Small Groups
Sources online for many of these books are at:
http://www.christianbook.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/
The DNA of Relationship by Dr. Gary Smalley
Based on the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37), “Gary Smalley shows how we are designed for three satisfying relationships: with others, with ourselves, and with God. It’s part of our relational DNA. Our brain has been wired by God to hunger for safe, satisfying, emotionally based relationships. When our relationships are weak, we suffer in many ways: health, addictions and life fulfillment. Gary will show you how to control all of your own emotions, lower your stress by over 80%, become a magnet for others to genuinely love you, join others on a loving team, end angry arguments, and many other wonderful life enriching areas.” Free download of a small group guide at: http://smalley.cc/
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
“Dare to be the man God created you to be—passionate, adventurous, and free! In this provocative look at Christian manhood, Eldredge challenges you to abandon passivity and actively pursue the dreams God has given you. Encouragement for every man who wants to walk the road least taken—and important insights for the woman who loves him!”
Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
“There is a glory to life that most people – including believers – never see. In this insightful new book, John Eldredge presents the heart as central to life. Not only is the heart essential; the heart God ransomed is also good. Building on these precious truths, Eldredge shows us why real Christianity is a process of restoration, whereby the broken parts of our hearts are mended and the captive parts are set free. Waking the Dead will lead you to understand how to live from the heart, care for your heart like the treasures of the kingdom, and give from fullness instead of emptiness. Living from the heart will encourage you to love God and others in a way never experienced before, revealing life’s purpose: fighting for the hearts of others.”
The Monday Morning Church by Jerry Cook
“Unless there is a church on Monday, the church on Sunday makes no difference. Drawing from the book of Ephesians, Cook clearly lays out how Christians can be the church on Monday – not just in buildings on Sunday, but 24/7 in the clutter, confusion, and hard work of everyday living.”
The Calvary Road by Roy Hession
“This is an updated edition of a book written by Missionary and evangelist Roy Hession in 1950 in which he profiles the nature of religious revival and lays out the prerequisites and consequences of the activity of God in the heart of the hungry seeker. Seize this opportunity to learn how Jesus can fill you with His Spirit through brokenness, repentance and confession.” Study guide also available.
Radiate magazine
Free copies of an older addition available from John Thomas until the supply runs out. $16 annually. Produced by Washington church the writings touch the soul and could result in some warm, significant discussions in small group settings.
A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss by Jerry Sittser
“Loss came suddenly for Jerry Sittser. In an instant, a tragic car accident claimed three generations of his family: his mother, his wife, and his young daughter. While most of us will not experience such a catastrophic loss in our lifetime, all of us will taste it. And we can, if we choose, know as well the grace that transforms it. Now with a new preface and epilogue, this classic book on grief and loss plumbs the depths of sorrow, whether due to illness, divorce, or the loss of someone we love. The circumstances are not important; what we do with those circumstances is. In coming to the end of ourselves, we can come to the beginning of a new life—one marked by spiritual depth, joy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of simple blessings.”
Tracks of a Fellow Struggler: Living and Growing Through Grief by John Claypool
“John Claypool had been a pastor for almost two decades, ministering to others who suffered through the loss of loved ones, when the loss came home with the death of his eight-year-old daughter. Tracks of a Fellow Struggler chronicles Claypool’s journey through the darkness, written through four sermons. The first was delivered just eleven days after his daughter’s diagnosis of leukemia, the second after her first major relapse nine months later, and the third weeks after her death. The final sermon, a reflection on the process of grieving, was preached three years later. With over a million copies sold in its lifetime, this 30th anniversary edition continues to speak of the pain of loss and the hope that ultimately can come to each of us.”
Making Jesus Lord: The Dynamic Power of Laying Down Your Rights by Loren Cunningham
“Laying down your rights is a concept that is foreign to our culture. Indeed, it’s a concept that is foreign to the very nature of humanity. We live in a world in which the protection and exaltation of individual rights has become an obsession. As Christians we believe that personal rights do not hold great value. As a result, we can perform no greater act of faith and worship than to consciously lay down these rights at the feet of the One who has gone before us, Jesus himself! Drawing from his own life and those of Christians around the world, Loren Cunningham details proved steps to a transformed life of freedom, joy, and intimate fellowship with God. Making Jesus Lord demonstrates the dynamic power available to every person willing to embark on this faith adventure.”
Healing by Francis MacNutt
“For 25 years, Francis MacNutt’s book, Healing, has been a primary resource for teachers, ministers, health care professionals, and spiritual seekers. The additional insights contained in this revised edition are certain to encourage a new generation of believers to trust in God’s power to heal.”
Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis MacNutt
“Do evil spirits oppress people today, including Christians? This practical manual is written by one of the foremost practitioners of Christian healing and deliverance. It covers subjects as: Clearing away misconceptions about deliverance, the scriptural basis for deliverance, curses and the power of false judgment, preparation for deliverance, deliverance of places.”
Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning
“Have you bought into the lie that you’re worthy of God’s love only when your life is going well? If so, when life begins to fall apart and embarrassing sins threaten to reveal your less-than-perfect identity, the inclination is to scramble to keep up a good front, to cower and hide until the mask of perfection can be slipped back into place. All this time, though, God is calling you to take your mask off and come openly to Him. God longs for you to know in the depths of your being that He loves you and accepts you as you are. In Abba’s Child, you’ll be encouraged to let go of the impostor lifestyle and freely accept your belovedness as a child of God your Father. In Him there is life, passion is rekindled, and your union with Him is His greatest pleasure. This revised and expanded edition includes a new preface and a discussion guide written by Manning himself.”
Five Languages of… by Gary Chapman,… (many in the series)
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. In his book Life Together we learn of Pastor Bonhoeffer’s experience within Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul’s letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together serves as bread to all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.”
Revolution by George Barna
“World-renowned pollster George Barna has the numbers, and they indicate a revolution is already taking place within the Church – one that will impact every believer in America. Committed, born-again Christians are exiting the established church in massive numbers. Why are they leaving? Where are they going? And what does this mean for the future of the Church? Using years’ worth of research data, and adhering to an unwavering biblical perspective, Barna predicts how this revolution will impact the organized church, how Christ’s body of believers should react, and how individuals who are considering leaving (or those who have already left) can respond. For leaders working for positive change in the church and for believers struggling to find a spiritual community and worship experience that resonates, Revolution is here. Are you ready?”
Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook and Stanley Baldwin
“‘You’re nothing but a bunch of garbage collectors!’ That’s the kind of reaction Pastor Jerry Cook has received over the years as he and his church have gotten serious about showing love, acceptance and forgiveness. When Jerry and his wife came to East Hill Church in 1965 the total membership was 23. In the next 14 years they grew to over 4,500 by ‘becoming the Body of Christ in their own community.’ To share their provocative approach to ministry, Jerry teamed with free-lance author Stanley Baldwin to produce a highly readable account of how he has applied biblical principles to real people seeking real love, real acceptance and real forgiveness.”
The Cost of Disciplineship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“The Cost of Discipleship compels the reader to face himself and God in any situation. Bonhoeffer speaks of ‘Cheap Grace’: preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. ‘Cheap Grace’ is grace without discipleship. ‘Costly Grace’ is the gospel, which must be sought again and again, the gift that must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. ‘It’s costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.’”
The Blessing by Dr. Gary Smalley and John Trent
“Brian spent a lifetime seeking his father’s approval. He tried everything. Even when his dad lay dying, he rushed to his side and pleaded one last time, “Please say you love me, please!” If you can relate to Brian’s pain, The Blessing … offers healing. Family counselors Gary Smalley and John Trent define the “blessing” bestowed by parents, explain what to do if you never received it, and counsel you in giving your blessing to loved ones.” Blessing -The Study Guide by the same two authors may be used to accompany the book.
Add to these other books by C.S. Lewis, John Bunyan, Max Lucado, Josh MacDowell, and Phil Yancey. Other groups have shared their kudos for studies from NavPress and the “LifeGuide Bible Series” from InterVarsity Press.
Mere Christianity
“Probably the 20th century’s most influential Christian writer, C.S. Lewis sought to explain and defend the beliefs that nearly all Christians at all times hold in common. His simple yet deeply profound classic—originally delivered as a series of radio broadcasts—is a book to be thoroughly digested by believers and generously shared with skeptics.” Also available in large print and on unabridged audiotape. Even a journal is available. Especially recommended is an accompanying volume for at least for the leader entitled Shepherds Notes Christian Classics, Mere Christianity.
The Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis
“In this outstanding collection, C.S. Lewis writes candidly, clearly, and from the heart about the deepest human concerns–faith, joy, and love. Deluxe 4-in-1 gift edition includes Surprised by Joy, Reflections on the Psalms, The Four Loves, and The Business of Heaven. Ideal for anybody who wants to become better acquainted with Lewis’ theological thought.”
Weight of Glory: and Other Addresses
“Selected from sermons delivered by C.S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses show the beloved author and theologian bringing hope and courage in a time of great doubt. “The Weight of Glory,” considered by many to be Lewis’ finest sermon of all, is an incomparable explication of virtue, goodness, desire, and glory. Also included are “Transposition,” “On Forgiveness,” “Why I Am Not a Pacifist,” and “Learning In War-Time,” in which Lewis presents his compassionate vision of Christianity in language that is both lucid and compelling.”
A Grief Observed
“Written after his wife’s tragic death as a way of surviving the ‘mad midnight moments,’ A Grief Observed is C.S. Lewis’ honest reflection on the fundamental issues of life, death, and faith in the midst of loss. This work contains his concise, genuine reflections on that period. Foreword by Madeleine L’Engle.”
The Screwtape Letters
“Wormwood, a demon apprentice, has been given his first earthly assignment—secure the damnation of a young man who’s just become a Christian. He seeks the advice of an experienced devil—his uncle Screwtape. Their correspondence discloses the psychology of temptation from the other side. Invaluable insights on temptation, pride, the power of prayer, and the ultimate victory of faith over the forces evil.”
The Practice of Godliness | The Pursuit of Holiness | The Pursuit of Holiness Bible Study by Jerry Bridges
“Now you can get Bridges’s three bestsellers in one value-priced volume! Engage in The Pursuit of Holiness and put away the sin in your life. Learn the Bible’s guidelines for holy living with the 12-lesson companion study guide. Then discover how The Practice of Godliness builds Christian character. Ideal for individual or group study.”
Spiritual Classics by Richard Foster
“Augustine, Chesterton, Tozer, Buechner . . . Who better to help us understand the 12 spiritual disciplines than our greatest Christian thinkers? This book features 52 of their writings, accompanied by Scriptures, meditations, questions, and exercises for putting these disciplines into practice. Also includes writings by Thomas More, Dorothy Day, and others.”
The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
“Believers long for personal purity and power to live as our hearts tell us we should. But how does God change us? Willard reminds us that we can be like Christ if we follow his style of life: solitude and silence, prayer, simple and sacrificial living, meditation on God’s Word, and service to others. The practice of these disciplines is how God guides us into a constant interaction with his kingdom. “The book of the decade!” —Richard Foster.”
The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen
“In this hope-filled and profoundly simple book, Nouwen offers a radically fresh interpretation of modern ministry. According to Nouwen, ministers are called to identify the suffering in their own hearts and make that the starting point of their service. For Nouwen, ministers must be willing to go beyond their professional, somewhat aloof role and leave themselves open as fellow human beings with the same wounds and suffering as those they serve. In other words, we heal from our wounds.
Other works by any of these authors or A. W. Tozer are great picks also.