What Is a Church?EmadiIn this short book, Emadi explores 6 characteristics of the local church, which show the reader what a good church should look like and how this helps the believer live out the calling to authentic Christian living before a watching world. Excellent introduction to the question of What is a Church?
Why Should I Join a Church?Dever, MarkWritten by the best-selling author of '9 Marks of a Healthy Church', Mark Dever deals with the issue of why believers should join a local church. The main thrust of the book is that when we're born again, we're born into Christ, hence given a place in his community, the Church. Once the believer understands this, we will see the centrality of the church in the Christian life, and want to be a part of it. Dever gives 7 compelling reasons why we should join a local church. This is a brilliant introduction to those seeking advice on beginning their church journey.
Journey Back To JoyDai HankeyThis is a short book in which Dai Hankey looks at the spiritual life of King David and how this can inform and impact the spiritual journey of Christians today. David experienced tremendous depths of sin, but by God's grace, was able to recover and turn his life around. This book shows us how we can do likewise when we're honest about our sin, take God's word seriously, and respond in repentance. It's a short but punchy book which would benefit any Christian, but particularly those trying to recover from spiritual depression to renewed joy in the Lord!
How Church Can Change Your LifeJosh MoodyJosh Moody answers the most common questions about church and winsomely shows how essential it is to the spiritual life of the believer. He answers the question of why we should go to church at all as well as other questions most of us have asked at different stages. Moody gives us a compelling vision of the local church.
Church - Do I Have to Go?J. Garrett KellThis is a great book for new Christians who are in need of a little more understanding on what church is and its importance in the life of the believer. It's also a helpful book for anyone who may not have been attending as regularly as they should or those coming back to church after a long absence. Kell explains what the local church is and why it's vital that we become active and faithful members no matter what reservations, preconceptions, or hang-ups we may have!
The House that Jesus BuiltDale Ralph DavisThis is one of the shortest introductions to the topic of 'Church', but also one of the best! In 64 pages, Davis succinctly explains what church is, what its central beliefs are, and how to belong to a local church. This is a great book for anyone who is new to church or young in the faith, but is also really helpful to more seasoned believers. Highly recommended!
After Church HurtTimothy St. JohnThis is an excellent addition to this category as it is aimed at those who have suffered emotion or spiritual hurt or damage as members in a local church. It offers help to process hurts and disappointments as well as advice on how to join and flourish in a new church. It's also very useful for those pastoring or counselling Christians who have unresolved or lingering pain from painful experience.
Prodigal GodTimothy KellerYou don't just hear about the prodigal son in this short and pithy look at the famous parable. Suitable whether you've been a believer for a long time, found yourself wandering away or quietly sceptical, there's something to learn from each of the main players and most importantly the love of a father.
The Return of the Prodigal SonHenri J. M. NouwenNouwen reflects on his own personal journey of faith whilst pondering the world famous painting. He explores each of the characters in the story and what they mean for believers 'returning home'.
God on MutePete GreigThis might be a good option if you've felt that God is far and isn't listening in your time of need. Perhaps this has been a part of the reason you've been away for a while, Pete writes with empathy and hope even when prayers don't seem to be being answered, which he talks about in this book as he continues to pray for the healing of his wife Sammy. It also includes a helpful 40 day devotional element, which might be helpful to guide you in this time of wrestling in the return.
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