Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell

Wow, what a great book. It gives me great joy that this book is very popular among young people. Its success suggests that this emerging generation deeply wants to better understand the mystery of God. That true faith in Christ requires us to tear down barriers that separate us and keep us from connecting with one another. Rob Bell reminds us that Christianity is at its strongest and best when its followers do not fear, but welcome questions, discussion, and exploration of its meaning.

One of my favorite non-profits is the Rutherford Institute because of its willingness to fight the good fight for those who do not have the resourses to fight effectively for themselves. Their president and founder is John Whitehead who has been writing about and fighting for our religious liberties and constitutional rights for decades. I bought a coffee mug from the Institute's website a few months ago which had eleven pictures of people from history known for 'speaking truth to power'. Some were instantly recognizable to me, but sadly others were not and it took me a while to figure them all out. See how you do. Answers at bottom of the this blog.

Just Courage, by Gary A. Haugen

Gary Haugen, president and CEO of the International Justice Mission, spoke at the Willow Creek Association's Leadership Summit this year. A powerful speaker and passionate leader opposing injustice around the world. God calls us not to be meek in fighting injustice. With 27 million people enslaved around the world we as Chrsitians must support organizations like IJM, we must be relentless in letting our leaders know this is a critical issue of our time, and to be alert for injustice as we send missionaries around the world. On their website are these words: "Do you want to be safe or brave?... We simply cannot be both." If this issue touches your heart start by reading Just Courage and visit the book's website at http://www.justcourage.com/.

it (How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It.)

I managed somehow to purchase most of the books that were offered at this year's Leadership Summit hosted by the Willow Creek Association. (I guess it was the 30 minutes breaks between speakers that did it.) The first book I decided to read was Craig Groeschel's "it". After hearing the presentations offered during the two day summit I was encouraged that there is hope for the Christian church in America. With leaders like Craig Groeschel, Bill Hybels, and the many others that spoke, I wonder where their equivalents were when many of Europe's churches closed their doors. Craig Groeschel shows a real appreciation and discernment for the intangibles that work to influence the success of churches.

Do Hard Things, by Alex & Brett Harris

A book every youth leader and teenager should read. When I started reading this book, I almost put it down when I realized the authors were only 19 years old. I guess I was thinking it was unlikely two people so young would have anything meaningful to tell me. Boy was I wrong and, as I quickly learned, that was the point. You will hear more about the book in the future as it catches on across the nation and the "rebelution" it is creating.

They Like Jesus, But Not The Church, by Dan Kimball

I'm about 120 pages into the book, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it. Very insightful book on how the emerging generation of young people view church and Christians. The book too often hits the nail right on the head (regarding why we fail to reach most young people today) which can be painful to hear. Just as frequently, however, the book is funny and a joy to read.

Bono: "Christians are hard to tolerate; I don't know how Jesus does it."

Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

Bill Hybels is the founder of Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois. If you have difficulty sharing your faith with others, you're not alone, and this book may be for you.

Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller

If you have read Don Miller's book you will understand why it has been so hugely successful and it should come as no surprize that this was our first selection. Blue Like Jazz is a one-of-a-kind, wonderful, thought provoking book. Every chapter is just as good as the one before it and you will not want it to end. Miller bonds with his readers through his conversational style, his many stories about his Portland friends, and his honesty about the issues facing the Christian church today. That, coupled with his obvious respect and love for Christ and His church, was refreshing. Give this book a chance and you may truly fall in love with Jesus. A perfect 10.

Jesus Freaks, from dc Talk and the Voice of the Martyrs.

Whether the title Jesus Freaks works for you or not, from the look and feel of the book you get the idea that it is really special. A lot of thought must have gone into the details of putting this book together. Its stories of Christian martyrs serve to remind you that Christians are persecuted and killed for their faith today just as in the past.

God is a Four Letter Word (Love)
by John Whitehead

John Whitehead, the founder of the Rutherford Institute, and the author of 'The Second American Revolution' and 'The Stealing of America', reminds us in 'God is a Four Letter Word' of Jesus' simple message of love. If we are to live our lives modeled after the life of Jesus, we must be careful not to be caught up in modern messages of hate and war, nor allow the Good News of Jesus Christ to be marginalized by worldly ambitions. A excellent serious small group selection.

A Portrait of Jesus, by Joseph F. Girzone

Author of the Joshua series, Joe Girzone offers the reader a wonderful narrative of Christ's life and provides a contemporary perspective of the stories of the Gospel. A great book for use in any book group.

Mere Christianity, by Clive Staples Lewis

A great book for someone thinking about turning to Christ for the first time. C.S. Lewis, who for years was a unbeliever, challenges the reader to look at the world with a Christian heart.

This book was a gift to me from Joe Lyle, a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. For the last few years of his life, Joe and I would get together most days at one of the many eating establishments in downtown Norfolk and over lunch solve the problems of the world.

A Christian Manifesto, by Francis A. Schaeffer

Will the past trend toward a more secular world result in more freedom or less for the human race? Can people truly be free and remain free from government interference in their lives without the anchor provided by a belief in God? In a secular world where there is no creator, what is the value of human life if it is merely the result of chance random events? A Christian Manifesto should be read by everyone who values liberty and their freedom to worship.

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My good friend Jeremy Hopkins, an exceptional property rights advocate, classical liberal, and lawyer, told me about this book several years ago. There is no one I would rather have on my side than Jeremy if I were ever put in the position of having to fight city hall. He speaks 'truth to power' like no one I've ever seen. Very few people have influenced my thinking more than Jeremy. For me, he epitomizes the meaning of Proverbs 27:17 - 'As iron shapens iron, so one man sharpens another'.

Joshua, A Parable for Today, by Joseph Girzone

The first in a series of Joshua books. A beautifully written book (that was also made into a charming movie) that explores the question of what it might be like if Christ returned to lived among us again? What would his message be? Written by Joe Girzone who also wrote 'A Portrait of Jesus'. I really liked this book.

I bought and read this book, because I had so enjoyed another book by Joseph Girzone entitled "A Portrait of Jesus". Both were really thoughtful books, but Joshua really struck a chord with me. Life is so much sweeter when we love one another.

Season of Life, by Jeffrey Marx

Excerpt from inside flap: "Marx witnessed the most extraordinary sports program he'd ever seen, where players say 'I love you' to each other and coaches profess their love for their players...Season of Life is a book about what it means to be a man of substance and impact." The story offers a different standard to measure a man than money, sexual conquests, and sports.

I received this book as a gift several years ago from Dennis Gruelle, who is an outstanding real estate appraiser in the city of Virginia Beach and a truly great person. I miss having our paths cross as often as they used to. Very often a book received as a gift can change your life and be gratfully appreciated for years afterwards. I recently gave this book to a colleague who is raising two boys.