Pastor’s Picks

Dr. Danny Leavins, Pastor of Young Adults

How People Change
Lane, Timothy S. and Paul David Tripp.  Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2006.

This is the best book on spiritual growth that I have read in a long time. It addresses issues of understanding the gospel, understanding why we sin, understanding the hope that we have in Christ, and understanding how Jesus uses the circumstances of our lives to cause us to depend on him.

Clint Shondelmyer, Pastor of Music & Worship

Extreme Righteousness: Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees
Tom Hovestol, Moody Press.

This book reminds me that I can have good intentions and know the Scriptures, but still miss the main point; that knowing God is our focus and His glory our goal.

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling
Andy Crouch, Intervarsity Press.

A great and timely call to not isolate ourselves from culture or only critique the world around us, but rather remake the culture around us.  Each one of us can have an impact in our corner of the world.

Ralph Weitz, Pastor of Stewardship

Surviving Financial Meltdown
Ron Blue, Jeremy White

This is very insightful financial advice for facing a current recession.  It was written with specific suggestions on how to survive financial decisions in an “uncertain world”

How to Survive the Economic Meltdown
Patrick Morley

Morley approaches the challenges of the current recession with spiritual insights which lead to practical applications.  This is a great book for you or a friend who is struggling spiritually with job or financial loss.

Tom Joyce, Pastor of Discipleship and Family

The Training of the Twelve
A.B. Bruce.

This is one of the best books I have ever read regarding the methodology that Jesus used to select, train, encourage and send His disciples.  A must read for those who are gifted with a teacher’s heart.

Disciplines of a Godly Man
R. Kent Hughes.

This book has become a standard for men’s discipleship and developing personal discipline and holiness.  I have taken many men through this book and I have grown each time.

Through the Gates of Splendor
Elizabeth Elliot. 

This book challenged my thinking and my faith.  I am different because I spent time reading about and learning from five men who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel.