoral wisdom. I wept as I read sections of the book, and was forced to think deeply about what I believed and taught. I pray that this book would help many to find safety and love in the church. -- Jonathan Thomas (Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Abergavenny, Wales; author, ‘Intentional Interruptions: Learning to be Interrupted the Way God Intended’)… a must–read for all in church leadership, especially in Bible–believing churches, and perhaps particularly in independent churches. It should also be read by as many Bible–believing Christians as possible. -- Hector Morrison (Principal, Highland Theological College, Dingwall)

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Book SynopsisIn a society that does not like to speak about death, Eryl Davies brings a contemporary, biblical, pastoral perspective on one of the most controversial topics of our times. The desire to control when and how one’s life ends can be a complex and heart–breaking issue, so Davies encourages Christians to be informed, and to engage with the debate, bringing God’s light to the darkness.Trade Review… will be of great value to those needing immediate guidance in difficult situations, as well as those who want to start thinking more deeply about the issues raised by the current debates on assisted dying, euthanasia and suicide. -- Professor John Alcolado (Executive Dean, Chester Medical School, University of Chester, UK)Dr Davies brings five remarkable abilities together in this book: clarity of style, intellectual depth, biblical faithfulness, theological expertise, and the heart of a pastor. The result is a book that is as knowledgeable and wise as it is accessible and helpful. -- Phil Hill (Retired pastor and theological lecturer)… a comprehensive and concise exploration of the difficult and often taboo topic of assisted dying and suicide, bringing the inerrant Word of God alongside the world’s debate on these issues. -- Madeleine Dutkowski (BACP Registered Child, Young Person & Adult Counselling Psychotherapist)Euthanasia is increasingly being presented as the compassionate and ‘right’ thing to do. But is it? This short, but comprehensive book not only shines a light on these complex issues, but also shows us the true Light that is open to all, even in the midst of suffering. -- Jonathan Thomas (Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Abergavenny, Wales; author, ‘Intentional Interruptions: Learning to be Interrupted the Way God Intended’)

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Book Synopsis‘Dear Mommy…’ So begins the correspondence from an unborn baby to her mother. Making an impassioned plea to her mother to not abort her, she shares her hopes and fears with the woman who can control whether she lives or dies. These letters are an appeal to all who read them to choose life. Chapter Headings: I can hear your voice I would make you happy You and daddy put me here I would like a name You were here once I will take care of you one day Happy Father’s Day Your freedom and mine God was here once I’d rather be adopted than aborted I wish I were a baby eagle Mommy, I’m scared There is forgiveness Mom’s letter to Zoe Zoe’s letter I miss you Trade ReviewImagine granting an innocent child a public hearing before they were led off to be killed. This innovative book re–awakens to the true horrors of abortion by humanizing what’s at stake. Mark Jones has taken imaginative writing to a new level on behalf of the most vulnerable people in our world, the unborn. Can we listen to them? Will we give them a hearing? -- Tony Reinke (Writer for Desiring God & author of Lit!)… beautiful and yet unflinchingly honest, emotional and yet filled with objective truth, creative and yet focused on matters of life and death. It was written by a well–respected theologian, and yet it is very simple to read. And if this book has come in to your hands, reading it is exactly what I would encourage you to do. It won’t take long, but it may change everything. -- Megan Hill (Author of ‘Contentment’ and ‘Praying Together’; Editor, The Gospel Coalition & mother of four (by birth and adoption))I love the fact that Mark Jones has added his God–given skills to the call that is getting louder and louder to bring to a screeching halt the wanton slaughter of unborn babies. ‘If I Could Speak‘ is an imaginative and impassioned appeal to the conscience that enables us to hear the voice that is often drowned by our emotions. May this voice and appeal be heeded! -- Conrad Mbewe (Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor, African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia)Nothing is more personal than the beginning of a child’s life in the womb—or the termination of that life by abortion. If I Could Speak gives a voice to an unborn child, and her appeals to her parents to allow her to live are deeply moving and profoundly illuminating. Using sanctified imagination and yet solemn reality, Mark Jones provides us with the best book that I have ever read to reach both mind and soul on the dreadful holocaust of abortion. You simply must read this book—it will move you to biblical tears, righteous anger and heartfelt prayer simultaneously—and then pass it on to many others. -- Joel R. Beeke (Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

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Book SynopsisTwenty–two veterans take their own lives every day. The word ‘tragic’ only begins to describe the brokenness of this painful reality. Josh Holler, Marine Corps veteran and pastor, argues that veteran suicide is not primarily a problem born out of exposure to combat and PTSD, but out of a broken relationship between people and God. He tells some of the stories of men he has known and addresses the reality of the reason veteran suicide is such a problem.Trade Review... an important resource for greater understanding and empathy. May it equip many to minister with compassion to those at risk and to walk alongside those who have suffered loss. -- Albert Y. Hsu (Author of ‘Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One’s Search for Comfort, Answers, and Hope’)Josh Holler gives an excellent perspective on how the trauma of war, the comradery among enlisted warriors, and the grief of suicide intersect with the good news of the Gospel. I wish I could have read Redeeming Warriors before I deployed with the 821st TC BN in 2011. I think I would have been a better chaplain if I had done so. -- J. Alan Branch (Professor, Christian Ethics, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri)... a candidly engrossing account of the veteran’s struggle with suicide ideation. ... an essential read for those who have served in the military or desirous of helping the vet appropriately reengage civilian culture. -- Richard Townes (Retired Marine and US Navy Chaplain, Pastor, Bethel Lutheran Church, Howard City, Mississippi)... an intriguing blend of raw military stories and relevant spiritual truth. Additionally, he tackles the serious issue of Veteran suicides with compassion, wisdom, creativity and empathy. He offers hope for Vets struggling with life itself as he provides a positive path forward for them. This is a great book for someone thinking about joining the military, too. It will open their eyes to the life of a Warrior. -- Douglas E. Lee (Chaplain (BG), US Army (Ret))... offers invaluable insights for Christians concerned with understanding and assisting veterans struggling with grief and loss of identity. -- Mark R. Amstutz (Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois CDR, U.S. Naval Reserve (r))One of the very best books ever written on the critical subject of veteran suicide! Using a framework of ‘Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation,’ Josh Holler shows us the road to reconciliation with God, for everyone who is lost in these traumatic, tumultuous times. -- Lt.Col. Dave Grossman (retired) (Author of On Killing, On Combat, On Spiritual Combat, and Bulletproof Marriage: A 90–Day Devotional)... a deeply thoughtful and incisive response to veteran suicide. Rather than limiting his scope to PTSD-related loss, his expansive view is more holistic, considering the breadth and depth of experiences military members face throughout their service. -- Jocelyn Green (Co–author of The 5 Love Languages Military Edition and Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan)Josh doesn’t stop with the person, but takes the reader on a journey of hope, that employs the PTSD victim’s family, friends, pastors, chaplains, mental health professionals, the Holy Spirit and Scripture. Josh’s writings reinforce the notion that it does take a village to encourage, energize and experience the joy of a person’s recovery from the effects of trauma. -- Mike Higgins (Retired US ARMY Chaplain Colonel with experience in hospitals, FORSCOM, and the Pentagon Pastor, South City Church (PCA), St Louis, Missouri)... helpfully examines the issues, considers the situation, and suggests practical ways to help those at risk—and he does so from a biblical foundation. Read and share this book. -- Lt.Col. Karl Johnson, USMC (Ret.) (Director, C.S. Lewis Institute, Chicago & Senior Advisor, Ravi Zacharias Intl. Ministries)

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Book Synopsis A call to engage with the identity politics of our world, and reframe the way we spread the Christian gospel. In our modern world the gospel of Jesus is seen by many less as good news for all humanity, and more as the bigoted edicts of a bygone era. Benjamin Chang explores the stories of the revolution, tracing the trajectories of four of the biggest social justice movements – feminism, racial justice, gay pride and the trans movement – before looking at the ways Christians usually engage with these arenas of cultural conflict (mirror, argue, ignore) and identifying a better way forward. Rather than hunkering down in our own identity tribes, arguing against other groups, or ignoring what is going on in the culture around us, Chang encourages Christians to find ways to speak for Jesus. He urges us to look at the way we tell stories, and consider whether we can re–capture hearts in our culture by telling a more powerful counter–narrative. He gives us language to use to speak about the cross in our world of identity politics. We will see that the gospel resonates with a culture when it speaks the language of the culture.Trade ReviewInformed and informative, readable and engaging, this book is a handbook for those who not only want to understand the world around us, but are striving for a more effective missional engagement with it. -- Chris Wright (Langham Partnership and author of ‘The Mission of God’s People’)… will greatly help us fulfil the Great Commission to our generation. -- Rico Tice (Evangelist; Co–founder of Christianity Explored Ministries)… tackles some of the most contentious issues of our time with wisdom, sensitivity and humility. … It is vital for a church caught in the crosswinds of cultural change to develop language and hone wisdom to understand the times. -- Damilola Makinde (Advocacy Engagement Lead, Evangelical Alliance)It is so important in our generation to see those around us not as the enemy, but as our mission. Every pastor and thoughtful Christian will be helped by this book. -- Grant Retief (Rector, Christ Church Stellenbosch, South Africa)Ben Chang has done us all a service in this clear and simple introduction to one of the most powerful trends in West at the moment. … Only in the gospel of Jesus Christ – shared in word and deed – can the true identity, justice and hopes of the West be found. -- Stephen Nichols (Vicar, All Saints Church, Lindfield)… challenging, succinct, insightful and practical – a vital resource in equipping Christians to think differently about engaging in contemporary cultures. -- Abigail Maguire (Head of Undergraduate Studies, Moorlands College, Sopley, UK)A must–read for any Christian who not only wants to better understand the issues but also wants to know how to respond in a constructive and Christ–like manner. -- Martin Salter (Lead Pastor, Grace Community Church, Bedford, UK and Author, ‘So Loved: 26 Words That Can Change Your Life’)Ben carefully upacks the origins and evolution of the social justice movements and how they are shaping the cultural landscape in the global west. He looks at how Christians are responding. But, more importantly, he points to how we might tell a better story of redemption and liberation. -- Ken Wright (Former Chair, British Youth for Christ)Ben has produced a bold, insightful and supremely practical primer that will be read by young people’s and youth group leaders, students, pastors and evangelists – indeed, anybody – with a heart to bring the light of Christ to a darkening age. -- Glynn Harrison (Retired Psychiatrist, Former Professor of Psychiatry and author, ‘A Better Story: God, Sex and Human Flourishing’)

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Book Synopsis"What can I do?" That was the question Diane Latiker asked of herself as she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence. Her answer started small, inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But over the years it grew. With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens. In this powerful, energizing book, she tells her incredible story to men and women who are sick of sitting behind their keyboards watching the world crumble and are ready to do something to make a difference. Through doubt, financial strain, and deep grief over lives lost, Diane has never lost her faith that God called her to this life-transforming work. In these pages she'll show you that God is calling you to do something too. Maybe something that feels small . . . definitely something that will change the world.

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Book SynopsisMuch pro-life ministry is focused on encouraging women to say yes to life rather than terminate their pregnancies. But what happens after that decision has been made? Who will provide that mother, who likely considered abortion because she could not see how she could afford to have a child, with the long-term emotional support, education, and guidance that will help her out of poverty? Economics and abortion are intrinsically linked, and if pro-life ministry is to make a real difference in the lives of women and families, it must expand its perspective beyond that initial yes in order to address the underlying problem of generational poverty. In Beyond Her Yes, cofounder of RENEW Life Center Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez helps you understand the full impact that poverty has on women making life decisions and then shows how a comprehensive approach to pro-life ministries can make a far greater impact. Saving the lives of the not-yet-born is just the first step. Discover how you can be part of saving entire families from a life of hardship and hard choices.

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