Summer Reading List

Lots of folks like to take the time to read a book or two during the summer when they have time off, or take a holiday, but it’s not always easy to find something good. Pastor Kenny has provided some recommendations that would be worth investing your time in, and will help you grow in your faith:
 
APOLOGETICS
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Originally written as a series of radio broadcasts after WWII, this book contains Lewis’ defense of the Christian understanding of the world, and his appeal for people to become followers of Jesus.
Reason For God – Tim Keller
A more contemporary look at common arguments against Christianity, and some thoughtful responses that underline the reasons for God’s existence, and how we should live in light of them.
 
DISCIPLESHIP
Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
This book takes a walk through the classic disciplines of the Christian faith and encourages you in pursuing spiritual growth.
The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
Willard challenges the “ticket punched for heaven” view of Christianity, and teaches some very practical ways we can engage with God’s Kingdom now as disciples of Jesus.
 
BIOGRAPHY
Phoebe – Paula Gooder
Gooder is a New Testament scholar who has written a fictional imagining of the role of Phoebe in delivering Paul’s letter to the Roman church. The book opens our eyes to the issues of the time, and is backed by scholarly notes.
Paul: A biography – Tom Wright
Tom Wright is probably the best known scholar on Paul, and he uses his insight to paint a picture of Paul’s life and impact. This would set you up great for when we return to Acts in the Autumn as we will be focussing a lot on Paul.
 
CULTURE
Scattered Servants – Alan Scott
Former Pastor of Causeway Coast Vineyard (now leading Anaheim Vineyard) Alan Scott shares stories and practical ways we can make a difference in our town and transform it for Jesus.
A Creative Minority – Jon Tyson & Heather Grizzle
The church can’t go back to a nostalgic past or pine for the way things used to be. But how do we fulfil Jesus’ vision of being a city on a hill that gives light to the world? What if we could be in the world but not of it?
 
THEOLOGY
Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom – Derek Morphew
We talk a lot about the Kingdom of God in the Vineyard, and Derek Morphew explains what that means and how understanding Jesus’ life and ministry will help us live as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom power now.
The Gospel of the Kingdom – George Eldon Ladd
A shorter book looking at Jesus’ central message – the Kingdom of God. Ladd was very influential on John Wimber and the theology of the Vineyard movement.
 
DEVOTIONAL
The Return of the Prodigal Son – Henri Nouwen
Nouwen’s classic book about Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son, the parable itself, and what it reveals to us about God’s desire for His children to return home.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction – Eugene Peterson
With his trademark wisdom and wit, Peterson walks through the Psalms of Ascents and what they show us about forsaking quick fixes for faithful obedience to the ways of God.