Miscellanies: May Books
This month features a really great discipleship toolkit that I hope many churches will consider how to implement in their context. And Crossway has a helpful book for teen girls, a book for our screen-age, and a new addition to their “Theologians on the Christian Life” series.
The Deep Discipleship Program is here, with new books from J.T. English (Remember and Rehearse—on the story of the Bible) and Kyle Worley (Formed for Fellowship—on spiritual formation) to round out the program with You are a Theologian—on core beliefs. They have put together a stellar 24-week program with videos, guides, schedules, homework, and a course map to implement in a variety of settings. Read more about it here.
What Makes You Beautiful: 20 Daily Devotions for Girls by Kristen Wetherell
“Written for girls ages 9–12, this devotional traces the theme of beauty to help young readers know and love the one who created them in his likeness. Each reading includes a portion of a poem, a related Bible verse, a concise devotion, and a brief prayer. As young readers marvel at the beauty of God, they will be transformed, learning that the more they appreciate God’s beauty, the more beautiful they will become.”
“The rapid advance of digital technology is reshaping our world and warping our minds. The onslaught of social media and smartphones has brought an appetite for distraction, an epidemic of loneliness, and increased rates of mental unhealth. For Christians, the digital revolution has profound implications for spiritual formation and mission. How should believers respond to the theological and discipleship challenges of scrolling life?”
Grimké on the Christian Life by Drew Martin
“Francis Grimké’s life left a significant mark on American Christianity at the turn of the 20th century. Born enslaved in South Carolina, Grimké dedicated his life to teaching and preaching the gospel and confronting the racism and injustice of his time. For 50 years, he served as a Presbyterian pastor in Washington, DC, emerging as a prominent leader in the early civil rights movement.
This book explores Grimké’s vision of the Christian life, emphasizing his beliefs on personal piety, family, the mission of the church, and the relationship between faith and politics. His blend of doctrinal integrity and social concern helps readers wisely engage in topics like race, ethnicity, culture, and politics in the church today. As the church continues to navigate these polarized issues, Grimké reminds us that, through Christ, unity is possible.”