Thinking about Discipleship?
Recommended resources for personal or small group study and reflection.
*Available to borrow from West Hills Small Group Resource library!
*Life Together (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
"This is timeless. It's a blueprint for what I understand to be WHC Strategic Priority! 1. Community = who we are! 2. The Day with others = the growth phase - being in the word together - 3. The Day alone = individual growth, reflection, etc. 4. Ministry = The doing - together and individually - 5. Confession and Communion = reflection and coming back together" - Gary Anders, West Hills Church
*Practicing The Way (John Mark Comer)
"I love John Mark Comer's vision for life - to be with Jesus, become more like him, and aspire to do what Jesus would do. This book can help us all in our own walk with Jesus" - Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of Alpha
*The Pursuit of God with study guide (A. W. Tozer)
Liturgy of the Ordinary (Tish Harrison Warren)
THE REAL JESUS (JEN BRADBURY)
“This is a really good book to encourage discussion with teenagers about faith. Author, Jen Bradbury, includes lots of examples that teens can relate to, as well as thought provoking questions. The Real Jesus is arranged in sections to help the reader explore the different ways we think about Jesus. This book is for anyone, professional or volunteer, who works with teenagers in the church. It is a great springboard into important faith conversations. It would even make a great curriculum for a continuous Biblical or theological study.” - Pam, United States
ON THE MOVE (BONO)
“This book is the text of Bono’s speech at the Presidents Prayer Breakfast. It is perhaps one of the most moving and pertinent speeches I have every read. I love this book/speech because it is so inspiring and a quick read. It is a glimpse into the heart of Bono and much in tune with God’s view of the poor.” - Sarah Frobisher
CRAZY LOVE: OVERWHELMED BY A RELENTLESS GOD (FRANCIS CHAN)
“This book is great if you’re trying to strengthen your relationship with God and become a better christian. Francis Chan is a brilliant man and the way he writes and speaks is so easy to follow and relate to and keeps your attention. I order his books and pass them out to anyone who will read them.” - Brittany, PA
THE RADICAL DISCIPLE (JOHN STOTT)
“This book fits most of John Stott's writings. Short, but powerful. I have read it, but feel I need to read it again. The chapters are aptly named, and the content is spot-on. Actually, if you don't want to be uncomfortable following Jesus, I wouldn't read this book. But if you want to be challenged in love, then The Radical Disciple is a great place to start.” - Dean Waterman
I AM SECOND: REAL STORIES, CHANGING LIVES (DOUG BENDER & DAVE STERRETT)
“We all have to start somewhere, this tells us over and over God is waiting for us. He is the way to love truth light try reading one and you we'll be hungry for the rest. I was broken in different ways than any of these people but I truly believe that God loves me, and together my life we'll be better. I hope and pray that my children will see this in me and come to love God as I do.” - Jane
RADICAL: TAKING BACK YOUR FAITH FROM THE AMERICAN DREAM (DAVID PLATT)
“If you’re unfamiliar with David Platt, get settled in and hear his heart come through the words on these pages. He challenges us to compare and contrast our lives, with Jesus’, and the mandates He sets forth in His Word. God calls us to live a life sold out in radical abandonment to His calling in our individual lives. This book takes a deep dive into what we have vs what we need vs what we want…and what the Lord provides us in His Word. This is an excellent book to follow for a small group curriculum, and one you can return to again and again.” - Sarah Mason
*THE WALK (ADAM HAMILTON)
“I enjoyed this easy to read book. It presented very interesting insights on the key Christian practices of worship and prayer, study, serving others, and giving. The personal experiences described in the book reinforced my understanding of each practice. Another excellent book by the author that lends itself well to group study and discussion.” - Michael M.
*NOT A FAN (KYLE IDLEMAN)
“Kyle developed and clearly articulated Jesus's call to "follow Me". It's a much needed wake up to all who say they are "Christians" and those who are seeking. I loved the personal stories and the journey of awakening these believers shared. I have recommended this book and hope to do it in a study group in the near future.” - Sheryl Oswego
WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? (RICK WARREN)
“I highly recommend this read. My wife and I followed the 40 day plan. I am re-reading the entire book as a detailed study now. There is a very good reason why this self help Christian book is a best seller. The author focuses on our relationship with God and helps the reader to understand God's purposes for our lives. I found every chapter captivating and inspirational. The book is evangelical and takes difficult to follow biblical concepts more understandable.” - Jae
*SOUL KEEPING: CARING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOU (JOHN ORTBERG)
“This book is an exceptional read as John Ortberg speaks from his heart with honesty and humor about his struggles to 'guard his soul'. I find his writing style good as its not theologically heavy and what he writes is enlightening and achievable by anyone who recognizes their need to 'keep' their soul.” - Cathie M.B.
Thinking about Outreach?
*Caring Assertiveness (Kenneth C. Haugk, Joel P. Bretscher, and Robert A. Musser)
"Forget what you know about assertiveness and read this book! It's given me a much better understanding of what assertiveness truly is and helped me strengthen my relationships and communication in all areas of my life." - David Philhower
*Beyond Duty: A Passion for Christ, a Heart for Mission (Tim Dearborn)
KINGDOM CONSPIRACY (SCOT MCKNIGHT)
Over the past decade, McKnight… has emerged as America’s theologian… His works provide an extra layer of theological undergirding for pastors and lay people who wish to go deeper in Bible study and live more consciously under the rule of ‘King Jesus’, as he refers to Jesus Christ… This is a must-read for church leaders today." - Publishers Weekly
THE ART OF NEIGHBORING (JAY PATHAK & DAVE RUNYON)
At the end of the day, community transformation is all about strategic neighboring. The Art of Neighboring is a great book and a useful tool that will help you engage your neighborhood in a meaningful way.” - Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity
*OUT OF THE SEATS AND INTO THE STREETS: A TRUE STORY OF HOPE (RON DOTZLER)
“Ron has shared his story and the story of ABIDE in a brutally honest way. IT is a powerful story in which Ron shares many in-sights to not only color differences, but the CULTURE differences which together, separate us in the United States. May Ron's story inspire you to pray for God to use you to be a Radical World Changer in the unique personal way the God created you to be” - Diann Moreland
A THOUSAND SCREAMING MULES (TY SCHENZEL)
“The story Ty shares of his dream and vision to bring hope to the inner city kids of North Omaha tugged at my heart. He didn't know what he was doing, but he knew he was doing what God wanted him to do. This gives me great hope for the dreams and visions in my heart that I sit on because I don't know what I am doing. A great book about the impact of one man who yielded himself and let God love through him.” - Denise Olsen
*OUT OF THE SALT SHAKER & INTO THE WORLD (REBECCA MANLEY)
“Mrs. Pippert gives practical, proven guidance, and shares numerous personal examples to inspire readers, and spur them into action. This book is a classic, you will love it, your friends will love it, and your family will love it. Moreover, it has the potential to change the world. If you care about people, buy this book. You will cry, you will laugh, and when you are done, you will take action (and you will know how).” - John Schutz
*INTERSECT CULTURE: TAKING YOUR GROUP TO A PLACE WHERE FAITH & CULTURE MEET (COLLIN HANSEN)
"Intersect culture is a small group resource designed to help the church flourish in our culture. This DVD series explores five stories of people who have responded to God's call to serve him in bold ways. As you engage in Bible study and discussion, you will discover God's challenge to all of us - to minister to our culture - and what that mean for you." - Jessica Scheopner